farrets

Question
QUESTION: hi i just lost my guinea pig a few days ago. so i decided to buy a farret. im afraid that the same thing is gonna happen to the farret if i don't take care of him right.i have a guinea pig cage but its kinda big, its not more then 1 story.so its really not for farrets.but its all i have for now.i also don't know what to use for him to sleap on. is a small baby blanket ok?and some one told me i didn't have to litter train them. so is it ok for them to go in there cage.? please help me do the right thing. i really don't have lots of money for everything, can u help me improvise with what i do have.?

ANSWER: Please don't buy a ferret.  They require a much larger cage to live in, a couple hours a day of time out of the cage in a very ferret proofed area, their food (if you purchase a good quality food) is pricey and they require an exotic vet who tend to run a lot more money than a regular vet.  Ferrets need vaccinations each year and will get at least 1 cancer that requires surgery and medications in their lifetime.  They are an expensive commitment.  You need to buy the book Ferrets for Dummies before you leap into this purchase.  By the way, they most certainly do need to be litter trained and often some will never really learn to use the litter box.

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QUESTION: i already bought a farret. so now what do i do , cuz ur scaring me.?i dont think 1 should cancel it cuz all i have to do is take care of him like any other pet. its no different.u didnt really answer my last question. i wanted to know if they can go in there cage?

Answer
1.  Start a savings account for surgery
2.  Find an exotic vet in your neighborhood that if ferret knowledgeable
3.  Make sure it is current on vaccinations
4.  Purchase a water bottle, appropriate ferret food (Totally Ferret Complete, Natural Gold ferret food), newspaper based litter and a larger cage.  (At least 2 stories)
5.  Ferret proof any room the ferret may be in.
6.  Get a toothbrush, dog toothpaste, ferret ear cleaner and nail clippers and plan to do all of this at least every 2 weeks.
7.  The ferret needs bedding (t-shirts, etc) and hammocks to sleep in.
8.  Buy Ferrets for Dummies
I realize there is a lot to purchase but that is why I always recommend people research a pet before they purchase one.  You may be able to find a bigger and better cage through a rescue in your area?