However, they have excellent smell and hearing prowess. Blue Cross doesn’t take in or rehome ferrets but there are specialised rescue organisations that find homes for unwanted or stray ferrets. I don't have kids nor other free roaming animals, so they have the place to themselves for the most part. Ferrets can be kept on their own (providing they get lots of human interaction and environmental enrichment) or in small groups, ideally littermates of the same sex or neutered males and females. Good breeders should take excellent care of their ferrets and keep detailed records of their lineage and genetics. Jills come into season in the spring and will stay in season unless mated or the season is stopped using drugs given by your vet. - Ferrets are not included within the statute (§ 35-80-108) that prohibits anyone from selling kittens and puppies less than 8 … PO Box 11625, Milwaukee WI US 53211 Ph:(414)464-3346 Email: ferret_otter@yahoo.com For further information, contact an administrator of the Holistic Ferret Forum. It is illegal to raise ferrets as pets in a few states and countries. People like you are essential to our work. Females that are allowed to stay in season can develop anaemia and even die so this is something that all ferret owners need to address by discussing the options with their vet. It will prevent unwanted litters of kits, as well as reducing the incidence of antisocial behaviour and quite a number of common diseases and infections. In the wild, ferrets are predators, so don’t mix your ferrets with any other small species of animal. Young ferrets (kits) can be prone to biting so it’s always advisable for first time owners to look for ferrets that are at least a year old, have already been handled a lot and are friendly and less likely to bite. § 1201-11), including specification of a hammock as an acceptable sleeping platform, and banning cedar shavings as a bedding material. Canada – Ferrets brought from anywhere except the US require a Permit to Import from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency Animal Health Office. They are nearsighted. Blue Cross doesn’t take in or rehome ferrets but there are specialised rescue organisations that find homes for unwanted or stray ferrets. If you chose to adopt a ferret you will be giving it a much needed home and the love that it craves. They should be picked up around the shoulders from above and have their hindquarters supported with the other hand. They can easily get into scrapes or eat something they shouldn’t, leading to a costly vet bill, so it’s always a good idea to insure your pet. © Copyright Holistic Ferret Forum 2011-2020. They have a high population of ferrets in small, cramped spaces. Ferrets love tunnelling and climbing so using drainpipes and shelves in the enclosure is a good way of keeping them happy (but don’t have the shelves too high as ferrets can fall and hurt themselves). https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/pest-mammals/ferret-animal-pest-alert?nopaging=1 It is the primary supplier of ferrets to pet stores in the U.S. By being spayed and neutered too young, ferrets are experiencing a significant increase in adrenal disease, and it is being seen in younger ferrets each year! They breed irresponsibly, trying to get “exotic” colors, leading to a proliferation of congenital defects and genetic disorders. Rescue of unwanted and abandoned ferrets from owners, humane societies and all other sources, in order that they may be placed in new homes if after evaluation they are determined to be adoptable. These ferrets are badly in need of homes, and there are many more lined up behind them. The main rescue is located in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, covering the North East UK. Both sexes become sexually mature in their first spring, usually when they are around nine months old. Many breeders raise kits on both kibble and raw. From Friendly Neighborhood Ferrets. They can also be trained to walk with a harness and lead. In olden days, ferrets were trained to reach small places such as holes that humans cannot reach. The best way to learn about the health of ferrets is to go to a vet, and he will tell you How to take care of ferrets. If you find a lost ferret I could take care of it and find them a new home. HFF may receive a small percentage of your purchase price as a result of connecting our visitors directly with products that we have found useful in caring for our ferrets. 