Ferrets are excellent pets to have, and quite popular. In fact, in the United States, ferrets are the third most commonly preferred house pet, after dogs and cats. Ferrets are even suitable for people who cannot have a dog or cat because of allergies to pet dander since ferrets don't produce any dander. Ferrets are essentially the hypo-allergenic pet.

But before you rush out and adopt a ferret, there are many things that you must consider. First, if you have young children in the home, a ferret probably is not the pet to get. It isn't that a ferret would be a danger to the child - the problem is that the young child might be a danger to the ferret.

Ferrets are not cheap pets to own. Like other animals, they require food, water, and toys, but a ferret will also require a large cage, because you will want to cage it for its own safety when you are not home, and possibly even while you are sleeping. Because ferrets have so much energy, a small cage won't do. You need a multi-level cage, which costs anywhere from $150 to $200 or more.

Ferrets require the services of a veterinarian. They will need a general check-up twice a year, as well as vaccinations once each year. Ferrets are also prone to certain illnesses - and injuries - and may also require emergency services. The vet bills can really start piling up, and you need to be aware of this, and prepared for it, before you get a pet ferret.

Ferrets require lots of time and attention. They are not suitable for people who are rarely home, or people who don't have the time to play with them. They are extremely energetic creatures, and very sociable. Without interaction from you, they will not be happy pets.

Ferrets are often like toddlers - and they get into everything. You must ferret proof your home so that the ferret is safe. They investigate everything, and try to carry things to their hidey-holes in their mouths. Like a child, they may swallow small objects, and household cleaners and other chemicals are dangerous to them. Before you get a ferret, you will need to make your home as ferret-safe as possible. Make sure cabinets where dangerous chemicals and such are not accessible. Ferrets are very smart, and can open cabinets and drawers if they are not secured.

If you do not have small children, you can afford the veterinarian bills, and you have enough time and love to give a pet, a ferret makes an ideal pet. They are furry and loveable. They will love you unconditionally. A ferret is neither like a cat nor like a dog. They do however, fall somewhere between the two when it comes to love and loyalty. A ferret will never be as obedient as a dog - and never as aloof as a cat. They do their own thing, and are happy to include you when you ask - and will ask for you to include them as well in the things that you do.

So, you want to breed ferrets. Before you actually decide to jump into the ferret breeding business, there are many things that you need to consider first. Breeding ferrets is not for everyone, and in some areas, it is even illegal!

If you really think that you want to breed ferrets, the first thing to consider is that there isn't much money in it. You aren't going to get rich from it. It is true that you can sell ferrets anywhere from $50 to $400 each, but when you consider the setup required, and the healthcare requirements of the ferrets in your possession - as well as basic care requirements, you will find out that it actually costs money to breed ferrets - unless you are set up for a really big operation.

Outside of the United States, it is illegal to breed ferrets in Australia, Iceland, and New Zealand. In the United States, it is illegal to breed ferrets in the states of Hawaii and California, and some major cities, such as Washington D.C and New York City. It is also illegal to breed ferrets in other US cities and towns, but you will need to contact your local Fish and Game department to find out if it is legal in your particular area or not.

Note that breeding ferrets requires a huge commitment on your part. You will not want to keep your breeding male in your home - the odor is simply unbearable during mating season. Most breeders are set up for the ferrets to live outdoors. This helps them stick to a more natural breeding schedule, and of course negates the problem of the male's odor.

Females are sexually mature at six months of age, and are in heat during the months of March, April, May, June, July, and August. Males, on the other hand, are not sexually mature until they are between six and eight months old, and will typically mate with any female ferret that they can find during those same months.

Breeding ferrets should not be housed together until breeding season. The female will have a swollen vulva when she is ready to mate, as well as a discharge. The male will have fully extended testicles when he is ready to mate.

When the male mates with the female, it may appear that he is fighting with her. He will bite her on the neck, but this is his attempt to get her aroused, and it also aids in making her passive. The breeding male and female should remain housed together for approximately three days. Once the female has conceived, you will notice that her vulva has been reduced to its normal size.

Six weeks after conception, the female will give birth to the kits. Kits arrive with very little fur, and their eyes will be closed. Kits are weaned at six weeks of age, but should be handled by humans when they are about three weeks old. Before then, it is best to leave them alone, as the mother ferret may not appreciate her babies being handled.

