Ferrets and other critters?

[retrogradenova]

Hi Ferret people. i know nothing about ferrets really but my roommate is talking about getting a pair and i really cant say no cause i'll soon be doubling my rats to a total of 4. but i am a little worried about the mischeif that rats and ferrets can get into, and that makes me worry for the safety of my girls. can anyone give me some advice on how to best ferret proof my rats? lol if that makes any sense.

thanks

[Ferret01]

Naturally, ferrets in the wild kill and eat rodents, including rats 

If I were you, I'd explain that ferrets would put your rats in danger and suggest concidering another animal. However, if she really wants ferrets, if you keep them far apart behind closed doors, it could work out fine  Good luck!

[dragynflye]

i have four ferrets and eighteen rats.  all living happily in the same house.  the rats are in the den, cages up on desks and tables that the ferrets CANNOT climb on top of.  the ferret cage is in the livingroom.  of course, there is never ever ever any interaction allowed, but as long as you are cautious, it's not difficult to have both.  i would suggest keeping your rats' cage up some place, such as a desk or a dresser, with nothing around it to help ferrets climb up (ie stacks of books, piles of laundry, ect).  make sure your cage, and also the ferrets' cage are secure and escape-proof.  also, where are the rats kept?  where will the ferrets be kept?  unless they are in the same room, it's a simple matter to keep the doors shut while one or the other is free ranging.  i use babygates to keep my ferrets where i want them.  the ferrets have never once tried to get to the rats (but then i do have squishy teddybear ferrets) and the rats are not at all bothered by the presence of the ferrets.  just because you have one type of animal doesn't mean you can't have another!  all it takes is a little common sence..... 

[retrogradenova]

thank you. they will be kept in our bedrooms on seperate sides of the apartment. that a good idea about the baby gates.

[dragynflye]

good luck, take lots of pics, and enjoy!  (and don't be suprized if you decide you want one, too!) 

a realllllly good site to recommend to your roommate is www.ferretvillage.org.  it's full of awsome people and great information!