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Ferrets are very playful[1] and mischievous animals, especially when it comes to hiding items around the house. The males grow to twice the size of females and they each live about 8 years and come in a variety of colors[2] .
Typical costs: | - White Albino ferrets[3] have a creamy coat, red eyes and a pink nose and cost around $50-$130. Black Sables have dark eyes and nose and run about $75-$250. Other colors and mixes include chocolates, sables, silver tips and blacks that run about $130. A "mitt" is a ferret with another color on his paws that travels up his legs like a sock.
Related articles: Chinchilla, Guinea Pig, Hamster
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What should be included: | - A current health certificate.
Additional costs: | - Ferrets need several hours daily of free play time and can get into trouble. Ferretproof your home[4] with tips from Ferret Central.org. When they need to be contained, a cage should be at least 2x3x2-feet, which costs $80-$155.
- A travel cage or carrier for trips away from home runs $15-$50.
- A ferret diet is naturally high in meat-based protein and fat. They have a high metabolism and should have constant access to both food and fresh water. Ferret feed is about $2.25 per pound, or about $4,50 a month.
- Tip: Keeping a ferret as a pet is illegal in California and Hawaii, in some cities including New York, Dallas, and Salt Lake City and on most military bases. Other states and cities have ferret restrictions[5] which include keeping a current permit or license. Some cities require a $5-$10 annual permit for neutered ferrets and around $25 for unaltered pets.
- Common veterinary costs include neutering and descenting. Females who have not been spayed or descented and are not used for breeding are subject to health issues. Neutering runs $46-$80, or $100-$240 for neutering and descenting. Spaying costs $74-$100 and $125-$270 for spaying and descenting. Ferrets sold at pet stores that have already been spayed, neutered and descented will have two dots tattooed on one ear. Ferrets receive canine distemper and rabies vaccinations[6] at around $20 each. FerretGuardian.org has compiled a Ferret Lifetime health chart with average costs for veterinary care[7] .
Shopping for a ferret: | - Ferrets Unlimited charges $75 for a single ferret adoption[8] , $125 for a bonded pair or $150 for a bonded triple.
- Petco sells ferrets in allowable locations. Check the store locator[9] , then call ahead for price and availability.
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
| Posted by: Fiona Shepherd in LEICESTER, Other. | Posted: October 13th, 2020 04:10AM |
| Type: Albino | Store: Private breeders/foundlings |
Wow, I can't believe the prices you guys are paying for ferrets. In the UK we can get them for as little as £5, but generally between £10 and £50. I paid £10 for one of mine, £20 for another and the other 2 are foundlings. Your vets fees seem more reasonable than ours though. We only need distemper vaccines here as the UK is rabies free. The belief here is that if you wait till they have been away from their mother for at least a month or are over 14 weeks then distemper boosters are NOT necessary (the colostrum in her milk can interfere with the effectiveness of the vaccine). I think I paid about £90 for checkup and distemper shots for 2. I chose not to spay as it is thought to make adrenal disease more likely but 2 had emergency spaying due to pyometra (£320 each icl hormone implant) and one had a gut blockage which almost killed her (£600, out of hours). The jill jab for the intact females is £140 for up to ten girls (bottle has to be discarded once open). Worth every penny. |
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| Posted by: Our 6 furbabies mama. in Bolingbrook, IL. | Posted: November 11th, 2019 01:11PM |
| Type: 6 total, albinos, sables, champagnes | Store: Rescues |
6 furbabies need alot of love, and we have happily given it for 5 years, our babies have given us lots of laughter, love, kisses and yes "Love Bites" also, and of course stinky pads, we don't use litter, we trained our babies on puppy pads, easy to put in corners on potty trays and very easy to pick up and toss,
Our babies 😍 are energetic, happy and healthy, and worth every thing in this world to us.
If choosing to be a ferret parent, make sure you can give them unconditional love and patience, they will give it back to you 100 percent!!