Like cats, nobody really owns a ferret - they own you. But the question is, can you legally own a ferret in your city, state, or country? The answer to that question is varied, depending on where you live - and it is vital that you find out whether or not it is allowed before you adopt a ferret and form an attachment. It is very stressful for a ferret when they are taken away from someone that they have come to love.

Ferrets are legal in the United States, except in Hawaii and California, and some cities, such as New York City and Washington, DC. Other cities also have ordinances against ferrets, while some cities allow them, but require you to purchase a permit.

Ferrets may not be imported into Australia, or even bred in Australia - yet they are allowed in Queensland and the Northern Territory. You may own a ferret in Victoria, as long as you have a license to do so. In Australia, the question becomes ?how do I get a ferret?'

You may not sell, breed, distribute, or own a ferret in New Zealand or Iceland. In Portugal, however, you may have a ferret, but not as a pet. You may own a ferret, however, and use it for hunting, as long as you have a permit issued by the government. Ferrets are very welcome - and popular - in Brazil. However they are required to have a microchip identification tag and they must be spayed or neutered.

If there is an animal shelter in your area, phone them to inquire whether it is legal to own a ferret or not. You can also phone the City Clerk in most areas to get this information, and to inquire about where and how you get a permit, if one is required, how much it will cost, and how often the permit must be renewed. You can also obtain information from the Department of Fish and Game for your area.

Most places that have a ban against ferrets have that ban because of misinformation - believing that ferrets are wild animals or that they carry rabies. Ferret lovers around the world are working to change the minds and hearts of city officials everywhere.

If for some reason there is nothing specifically mentioned in the legal code for your town or county concerning ferrets, this means that owning a ferret is legal, by default, and you have nothing to worry about. Most cities that have laws that concern ferrets are typically concerned with making sure that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies, which you were going to do anyway, as a responsible pet owner.

Note that while it is legal to own ferrets in many places, this does not mean that it is legal to sell them, or to breed them in those places. It is important that you ask these questions of your city clerk before you accidentally break the law - and the hearts of your ferrets.

Is your ferret ill? While some illnesses are common to ferrets, and are fatal, not all illnesses that your ferret may get are fatal. He may have even caught something from you!

Yes, it's true; ferrets are subject to our germs, unlike dogs and cats. If you are down with the flu, it is perfectly acceptable for your dog or cat to lie in bed with you and help comfort you - but if you have a ferret, you need to either quarantine yourself - or quarantine the ferret! If you don't, not only will he be suffering with the flu, but he will also spread the flu bug back to you while you are caring for him! The same is true with the common cold - your ferret can catch it, and give the germs back to you as well.

Sometimes, a ferret may get a parasite that will cause diarrhea or vomiting. While anytime your ferret shows signs of diarrhea or vomiting, he should be checked out by the veterinarian, most illnesses that cause this will pass with time. The important thing is that you keep a close eye on him and make sure that he is getting plenty of fluids.

Aside from getting an illness from you or other humans that your ferret is at a high risk for intestinal obstruction. This is the most common killer of ferrets. They simply swallow an object that is not digestible, and it becomes lodged in their intestine.

Ferrets are like small children. Everything they come into contact with goes directly in their mouths. If an item is small, it can be swallowed. Common items that you should keep out of the reach of your ferret include nuts, marbles, buttons, coins, small erasers, and anything that can be chewed up, such as rubber sink stoppers or Styrofoam.

When your ferret is sick, you should keep him separated from other animals and children. Keep him warm, unless the vet instructs you otherwise. Again, ferrets are like small children - they will want to know that you are there with them. They are comforted by your presence. Dogs and cats may want to be left alone when they don't feel well - but your ferret doesn't.

Remember that you need to get a grasp on what is and is not normal for your ferret. If your ferret is behaving in a way that is not normal for him, it really is important that he be seen by the vet. Ferrets are very small, and have a very fast metabolism. These two things combined mean one thing - when your ferret is sick, it can quickly become very serious, or even deadly. Never put off taking a ferret that ?doesn't seem right' to the veterinarian.

Finally, never administer over-the-counter medications or home remedies to your ferret without checking with your veterinarian first. Some medications can be toxic to ferrets, or may make the problem worse than it is. Call the veterinarian, and if he suggests an over-the-counter medication, make sure that he tells you the dosage as well.

If you are considering getting a ferret, you should be aware of diseases and conditions that are common to ferrets. Don't think of a ferret as a diseased animal - they aren't. However, they do get illnesses that may shorten their lives.

