New Guy

[ratling]

Hello everyone, I am new to the world of ferrets. I am getting one form a friend we are building him a cage in my woodworking class  His name is Rockie, I have been on this site before my girlfriend and I have 10 rats and she is getting a ferret as well. So hopefully I will be able to get alot of information from you guys when needed. I will keep you guys updated about rockie and hopefully mygrilfriends ferret when we get them.

[shakou]

Congratulations! Oh man are you in for a treat! Ferrets are the greatest pets out there! Do TONS of research! They aren't like any animal out there!

[*Kat*]

Thoughts - ferrets bond with other ferrets correct?  if one is yours and the other is your gf's who keeps them if something happens?  Also, how old is too old for them at accept a new friend, or does this not apply?

[ratling]

Well what happens if something happens is she keeps the one she buys i get the one i got and The same goes for the rats . But im not goign to think about that The girlfriend and I have been good so far and its almost beena  year, But it will be worked out.

[*Kat*]

I just know from other people's posts that sometimes animals become bonded pairs and then are seporated when something happens with the human relationship and it can be devistating to the animals.

[ratling]

Well hopefully me and my girlfriend wont have to break up.I love her alot and she loves me. I am almost 18 and I feel this could be my last relationship shes made me  more happy  then any other person so who know.

[nakedrats]

Please consider getting 2 pairs that can be separated if neccessary.  Ferrets bond for life and when a bondmate disappears some ferrets will stop eating, waste away and die out of grief.  Please make arrangements for separation even if it's not terribly likely.  Ferrets live for 5-7 years and I met one that was 10.  A lot of things can happen in that amount of time.  I'm 24 and there's a reason why I'm only fostering "my" ferret.  I can't guarantee where I'll be in 4 years, and I can't afford the vet bills.  FYI if you keep ferrets, you will almost certainly encounter Adrenal disease.  1 in 2 ferrets get it and it hits anytime after 2 years of age and is fiendishly expensive to fix.  $1000+ for surgery or $600 for drugs that aren't guaranteed to work.  If it's left untreated, the ferret dies.  Please please please read up and make sure you are ready for all aspects of ferret care.  They are awesome critters, but boy are they a drain on the finances.

[ratling]

I never even herd of that disease  That worries me alot. But what ever is needed will be needed. I am willing to do what ever it takes to have one.