should I buy a ferret?

Question
We have two toy poodles which we love very much; one 8 year old female and very calm, the other is her 3 year old son.  The 3 year old male is obedient but more frisky and he likes to bark.  Both are fixed.  I have 3 children and they would like a ferret so they can each sleep with a pet at night.  They love our dogs and fight over petting them and loving them. For me the ideal would be that the 3 animals are all friends and run freely in the house.  I don't think I would be comfortable leaving the ferret caged most of the day, unless this is something that ferrets like.  How likely is that?  Please be realistic.  We have a wonderful situation.  I don't want to upset either of the dogs or be forced to keep the ferret in a closed room in a cage most of the time although I suppose that is a possibility.  Thanks for any information you can share.  Colleen

Answer
Hi Colleen,

Ferrets are amazing animals, but I'm not sure they will suit your particular family's needs very well and that is because ferrets are the 'anti-cuddle' pet. They do not like to cuddle, really because they are the Energizer bunny! They are always going, going, going! Also, you would have to monitor all interactions with the dogs and your ferret because even if they look like they get along, animals don't always get along and a ferret probably wouldn't do so well against a dog! Ferrets can be let free to roam an area, but I wouldn't suggest ever letting a ferret free roam the whole house all the time and that's because there are so many dangers: i.e. the washer, refrigerator, stove, etc. Also, they are little and they get underfoot so if you're not really careful you could step on them or trip and fall trying to avoid them. Cages are generally for their own safety more than anything else! They love being out and about, but I always prefer a restricted free roam area for their safety.

If you're still interested in a ferret, just let me know and we can go over some more information as far as owning a ferret because they are different than a dog, most definitely! Again, though, I'm not sure a ferret is the best way to go for your family's needs! The decision is completely up to you in the end, that is just my opinion! If you need anything else, just let me know!

Sincerely,
Emilee Andrews