The first thing a ferret owner should be aware of is intestinal obstructions. This is not a disease, but a condition caused by your ferret swallowing something that cannot be digested. Like small children, anything a ferret gets a hold of goes directly to their mouth - and they may swallow it.

Intestinal obstruction is the number one cause of deaths among ferrets. Unfortunately, it is a slow and painful death for the ferret if you don't realize that there is a problem and seek treatment from the vet. Items that the ferret may want to chew are also a danger, because small pieces can come off and be swallowed. Ferrets are especially fond of rubber items, like sink stoppers. A ferret is most likely suffering from intestinal obstruction if he is lethargic, vomiting, has problems having a bowel movement, or refuses to eat or drink. He can die very quickly from this.

Lymphoma is also a common disease that ferrets may experience. Lymphoma is cancer, and is indicated by diarrhea, weight loss, weakness, and swollen lymph nodes. In most cases, your vet can help you to make your ferret more comfortable. He may even try radiation therapy, which is expensive - but there is no real cure for lymphoma.

If your ferret passes bright green feces, he most likely has ECE or Epizootic Catarrhal Enteritis. This is highly contagious, and known as the Green Slime Disease. The ferret may vomit as well, and is at high risk for dehydration, malnutrition, and ulcers. He may also have seizures. At the first sign of green, slimy feces, you should contact your vet for treatment.

You may have a diabetic ferret on your hand. Insulinomas are growths on the pancreas. They cause the pancreas to release too much insulin, which in turn makes your ferret suffer from hypoglycemia. If your ferret is weak, lethargic, or sleeps too much, call the vet. Serious symptoms include vomiting, disorientation, and seizures, among others.

Adrenal disease is also common among ferrets. Adrenal disease means that there are growths on the adrenal gland, which may or may not be cancerous. Common symptoms of adrenal disease include hair loss, starting just above the tail and moving up the back. The ferret may also experience weight loss. If the ferret is a female, the vulvae may be swollen as well. A ferret usually won't suffer from adrenal disease until he or she is between three and four years of age.

The good news is that you don't have to diagnose your ferret. All you have to do is pay attention. Anytime there is a change in eating habits, sleeping habits, play habits, or bathroom habits, call the vet and get the ferret checked for a potential problem.

"Ferrets are smelly." "Ferrets make the house stink." These are comments that you will hear from people who listen to myths concerning ferrets. It is true, to an extent. Ferrets are capable of stinking up the place - but only if they are frightened, and not de-scented. Obviously, there are a couple of ways to get rid of this problem - don't frighten the ferret, and get him de-scented.

De-scenting is a procedure that is done by your veterinary. It is often done when the ferret is either spayed or neutered. The scent glands are simply removed. The scent glands are located right inside of the anal opening. There are two sacs, and these sacs are what produce the very musky scent.

You are not required to have your ferrets scent glands removed. You may be surprised to find that he will rarely - if ever - actually employ his scent glands, as they only do this when they are scared. If you are able to handle your ferret correctly, and keep from startling him, you may never find out what his scent actually smells like.

Most ferrets will only deploy their scent glands when they are attacked, such as an attack by another animal. Furthermore, unlike a skunk's scent, which just lingers for days, a ferret's scent will dissipate in a very short period of time - within a few minutes.

The best time to de-scent a ferret is when he is spayed or neutered. This usually occurs when he is between six and eight weeks old. If your ferret is older, do not have him de-scented, as an older ferret will not recover from the surgery as well as a young ferret will. Your ferret will feel like his old young self again within a few days of being de-scented. You may not even have to worry about it. Many ferrets are spayed or neutered - and de-scented - before they ever leave the breeding farm.

You may opt not to have your ferret de-scented. If this is the case, you probably will not regret the decision. However, some ferrets actually have leaky anal sacs, which will emit the scent at all times - even if he is perfectly calm. If this is the case, de-scenting is highly recommended.

Note that all scent glands cannot be removed. Your ferret also has scent glands under his eyes. Fortunately, he cannot emit very much scent from these glands; however he can emit a little. This is why you should pay particular attention to this area when you are bathing your ferret.

Also note that having your ferret de-scented just keeps him from stinking up the place when he is frightened. It does not reduce his body odor. However, ferrets really don't stink anymore than cats do. They groom themselves often, and as a responsible pet owner, you should bath them at least once a month, but never bath them more than once a week as this will dry out their skin by removing too much of their natural oils.

