How to Buy a Ferret
When you’re looking to buy a ferret, there is more than just running out to the store, grabbing the one you think is the cutest, and coming back home. There is a whole checklist of things you want to go over before you bring a ferret home.
First thing is always checking the legalities. Sometimes it is okay for stores to sell them, but not for you to own them. It works in a weird way sometimes, so double check before you go ferret hunting.
Once you’re sure you can have a ferret by law, run down your budget. It’ll run you a few hundred dollars per year on average to care for a ferret. It will be higher the first year because of some one time purchases such as the ferret cage. Some recommend you keep a grand or so lying around for medical emergencies as well.
It’s still not time to buy a ferret. Before you go out for the ferret itself, you should have your home ready for the adoption. This includes getting the ferret cage, toys, water and food dishes, ferret food, sleeping accessories, and a litter pan. Depending on where you’re getting the ferret you may also want a ferret carrier.
When choosing a ferret to buy, you have several options – pet stores, ferret breeders, animal shelters, and classifieds. To keep this article short, I won’t go into the pros and cons of each, but if you’re interested, the information is available through my free e-course or through Perfect Ferret: The Elite Owner’s Guide. Both of these are available in the sidebar.
When you’re out choosing your ferret, it is a capital sin, and a common one, to finalize on the first visit. I know you’re probably excited, but you’re going to have your pet ferret for years to come, or maybe only months if you aren’t careful in selection. This is a precaution that allows you to check out both the ferret, and the place you are getting your ferret. It gives you a better feel for how the ferret is treated, and a view into any future health problems or social lacking.
Now we’re moving on to how to actually choose your ferret. It is based largely on personal preference, but there are a few things you should watch out for to avoid buying a sick ferret. If possible, you want the ferret to have a soft, full, silky coat (back off if there are patches of fur missing), clear, bright eyes, and a playful attitude (any other may be a sign of mistreatment or disease).
If you’re not sure about the types of ferrets, check out the table on ferret colors.
Depending on what kind of ferret you’re getting and where you’re going to buy a ferret it can run from free to a few hundred dollars. The average ferret cost will be around 50 to 100 dollars.
I hope you enjoy a long happy life with your ferret.
