So You’re Ready to Make The Plunge to Adopt a Ferret
So you’re ready to make the plunge to adopt a ferret. You know how many you’ll be adopting, the approximate ages of them (or him or her) and . . .
You’re not quite sure where to look. Many first time ferret owners have this problem. And looking through the yellow pages under “ferret stores” doesn’t provide any relief either.
Actually, once you’re in the flow of ferret selection, you’ll discover many places opening up to you where you can adopt an older animal or choose a brand, spanking new kit.
Exactly where you look depends on several criteria, not the least of which is your personal priorities.
Pet shops as well as breeders are usually the two places most people end up visiting. Pet shops are especially popular for first time owners, if for no other reason, they know of no other potential options.
Breeders, though, are usually the choice of the veteran ferret parent, the person who has already been through the drill of choosing a ferret and has a couple of connections in the ferret world.
You can also find ferrets at various rescue and animal shelters as well as from private individuals. If you’re considering two or more ferrets, then get these little guys from the same source right from the start. This minimizes the need for painful introductions or lengthy quarantine sessions.
And don’t worry. No matter where you ultimately decide the adoption option starts, you’re bound to get a very adaptable ferret. It’s just in their nature.
As long as you’re generous with your time . . . show them a little bit of patience . . . lots of love . . . and one of your hands is holding some “ferret-friendly” treats, the two or more of you will get along famously.
Many people avoid pet shops for the adoption of ferrets, because those breeders who sell to pet shops have terrible reputations for the most part.
You need to know right up front if you buy a ferret from a pet shop, the odds are good that the kit has come from a “ferret farm.” Yes, a “mass producer” of these animals, if you will.
These particular fuzzy friends will be on the average smaller than one you adopt from an independent, local breeder. So keep this in mind when you go ferret hunting.
Not only that, when you adopt a ferret from a pet shop you may not receive a health guarantee with the little guy. If the store you adopt the ferret from doesn’t offer you one, request one. Yep, don’t be shy on this issue.
This actually shows the store employees that you at least have a little knowledge about animals. If the particular pet shop can’t offer you a health guarantee with your little guy, don’t take him home. Find another adoption source.
Pet shops with good reputations usually want to keep their reputations good. So they just about always offer these guarantees.
You may also find that adopting a ferret from a pet shop may be more expensive than animal and rescue shelters. Of course, the expense is worth every penny if your ferret is in good health and has plenty of energy.
