Author Topic: rats and ferrets ?????  (Read 3824 times)

Offline earhtmother

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rats and ferrets ?????
« on: May 16, 2009, 10:37:59 AM »
I have a small(15) colony of rats and the SO just walked through the door with a lovely pair of fuzzies...aaaarrrggghhh......So now questions.  As ferrets are used to hunt vermin and they will all be caged in the same room will the scent from either "bother" / distress the other?  Does anyone have ferrets and rats that live in relative harmony?  The SO is a firm believer in "animals belong in cages" and we have a dog that so far seems to think any other animal is food, they will only be allowed to run in the "animal room" under supervision am I going to have a problem with the ferrets trying to constantly go after the rats?  I have lots of other questions ( it has been at least 10 years since I last had fuzzies so need to do ALOT of updating I am sure) but as I am still sort of in shock i am going to leave them for later.

elaine

Offline ferretluver11697

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Re: rats and ferrets ?????
« Reply #1 on: May 16, 2009, 08:04:55 PM »
It really depends on the ferrets and rats if they will bug each other or not. The ferrets could stress the rats out or it could be the other way around. Or both!! When the ferrets run around, if it's anywhere near where the rats are be super careful! The ferrets could bite a nose or tail or anything that sticks out of the cage. Plus they are super intelligent and can figure out how to open cages! Your ferrets may go after the rats all the time and they may not. Just be super, duper careful! Here's some care info, too:

Cage: Ferret Nations are AMAZING!! I love them! A FN 141 will fit 3-4 ferrets. Cost: $140 (check local craigslist for a cheaper one)
Minimum cage size for 1 ferret should be 3 feet by 2 feet by 2 feet. With that though he'll need a bit more extra attention.
Food: Innova Evo, 8 in 1 Ultimate, and Totally Ferret are great ferret kibbles. Cost: $10-25 (also check out raw diets and commercial raw diets)
You can also feed some cat foods like Orijen, Cat Evo, and CA Natural. With food it's best to have at least 3 different kinds to give your ferret variety. Also keeps him healthy!
Litter: Sheets of newspaper, Yesterday's News, and wood pellets (not shavings) work well. Cost: $8-15
Litter box: Don't use the corner litter boxes! Marshall's lock litter box works well. Cost: $8
You can also use cat litter boxes, but make sure he can actually get in.
Bedding: Ferrets love hammocks and should have at least two in the cage! Cost (for 2): $15-20
You can get them custom made from people for cheaper prices.
Treats: Ferret tone is great to have around! Cost: $5
N-Bones are also great! Check the raw food link for these!
Toys: Toys are a must have! Ferrets need a lot of enrichment, so make sure to have a lot of toys around! Cost:$10-20
Just make sure the toys aren't rubber, foam, or latex.
Books: Ferrets for Dummies and Ferrets by Vickie Mckimmey are must haves!
Another thing to think about are vet bills and costs. At least once in a ferrets life (unless you get a ferret from a breeder this may not apply) you'll have to spend $800+ on vet bills all at one time. They also need yearly vet visits. Here's about how much you'll pay a month for one ferret:
Food: $14-$30
Litter: $0-$10
Savings: $15
Misc. (toys, damage, etc.): $5-$100
So in all you'll pay anywhere from $38-$155 a month. Sometimes less, sometimes more. Vet costs are yearly and cost from $80-$150 for regular check ups!

Here are some good websites:
http://forum.ferret.com/
http://holisticferret.proboards.com/index.cgi
http://www.hugawoozel.com/ferretcare.html

Hope that helps! Feel free to PM me with any questions!

Offline Cigar

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Re: rats and ferrets ?????
« Reply #2 on: August 19, 2009, 04:41:59 PM »
In this video [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iowElZ1uBak] Jo has pieces of coroplast clipped to the bottom of her FN's to keep what must be a different colony seperate. You'd need the 10mm for ferrets. Supervision and training is key to pull it off. If your cages have wheels, put the dog outside while you roll them into your bedroom or bathroom. Then you've got an entire room to play in!

Offline Whaturmuva

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Re: rats and ferrets ?????
« Reply #3 on: April 14, 2010, 10:32:33 AM »
I would keep them separate. Our rats attacked the ferrets out of natural fear and made those little ferrets squeak real loud. The rats had never bitten before so we knew the two wouldn't get along.