Your ferret is highly active, and wants to interact with you. He won't be interested in watching television or playing video games, and he of course cannot be let out into the backyard to burn off his energy. He needs you to provide some measure of entertainment for him.

You will always know when your ferret is ready to play. He will do everything but say the words! He will most likely get in front of you, bounce a bit, run back and forth, and possibly even ?dance' a bit. He may even tug on your pants leg to get your attention. There won't be any doubt in your mind that he wants to play, and he has selected you as his playmate.

Ferrets like games that involve chasing, hiding and seeking, and tug-of-war the best. Naturally, there are many variations of these games that you can play with your ferret, and it won't take long before you know which ones he enjoys the most. He will chatter, dance, and be very interested in the games that he loves.

Entertaining a ferret is not expensive. He doesn't need fancy toys. He likes the simple things in life. An old dishtowel for tug-of-war, a ball, a paper sack with crumpled up newspaper or wrapping paper inside - these are the things that bring joy to your ferrets life.

Get down on your hands and knees and chase him - allow him to chase you back, but stay on your hands and knees. Make sure that you have lots of energy! Ferrets are a cuddly ball full of energy - and he will be able to play the game a great deal longer than you will.

Ferrets love companions. Two ferrets are always happier than just one, because they have each other for constant entertainment. A dog or cat also makes a good playmate for your ferret.

You should also purchase some toys that will allow your ferret to entertain himself when you can't play. Toys that hang from strings are very interesting to ferrets. They don't just want to ?bat' the toys like cats do - they want to figure out how to get it to their nest, and will spend hours trying to figure that out.

Your ferret may want to nip. This is a natural part of his play - until he understands that you do not want him to nip you. Do not hit your ferret. Instead, tap him on the nose and sternly say ?no.' Once you've done this, do not remain mad at the ferret. Go back to playing with him, and when he nips you again, tap him on the nose again and say ?no.' Make sure that you are consistent with this, and it won't take long for your ferret to associate nipping with you being angry at him. He doesn't want you to be angry - he wants to please you.

You can purchase Ferretone in just about any pet store, or through online pet stores. This substance can be applied to anything that you want the ferret to be interested in. Ferretone is like catnip - but for ferrets.

Think about how much you love your ferret. When you talk to friends, you tell them all of the cute things that your ferret does, and want to talk to them about any concerns that you may have regarding your ferret. One thing becomes abundantly clear - those non-ferret owners just don't get it. You need people who know and love ferrets as much as you do!

Luckily, there are actual ferret clubs in many areas. They hold regular meetings, and the ferrets are perfectly welcome to attend as well. Some ferret clubs even hold shows on a regular basis, even though there are not nationally or internationally recognized show competitions for ferrets as of yet.

Ferret clubs are great places to learn information regarding ferrets - especially about various health and care issues. You can also join in the movement to help non-ferret owners and state and local governments understand ferrets and are more accepting of them. Ferret clubs often work to legalize the ownership of ferrets in cities where they are currently banned because of misinformation.

Ferret clubs are also a great place to locate a ferret when you want to adopt one. They often work at sheltering homeless ferrets, and in finding homes for those ferrets. You can also swap your ferret stories and concerns with people who love ferrets as much as you do. Nobody other than another ferret lover can appreciate the cute and interesting things that your ferret does.

If there is not a ferret club in your local area, don't despair. You can also get in touch with other ferret owners and lovers on the Internet. There are numerous active forums for ferret lovers. They hold regular chats as well, and the exchange of information is amazing. You can literally meet people from around the world who share your interest in ferrets.

Websites that have ferret forums often also have databases of ferret owners, ferret information, and even veterinarians who work well with ferrets. Many sites also offer free, informative newsletters to their site members, and many of these sites are free to join.

While the online resources are fabulous, you should also still seek out a local ferret club. When you meet other members who live locally, you can also exchange ferret sitting favors with them when you must travel. After you've had a chance to meet the ferrets and get to know their owners, you will be able to know that you are leaving your ferret in good, experienced hands when you must go out of town.

You will get to know the ferrets and owners at ferret play days that most clubs hold. Many ferret clubs - both online and offline - also offer their members numerous discounts on ferret products and services as well.

While many online ferret clubs do not charge a fee for membership, most offline clubs will in order to keep the club going. Luckily, the cost of membership is affordable to all, with yearly fees being between $20 and $50 depending on the area that you live in.