0:00. Ferrets under three months old are not subject to any import restrictions. Also, do not forget that both pets will depend on you for attention, play and affection. Most ferrets are acquired from one of three sources. One of the great benefits of adopting a ferret is that (s)he will often come already litter-box trained and bite trained! We volunteer our time and resources without expectation of compensation. Neutering can reduce the strength of the smell, make the coat less greasy and enable them to mix socially with other males. They have been used for hunting and pest control since ancient times and are still kept for this purpose today though are becoming increasing popular as pets. Litter trays should be cleaned every day and the rest of the ferret’s enclosure should be cleaned at least weekly. This leads to stronger, healthier (mentally and physically) ferrets that have been trained how to be proper ferrets by their mother. They are crepuscular, so are naturally active during dawn and dusk and can sleep for 18-20 hours a day. This should be placed away from the litter tray. A company limited by guarantee. Selling ferrets for research aside, a problem with having one breeder supplying the majority of ferrets is that there is not enough diversity in bloodline and genetics. Ferrets don’t like extreme weather, particularly temperatures over 26ºC (ferrets can suffer and die if exposed to temperatures of 30ºC and above). It can also reduce aggression. Adopted ferrets can range in age from very young kits to senior ferrets in need of health care. Ferrets from the US require only a vaccination certificate signed by a veterinarian. Though domestic ferrets are not usually aggressive, their excitement and interest in games can lead to tugging, chasing, combat, and hunting. There are 4 basic steps to grooming, depending on the needs of your ferret: Brushing teeth: Your ferret's teeth should be brushed regularly. Kakapo are now only found on mustelid-free islands. Little Paws Ferret Rescue was founded in April 2018 by a small group of volunteers who are passionate about ferrets and want to help ferrets in need. Dookerz 2.0 (Previously Ferrets Dookin in the USA) Emergency Rescue Group. It is usually necessary to take special measures to "ferret-proof" homes where ferrets are kept to … This means a lot of poop for you to clean up! Like any other carnivorous animal, only meat should be given to them, or else they can get sick because their stomach cannot digest it. There are hundreds of “unwanted” and “homeless” ferrets in shelters, rescues, bad homes, or whose owners have to re-home them for a multitude of reasons. Thank you. 26:32. Ferrets don’t have varying breeds, but they do have different colours – the five recognised ones are poley/fitch, dew (dark eyed white), sandy, silver and albino. Walmart’s 8in1 Ferret Food is awful (30% protein, 8% fat). We have a Facebook page chase ferret rescue. Breeder ferrets are often significantly healthier than ferrets who have come from a mill as pet store ferrets and most adopted ferrets have. Our goal is to help ferrets live their best lives through education and community building. A healthy ferret can live anywhere from 6 to 10 years. Ever. This is done at no additional cost to you, the buyer. Whether your ferret nips, bites or has destructive tendencies, and it's simply not working out for your household, I'm willing to give them a forever home and let you know how they're doing. Good quality hay or shredded paper can be used for bedding and the floor should be lined with newspaper and wood shavings. Good quality kitten food can work in a pinch. Benefits: Ferrets are genetically-healthy … Ferrets are lively, curious and fun-loving pets. Ferrets aren’t the easiest to handle and they can bite hard if startled so they don’t always make ideal pets for young children. Talk to your veterinarian for advice. Because they are taken from their mother too early, they often do not learn appropriate behavior such as proper hygiene (potty training), bite inhibition, social behavior, ferret vocabulary/body language, etc. Impulse buyers, or people simply misinformed about what it takes to take care of a ferret, ... It’s always nice to know you are helping control the problem of unwanted pets by adopting one that is without a home. Also, breeder ferrets are not spayed/neutered too young, resulting in a decreased rate of adrenal disease. If they are allowed loose in the house make sure you remove any potentially dangerous objects first. Shelters and rescues are overrun with ferrets. The wire or bars used for the hutch should be strong and the spaces between them too small for ferrets to fit their heads through. Young, old, sick, healthy…look around and you may be surprised at the number and variety of fur-babies waiting for you to take them home! They have poor eyesight, so they may bite by mistake if you reach in to get them out of a sleeping box or pet carrier. It is possible to find good homes for rabbits, but it takes time, commitment and strategy. The pet ferrets are loving, friendly and intelligent creature when adopted young. There are many reputable ferret breeders! If everyone who benefits from our articles is able to give a little back, we can reach thousands more pets. Ferrets are naturally curious and interact readily with their owners. You have to take certain steps while petting them to avoid making them feel uncomfortable and flip out. Make sure your state qualifies before deciding to adopt one. Also i can give your ferrets a … Ferrets can make for adorable pets, but you have to be careful with how you handle them. Advertising is as simple as placing ads in local newspapers and on veterinarian, pet supply and supermarket