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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: Chrysantha
Date: 01-08-2005, 09:50 PM (1 of 8)
We are now the proud parents of Zoey (the ferret)...she's a rescue, 5 yrs old. Our boy Bob picked her out. (they're the same age...) she's sweet, likes cuddles, squeekies and following her nose. (and now Bob doesn't want anything to do with her...he's sooooo spoiled that boy...of course I'd NEVER do a thing like that....  )
Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: HHH
Date: 01-08-2005, 11:20 PM (2 of 8)
PICTURES! I demand Zoey pictures!  Give her little ferret-face a big cuddle for me (& Bob too). |
User: HHH
Member since: 02-10-2004 Total posts: 87 |
From: siwian
Date: 01-09-2005, 08:23 AM (3 of 8)
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Where do y'all get your ferrets? My DH wants one. I'm not sure we need another animal in the house: rabbit, hamster, 2 tanks of fish, and then outside 2 dogs and at least 4 cats, usually more-you know how they are, always bringing friends home at meal time, also have the occasional possum comes for a meal. Anyway, DH talks about getting a ferret everytime he goes to the mall with our DDs. So any insight on where to get them or what to do with them once they are here would help. Thanks, Siwian |
User: siwian
Member since: 12-27-2001 Total posts: 114 
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From: HHH
Date: 01-09-2005, 11:56 AM (4 of 8)
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Siwian, I'm sure a real ferret expert will chime in soon (Chrys, for example!), but if you do decided to get one, I'd suggest a ferret rescue organization for starters. These little guys are not just streamlined cats; they are super-smart, super-curious, and super-good at getting into places where they don't belong. They also like company and attention and lots of your time. That's the main reason I don't have any; I love them, but am not equipped to be a good ferret parent at this point in my life. My intention is not to discourage you from giving a needy critter a home, but please be aware they're a little more of a project than a cat, dog or rat!  Gawd, I'm preachy and annoying sometimes, ain't I? 
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User: HHH
Member since: 02-10-2004 Total posts: 87 |
From: grandmasue
Date: 01-09-2005, 01:41 PM (5 of 8)
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One place to look for a ferret needing a home is on petfinder.com This is a site you can customise to your area and it lists everything that any local shelters have available. Many ferrets do end up in a shelter because their owners were not ready to deal with the active, mischeivious nature of these fun creatures. But if you are up to having an active bundle of fun, this is your pet! My daughter has had them for several years and I can't wait to get my own, but with 4 cats and 2 dogs and a bird and a very lonely sugar-glider. (just lost it's mate this past weekend :( ) we really need to hold the line on any new pets in the house.
Grandma Sue
------------ At the end I am not showing up at my grave all pretty and well preserved...I am coming in sliding, yelling "What a ride!" |
User: grandmasue
Member since: 10-26-2004 Total posts: 138 
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From: Chrysantha
Date: 01-09-2005, 01:46 PM (6 of 8)
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HHH is telling you politely what I'd just come out and say....I don't recommend that people buy ferrets from the pet store OR a rescue, unless they've had ferrets before.... Ferrets need T I M E...LOTS of time...you need to ferret proof your house. No holes bigger than their noses (they can fit in a hole if their head fits, no matter how big the rearend is). Yes they are cute....they have to be taught to use a potty box like a cat (it's not natural) what IS natural is for them to use all the corners in your home for peeing and pooping. They like to dig. Carpets are favorite, as are plants, and furniture. If you have furniture that has that mesh on the bottom, they will dig at it till they get in and then dig the stuffing out. (I've put new fabric, plain cotton that matches, on the bottoms of all my new furniture, my old furniture was that way too) You can't own a recliner. (they climb up inside the chair and might get caught) You can't open the oven, the dishwasher or cupboards when the ferrets are out. (they don't know what heat is, what distance is or that things will close on them) You need to devote at LEAST 4 hours a day for playtime. (yes they sleep a lot, but then they want games, chase me, wrestle me, squeekies (which they might eat, so you have to keep an eye on that too) They need exercise like all animals, but they aren't good at playing by themselves. (thats why you need more than one, unless the one is a loner) You might, if you're lucky be able to teach one to walk on a leash...(haaaaaaa....yeah right) They can't be outside by themselves, they have no sense of home. Besides people think they're rats, they're NOT rodents. They're related to mink, otters, skunks, etc. They smell, but not as much as people say. It depends on the food and keeping them clean. They eat ferret food...good quality food runs $15 a bag and up...they need medical care. (ferrets tend to develop cancer...I've had 4 die from it...my 2003 vets bill was about $2500 for 6 mnths for 2 ferrets, with cancer) Ferrets don't live all that long either...I've seen'em live to be 13..but more reasonable is 6-10 yrs. They're small and get underfoot.(I don't wear shoes in my home) Dog's, unless they've grown up with them, will KILL a ferret for no reason. They think it's a toy, pick it up and break it's spine. Cats, depends on the cat...some like ferrets and some don't. I don't recommend ferrets for people with small children. Thats where you get all the, " ferrets BITE everyone" stories....ferrets ONLY bite when they play, are afraid or are injured. Children can get too rough.... Ferrets who're ill need to be hand fed...chicken baby food is best. Every 4 hrs...Ferrets are self feeders...they need food and water 24 hrs a day in their cages. (yes I keep mine in a cage when not out supervised playing. That way they stay alive). You need cat litter (not the clumping kind, recycled newspaper works best.) I buy mine in 50lb bags. (saves money and time) You need beds, hammocks, small round beds, etc....rugs for the cages (so they can be washed). Ferrets paws are small and tender, they can't be on cage wire all the time. Ferrets can't be in the heat...over 80 degrees and they will die....they like the snow, but can't be in it for a long period, they will freeze. Ferrets are not for most people, no matter how much you like the way they look, how cute they are (and they ARE cute...) or how many other pets you've had/have....the ferret rescue I was at saturday to get my latest friend had 48 ferrets....(our local animal shelter has 20 cats and dogs...and that changes from day to day.....) ferrets are hard to place and most shelters are NO-KILL, so ferrets have a home.... Please think very long and hard BEFORE buying a ferret, OR any pet... I've owned ferrets for amost 15 yrs now...I grew up with dogs...Ferrets are MUCH harder to take care of....(think 2 yr old who never grows up or listens) I love my ferrets and everyone who comes to my home thinks they're sweet, because I devote time and energy to make them great animals.... Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414
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From: siwian
Date: 01-09-2005, 02:54 PM (7 of 8)
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Thanks for the info. I was right-we don't need another critter right now. DH is a third grade teacher who works till 6 or 7 every night at school-so he doesn't have to bring papers home with him, I teach 3 & 4 year old Special Needs students, and both girls are very involved in band, GS, and church. Maybe in 6 years when he retires, DH will have the time to devote to such a wonderful pet. siwian |
User: siwian
Member since: 12-27-2001 Total posts: 114
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From: Sewhappie
Date: 01-09-2005, 03:29 PM (8 of 8)
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Chrys, Thanks for your input on ferrets. My DD has mentioned that she wants one, but I can't see her devoting the time or energy to taking care of it. I copied & pasted your letter to her to read. Hopefully you will get through to her!!!! |
User: Sewhappie
Member since: 10-27-2001 Total posts: 1427 |
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