Goosemoose Pet Portal

Hi guys,

I'm just wondering, as I had this discussion with my bf the other day.

I am not allowed to get a ferret until the rats have all passed away.  I said "well we'll have to buy another cage anyway"... and then he informed me that he thinks a ferret would fit in our rat cage.  A martins R-695.

Firstly, I can't even see a full grown ferret fitting through the doorways (I dont' think he realizes how big they get) -- that would be a problem wouldn't it?  But even if we enlarged the doorways, would this cage be sufficient for one ferret?  I'm just not sure.  For those who don't know it is 30" x 18" x 36".  I don't know what the recommended is for ferrets.

Someone help?

Ferrets are social creatures, like rats. They shouldn't be kept singly. They CAN do well, but it is important for them to have ferret friends that speak their langauge and can play like only a ferret can. 

 In the case of one ferret, the R-695 could suffice but they'd need a lot of out time. Heck, ferrets DO need a lot of out time no matter how large their cages are.

 I have researched ferrets extensively but after ferret-sitting for a friend for a week I have decided against adopting any at this point in time. To keep up with two deaf ferrets took more out of me in that one week than my rattery! LOL

-Melina

Thats disappointing to hear, as I had researched it and talked to some other ferret owners who had told me that ferrets could do fine by themselves.  Sigh.

I would like a ferret as they are much more adaptable.  If socialized from young they can be brought outside, and leash trained quite well.  They are adaptable and can have a cage set up out at the lake for them and travel back and forth.  (I've read some ferret magazines, and some people even take their ferrets camping! Not something I would try, but wow.)  When out of the cage, they are generally very social.  And from everything I've read they seem to be much easier to train than rats. (No matter how much I tried I couldn't even litter train my ratties.)

I know that it would be a LOT of work to own a ferret but the payoff (for me) I think would be worth it.

Needless to say, I am simply doing further research.  The last of my rats won't pass away for a long time I hope, and I would want to have my own house first which could be years after that even.  You know how the inklings just don't go away though. ;)

I suggest reading through the Ferrets for Dummies book written by Kim Schilling, if you haven't already. That book is filled with good information and is a fun read as well! I picked it up at the library but have definitely considered buying it to keep it on hand. I won't have ferrets but I'll have the book! Smart, huh? ;) 

 Ferrets are great for some people. For me, I prefer fun and intellect in a compact animal and the rat fits it perfectly enough for me. Ferrets are too hyper and stubborn for my liking, and bigger too. Good luck on your research! There's a ton of good vs bad info out there to weed through. I highly suggest pet sitting or FOSTERING a few for awhile before committing yourself to them, though. That was a huge eye opener for me!

-Melina

Thanks Melina, I will definitely look into fostering when that time comes around.  I am lucky to have a very good and supportive ferret association/rescue in my province.

i just wanted to say that the R-695 is an ok adaptable cage for ferrets. ferrets can fit into any hole that they can fit their heads into, so i wouldn't even worry about the doors. if for your convenience you want to enlarge the doors, that's fine, but they really won't need it.  mine always come to the door to come out, so i don't even worry about that.  just be careful with their paws on the mesh... it's a good idea to put carpet on the levels.  i travel with my kids a lot and that's the cage that i have at my parents house so i don't have to bring one with me.  it's a little small, but for just one ferret with a lot of out time, it'd be ok.   if you get a ferret from a rescue, it is possible to get a ferret that is a single.  some ferrets just don't get along with others.  most good shelters will adopt out ferrets in bonded pairs, but some ferrets are listed as a single.  the shelter would have more information.  also, two of my ferrets are fosters.  i wouldn't actually recommend starting with a foster.  i am fostering these two because they are older and have health problems. they are on medication for the rest of their lives that i have to give them.  it is unlikely that you would be able to foster a kit, as they are usually adopted quickly.   if you aren't used to ferrets, it may be better to start with a regular adoptee (just make sure you research it first).  if you know anyone that has ferrets go and play with them.  get used to the energy level and be honest about the amount of time that the ferrets will get outside of their cage.  it's not as much work as it sounds like, and all the work is really worth it.  ferrets are great pets, and ver y interactive with you.  they are really adaptable bcause they are insatiably curious (worse than cats).  i hope that helps!