Advice on Selecting a Baby Ferret
In the United States most baby ferret or 'kit' sales occur at the local pet store. This is simply because ferret breeding programs are not that popular. However, your best bet for finding young healthy ferret babies is at a reputable breeder. This article examines what to look for when selecting a new addition to your home.
When selecting a baby ferret ask yourself the following important questions:
* Where should I buy my baby ferret?
* What age should it be?
* Will I get a male or female?
* What should I be careful about when choosing my ferret?
Many pet stores that sell ferrets let them go too young. They may not be well socialized with humans and may be in poor health. If possible, try to find a good ferret breeder with Ferrets for Sale
. You baby ferret will more than likely have been kept with his mother and will be used to the breeder and staff. Ferrets from breeders generally make more amiable pets. In any event your kit should be well-behaved, playful, and not skittish.
If you are looking for an older ferret, consider adopting one from a shelter. A baby ferret from a rescue home is usually much cheaper. You also have some added benefits - for example the staff will know a bit about the ferrets traits and history and they are likely to be house trained and nip-trained. If you are lucky your ferret will already be well used to people and adopting a ferret is more rewarding.
How old should your baby ferret be? Your ferret should be at least eight weeks old but if you get an older ferret he may be better trained and socialized and this will save you some hard work. Very young ferrets have to be trained to use a litter box and nip trained from scratch. On the other hand, older ferrets with bad training may have some very bad habits! If you want to have your ferret for a long time remember they only live 6 to 10 years.
What about males vs. female ferrets? Males that haven't been neutered may be a little more aggressive but a responsible seller will neuter his ferrets beforehand. Females are smaller than males at 1.5 to 3 pounds. Which baby ferret you choose really is up to you.
How can you tell if your baby ferret is healthy? This is important since ferrets can contract many diseases from people and other animals and pass them on as well. Your ferret should have a healthy skin and coat, his eyes should be bright and alert, and he should show an even, calm temperament (i.e. no nervousness or shyness).
Your baby ferret should be vaccinated - rabies shots require annual boosters. They should also be spayed and neutered with records to prove it. This will prevent aggressive behavior in males and potential health problems in females. Females that go into heat will remain this way until they are mated. This can lead to serious health problems.
Pay particular attention to early signs of an emerging personality. If you want a lazy pet choose a baby ferret that likes to cuddle. A wriggly, squirmy animal may be showing signs of the whirlwind he is going to grow into - be careful - you have been warned! Hide those car keys! Good luck with your new furry friend!
