Ferrets belong to the weasel family and are starting to become one of the most popular choice as pets. Nobody knows who developed the idea of having ferrets as pets, but most ferret owners are quite happy with their active and playful companionship. Before you get too excited to own one of these furry friends, there are certain factors that you should consider to foster good mutual relationship between you and your pet.
Colour Variety and Sex Choice
Originally, there were just two colours of ferret coat, namely albino and sable. Modern domestic ferrets now come with a number of variety of colours and colour patterns. Research shows that there are at least eight common colours of pet ferrets:
ñ Albino – plain white coat with red eyes
ñ Sable – dark brown coat on the body, black coloured feet, masked face
ñ Red – mahogany coat
ñ Black – plain black coat with no pattern at all
ñ Topaz – very light brown
ñ Champagne – golden coloured
ñ Dark-eyed white – all white with a pattern of dark eyes
ñ Siamese – light sable with brown feet and tail
There are also unique patterns such as Dalmatian (with black spots on a white coat), Roan (white hair mixed with another colour), Mitts (white feet), and Panda (white coat on the body and dark colour on head and legs). Knowing the colours before buying or adopting a ferret will give you more time to think on what apperance you like and would result to a satisfied ferret owner.
Male ferrets are called hobs while female ferrets are called jills. Hobs averagely weigh about 2.5 to 3 pounds. Jills, on the other hand, are smaller and weigh about 1.5 pounds. If you plan to be a ferret breeder, then you should best research more and consult a veterinarian on proper breeding. If you do not wish to breed one, then it is advised that you spay or neuter your pet. Jills who are unaltered yet remain unmated will always be “in heat” for approximately six months and will show changes in her behaviour and physical characteristics. Hobs who are not spayed will possibly show agression towards fellow ferrets.
Budget
Buying a ferret is not that costly. It may cost you $65 to $250, depending on the age and perhaps, the colour or pattern of your ferret. But the spending does not end there! You are to expect another payment of at least $150 to $350 for vaccination, health examinations from the vet, and basic supplies such as a cage and food. You will also need to set aside some money for spaying or neutering, if you do not intend to breed your ferret.
Ferret with Kids and Other Animals
Ferrets are naturally inclined with habits from the wild. Most potential ferret owners are afraid that a ferret may not get well along with kids and other pets. A ferret may not be a good companion for a child and it may need careful adult guidance. It is important to teach the child how different a ferret behaves from a dog, cat or hamster.
Usually, owners find it hard to train their ferret to get along with other pets. As natural hunters, it is difficult for a ferret to control its self when in the presence of a bird, fish, rodents, lizards or rabbits. If you happen to have such pets, you have to constantly vigilant to avoid any injury. For cats and dogs, allow them to smell each other and get aquainted. For the first introduction, ask someone to hold your cat or dog so it can smell the new pet easily.
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