Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Went to Petco and saw four of the cutest ferrets ever. Marshall Farms of course. They were selling for 130 dollars. The cage as very clean (maybe they just cleaned it) and all 4 looked happy. One was on his back sleeping looked like he had a hangover. I want to know if I'm doing any harm purchasing 1 or 2 of these. Yes Yes I know they are MF ferrets. They just seemed so healthy.

Any input would be appreciated.

Before adopting at a pet store why not adopt from a shelter? There are alot of ferret shelters out there that need permanent homes for their rescues. I have a MF ferret at home right now and I love him to pieces and would not trade him for the world, but I will be adopting shortly from the shelter, to me it seems the way to go. MF have been known to have poor conditions that they keep their ferrets and beagles in. Also, there is some debate as to whether or not MF ferrets are more prone to illness and disease. MF breeds ferrets to sell to laboratories and some people say that their ferrets are being bred to have different illness and diseases. I am not sure if this is true or not but it is something to maybe keep in mind. And PLEASE make sure that you have done the research about ferrets. I know they are cute when you see them in a pet store looking all happy and playful. BUT they are alot of work and you do have to be prepared for that. They are not "caged" animals. They do need to be out of their cage 3-4 hours per day and they need you to interact with them. Make sure that you are also ready for the vet bills every year for vaccinations and checkups and also for surgeries IF some illness is found in your fuzzy.

i have 2 MF fuzzies and never had any problems with them. they both seem to get low grade bladder infections often but different vets have told me this is normal.
i agree with the previous poster. before getting a ferret from petco, look into shelters. we got our second from a shelter when he was only about 6 months, if you're concerned about them only having older ferrets. you can tell they're from Marshall Farms by the 2 tattooed dots on the back side of their ear.

Where is this tatoo? Do all MF have this? I ask because I recently rescued a ferret from a friend of one of my students...she didn't want him anymore so she gave him to me. I don't know much about his history at all. He's doing well now that I have him. He's put on weight (he was all skin and bones when I got him) and his hair has grown back. Thanks!

terrier, look on the ears. most/all marshall farms ferrets have 2 blue dots tatooed there. on darker ferrets it can be hard to see, so look carefully

kudos on rescueing the fert

sarah
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Sarah
|1 paradise fish, Otis|1 green iguana, Zephyr|2 ferrets,Kody & Roxy|6 painted turtles, Mikka, Leo, Don, Raphy, April, & Poe|5 goldfish, Curly, Moe, Shark, Wiggle, & Fishie Joe|2 applesnails, Timmy & Tommy|2 hedgehogs, Aiden & Loribelle|1 mud turtle, Bug|1 red-eared slider,Nugget|

Have you considered contacting your local ferret rescue/shelter and adopting one from there? There are alot of wonderful ferrets in these facilities that need a new home. I would recommend contacting a rescue first.
Little Paws Ferret Rescue

Thanks! I will have to check Casper's ear. He is an albino, so it shouldn't be too hard to see. While I'm here, does anyone know of a ferret rescue in Philadelphia? I have been looking on the internet, but no such luck. I'm thinking of adopting a second fuzzie to keep Casper company when I'm not home. Thanks!