should i get a ferret?

Question
HI my name is Karlee winkelman and I made a deal with my dad and mom and I said if they don't stop smoking by the end of the school year we get a ferret. So i was wondering if U know how to get rid of the smell and how to take car of a ferret. Where should i bye a ferret because i have herd that if you get one from a pet store it smells worse! Is that true? i hope you can help me
          Thanks so much for your time and help
                     Karlee Winkelman

Answer
Hi Karlee,

This is an extremely loaded question to ask. So much more goes into the care of ferrets that it is near impossible to learn it all in a few minutes. When are you planning on getting the ferret? I would suggest taking a few days (or weeks) to read as many books as you can with one book in particular. The title of that book is Ferrets for Dummies by Kim Schilling, 2nd edition. It is one of the most important resources a ferret owner can have. It has so much information on ferrets that you really need to know if you want to own a ferret. So, the first thing I suggest you do is start reading and doing your research! Ferrets are wonderful creatures, but, unfortunately, many people don't realize how much care they actually are and many ferrets are given to shelters. What I'm trying to say is, make sure you do your research about them before you go get one. Also, something to keep in mind for the future is: what will happen to your fuzzy when you go to college? Are your parents willing to keep it? Would you take it with you? Ferrets are a big time commitment. They have a lifespan of 6-8 years and many ferrets live past the expectancy. Not to mention the fact that ferrets take a lot of upkeep while they are with you! They need an ample sized cage (3 feet wide, 2 feet deep, and 2 feet high at LEAST!), high quality food, at least 3 hours of out of cage time a day, fluffy bedding, a litter box and access to food and water at all times.

All of that being said, it barely scratches the surface of what it takes to care for a ferret! I cannot stress enough how important it is to do research, which is why I'm glad you're asking questions!

Ferrets are naturally musky creatures. Even if you purchase a descented ferret from a pet store, there will always be some odor involved. Now, the way to combat the odor is to clean the litter box daily and to change out and wash the bedding weekly (if not more often). Keeping the cage clean will be the easiest way for you to keep the odor to a minimum. Some people may suggest you give the ferret frequent baths to help with the odor. This will actually make it worse. Ferrets really need to be bathed as little as possible because when they get a bath, the natural oils in their skin is stripped and their skin compensates for the loss by producing more which means a stinkier ferret. If you really get stuck on the smell, then a ferret may not be the right pet for you.

As for a ferret from a pet store being stinkier, I don't see that being an issue at all. It shouldn't really make a difference, honestly. I would suggest looking into any local ferret shelters before you go to a pet store, however. Ferrets in ferret shelters need a forever home with a family that will love and take care of them. So, that is just something to think about. Usually, you will be able to adopt a ferret from a shelter cheaper than you would be able to purchase a ferret from a pet store.

Like I said before, I suggest you read Ferrets for Dummies by Kim Schilling. It is a great resource and it will answer any questions you have (or didn't know you had). If, after you do a little more research, you still have questions, please do not hesitate to ask me. I will be more than happy to help you through making the decision to bring a wonderful fuzzy into your life!

Sincerely,
Emilee Andrews