Ferrets *updated - FAO Catz*

i have always wanted ferrets,not any time soon to be honest cuz i dont have the time or extra cash but they are definatly in the top 3 of my list of pets i want (its a fairly long list ) havent found a whole lot of usefull info on my searchs on the net,so just wondering if anyone here has ferrets?is there any reputable breeders in ireland?

I don't know of any reputable breeders, but there may be. I can put a few feelers out for you. You might be better getting from the UK though. They are a lovely animal, but so much work and space needed - not that that is always a problem of course, but it's something to consider

I'd love Virginia Opossums myself <3
xx

There are no real good breeders in Ireland but if you join the Irish Ferret Forum there are a few rescues on there. The kit season is over so you may be able to get a few older ferrets from sellers on Done Deal, its not the best option but one many ferret people do.
I have a single ferret atm called Toki, we are looking for a friend for her but she hasn't bonded with any of the ferrets we've met. If you need any questions answered I can give you my own experience .
They are amazing pets but do cost alot of money when it comes to vaccinations, spaying and health issues and need lots of space and time like has already been mentioned. Toki is an independant ferret who likes to play but isn't cuddly, its fun watching her turn everthing into a game.

This is my girl but shes much bigger now

I'm no help but I'd love one one day as well (also a long time away)

Thanks for the info guys to be honest,the more i learn about them the more i think id love them but also realise that it wouldnt be the best idea right now,money and time wise but am still very intersted in learning as much as possible about them so when it is the right time,il be some bit knowledgable...tried to do the same before got ratties too...Ooh what are they like laura?
Thanks Catz,that does help how gorgeous is your little girl!!do young kits need a lot of socialising?is it hard to find vets familiar with them generally?and are they happy in a cage during the day? so many questions!

It is advised that you socialise kits with your family and anyone who will be in contact with them. Some ferrets take to only one person and will nip if handled by strangers. Toki is fine with me and Dave but has nipped visitors who tried to pet her. She is tempremental in general though as she wasn't handled much before we got her.
I found a vet in kilkenny pretty quickly. We got her spayed about 2 weeks ago and our vet said its very similar to rabbits. They did say that getting male ferrets neutered is much easier but thats the same with most animals.
Toki is not happy in a cage. We have one for her when we wont be in the house but she gets very stressed if shes in there for a few hours. She chews on the bars and flips her dishes over. We converted a spare bedroom into a ferret safe playpen. Its full of tubes ect. just so we can put her up there if she cant be supervised. She prefers to follow me about the house and run about my feet. I do know many ferrets who are happy to sleep in a cage while their owners work
All ferrets are different and its hard to say what your ferret will love or hate, they are like dogs or cats in many way.

Thanks for all the information,you can read up as much as you want but nothing beats experience im gone too long during the day with work at the mo

I love ferrets but unfortunately I appear to be allergic to them. They make me itch like mad.

ah thats a pity!Thats a similar story to how i ended up with my gorgeous girls Tuffy and Nibblet,the girl who i gave my two babies to gave them back to me after a year when her boyf ended up allergic after moving in...obv i won in that

My advice would be to get 2 or 3 kits from the same litter if you will be gone a lot. The keep each other busy most of the day and will already be bonded.
A very big cage and at least 3 hours of free range will keep them content usually.

Thanks for all the advice Catz,very much appreciated

No problem! When it comes to feeding you will have to order off zooplus for a decent food. "Totally Ferret" from their site plus raw meat is the best diet you can get around here really.
Its quite hard finding decent ferret products in the pet shops near me but you might have more luck

Catz - are you still looking for a female ferret? As I have a desperate need rescue ferret here atm. Just picked her up - she was wandering around in Cork and someone took her in and called our local rescue who asked us to foster. She's a sweet thing, but so underweight. Obviously, we're hanging onto her for a while to quarantine/medicate/assess her - but then she'll be looking for a forever home

xx

Hey laura I'm very sorry but I wont be able to take her on atm. Our small furries were moved to Davids dads house as we recently found out that Rio has mange. I wouldn't be able to introduce her into the house until we are sure we've delt with it. There are a few fosterers and rescuers on the Irish Ferret Forum that may be able to help you though. They often know of people looking to rescue a ferret and they could help with home checks. I could post on there and ask if you like?

I've posted on there already for more info anyway so will post myself if needed. She can stay here foster wise, and I'm savvy enough (I hope!) to home her safely anyway - wouldn't want her farmed out to anyone else anyway really, she'll stay here until she has a permanent home

Thanks though! Let me know if you do hear of anyone who might be suitable/interested

xx

I will indeed! Hope we get to see pictures of the poor girl. Well done to you for taking her on.. at least shes safe and well cared for now.

Really hope she finds a permanent home worthy of her,her luck has certainly changed for the better anyway!