Ferrets make great pets, but there are some myths about them that prevent people from even considering adopting them. The information below serves to dispel many of the myths concerning ferrets. Hopefully, if you've heard and believed one of these myths, this information will help you to see that a ferret really is a fantastic pet.

Myth #1 - Ferrets are wild animals. Ferrets actually are not wild animals. In fact, ferrets can no longer survive in the wilds as they once could because only domesticated breeds exist now, with the exception of the Black Footed ferret. If a pet ferret is set free, he won't survive for very long.

Myth #2 - Ferrets stink. This is true, unless the owner of the ferret has him or her de-scented. Ferrets have scent glands just like skunks do - and when they are frightened or threatened, those scent glands are released. The scent glands on their back, near the tail can be removed. Ferrets also have scent glands under their eyes, which cannot be removed. As long as the ferret is bathed about once a month, however, he won't smell.

Myth #3 - Ferrets are rodents. This is not true. In fact, ferrets eat rodents. A ferret is actually a member of the weasel family. Weasels are not rodents either. They are Mustelidae.

Myth #4 - Ferrets bite. Yes, ferrets do bite, but it isn't normally to be mean, and they can be trained not to. Think of it like this - A ferrets jaw is strong enough to break all of the bones in your hand. He won't do that though. He may nip you while playing with you, but again, he can be taught not to.

Myth #5 - Ferrets carry rabies. Lots of animals can carry rabies if they are not vaccinated. Ferrets aren't any different.

Myth #6 - Ferrets see well. In fact, ferrets don't see well at all, and on top of that, the only colors they can see are red and blue. Because ferrets don't see well, one must be careful about ?sneaking up' on one.

Myth #7 - Ferrets are dangerous to small children. This isn't true. In fact, children are a danger to ferrets because they play too rough. This is why ferrets should not be around small children - not because the ferret may hurt the child.

Myth #8 - Ferrets cannot be trained. This is absolutely wrong. You can litter train ferrets, train them not to bite, and even train them to do tricks. Try training a cat to do tricks!

Myth #9 - If you are allergic to cats, you should not have a ferret. This is also absolutely wrong. In fact, ferrets are known as the hypo-allergenic pet. They don't produce any pet dander. Ferrets are perfect for anyone who has any type of pet allergy.

Myth #10 - Ferrets must be caged, like hamsters. This isn't true, although many ferret owners will cage their ferrets when they are not at home. This is for the ferret's protection. Ferrets are highly curious, and often get themselves into dangerous situations if they aren't being watched - much like toddlers.

You want to get your child a pet, or bring a pet into the home with a child, but is a ferret the right pet to get if you have children? Are the children safe with a ferret in the house? The bigger question you should ask is if the ferret is safe in the house with a child!

Children have gentle souls - but they are not gentle creatures. Ferrets may have strong jaws, but the rest of them can be damaged by small hands or feet. So, should you avoid getting a ferret if you have a child? Not necessarily.

It is recommended that you not get a ferret if you have a child under the age of seven in the house. Some experts recommend not having one if the child is under the age of ten, however in the end, how responsible the child is really determines whether or not a ferret will be safe with them.

A ferret will see a child as a playmate - just as they see you or other animals as a playmate. They don't understand that the child may not know his own strength. They do not distinguish adults from children, and if the child hurts them, they will react to that - with their teeth.

You can't blame the ferret. The ferret is an animal that has very strong survival instincts. You can't blame the child either - they don't know any better. The thing is that you will have a better chance of helping the child to know better than trying to make the ferret understand that the child is just a child.

Introduce the ferret to the child. Teach the child how to gently hold the ferret, and how to play with the ferret. Make sure that he or she understands how delicate the ferret is, and that if they get too rough, it could hurt the ferret - and that the ferret will hurt back.

Also teach your child that the ferret may hide itself a way and nap - and they always need to be on the lookout for the ferret. The ferret may climb into a toy box, an open drawer, a pile of clothes, or anything else that looks inviting. Ferrets are often injured because someone did not know that they were there. For instance, if your child plops down on the sofa, they may hurt the ferret if the ferret decided to nap under the seat cushion - which is not unusual.

Children easily spread germs to other children and adults. Ferrets can catch illnesses from humans, such as colds and the flu. Make sure that any child who will be handling your ferret washes their hands thoroughly before and after.

Children and ferrets can get along just fine, but you really need to watch small children when a ferret is around. Ferrets are not safe in a home with small children, and if small children will be in the home even briefly, it is in the ferret's best interest to put it inside of a locked cage.