Ferrets For aFamilyToday Cheat Sheet

When you decide on a ferret as a pet, know how to find a reputable breeder and recognize the signs of a healthy and happy ferret. When someone is looking after your ferret, leave all essential information for the pet sitter and make sure your first-aid kit is stocked with all of the items your ferret might need.

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How to Find a Reputable Ferret Breeder

Good ferret breeders should be pleasant, honest, and direct with you about the responsibilities of having a ferret as a pet. They don’t want to give their ferrets to just anybody. As you research ferret breeders, use this list as a guide for finding a good breeder:

• Try to get references from people who’ve bought kits from the breeder, and be sure to check those references. If a breeder won’t give you references, beware.
• If geographically feasible, travel to see the breeder’s facility to get a sense of how the ferrets are kept. Also, you don’t want to buy a ferret sight unseen!
• Ask the breeder about his motivation for breeding ferrets. A good breeder might say that he or she is breeding ferrets to improve the species’ temperament and health.
• Ask the breeder about vaccinations and vet schedules and any illnesses he has encountered with the ferrets in his ferretry. Make sure, if you purchase a kit, that you get a written health guarantee from the breeder. An adoption (or purchase) contract should be available for you to see ahead of time.
• A good breeder will offer after-sales support. Ask if the breeder is willing to chat with you when you call with a question regarding your newly purchased baby.
• Ask about what happens if the ferret doesn’t work out for you. Will the breeder take the ferret back? A responsible breeder will do this.

Signs of a Healthy Ferret

When choosing a ferret as a pet, it’s very important to find a healthy and happy one to bring into your home. This list shows you things to look for when shopping for your new fuzzy family member:

• Fur is soft and shiny, and there are no patches of missing fur.
• Eyes are clear and bright.
• Eyes, ears, and nose are free from any discharge.
• Underside of the ferret is clean and healthy looking and has no signs of diarrhea.
• The ferret is inquisitive when you approach and may be jumpy and playful. He does not cower or run to a hiding place.

Information for Your Ferret Sitter

Whether you leave your ferret in the capable hands of a pet sitter or you use a boarding facility, this list explains the information you need to provide for your ferret’s caregiver:

• The phone number where you can be reached and the name of the people you’re staying with
• An emergency phone number (or two) of someone close to home, such as a friend or relative
• Your veterinarian’s phone number and address
• The emergency clinic’s phone number and address
• A supply of necessary medication and instructions on how to medicate your ferret
• Written description of each ferret and each ferret’s personality (attach a photo next to each description to be extra helpful)
• A list of do’s and don’ts
• An adequate supply of food
• Written instructions on feeding
• Instructions on how to clean up after your ferrets, supervise safe playtime, and watch for signs of illness or injury

Ferret First Aid Kit Items

It’s essential to keep a first-aid kit handy that is made especially for your ferret. Be ready for any ferret emergency by including all of the following things in your ferret first-aid kit—and don’t forget to replace used items: