These additional costs vary according to where you live and what products you buy. You see a ferret doesn’t need much but they can be high maintenance pets, especially when it comes to healthcare, food and accommodations.

Below I have taken the time to list some ferret prices and products.

Ferret prices

• Bought from a pet store-$100-$180
• Bought from a breeder-$175-$400
• Bought from a shelter-$50-$100

Ferret Cage Prices

        There are many types of ferret cages that you can choose from to give your ferret a comfortable home likewise, ferret cage prices vary according to your taste and choices. A multilevel/ multifloor ferret home, such as, Super-pet Multi-floor Ferret Home, Ferret Nation, Ferret Feisty Cage (prevue hendryx), Super Pet Deluxe Multi-floor Care Home, Super Pet Multi Fun-nel Home, Super Pet My First Home Multi-level Cage, Marshall Ferret Mansion, Ferplast Furet Tower Cage, Super Pet 4 Story Fun-nel Home, Martin’s Ferret Cages, and the Super Pet X-large Deluxe Multi-floor My First Home, could cost you $90-$300

Other Accessories

• Feeding Bowl: $3-$7
• Water Bottle: $3-$8
• Litter Pan: $3-$10
• Hammocks and bedding: $5-$20
• Litter Scoop: $1-$2
• Litter: $4-$7

Ferret Toy Prices

• Tunnels: $10-$20
• Jingles:$1-$3
• Play Mat:$15-$40

Ferret Food and Supplements Prices

• Oil Supplements:$3-$10
• High Calories Supplements:$3-$7
• Hairball Remedy:$2-$6
• Ferret Diet:$7-$20/ 5pounds bag 

Medical Cost

• Annual Vaccines $30-$70
• Emergency Surgery:$500-$1000
• Monthly Medications: $20-$40

Probably the most common ferret disease is the insulinoma which is a type of tumor present on the pancreas.  This disease affects the ferret by the tumor producing an overabundance of insulin causing hyperglycemia. Like most tumor surgery is the only recourse the remedying the problem. If it is left untreated then the tumor can become malignant and kill your pet.

Some other common ferret diseases are described below:

Intestinal Disorders and Blockage

Intestinal diseases are the result of your ferret ingesting a foreign object such as a rubber band, fabric (maybe their bedding), hairball. Symptoms of the disease may include diarrhea, constipation, bloating drooling, heaving or vomiting.

 Epizootic Catarrhal Enteritis (Green Slime Disease)

This disease  damage to the intestinal lining or mucosa of the ferret causing inflammation and infection. Symptoms of this disease are diarrhea, excess mucosa, dehydration and in severe cases intestinal ulceration and bleeding.

Adrenal Disease

Another common type of ferret disease is the adrenal disease.  This is result of the adrenal glands producing an abnormal amount of adrenal hormones which enter the bloodstream. Symptoms of the disease include hair loss, and swollen vulva in the females. In males they may experience difficulty during urination.

Lymphoma or lymphosarcoma

This is a cancer of the lymphatic system.  The two types are, "classic" and juvenile.  Classic lymphoma occurs in older ferrets and causes enlarged lymph nodes and irregularities in the blood cell count, but often the ferret doesn't show any outward signs until the disease has progressed pretty far, at which point the ferret suddenly gets very sick.  Conclusive diagnosis is by aspiration or biopsy of a lymph node, and treatment is chemotherapy.  Juvenile lymphoma is completely different. It affects ferrets under 14 months, doesn't generally caused enlarged lymph nodes, and hits very hard and fast.

If you see that your ferret is having these signs, consult with your veterinarian immediately

However, as a new ferret parent there are things you may not be aware of before you embark on this most satisfying hobby, therefore, I have decided to 5 tips I think all new ferret owners should know.

Tip For New Ferret Owners#1  

The cost of owning a ferret

The price of a properly bred ferret can be expensive but the cost of owning a ferret is much more than the one time dollar payment at the pet store to buy your fuzzy pet. There is much more to it than that. You see, maintaining a ferret properly incur a financial responsibility that can be a costly activity to ensure the total health of your pet. To properly care for a ferret is to ensure that they are properly fed, have adequate and comfortable housing, and receive timely medical care and your time to love them. Remember to set a medical fund for emergencies of about $500-$1000 for your pet.

