I really liked the recent posts on why ferrets aren't for everyone. One
thing which scares me is that I suspect that folks who should never have
bought ferrets in the first place are major contributors to the woes of
shelters, and I fear that their participation in ownership can also lead to
the sorts of incredibly abusive breeding practises too often seen affecting
the welfare of cats and dogs, as well as to eventual situations where
thousands will die each year simply due to pet over-population (Heard
recently that the national annual figure for dogs and cats together
destroyed for this reason is in the 7 figures but don't know if that is
correct. Anyone know the figures?).
For the right people ferrets make absolutely perfect companions, but that's
the right people -- not everyone.
That said, here are some things to consider (Some of which will help those
who DO get a ferret avoid errors we or friends have made in the past.):
BEFORE getting a ferret:
1. If you are a neatnik ferrets are exactly the WRONG pet for you.
2. If you are not patient you are exactly the WRONG person for a ferret.
3. Read, read, read. Read the assorted FAQs in Ferret Central:
http://www.ferretcentral.org (including the medical ones) stem to stern.
Read books on ferrets. Link to assorted ferret pages and read them. Read
the FML posts. Read Modern Ferret. Do your best to be sure that what you
plan to do is the best for both the critter and you.
4. Save money. Having read the general FAQs you know you'll need to sink
a good bit into supplies; having read the medical FAQs you know you'll need
a nest egg for medical emergencies.
5. Get equipment even before you get the ferret so that you won't settle
for an unpleasant home environment simply because you got a furry first
on the spur of the moment.
6. Do you have another animal who might be a danger to a ferret (or visa
versa)? Ferrets are incredible escape artists and manage to defeat
solutions found by people with over a decade of experience. You might want
to think twice. If you go ahead then be extra careful to have multiple
effective barriers between the critters AND have hiding spots for the
animals which might become victims.
7. Go to sources like the STAR Ferrets webpage:
http://www.netfopets.com/starferrets.html and your local ferret clubs and
ferret shelters to learn beforehand which vets near you know ferrets.
8. Ferret proof, ferret proof, ferret proof: get down on your belly and
look under things; buy screening and caging to shut off the bottoms of the
appliances so that your ferret doesn't pass out from inhaling gas, or die
biting an electric cord, or get torn apart by a belt; shut off any room
with a recliner or, better still, get rid of it; put away poisonous
substances like nail polish and cleansers; cover any holes into the walls.
You get the idea.
9. Know enough to follow the advice of people who know ferrets rather than
of typical petstore employees.
10 Start with one or two ferrets and try to avoid getting any more for at
least the first year so that you can learn their behaviors well first. If
you have a number of ferrets who are young together you will be having a
situation down the line in which you'll have two or more ill at the same
time (and ferrets are high maintenance when they are seriously ill), and
dying at the same time (which will tear your heart apart).
11. Ferrets who are 2 or 3 years old are easier for beginners. Having
already done the steps above you know where your local ferret shelters are
and how to get them. At this age they are in the prime of life and already
understand human limitations.
12. Unless you have found a "safehouse" for them in emergencies don't get
ferrets if you are living in a rental property (or a state) which doesn't
allow them. You may well need that help one day!
13. If you are a student and you will be going home to live with parents
who won't allow ferrets then change your plans and take the summer semester
courses, or work near school, or both so you don't have to uproot your
critter to a shelter -- which may already be overburdened. It's unfair to
the furry and to the people who help critters. There IS another option for
you -- you could foster ferrets for a shelter during the school year if
your situation and the needs of a ferret coincide. If not, then donate
time at the shelter to get your furry-fix and just don't own one -- from
fairness to the ferrets.
14. Another case in which fostering makes sense is if you know right off
that you can't afford medical care. It's not fair to take responsibility
for an animal and then refuse to fulfill that responsibility -- from enough
play, to mental challenges, to good care, to excellent food, to good
medical care. In fostering the shelter typically covers the medical needs
while you do the day-to-day ones.
These are some basic guidelines which should help some people decide if,
when, and how to have ferrets. For the right people in the right situation
there is just nothing like ferrets -- nothing which brings those kinds of
smiles, but to truly love ferrets means to behave responsibly toward them
and their needs as well as one's own.
[Posted in FML issue 2628]
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