The kisses are worth the stinky pads!!! |
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| Posted by: Ferret lover in Moses lake, WA. | Posted: April 17th, 2019 01:04AM |
| Type: Albino and stuble | Store: Petco |
Ive had my babies for about 3 months now, i love them to death, they are very social and need attention when they want it. Cost isnt important to me. It cost roughly about $150-$200 for food, supplies, and vitamins. For vet bill it can range any where from $70 and above depending on what you need to have done. Toys and beds range anywhere from $1 and above. Some are picky eaters and some are picky about toys and litter, i know mine have to have specific things. Good cages cost anywhere from $100 and above, you should get them a decent cage to be able to sleep and be safe when not supervised. Ferrets should have atleast 4 to 8 hours of play time outside of cage. Ferrets are easy to take care of if you have done proper research on them and have the time energy and resources for them to live a happy long life. |
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| Posted by: Raven in illnois, CA. | Posted: April 8th, 2019 06:04PM |
| Type: ferret | Store: breeder |
Hello, Yes i have a 10 months old Ferret. I recently got a new job and would be too busy for them, so I've been looking for her a home. Hit me if you're still interested, for more info and pics.Email.... [email protected] |
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| Posted by: Matthew Herrington in Saint Johns, AZ. | Posted: January 3rd, 2019 09:01PM |
| Type: Albino | Store: None |
So an albino ferret one early morning appeared in my house, and is super friendly with everyone. I've sort of adopted him into our family and he seems to be able to go in and out of the house by slipping underneath our doors. We dont even know where he came from |
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| Posted by: Mya in Saint paul, MN. | Posted: December 31st, 2018 09:12AM |
| Type: Ferrets | Store: Roseville mn petco |
I love these little love able animals if I could I would own a 100 of them they are so sweet and love able.... |
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| Posted by: [email protected] in Studio city, CA. | Posted: December 19th, 2016 05:12PM |
| Type: Bladder stones | Store: Petco Las Vegas |
Our baby Stinky ended up having bladder stones. Unfortunately, as I write this post, he's fighting for his life to stay alive after the surgery. These animals are very special and it's extremely important to keep up to date about their diets and overall health. As everyone mentioned have a good 1k-2.5k of rainy day money just in case. I know it sounds crazy but, our dog, bearded dragon, fuzzy (stinky), parrot and turtle have their own fund of 8k just in case. Unfortunately, we can't ever tell what may happen but, we as four legged parents want to be able to do everything to save and prolong our furry/scaly, feathery, and hard shell pals lives. |
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| Posted by: Ambam in Pleasant Hill, MO. | Posted: October 2nd, 2015 08:10PM |
| Type: DEW, BS,Mitt,Chocolate | Store: |
I have not needed to spend a redicules amount on mine because, I make sure that I keep up with all the vet checks and make sure they are perfect. I am a dedicated ferret owner and will tell you to always have emergency money for something unexpected. |
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| Posted by: Fuzzylover in California in various in the US, CA. | Posted: April 2nd, 2015 06:04PM |
| Type: sable, albinos, male and female | Store: all adopted from owners relinquishing |
I've had ferrets for 30 years here where they are not sold-they are bought out of state. My vet calls me when the owner wants to give it up.A few just needed a $50-100 checkup each year, but usually at about 4-5yo they have needed either adrenal surgery or treatment for insulinoma (pancreatic cancer)- $700-1200- at least one time. A few really healthy animals just needed yearly lupron or deslorelin (approx $300 per shot) which helps prevent adrenal disease and were otherwise healthy for their first 5 yrs. Distemper shots, plus regular health checkups once a year are another expense. Vets all over the US know a lot about ferrets and do a lot of palliative treatment. They are sweet animals (I've taken in over 35 over the years)and luckily have the funds to give them good care. Sometimes one will be healthy (with vet visits) for years, but you have to be prepared for some expense at4/5yrs old. I've loved them all and can afford to take care of them.Sweet creatures-and very playful. |
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| Posted by: Ferretlover in Linden hurst, NY. | Posted: July 20th, 2014 06:07PM |
| Type: Sable | Store: It was given to me |
I have two ferrets but one of them was given to me by a neighbor. Sadly, I didn't ask him if there was anything wrong with him. Over the months he started to get seizures so I decided to take him to the vet as an emergency. I had to put him down because there was no guarantee that he would survive this procedure that cost $1,500-$2,00. He had a tumor but everything else was perfectly fine. RIP James. He is missed dearly. |
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| Posted by: Mr.&Mrs.Johnson in Killeen, TX. | Posted: September 30th, 2013 07:09PM |
| Type: SnowFerret&Albino | Store: |
My husband and I are proud owners of 2 very lovable ferret's. A boy, Izzy, whom is a Snow ferret (or black-eyed white) and a girl, Rimi, whom is an albino.