Tip For New Ferret Owners#2  

Choosing a Litter Pan, Toys And Feeding Utensils

Feeding utensils such as water dishes and feeding bowls should be cleaned properly and on a regular basis. The disease causing bacteria that can grow on food and water bowls are not always visible to the naked eye. Therefore regular cleaning at least once per week ensures that your ferret remains in optimal health. Ferret toys must also be cleaned on a regular basis prevent your pet from becoming sick from disease causing bacteria.  If you neglect this advice then be prepared to spend much of your precious time dealing with your ferret’s medical conditions like a sick child. The choice of a litter pan if crucial because chosing the wrong litter pan can also result in your ferret becoming sick. One type of litter you must stay away from is clay or clumpable litter since by its nature can cuase suffication if sniffed by your ferret. most ferret owners prfere  stove pellets as the choice of litter for their pets. Litter pan must be scooped at least once per day and scrubbed with soap and water once per week.   

Tip For New Ferret Owners#3  

Feeding a Baby Ferret

A baby ferret known as a kit(6-11wks old) needs special feeding since they are not accustomed to eating solid food at this stage of life. Their food must be moistened in a ratio of 1:3. That is, one part dry food to three parts warm water. If you are not getting the consistency required then make the necessary adjustment. A ferret’s digestive tract cannot processed foods such as vegetables, grains, or fruits and might only leads to stomach blockage if you continue to make it a consistent part of the ferret diet. Rememeber ferrets are obligate carnivores and need a regular supply of meeat in their diet.

Tip For New Ferret Owners#4  

Veterinary expenses  

As a ferret owner be prepared incur veterinary expenses. It is not that ferrets are prone to many diseases  especially if they are properly vaccinated but they can become infected with diseases such as canine distemper virus and rabies if left unvaccinated. In addition older ferrets are susceptible to several types of cancers.

  Tip For New Ferret Owners#5

Do You Need a License?  

Some states require ferrets owners to obtain a license to keep a ferret as a pet. So remember to check with your local authority before you go out and buy yourself a ferret. In some states ferrets are not veiwd as a domestic pet but as a wild animal by the local authority as a result the animal can be killed if seized. Therefore it’s most important that you check to see on what side of the law you stand.

 I do hope these five tips were of help to you and as you embarked on your recreation may you find your new companion satisfying and fun.

Ferret hunting especially the hunting of rabbits with ferrets has been known since historical times. In fact the ancient Greeks were credited for first recognizing the crafty and shrewd hunting skill of ferrets. Ferret hunting was such a prized activity in mediaeval times that laws were enacted to restrict the ownership of the animals to the hobby of the rich.

So how does ferret hunting works? Once a burrow is identified the ferret is introduced to the rabbit burrow, typically at least two are used. It is important that the entrances to the burrow are covered to prevent the prey/game from escaping. This can be done putting a pole bag at the burrows entrance. Inside the burrow the ferret’s natural hunting instincts go to work as he scampers through the burrow effectively chasing the rabbit from its home. The rabbit will bolt to one of its entrances if covered will get caught in the pole bag. This method is probably the one most used by farmers who are trying to rid their farms of the unwanted nuisance that rats, mice and rabbit caused in their fields.

Indeed ferrets are such good hunters that one can almost say that hunting with ferrets are one good way to ensure you get your game!! However, ferret hunting is not legal in some states of the U.S.A. In countries like Australia and Britain ferret hunting    is a vibrant practice.

Let it be said that ferret hunting is not exact science but a skill that when twined with the passion for gaming and outdoor recreation can be rewarding to both the hunter and his/her ferret hunting partner.

Finally, make sure your reward the ferret with a treat after the days hunt and don’t forget to give him his share of the game’s liver, kidneys and heart.

Happy ferret hunting!!!

The domesticated ferret is said to descended from the European polecat, the difference been that the polecat is slightly smaller than the domesticated ferret. They are polygamous and produce one or two offspring consisting of six to seven litters per young over a gestation period of forty-two months.  The albino ferret is probably the most popular type of domesticated ferret.

The wild ferret is somewhat bigger than their domesticated counterpart. The black-foot ferret is probably the most common type of wild ferret.  The black-foot ferret is an endangered species and is protected by the wildlife authorities. Their population is usually affected by the prairie dog population and also human destruction.

Other interesting facts about the black-foot ferret are:

• Camouflage

Their physical colors blend well with their natural environment. They usually stick closely to the ground so that they will be free from predators who roam as freely as they do.

• Not allowed as domesticated Pets

They are not allowed for domestication or breeding. And in addition to that, you cannot duplicate them. These animals naturally run wild, few as their numbers are now. Only conservation efforts would be a viable excuse to have these ferrets in your home. You will have to secure a permit or may be forced to have them sheltered in a conservation area made just for them.

