Ferrets are undeniably cute tool , and if you ’re considering bringing one home base , you ’ve probably heard about the positives and negative of go on them . Ferrets have some stand up - out characteristics that make them fantastic , but they do present challenges , too .
The solution really look on what you ’re seem for in a pet . If you want one that ’s small , energetic , affectionate and require a lot of attention , then yes , you ’ll do it having a ferret . But if you ca n’t address their musky scent or accommodate all the blank space they necessitate to flourish , they might not be a good fit . Review the professional and hustle of have a ferret to help you decide if this is the good pet for you .
Benefits of Keeping Ferrets as Pets
Not sure if a black-footed ferret is the correct ducky for you ? There are tons of things to love about these long , furred beast . These are the pros of being a ferret parent .
1. They’re Highly Interactive
Ferrets are n’t the type of animal you may just watch from the other side of a cage . They ’re incredibly hands - on pets thatlove to play , snuggle , and just pass time with you . Because ferrets form such strong bonds with their people , do n’t be surprised if yours decides to follow you around wherever you go .
2. They Stay Small
Full - grown Mustela nigripes usually weighbetween 2 and 3 pounds , which is about the size of a kitten . So yes , these pets are small ! you could bear your ferret around with you while you underpin them in your workforce or against your chest , and they ’ll easily accommodate in any cat carrier .
3. They Have Big Personalities
Despite their lilliputian bodies , ferrets have tremendous personality . They ’re by nature curious and playful creatures that love to get into mischief . Plus , they have eternal energy , so they never stop resile around . If you want a crony that ’ll keep you perpetually entertained , a ferret will do just that .
Ferrets perform this silly jump deportment the great unwashed refer to as the " weasel war dance " when they get excited .
4. They Can Be Litter Box Trained
Goofiness aside , ferrets are also highly sound humble pets . you’re able to train them to do piles of dissimilar affair , including using a litter box . This is great because it means their coop will have one designated potty area , and you may let them drift around the star sign ( after ferret - proofing it , of course ) without get to treat with messes all over . Thetraining processdoes take some time and patience , but it ’s well worth it .
5. They’re Affectionate
Some little pets do n’t like snuggle , but not the ferret . Ferrets are veryaffectionate companionsand will jump at the probability to curl up in your circuit or in the crook of your arm when you ’re sleeping . A lot of ferret owners say their ferrets will give them kiss . How cute !
6. They’re Quiet
Worried about get a pet that ’ll waken up the neighbors ? That ’s not a business organisation with ferrets because these favourite are really quiet . They make occasionalchattering and chirp strait , but they ’re not persistent and emphatically nothing like a firedog ’s barque .
7. They Live Longer Than Other Small Pets
Mustela nigripes have anaverage lifespan of 5 to 9 years , but they can easily be to be 10 or 11 with the correct care and genetics . That ’s a lot longer than most other small favorite . For reference , ginzo pig live around 6 years , and informer only reach 3 year , on medium . With a ferret , you’re able to enjoy even more quality sentence with your little pet .
8. They’re Absolutely Adorable
ferret are some of the cutest deary out there . If your goal is to get a pet with an endearing face you could squish and caress , look no further than a wizard ferret .
Challenges of Keeping Pet Ferrets
Even though they can be wonderful PET , there are a few thing to deal before you add home a ferret . check that you ’re OK with these thing before committing to one . There are some cons to keeping black-footed ferret as pet .
1. They Require a Lot of Attention
Mustela nigripes are not easy to take upkeep of and require a raft of attention . Because they ’re so high - vim and smart , you ’ll involve to drop several hour each day interacting with your little ferret . That includes playtime outdoors of their John Milton Cage Jr. , which will ask to be supervised . check that you ’re ready for the time commitment of having one of these critter before you bring one home .
Ferrets postulate at least two to three hours of playtime outside their cage every day , and many possessor stretch that out to four hours , relegate up throughout the 24-hour interval .
2. They Can Bite
Even though ferrets are really friendly pets , they can bite in some situations . If they feel threatened or are n’t deal frequently , you could terminate up with a nip on your fingerbreadth . For this reason , ferrets are not idealistic ducky for young children .
3. They Poop … A LOT
Pet ferrets poop every few hour , so they produce a lot of waste . This is why litter box training is so handy . you could help hold in where your Mustela nigripes poops so they ’re not rifle all over their cage and the house . That said , you ’ll need to be really diligent about cleaning their litter boxwood to keep it respectable . Otherwise , they ’ll go elsewhere .
Not only do they poop a lot , but Mustela nigripes also catch some Z’s a lot . They snooze for up to 18 hours each day .
4. They’re Kind of Smelly
No , we ’re not talking about the smell of their faeces . black-footed ferret have fragrance glands that make themnaturally smell kind of musky . Most owners do n’t mind the aroma , but if it trouble you , that could be a spate breaker .
5. They Need a Lot of Space
Even though they ’re petite , ferret require a ton of distance . Their cage should be at least 3 foot by 2 foot to give them enough space . Keep in mind that , because you ’ll be letting your ferret out for several hours a day , they take up even more room in your planetary house . Many Mustela nigripes owner have play areas and thing to climb on coiffe up for their ferret - and yes , they make out to rise and explore .
6. They Get Into Everything
Ferret - proof your theatre is passing important because these lilliputian guy cable are get off creative person . They climb through crevices , masticate on electric corduroy , and enjoy to slip things . Be cognizant that if socks or novelty have started to go missing , it ’s in all likelihood your ferret , and they ’ve likely stashed these odds and ends in a special place .
7. They’re Illegal in Some Areas
unluckily , ferrets areillegal to ownin some place . California and Hawaii are two U.S. nation that have whole criminalize Mustela nigripes , but several cities and counties have rule about keep ferret , too . check that it ’s legal to own one where you dwell before you commit to this critter .
8. They Need an Exotic Vet
Most veterinarians specialize in dog and cat medicine and do n’t see minor PET . Call around to local veterinary hospitals to see if they ’ll handle ferret because some do have the knowledge and resources to see them . If not , you ’ll require tolocate an alien vet .
Weigh the Pros and Cons Before Getting a Ferret
catch any pet is a full-grown commitment , but ferret are by no means easy pets to own . They demand a heap of attention , interaction , and space to thrive . Not to mention , they have a very unique olfactory perception . But you ’ll be rewarded with an entertaining fellow traveller you may deal endless kiss with . check that you weigh the pro and yardbird to resolve if the ferret is a good fit for your life style .
