By L. Vanessa Gruden
Ferrets are curious, charming little animals that can be endlessly entertaining. They will “dance” and chuckle when excited, and love to play. Ferrets never fail to make you laugh.
Each ferret is an original. Some are hyperactive, some quieter. Some ferrets are obsessed by specific toys, others more blasé. Adopting an adult ferret may help you find a pet to suit your taste, because, like people, ferrets come with their personality already installed.
Anticipate a ferret will regularly get into mischief — steal things, dig up plants, knock over glasses and get into unexpected places. While ferrets do not require as much time as a dog, they want daily human interaction. Before getting a ferret, first consider both your current lifestyle and any anticipated changes — job change, moving, marriage, parenthood. While unexpected situations can arise, shelters are full of animals whose owners “no longer have time” for them.
Suitability
The best caretaker for a ferret is an adult with time, patience and the willingness to commit to a pet for its life.
Ferrets are unsuitable for young children due to their fragility and potential for biting when frightened or dropped. Ferrets should never be left alone with infants or someone with very limited mobility. While their size and interactive nature makes them appealing to older children and teens, parents must recognize the significant risk of their child losing interest, becoming more active socially or academically, or leaving home for college or military service. Parents must be prepared upfront to shoulder caretaking duties and not rely on a child’s promises.
For the full article, pick up the 2012 issue of Critters USA or click here to buy the issue.