Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have been wanting a ferret for a long time. We are finally moving into a house, I want your opinion on whether I can provide a suitable home for one.
First, I would most likely keep it in a cage (I may get two so they can keep eachother company) for the greater part of the day. When I get home from work, they come out. When I go to sleep, they'd go back in. Is this suitable? If it isn't I would most likely have to pass. I have a pair of twin 2 year old girls. I wouldn't feel comfortable having a ferret loose with them and Mom all day. More afraid for the ferret than I am for the girls!

Also, would it be better to get two ferrets or one? I see so many articles saying to get two..does it really help?

Ferrets need at least 4 hours a day out of their cage to play. They are social animals and getting 2 is alot of fun. If they are going to be in a cage together all day and you do get 2 then you will need a good sized cage. A great book to get if you are going to become a ferret parent is Ferrets 4 Dummies by Kim Schilling. Ferrets do sleep 12-16 hours per day so as long as you are willing to spend as much possible time with them when you get home from work I do not see a problem with you becoming a ferret parent, of ferrent. Any more questions email me at demonferret@hotmail.com.

I'd be more afraid for the ferrets than the kids. Ferrets can be high-strung and can be very breakable with kids. Be sure to give them hidey-holes where the kids can't get.

*laughs* she just said she was more afraid for the ferrets than the kids. I know what you mean about little kids. My parents were convinced the ferret would be just fine around my 2 year old niece. They didn't seem to understand my concern was for HIM, not HER. Then they insisted I was just being silly and she wouldn't hurt him... so what's the first thing she did? She stomped at him, grabbed him by the face, picked him up in a terrble manner, and dropped him, and squealed. Yeah, SHE thought it was funny... I ran over as quickly as I could as soon as I saw her come into contact with him. Grr. I hate it when people act ignorant and pretend I don't know what I'm talking about. Definitely beware of the mix.
2 might be better, just in case you have "those nights" when you can't seem to find the energy to let them out. Only occasionally should you let that happen though.
Another thing that could help is a playpen. They make ferret ones! Check out ferretdepot.com , heck, then you could take em outside! (Supervision always, though!)