my opinion

[sue 1]

Everybody knows how to feed and look after dogs ,but when it comes to the poor ferret there is lots of people getting them and then asking questions later when things start going wrong , It could be because the ferrets dont cost alot or they are free and dogs are bought for a couple of hundred. First of all ferrets are carnivores that means meat not cooked stuff or cat or dog food and definitely not bread and milk but fur and feather whole the better,with plenty of variety.You woulnt buy a dog and then feed it crap and expect it to be full of energy to do its job so why to a ferret .Every living animal requires a good balanced diet . Mince is ok for a adult ferret but i dont recommened it for kits they need a equal mix of meat and bone in their diet,Just do a little homework first it will save your ferret from suffering and give you a good healthy loyal working partner for many years.My ferrets live to the average age of 12 so i must be doing something right

Thats my thoughts anyway

 

 

 

sue

[scothunter 12,609]

I agree.I wouldnty dream of taking on an animal that i hadn't at least spent a bit of time researching on.However i suppose its a good thing they are coming on a site and asking.I dont mind helping them out buit as you said they should do a bit of homework first.

[Malt 379]

Well said sue. It's also worth saying that a ferret is an obligate carnivore or true carnivore. Take a look at this link: Obligate Carnivore at wikipedia

[Kay 3,709]

Totally agree Sue , my ferrets see double figures here , think maybe early neutering & a diet totally of dry food see's a lot off them off way to soon pluss being obese & killed with kindness

[Guest SJM]

Well said Sue some good advice there

[deanflute 550]

couldn't agree more I think people get them on impulse as a freebie or very little money and know absolutly nothing about them...i read three books before getting mine and this gave me some knowledge into keeping ferrets but dont get me wrong i am still learning things about them and probably always will learn new things, but the basics like food, housing, health ect ect should always be in place before getting a ferret

 

Thanks to everyone on here who gives me tips and advice from time to time

[Kay 3,709]

I dont think anyone objects to offering advice if they can on all aspects of keeping ferrets & everyione who posts regular has some advice to offer, but i think its a cop out to deliberatly go get a ferret then ask the basics like what does it eat

[andy s410c 61]

Could,nt agree more Sue Ferts are quite easy to keep however some people make hard work of it .I,m 35 kept my first fert at 11,long before the tinternet & good forums with plenty of sound advice from very experienced keepers(working & pet) alike what did i do?? i bought books,borrowed & sifted the bullshine from all the other more "experienced" keepers & i still read my books & search or ask the forum for advice if i,m unsure NOBODY knows it all People who are thinking about taking ferts on should make sure they can offer them a excellent quality of life,pay vets bills when need be,feed them on a good varied meat diet & look after them like a member of the family,well thats what i do with mine.....

[mattydski 560]

I agree, its wrong to get any animal without researching its care and upkeep.

I would like to make 2 suggestions.

Firstly, most of us on this forum are passionate about giving our animals the best possible care. So we should encourage others to share our passion positively. This mean measured responses to questions from inexperienced keepers or newbies. We all reach breaking point with some of the muppets, but i think we have the measure of most of the posts and posters....

Secondly, speak to the mods about a pinned section entitled, what i should know before getting a ferret, or similar??

There are different levels of experience here, so encourage and share it, rather than criticise and risk someone not asking for help, when it is really needed.

 

Ferets are the most amazing animals, I only wish I kept them earlier in life.

 

Spread the word!!!

Matt

[gilly-93 31]

couldent agree more with you sue they think or its only a fiver then go get one with no idea about them

[Funfuret 1]

Spot on Sue!

 

NOBODY knows it all

 

Too right. Which is why this forum, which allows people to express different views, is so useful.

Edited August 2, 2008 by Funfuret

[ferretville 69]

spot on sue at least learn the basics before diving in its just common sense unfortunately sadly lacking in some regards FV

[The one 8,512]

I think a lot of folk see a cute kitt and get there fist ferret then think what do i do with it now ,Its a shame more folk didn't do there research before deciding to get into ferrets . mine live into double figures and they work 3/4 times a week come the winter

[Guest coopermurphy3]

good advice sue

[droid 11]

Too right. Which is why this forum, which allows people to express different views, is so useful.

 

Totally agree.

 

Lets hope it stays that way.