bulletin boards. This can result in a variety of behavior problems including chewing (oral fixation), biting, bad potty habits, inappropriate interactions with other ferrets; and health issues (esp from not being properly weaned) such as GI upsets. If they are on their own, they should be played with regularly – lonely and bored ferrets can develop behavioural problems and may find it difficult later to mix with other ferrets. Even the scent of a ferret can be really stressful for prey species, like rabbits or rodents, so keep them away. Although all ferrets have an odour, unneutered male ferrets have a very strong smell that many people find too strong. Many more are looking for a home, and also in desperate need of health care because their owners could not afford it, or did not do their research before getting a pet. A high-sided, corner litter tray is available from pet suppliers but cat litter trays can also be used, filled with wood shavings or unscented cat litter. For as little as £1 you can make a difference - do you have one minute? Ferrets were introduced to New Zealand from Europe in the 1880s, along with stoats and weasels, to control rabbits that were breeding out of control. The Holistic Ferret Forum (HFF) will not ever sell or share your information or use it in any way not authorized by you. If they are kept indoors you can use tall ferret cages, like those available for chinchillas, with solid platforms and multiple levels. This means that they must have meat in their diet. 20. By 1900, ferrets were well established in the wild and definitely played a role in the decline of native birds like the kiwi, weka and blue duck, and the extinction of kakapo on the mainland. Not all ferrets are cuddly - You are more likely to have a ferret that tries to wriggle out of your arms rather than one that lets you cuddle it. Ferrets, like cats, are obligate carnivores. Many pet ferret owners now favour fleece blankets, hammocks and fabric nesting boxes for bedding as this makes less mess and also adds a little comfort. Whole raw eggs in their shells can be given as occasional treats and ferrets will also enjoy breaking through the shell. Ferrets can be microchipped to permanently identify them and help to reunite them with their owners if they go missing. Which brings us to the next point to consider…. Dry food can be scattered around their enclosure to encourage foraging or it can be placed in feeding toys available from pet suppliers. Young ferrets will not understand what will hurt their owners if they are not trained. Ferrets aren’t natural chewers but they can eat things they shouldn’t and may swallow small objects (especially rubber) which cause their bowel to become blocked. HFF uses any funds generated to help area rescues, as well as to sponsor Rescuers Relief and Euel and Connie’s Wooly Flyer ferret wheelchairs. If you need any help or advice please feel free to get in touch. The best way to maintain a healthy ferret is to be certain to take your ferret for vaccinations and annual vet check-ups. Quarantining New Ferrets (why it's important & how to do it) by Friendly Neighborhood Ferrets. Ferrets love to dig and are very good at escaping through small holes. Ferrets need an insulated sleeping area, large enough for them to huddle together or sleep separately if they want. 2,959 views. The little kits are just so adorable! Ferret Shelters Directory lists rescues and shelters in the United States, Canada, the America's, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and rest of the world. ferrets (8 Colo. Code Regs. Training ferrets not to bite is something owners need to do firmly. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. Get vital info on buying ferrets, ferret prices & more from Ferret-World. The Angel Ferret Shelter was established in 1996 to provide an alternative for unwanted, lost, or abandoned pet domestic ferrets. Their personality is already apparent, so you can get a feel for whether the ferret would be a good fit for you and your family. If you decide to purchase a ferret from a breeder, you need to do your research. Some people aren’t prepared for the time and work ferrets take and get tired of them quickly; some abandon them on shelter doorsteps. Ferrets can be quite particular about their companions, so new pairings or new ferrets coming into a group must be introduced with care and monitored for up to two weeks. It takes about 3 hours for food to go in the mouth and come out the other end. Buying your ferret from a reputable breeder is another option. Registered address Shilton Road, Burford, Oxfordshire, OX18 4PF. The ferrets are allowed to be properly and fully weaned before a reputable breeder will even consider rehoming them. Registered company in England and Wales under company number 00363197. Ferrets don’t need regular bathing – although some owners think this will reduce their smell it can actually strip their coat of natural oils and cause skin problems. (See Waardenberg’s Syndrome). Ferrets are a domesticated version of the European polecat. Ferrets sleep much of the time, but when awake are both curious and highly active. For female ferrets it can literally be a life and death choice. They should not be confined to a cage at all times, yet need close supervision when allowed out of their enclosures. 