Our boy is 5 and is way more interactive, friendly and playful than our girl, age 2. Rimi was a rescue, stranded by her former owners. Izzy, on the other hand, we purchased at our local petsmart for retail price (Roughly $125).
We have a dog whom interacts and plays with the ferrets and even acts as if she is scared of them!
Lastly, we also have 2 female rats that i have to keep separate from the ferrets. The boy ferret, Izzy, does not mind the rats and plays with them a little. The girl, Rimi, however trusts her ferret instincts and attacks the second she gets the opportunity.
We keep them in our bedroom, letting them run loose 24/7. They are both litter-box trained and just overall awesome pets to have. |
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| Posted by: mommaferret in johnson city, TN. | Posted: April 29th, 2013 06:04PM |
| Type: Albino.. | Store: |
well my ferret was a rescue she was ababndoned in an apartment. I was helping my landlord when i came across 2 cages in one the male ferret had already passed. so i picked up this little white bundle out of a very horrid cage thinking i was too late for this one also then she moved just barley i rushed her to the emergency vet. she was hospitalized to about 3 weeks they said another hour or so she would have been dead if i hadnt found her. the vet there was a very nice man an didnt charge me because i have brought so much buisness to him i am a local animal rescue agent... lol . i had to pay for special vitamims and food that is a little more costly but its ok she is my pride shes happy healthy and as loveable as ever. |
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| Posted by: a user in Nashville, TN. | Posted: January 29th, 2013 08:01PM |
| Type: Sable | Store: Pet Co |
WOW! Thanks for these comments! I am so happy to hear that a ferret can actually live for YEARS after having adrenal surgery. I thought once they had this adrenal surgery, they were basically death bound within months. I did hear the person's comment that it is better to purchase ferrets from breeders/farms since they will be healthier than store bought ferrets which are from farms like Marshall Farms. Is this true? Why is this so? Do you feel that the ferrets are neutered too soon at Marshall Farms since they are neutered before they are sent to the stores - must be before 2 months old??? |
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| Posted by: Sarah S in Waterford, CT. | Posted: November 10th, 2012 11:11AM |
| Type: Sable | Store: Petco |
I bought two ferrets from the same petco(before I knew about a local ferret rescue which is now my first option for a new ferret). I purchased them about a year apart. My older girl just had to be put to sleep because of a very bad case of insulinoma. The cost of vet bills in our area are reasonable. To get shots done and have a wellness checkup it was $102.15 ($56.50 for the visit, distemper shot was $24.10, rabies shot was $21.55). Vet bills got expensive when we discovered the insulinoma issue. The initial emergency visit for that was a little over $250, for the visit, x rays, blood glucose tests, and prednisone. Unfortunately the treatment was not working for her and she had to be put to sleep which did not cost very much, around $110. I am looking into insurance for our little boy who is still doing very well (this is the reason I stumbled upon this site, so thankyou Kathy in MD for providing a cost for that). |
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| Posted by: Gooby in Acworth, GA. | Posted: July 12th, 2012 01:07PM |
| Type: Sable, Blaze, Silver | Store: Kindness Matters Ferret Rescue |
I rescued all 4 of my ferrets - one from a store that had no idea how to care for them and the other 3 from a wonderful ferret rescue. I paid nothing for 2 as one had adrenal disease (which is very common in ferrets) and the other had lymphoma. The one with adrenal has been treated and is healthy 2 happy years later. The one with lymphoma is seems healthier now than when I got her a year ago. Her tumors haven't grown and she's getting lots more play time. The third rescue ferret is healthy and I paid the small adoption fee of $40 for him. Local pet stores have them for $100 to $140. Will never pay retail prices for a ferret far too many out there in need of good homes... They can still live long happy lives even with some health problems if given proper care. |
