hi i was just wondering...

Question
hi    
i was just wondering if ferrets are hard to take care of ?
is there any speacial licenses need to own a ferret?
what all should i get before i get a ferret?
thank you
hope u get back to me soon


Answer
hello Shade,
I am glad you are asking smart questions BEFORE you buy a ferret.so many people make the error of buying one first!
Ferrets are , IMO, a little difficult to take care of because they need alot of attention, and care and alot of training.
You were asking some good questions about ferrets!
Alot of people aren't prepared for living with a ferret, and you have to change your lifestyle a little. Ferrets are very involved animals, but very rewarding.

They need diligent training to become good pets. they can be somewhat destructive, and carpet scratch, and destroy plants etc. mostly from curiosity and boredom.  They don't scratch like a cat, its more like a raccoon, they are curious, and get into trouble. your whole house has to be ferret proofed, and small holes all plugged up, a board on the bottom of the couches and boxsprings on beds etc.A curious ferret can climb into boxsprings and couch springs and get themselves seroiusly injured.
The other thing alot of new ferret owners don't know is that they are not litter box trained and will  need to be taught (not like a cat that is instinctual) and are NOT 100% with the litter box.
And some ferrets never learn to be litter box trained ( a few), which is a messy situation. They also have an odor, that is a musky and can turn some people off. they don't have it as babies, so unfortunately, a lot people are surprised by their odor they develop as adults.
It is a musky odor, caused by scent glands. All pet store ferrets are "neutered & descented", but there is still an odor.....There are ways to lessen the odor, but not eliminate it. Diligent cleaning of the litter box, and their food are the best ways to control the odor. It is not a repugnant odor, just a little musky.
If you have never had one, or taken care of one,  reading books and knowing all the facts helps. "Ferrets for dummies" is a good book.
  Some people think of ferrets as " rodents", but in fact the a preditory animals, much like raccoons,or cats, and could kill small animals ie: hamsters, mice, birds etc. Most ferrets have the hunting instinct bred out of them, but some still have it, like cats..  Alot of people do not know this.
Alot of Ferrets also nip as babies, and need to be trained out of this behavior. If you do get a baby,try to find one that doesn't nip or nips very little, and makes eye contact with you, not one that is severly squirming and nipping.

I dont feel a small child should have a ferret until they are at least thirteen years old. They ARE exotic animals and need a lot of commitment, but I do feel a 13 year old can handle it. BUT only after reading books and knowing all the facts.

Ferrets love alot of attention, but they sleep alot too. Much like cats. They nap alot. But then they wake, ready to go.
The supplies you will need would include a ferret cage (NOT any other type of cage, one specifically for a Ferret), food bowls, hammocks beds, toys, litter pan ( I use a dishpan when they get older) water bowl/bottle...
Most pet stores have " ferret starter kits" for about
$100 -$150.
There is no licence needed to own a ferret, but they are ILLEGAL in some states, so check with your local laws to make sure they aren't illegal where you live.
good luck,I hope this helps, and let me know if there is any other questions you have!
amy