15:50. Pet Store ferrets may initially seem like a good idea. Hi there we run a small ferret rescue in Rugeley Staffordshire. They also like to sleep in hammocks which can be hung inside their enclosure. Online Sale sites such as: Craigslist. Traditionally, because of their strong smell, ferrets often live outdoors but they can be kept as indoor pets too. Litter paper should be covered in shavings like recycled newspapers etc. Ferrets can be trained to drink from drinker bottles or you can use a heavy bowl. We provide free pet advice as every pet deserves to be well looked after. Males are usually larger than females and, if they haven’t been neutered, will have a strong, pungent smell. If the ferret is debilitated take it … They are still at risk of adrenal problems after neutering, so some vets advise hormonal implants every 18-24 months to prevent this. Take it slow, let them sniff each other first and gradually get acquainted. In the 1980s, at least 17 ferret farms were established in Northland. Check websites such as Craigslist and PetFinder and search your area for rescues and shelters. Make sure the ferret is eating and pooping. Claws may need to be trimmed regularly, this doesn’t have to be a chore as many ferrets like the taste of oil (wheat germ, soya, olive, linseed) and, when drizzled on their bellies, this can make claw trimming with small claw scissors very easy. Pet Finder. You should get your ferret checked out by a vet every year. Make sure to readily fulfill these needs. I would like to give a home to any unwanted ferrets I have plenty of cages and runs and other ferrets to keep them company. Don’t give them processed meats like ham, or cat and dog food. When you buy a ferret, you become responsible for its health & happiness. They are very wriggly, so should be handled with care in case they are dropped! Ferrets can get fleas and ticks in the same way as dogs and cats. They are also prone to ear mites. Vaccinations against distemper are also advised because this disease is usually fatal to ferrets. They should have daily exercise either in the house or in a large run. Home comforts for ferrets Traditionally, because of their strong smell, ferrets often live outdoors but they can be kept as indoor pets too. Thank you. What to do When Bringing Your NEW Ferrets HOME! Even though ferrets groom themselves, it is not enough to keep them looking and feeling their best. Ferrets can be susceptible to certain diseases, especially if they come from a bad breeder. Lots of housing options are available, but always buy the largest enclosure you can so they have plenty of room to exercise and play. We are also pulling ferrets from the euthanasia list of other shelters that are not equipped to provide long term care for ferrets with medical issues. Many ferrets are out there simply looking for the perfect forever home. We treated around 35,000 sick injured and homeless pets last year. For as little as £1 you can make a difference - do you have one minute? However, if you can find one, they’re the best place to purchase a ferret. When these closed down due to a downturn in the market, … Ferrets cannot see very well. What grooming is required? Remember – chocolate, grapes and raisins are poisonous to ferrets and they are also lactose intolerant so should not be fed dairy products such as cows milk. Pet ferrets can live for five to 15 years, but the average lifespan is between eight and 10 years. Adoptions: Shelters/Humane Society. They are often housed in inhumane conditions. Avoid harsh shavings like cedar and line because these can affect the ferret’s health and can cause issues like respiratory diseases. Ferrets will hide food, so it’s important to remove this when cleaning them out so it doesn’t go mouldy. We're so glad we've been able to help these pets who are unable to help themselves, but there are thousands of sick and lonely pets still in need, so we need to ask for a small favour. How long do ferrets live? Blue Cross is a registered charity in England and Wales (224392) and in Scotland (SC040154). There are no products manufactured especially for ferrets but your vet can advise on products which are both safe and effective. … Ferrets can become friends with other household pets, like dogs and cats, but they should always be supervised if playing together. Ferrets are very active and destructive animals so can be housed in a hutch (minimum size 1.5 x 0.5 x 0.5m for two ferrets) ... Castration has the advantage of not only stopping unwanted litters but reducing the smell from the glands in the skin. It has been reported that Marshall Farm also sells ferrets for research. All of our work is funded entirely through donations. The best way to stay up to date with whats going on at Blue Cross is to join our mailing list. Ferrets that are handled a lot from a young age can form strong bonds with their owners.