A ferret can be a fantastic pet, but it’s essential to consider the cost of keeping them fed and healthy before you bring one home. Many people are surprised to find out how much ferrets cost since they are cheaper than other common pets like dogs or cats. But did you know that many hidden costs aren’t advertised?
Ferrets typically cost between $100 and $300 at Petco. However, some other pet stores offer specials on certain days of the week, leading to some affordable prices. Additionally, if you’re going through a rescue organization, you may find that adoption fee are discounted.
The Scoop On Ferrets
Ferrets are small, furry mammals that make great pets. They’re playful and curious, and they have a lot of personalities. If you’re considering getting a ferret, you’re probably wondering how much they cost.
The price of kits (baby ferrets) varies from $200 to $300. At Petco, a ferret kit starts at $119.99 and goes up to $269.99 for the more advanced kits. The average life span of a ferret is 7-10 years; this means if you buy one for your child now, it will be with them through most of their life span.
One thing to remember when buying a ferret kit is that it usually includes the cage, food bowls, water bottle, litter box, litter scooping tool, and grooming comb.
You may want extra food bowls or other necessities because you don’t want to clean your ferret’s cage daily. And while they can live anywhere from 7-10 years, many people opt for an over 10-year warranty just in case something happens.
Ferrets, like many small mammals, are born deaf and blind. It takes three weeks for the kits’ eyes to open, three months before they develop hearing, and six months before they start opening their ears. It takes two years before a ferret reaches maturity when its growth rate slows significantly.
Males are fertile daily, making them better pets for those who want to breed ferrets. But they live an average of seven years in captivity. Females usually only produce four litters every two years, averaging between 1-6 kits per litter.
Our Analysis About Costs Related To Keeping Ferrets
At first glance, it may seem like pet stores are ripping you off when buying a ferret. However, after looking closely at the prices of supplies and food, we’ve concluded that pet stores are pretty reasonable. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for a ferret from Petco.
- First, you’ll need to buy your ferret (a female ferret will cost about $150 while a male is around $120).
- Next, you’ll need to purchase their cage (about $130), food ($10-20/month), bedding ($5/month), toys ($5-15/month), and litter (around $4-8/month).
- The total cost for these items is about $250 per year. That might sound expensive, but if you add up all the costs of caring for a ferret outside of a pet store, it would cost about $500-600 annually.
So whether or not you get your ferret from a pet store, the amount spent on care each year is roughly the same! Males can be more active than females, so they require more attention.
They also mark territory much more often than females, meaning that males must be kept separate from other ferrets to avoid scents rubbing onto one another and creating an unfriendly environment.
Getting A Male Or Female Ferret? Know About Both
When getting a ferret, you have two options: male or female. But which one is right for you?
Here’s a breakdown of each:
Males are typically larger than females and have a more muscular build. They are also more active and playful, making them great for families with kids.
On the downside, males can be more aggressive than females and are more likely to mark their territory (i.e. your house) with urine.
Female ferrets are more petite, calmer, and better suited for households without children. And while they’re less active than males, they still need exercise time outside their cage daily.
Male ferrets should never be introduced into the same household as pregnant women because they’re prone to mating with them without consent and carrying disease.
On top of this, they tend to have more energy and aggression than females.
If you are looking for a low-maintenance pet, we recommend getting a female ferret; however, if you enjoy interacting with animals daily, then either gender will do just fine.
Decide If You Want A Long Hair Or Short Hair Ferret
Long-haired ferrets have thick, beautiful coats that require a lot of care. They need to be brushed daily, and if you’re not up for that, you might want to consider a short-haired ferret. Short-haired ferrets do less work in grooming but must be brushed a few times a week.
Of course, there are also some pros and cons to each type of ferret. We recommend long-haired ferrets if you live somewhere cold because their fur will help keep them warm.
And make sure to get your pet an outdoor enclosure so it can spend time outside during the day when it’s nice out!
The best part about getting a ferret is all the different colors they come in! Many colors are available depending on what breeder you buy from, which can sometimes make it hard to decide which one is right for you.
FAQs
Here are some general faqs about Ferrets.
What Is A Ferret?
A ferret is a small, furry mammal related to the weasel. Ferrets are very active and playful animals and make great pets for people who are looking for energetic companions.
They are also curious creatures and love to explore their surroundings. When buying a ferret, get one from a reputable breeder or rescue organization.
How Does Big Will My Ferret grow?
It’s difficult to say precisely how big your ferret will grow because it depends on the breed of ferret you have as well as its gender. For example, males tend to grow larger than females.
In general, however, expect your ferret to reach anywhere from 5-7 inches in length when fully grown. Many factors determine your pet’s final size, so don’t worry too much about this!
What Are Some Common Names For The Ferret Breed (I.E. Dwarf, Rex)
There are many different names for the ferret breed. Dwarf, Rex, Standard, Mini, and Giant are the most common. Each name corresponds to a different size and type of ferret. The most popular type of ferret is the Dwarf ferret, which is small in size and has a short coat.
Why Should I Choose A Ferret Over A Cat Or Dog?
Ferrets are playful, curious creatures that make great companions. They are also relatively easy to care for, as they only require a few hours of exercise each day and can be litter box trained.
Additionally, ferrets are inexpensive compared to other pets, with an initial purchase price of around $100. Although their food is more expensive than some other pets, this is compensated by the fact that they do not need shots or routine veterinary visits like dogs and cats do.
Do You Have To Have Experience With Animals To Own One?
No, you don’t have to have experience with animals to own a ferret. However, it is essential to do your research before getting one. It includes learning about their diet, habitat, and personality.
It is also essential to find a reputable breeder or pet store. Once you have researched and are prepared to care for a ferret, they can make excellent pets.
What is Ferrets Diet?
Ferrets are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies are designed to digest and use only animal-based proteins. A good diet for a ferret includes a variety of fresh meats, organs, and bones.
You can either feed your ferret raw meat or cook it yourself. It is why a diet of dry kibble or ferret food is inadequate and can lead to health problems.
What Health Problems Could Occur While Owning A Ferret As Opposed To Other Pets Like Cats Or Dogs?
Health problems while owning a ferret include Aleutian Disease, Canine Distemper, Epizootic Catarrhal Enteritis (ECE), Heartworm Disease, and Rabies.
While some of these diseases can also affect cats and dogs, ferrets are more susceptible to their unique physiology. That’s why it’s essential to take your new pet to the vet for a check-up as soon as possible after adoption and to keep up with their vaccinations.
Before Taking It Home With Me, What Else Should I Know About My Pet?
First and foremost, you should know that ferrets are very active animals. They need a lot of space to run around and explore, so a small cage will not cut it.
Secondly, ferrets are social creatures and do best when kept in pairs or groups. So, if you’re only looking to get one ferret, you should be prepared to get two!
You’ll also need to provide them with plenty of toys and enrichment activities to keep them occupied.