• Masculine males 

The males are much heavier than the females sometimes as much as 2 pounds heavier than the females.

The domesticated ferret t comes in different coat colors and patterns but this has not changed much due to selective breeding. You might see some domesticated ferrets that are albino in color with yellowish white fur, pink eyes, nose and claws.  Among the variation of coat colors are the following selection:

• Champagne

This is a lighter version of a chocolate colored ferret. Sometimes they have a mask with either black or burgundy eyes. This color has tan guard hairs with a white to cream colored undercoat and a beige, pink or a pink with beige or light brown ‘T’ shaped outline on the nose

• Sable

This is probably the most common ferret color. The sable ferret has mostly raccoon like colorings with a mask on the face, dark paws and tail.

• Cinnamon

The undercoat is either white or of-white. The guard hairs are reddish brown (the color of cinnamon). The pad leather and nose are either light pink or a darker shade of pink/brick and the eyes are brown.

For the ferret rescue center part they will require you to fill out an application and they will then do an investigation to see if your family and living environment is appropriate for a pet ferret.  You will need to demonstrate that you are knowledgeable about the basic of being a ferret parent and that you are up to the job of caring for the needs of the pet. Only then will you be allowed to take your fuzzy friend home. You may also be required to make a donation of $50-$100 towards the work of the rescue center.

 You need to know the following things before you adopt a ferret:

• Be Certain That a Ferret Pet is What You Want.  

Ferrets are obligate carnivores; they need meat. They have a musky scent that can be a little too much for some people. They are very mischievous and superb escape artists so you’ll need to be keen with them especially when out of their cage.

• What’s The Legal Status?

Ferrets are not legal in many states of the U.S. so you will need to determine if you will need a permit to keep your ferret.

•  Antisocial Ferrets-No No NO!!!

Ferrets are lovable adorable creatures but an untrained abused ferret may display some undesirable behavior such as hissing when you tried to pick it up. That a definite NO NO!! If it’s too old to be retrain then passed it over. There are other pets.

• Ferrets Medical History

Before you adopt a ferret be sure to inquire about its medical history to ensure that you are taking home a healthy pet. Ferrets after all can spread diseases such as rabies. To be on the safe side, take the pet too your veterinarian for a series of vaccinations.

If you have decided that a ferret is right for you, then you will want to acquire additional necessities such as caging and housing, toys, harness, litter box and feeding bowls to give your fuzzy friend the safest most comfortable environment ever.

The links below provides you with additional resources:

How to Adopt a Ferret

One bed choice is sleep sacks, also known as nap sack, provide extra warmth when necessary. Sleep sack lies on the ground of the cage. It has one opening for the ferret to crawl into; some sleep sacks have openings at both ends. Once the ferret is in the sleep sack it is surrounded by warmed. Some sleep sack have a crinkling effect to them, keep in mind this type of sack is suitable for play.

The second bed choice is a hammock. A hammock is suspended in mid air and provides a pocketed space, which allows walled security with a partially open space. Being a ferret is sensitive to heat the hammock provides an open space that can be utilized for cooling comfort. Store bought fleece hammocks come in a variety of shapes and sizes some are lined, others are not. Some hammocks are larger so that they sleep multiple ferrets at the same time, because they love snuggling together while sleeping. Some hammocks are flat looking others are boot shaped; other hammocks have a zip front to provide adjustability of the size of the opening. Hammocks provide more area for a ferret to utilize. Hammocks can also be used as a safety feature; hammocks can be stepped for the ferret to gain access to a higher level of the cage, and prevent long falls.

It is important to make sure that any hammock or sleep sack purchased is machine washable to prevent the spread of disease. A tightly woven fabric is more durable and safe. If a hammock or sleep sock begins to fray or seams separate, you should remove it from the cage. Once a sleep sack or hammock is damaged it becomes a hazard to the ferret. When purchasing a hammock make sure the hardware provided is safe for your ferret. If the hammock come without hardware, make sure any hardware used will not harm your ferret.

It is a great idea to purchase a hammock for you ferret, because hammocks provide a safer environment, it put less pressure on the ferret’s body, it places them in their natural sleeping position, and it gives them a separate area to utilize for play.

Ferrets typically have a litter made up of about seven or eight babies, also known as kits.  The kits are born blind and are practically hairless with a pink complexion.  They spend the first part of their lives eating, sleeping, and growing.  It only takes about twenty days for the kits’ color to darken and soon after their eyes begin to open. Finally reaching six weeks of age they are able to leave their mothers. By seven weeks of age your baby ferret should get their first series of vaccinations, and consider having them de-scented and fixed.

