Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello. I am planning on getting a ferret sometime this coming year, and am starting save money and do some research. From looking around, I'm seeing TONS of different kinds of cages. All ranging in different sizes with tubes and such. I know ferrets love hammocks, so I am assuming that a wire cage is the way to go.
What is the minimum size cage that is needed for 2 ferrets? What kinds of cages do you guys have? Can anyone post pictures? Also, I am looking to adopt my ferrets from a rescue organization. Has anyone else done this and had good luck with "emotionally stable" ferrets? Spaying/Neutering: yes? no? De-scenting? I've asked around at local pet stores, just to get some information, and I found a petstore with 2 month olf ferrets that were already spayed and de-scented for $150. Any information is very appreciated. I'm not new to animals at all, I have tons of reptiles, an umbrella cockatoo, rats, a rabbit, a guinnea pig, cats...so I'm not a pet-newbie. I'm really just trying to make sure I get some ferrets started off well.

I think it is awesome that you are researching into ferrets to make sure you get a good start. Too many people buy ferrets thinking they are cute and adorable and then find out that they can be a little more work then they were expecting.

I used to work for the rescue in my area and I have 3 ferrets, and one that has passed away. As far as cages go the bigger the better and it all depends on how often they are going to be in their cage. I have a huge superpet cage for my 3 and they have tons of room to chase each other and play, but really I could have gotten smaller as they are not in it all that often. Good rule of thumb is 3 feet wide by 2 feet deep by 2 feet high per ferret. Hammocks are definately a good thing, but it can take them some time to warm up to them if they have not used them before. I have 3 hammocks in my cage as well as blankets and old shirts and hoodies in my ferrets cage for them.

As far as neutering/spaying that is definately a must!! In males it will help with behavior and with females they need to be spayed if they are not used as breeders because females will go into heat and stay in heat until they are bred. That can cause something called aplastic anemia and will eventually lead to your ferrets death. Descenting is more of a personal choice and most places that sell ferrets will have them descented already. A ferrets that is not descented will be able to "poof" which means they can sort of spray like a skunk, but it is not as bad as a skunk and goes away pretty quickly.

Two of my ferrets are rescue ferrets and I could not be happier with them. Usually most rescues have foster homes instead of shelters, which means each ferret is getting more personalized attention and if they have any behavior issues they are worked with. My one female was horribly abused and she was terrified when I brought her home, but with some love and patience she came around and is now such a sweet girl. My little boy I got from the rescue was 10 months old so he was still a happy healthy little baby. I would definately say to adopt from a rescue if you have the chance....you know then that you are helping a poor little ferret that someone else did not want.

There is a great book called Ferrets For Dummies and I reccomend that anyone even thinking of getting a ferret should read it. It is excellent and gives you all the information you need to know to have healthy and happy ferrets. They can be expensive when it comes to health concerns so that is something that you need to be ready for and have some money set aside just got the little guys. Adrenal disease is a common problem and surgeries can start at like 600 or more.

But I will say they are rewarding pets and very loving and a whole lot of fun. I have had many animals in my home and one that will always be present in my life is ferrets.

I am thinking of getting a ferret. I already have a cat, rats, a dog, fish and a hamster (i have also had rabbits and mice). But i think a ferret would be interesting and they seem like a nice pet to have. If you have any information or suggestions i am open to both. Is a female or a male more calm and willing to sit still but also be quite playful?

None of them are calm and willing to sit still. If you want a calm pet then a ferret is not it. I would suggest that you get a copy of Ferrets for Dummies and read it before you decide to get a ferret. The book is a great resource and tells you everything you need to know about ferrets. If there are any shelters in your area, I would visit one to get an idea of what they are like. I would also recommend that if you do decide to get a ferret that you adopt one from a shelter rather than buy a baby from a pet store. You would be helping a homeless ferret and you might also find one that has had some training already since this would be your first ferret experience. I have had lots of different pets and by far a ferret has been the most high maintenance, but I love the little fuzzbutts.

I have to agree with the other poster when they say if you want a pet that sits still and cuddles a ferret is not it. Yes some of them do cuddle and some of them cuddle a bit, but they are very energetic when they are awake and they want to play not sit still. My newest girl was a cuddler when I brought her home, but now she would much rather play. Also, with the other animals you have such as the rat and hamster you want to make sure they do not have any contact with the ferret. Ferrets are carnivores and to them your other pets would be food. Even keeping a ferret in the same room can stress out your other animals. Ferrets can be very expensive as well so you want to make sure that you have a couple hundred dollars saved up before you even buy one just for emergencies.