ganns@hound.UUCP (R.GANNS) (03/22/85)
I have three ferrets--two of whom I have had for over six years. They
are all neutered (essential), but only one is descented. Odor is not
a real problem. They run loose in my apartment, which has been care-
fully "ferret proofed"--i.e., nothing destructible is within 18"
of the floor. They sleep in a pile of old blankets under the bathroom
sink; my bedroom is off-limits to them since they like to chew on
blankets. Access to behind my refrigerator has been carefully blocked
off since they will pull out the insulation. Sound like a real pain?
They really aren't once you make the necessary adjustments.
They seem to get plenty of exercise running around and playing in the
apartment, so I never take them outside.
Contrary to what many people want to believe, ferrets are not wild
animals--they have been domesticated for over 2,000 years. Ferrets
that come from good pet stock (like Wendy Winsted's) have wonderful
personalities--they are curious, friendly, playful, and affectionate.
Only one of my three ever nips--and then only in play, and he
(almost) never breaks the skin when he does. They do tend to be
aggressive towards strangers, and seem to exploit any fear that they
sense; it takes a couple of visits before they accept new friends.
Ferrets supposedly have life-spans of around ten years, but I rarely
hear of any living past 5, probably due to neglect and bad diet;
I feed mine twice a day, once with a special concoction of cat food,
peanut oil, raw liver, and baby food, and once with high protein
dog kibbles. Water is dispensed from large guinea pig bottles (water
dishes are not practical--they get turned over). All of mine are
healthy, and one has survived an operation for cancer over two years
ago that the vet claimed would kill her within 6 months.
Ferrets are not for everybody, though. Prospective owners should
spend some time getting to know a few before getting any for
themselves. ALso, a ferret is NOT a good pet for people who tend
to be absent minded.
-- Rich Ganns ihnp4!hou2a!hound!ganns