A kit must be weaned off their old diet. So when you obtain your new baby ferret, you should ask the breeder which brand of food they have been eating before you consider switching. If you decide to use the same brand food you should soak the food in warm water for five or ten minutes before offering it to the baby ferret. If you are switching the ferret food, you must purchase the old brand and gradually introduce the new food to their diet. At one point in time ferrets used to eat cat food but now there is high-quality ferret food available. Ferrets, especially during infancy, need a higher quality of protein in their diet, which cat food does not offer. Which every food you choose, you should make sure that it contains at least 35% protein and 20% fat.  Balanced fats like poultry fat is a better blend of essential fatty acids is better for baby ferrets. Baby ferrets should have water at all times and it should be changed once a day.

Your baby ferret should be housed in a large clean ferret specific cage so that they are comfortable, safe and have plenty of room to move about. A ferret cage provides ample room for safe play, being they are very active. Avoid metal bottom cages they corrode easily, and if you purchase plastic coated wire make sure your baby ferret is not chewing on it. Baby ferrets need places to hide. They like soft padding to burrow and sleep in. Bedding should be checked to make sure they are not eating it, as this will cause a block in their intestinal track.

Baby ferrets require lots of attention and love; they are very active and need to be properly cared when they are babies in order for them to live a safe and long life.

A ferret has to eat at least twice a day in order to gain the calories needed to sustain a healthy life. Remember ferrets are small animals so their portions should be small too. If a ferret is fed a moist diet the food is only good for about forty five minutes, soon after the food should be removed. You might also want to consider a dry pellet diet.  A dry pellet diet is longer lasting and can be left in the cage all day. Dry pellets also help to clean the ferret’s teeth.  Ferrets on dry diets must have fresh water all the time.  Ferrets prefer to drink from a dish rather than a water bottle, but if water is given in a dish it should be changed a few times a day to ensure purity.

Giving your ferret treats in not a necessity, but can be useful with housebreaking your ferret. Cooked eggs and meats are the best choice of snack. Avoid fruits they are high in sugar, candy, dairy products such as ice cream and milk, nuts and nut products; these products will cause nutritional problems. Some health problems include malnutrition, obesity, tooth decay, diarrhea, intestinal blockage, insulinoma, and hypoglycemia. Treats may also cause your ferret to refuse its normal daily diet, so use treats sparingly. Ferrets do not digest vegetables or grains well, so those should be avoided at all cost. Onions are poisonous to ferrets.

Providing a ferret with the proper nutrition is essential for a healthy life. It will ensure your ferret is happy and comfortable; it also minimizes the risk for serious life-threatening illnesses.  Ferret owners have a reputation of showing an ample amount of love and affection towards these funny and frisky pets but, the best way to show love to your ferret is to reward them with a good diet.

Your ferret will also need toys, but be careful in what you purchase; some toys can place your ferret’s life at risk. Make sure toys are durable for the against the ferrets sharp teeth. Cat toys are wonderful for ferrets. Stay away from foam or plastic toys they are easily destroyed.  Do not leave toys in the cage if you are not supervising, if your ferret damages a toy and eats the piece it can result in an obstruction and it will need to be surgically removed.  Ferrets are part of the Mustelid family so they do have an odor to them, it is best that you schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to have your ferret neutered and de-scented. Often both procedures can be done at the same time. When your ferret is home make sure you follow the veterinarian’s aftercare instructions to ensure your ferrets health. Your ferret also needs vaccinations and regular exams. Most kits have only had their first series of shots, you should make sure you are aware of when they received their shots, and continue the series. After the first series of distemper shots are finished your ferret will only need the shot annually. Ferrets also need their booster vaccination.

The type of food you feed your ferret is important make sure it is either high quality cat food or a ferret food that is not made from frozen meat. You should find out what brand food the ferret has been eating before you bring it home. If you choose to switch brands you must wean the ferret off the old food. Mix a small amount of the new food in with the old food and gradually increase the portion of new food daily until the ferret becomes used to the new taste.  Snacks for ferrets are not necessary and can cause many future health problems. If you choose to feed your ferret a snack, healthy options are cook eggs and meat. Feeding your ferret sugary treats will only harm them.

Bringing your ferret home takes a lot of preparation but it will ensure the safety and health of your furry little friend.