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| Posted by: sharon youngton in phoenix, AZ. | Posted: December 1st, 2011 04:12PM |
| Type: black-footed ferret | Store: |
my poor baby girl has to be put down she has somewhat of a large tumor on her side by her neck she just has gotten worse and instead of waiting for her to die Im gonna put her down. I feel real sad I have had her and her mate for 4 years I hope baby doesnt get too sad and die from lonliness I said once my animals start dieing Im not replacing them.My ferrets are great they play with our dogs and I think they think they are dogs its so funny to see them running and playing and taking a bath,that is really funny.They are out of there cage most of the day and can always be found wrapped in a blanket in my bedroom so I just let them have free run of the house til I get ready to go to bed,probably about 8 hours of freedom,,I sure am gonna miss her. |
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| Posted by: eric perez in bronx, NJ. | Posted: June 6th, 2010 11:06AM |
| Type: brown black ferret | Store: pet land |
most ferret sold in pet shops are most likely to have have health problems it better to buy one in a ferret farm |
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| Posted by: Kathy Brown-Huamani in Germantown, MD. | Posted: February 9th, 2010 11:02AM |
| Type: Various | Store: Petco and local pet store |
You can get ferrets free when they are abandoned at pet stores or shelters. Ferrets require a cage which costs at least $100 for a reasonable size, special food, supplements, toys, etc. Ferrets need annual rabies and distemper shots which can run up to about $80/shot (many ferrets have reactions to shots and need pre-treatment, which adds to the cost). Ferrets require significant vet care as they age. You should have $500 to $1000 saved for each ferret as he/she will eventually need surgery by a vet experienced with small mammals. VPI provides ferret insurance at about $11/month. VPI does not cover surgery for adrenal tumors, which is very common in ferrets. Ferrets should be out of their cages for at least 2 hours a day. They should stay in a secure room or large cages when not supervised. If you do not want to invest much money in a pet, please do NOT get a ferret. Ferret intelligence is above that of cats and possibly dogs. Ferrets have the life expectancy of a large breed dog when well cared for. Ferrets are carnivores near the top of the food chain and are nothing like rabbits, hamsters, or guinea pigs. Keeping a ferret caged all the time is cruel. If this becomes necessary, please give your ferret up to the nearest no-kill shelter or find a ferret-friendly home for him/her. Ferrets that are neglected, over-caged, or mistreated often become biters. Killing (other than veterinary euthanasia), abusing, or severely neglecting a ferret is a crime and can result in extended incarceration and/or fines of several thousand dollars in many states. |
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| Posted by: WHOO. in J-Town, AR. | Posted: August 23rd, 2009 01:08PM |
| Type: Not sure. | Store: Petco. |
I had a ferret. They are very fun critters to own! They love to exercise and play. They like socks, and like to burrow. They really are cute. Sometimes they are pricey, though, and get sick easily. Little do people know, ferrets can catch some illnesses from humans. That's how my last ferret died. I wouldn't buy one if you aren't ready for the work. |
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External Resources: | - petinfo.org/articles/ferret.shtml
- www.geocities.com/angelica_falconi/colors/colornew.htm
- www.gotpetsonline.com/pictures/gallery/small-animals/ferrets/ferrets/ferret-0113/
- www.ferretcentral.org/faq/one-page.pdf
- www.cypresskeep.com/Ferretfiles/Legal.htm
- www.ferretcare.org/ferretvaccinations.php
- www.ferretguardian.org/f_facts/howmuch/howmuch.html
- www.ferretsunlimited.org/adopt-process.html
- www.petco.com/petco_Page_PC_storelocator_nav_2.aspx?cm_re=102605-_-hdr-_-locate
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