Raiven   10 #1 Posted March 24, 2017 Hi, We are wanting to give a forever home to a couple of ferrets, (preferably 2 young females).  Although we are not 100% ready just yet, (almost though), I am starting my enquiries.  We want to adopt a couple of rescues, (rather than get kits or older from a petshop or breeder.), and would like to know about the process, where to get them from, how much they will cost each, etc.  I have always wanted ferrets, ever since I looked after one for a weekend when I was 14, (I'm now 39), but I have never been in a situation where I could have them, until now. We, (my 15 year old daughter and I), have been doing our research into how to look after them. My daughter has done nothing in her spare time but watch youtube, visit every "how to care for ferrets" website, and has bought a ferret owners manual.  While we still need to get all the equipment, cage, hammocks, harnesses/leesh, toys etc, I want to start the ball rolling and a friend suggested I join the Sheffield Forum to make enquiries.  They will be indoor fur-babies.  Thanks in advance for your help.  Clare and Alicia xx Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
teeny   10 #2 Posted March 25, 2017 why not PM Moonbird on here she knows lots about rescue ferrets ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Moonbird   10 #3 Posted March 25, 2017 Hello and welcome to Sheffield forum Raiven  I will message you my number if you are interested in ferrets. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Raiven   10 #4 Posted March 25, 2017 Hello and welcome to Sheffield forum Raiven  I will message you my number if you are interested in ferrets.  Thank you Moonbird, I got you message:thumbsup:  I tried to PM you as "Teeny" suggested (thanks Teeny ), but I can't being a newbie, I haven't posted enough yet.  I will contact you on Monday if that is ok. I'm busy tomorrow, Father-in-laws birthday, cake baking etc.  But after talking to my daughter, (and the men folk), we are very interested.  xx Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Moonbird   10 #5 Posted March 25, 2017 Thank you Moonbird, I got you message:thumbsup: I tried to PM you as "Teeny" suggested (thanks Teeny ), but I can't being a newbie, I haven't posted enough yet.  I will contact you on Monday if that is ok. I'm busy tomorrow, Father-in-laws birthday, cake baking etc.  But after talking to my daughter, (and the men folk), we are very interested.  xx I knew that you couldn't reply hence the number, Mon is just fine we can have a chat then, enjoy the Birthday celebrations So pleased that you are interested Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
blackydog   40 #6 Posted March 26, 2017 I once had two rats, which were great but they chewed everything. One day one of them was launched into the air with a loud squeak when it bit into a power lead. Do ferrets chew everything too? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Moonbird   10 #7 Posted March 26, 2017 I once had two rats, which were great but they chewed everything. One day one of them was launched into the air with a loud squeak when it bit into a power lead. Do ferrets chew everything too?  Not really, they sometimes have a bit of a liking for rubber things but otherwise no, they are not rodents like rats are so dont have that chewing instinct...I would say that they are more like a cross between a puppy and a kitten that never grows up, they are intelligent, cheeky and mischievous and they love being with people, they can make wonderful pets once they are properly Humanized and tame Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
blackydog   40 #8 Posted March 26, 2017 Not really, they sometimes have a bit of a liking for rubber things but otherwise no, they are not rodents like rats are so dont have that chewing instinct...I would say that they are more like a cross between a puppy and a kitten that never grows up, they are intelligent, cheeky and mischievous and they love being with people, they can make wonderful pets once they are properly Humanized and tame  But they bite? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
teeny   10 #9 Posted March 27, 2017 But they bite?  not when handled regularly, they are lovely and make good pets Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Moonbird   10 #10 Posted March 27, 2017 But they bite?  Some nip, very few actually really bite, ferrets nip in play but not to puncture the skin normally like a puppy might. Kits can bite and bite hard especially when hungry, but if well fed and well handled many never bite at all.  We have had many many ferrets go through our hands and very few have bitten to draw blood, and the ones that have did it through fear or starvation usually, they become tame very quickly.  Our own pets are very well handled and tame they never bite at all and Children handle them, ferrets are lovely animals and very misunderstood sadly. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Notreve   10 #11 Posted March 27, 2017 It sounds like you've done all the research which is a very comforting thought. Quick 2 pieces of advice:  1. Always change their play space with different stimulus. Cardboard boxes, plastic bags (plenty of holes obviously), ball pool balls, tubes, toys, etc. Ferrets will smell it, claw at it, bite it and then they're bored. So always make sure you've got plenty of rotation.  2. Make sure the harness you've got isn't stretchy or velcro. I had one on a velcro leash and they get out of it very quickly. Gave me a real fright. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...