Ferrets as pets: pros and cons, conditions of care and care

If earlier in urban flats lived only cats or dogs, but someone had aquariums with fish, then today a variety of pets just surprises. Owls, squirrels, chinchillas, hedgehogs, decorative pigs, snakes and crocodiles - who just do not have people. However, today we noticed that in domestic markets ferrets were sold. Surprisingly lovely creatures at first sight sink into the soul, and people decide to buy them themselves, and even as a gift to friends. I would like to warn you against a rash purchase, which is why we decided to dedicate our article to these amazing creatures. So, on the agenda is the question: "What are ferrets like pets?" Pros and cons of such a neighborhood will try to open up to the fullest.

Description

Fretka - this is the name of one of the subspecies of forest ferrets, which today are tamed by man and often become almost the most beloved and desired pets. This is a brisk mammal with an elongated body and a fluffy tail. The colors of ferrets are very different - from white to black, with all the intermediate variations. In this case, females are slightly smaller than males, and their fur coat does not look so luxurious. They differ in their habits, which we will talk about a little later.

When choosing a future pet, think about whether it will dissolve against the backdrop of your interior. A light ferret on a white background will be harder to find, because these weasels can creep into any slot. That is why it is preferable to choose dark or striped pets, the benefit of the color of ferrets, or rather, their diversity, allow this to be done in full.

Lifespan

An important question that each host should ask. Knowing how many live ferrets live, you will be more adequately tuned to acquire an animal and a long life with it. Fluffy handsome with proper care will stay with you about 7-9 years - a good time for a small animal. And for the owner, this is an occasion to think again whether it is worth taking responsibility, because it's not about a hamster that will live only a couple of years, and even then spend most of the time in a cage.

Attention is ensured to you

Indeed, whatever breed of dogs you choose, there are already hundreds around them, and no one will pay attention to your hairy miracle. And it's quite another thing to take a ferret for a walk. Small, brisk and graceful, he will quickly become a favorite of the whole courtyard. However, to admire the neighbor's beast is one thing, and living with it under one roof is another. Therefore, do not immediately run to the pet store, it is better to read the necessary information first, and then consult with your family members. In the rest, it's up to you to decide whether you are suitable for ferrets as pets. Pros and cons will be tried today from all sides.

We weigh our capabilities

Since it is about taking responsibility for the life and health of a living being, you need to think carefully. In fact, these are very lovely, charming and inquisitive creatures, real angels, especially in photos on the Internet. But do you know what ferrets really are like pets? Pros and cons should be carefully studied and weighed so that you do not have to advertise later, say, I'll give the nice little beast in good hands.

There is an occasion to reflect

• Are you ready to fork out to buy high-quality feed and vitamins, accessories and reception from a veterinarian? Do not think that a tiny animal can eat leftovers from your table. This carnivorous animal, which without proper nutrition will fall ill and die.
• Do you have enough free time? If you belong to the category of constantly busy people who once once again call friends or watch TV, it is better to choose a turtle or fish. In this case, you will be able to approach your pets only to feed, and also when a free minute is given. A leisurely and sociable fretka will require you to have at least 3 hours of attention and care a day.
• Patience and again patience. This should be said to everyone who is interested in ferrets as pets. Pros and cons are balanced in this case, however, not every owner is capable of loving his pet enough to forgive his endless longing for activity and stupidity.
• This point follows from the preceding. Any pet can spoil something in your house. Dogs gnaw shoes, cats grind their claws against the sofas, and the ferret does everything at once. Therefore, once again look at the apartment, remember the last repair. Are you ready to put up with the possible damage that the choir can inflict on carpets, furniture, home colors? If not, the recommendations are the same: start a fish.
• If you have children, and they beg to buy a fluffy pet, soberly weigh your strength. Material security, as well as the need to monitor the children's games and the ferret will fall on your shoulders.

These creatures are nice and friendly, they are always ready to play tricks and play. Rarely, who does not look like a ferret, and games with him will cheer anyone up. However, its content in a city apartment is worth a lot of money.

Choose a breeder

If you are still willing to take risks, then you need to choose a good breeder. Often these animals are sold in bird markets, but here no one guarantees that you will take a really young, grafted and adapted to life with a human being. Most often, for mass sale, they are grown in nurseries, in semi-wild condition. Do not flatter yourself and their calm appearance: the action of sedatives, which they drink, will soon cease.

Much better if you get into your hands a young ferret born in a loving family, from childhood used to resting in a cage and playing in the evenings with the masters, grafted by age and examined by a veterinarian. Of course, such individuals are more expensive, but this will definitely be a ferret home, which can easily adapt and get used to you.

Male or female

Here we will not be original. If a person has not so far dealt with the maintenance of animals of any breed, he will be offered to take a female. Ladies-ferrets are more docile and soft, they are easier to learn and are much more intelligent than males. Numerous reviews emphasize that girls quickly get used to their tray and to the new territory, spending almost all free time studying it. A domestic ferret can be a real friend, intelligent and cheerful, if one approaches the questions of his choice and upbringing. However, one can not help saying that girls are big fidgets. They are constantly on the move, they need to thrust a curious nose into every crevice, all to try for a tooth. Therefore, the ferret female will only suit a person who has enough time and energy to engage with her.

Male individuals more imposing and sedate, in a magnificent fluffy fur coat. They are more attached to their master, less playful and more calm. For such a pet is more important than the owner of the owner, rather than the territory, so more time for a walk, it will spin around you. However, do not expect too much from him. If the samochki play with children and willingly go to their hands, then the males can do this only occasionally, under the mood.

Reproduction of ferrets

A ferret in an apartment can regularly bring offspring, so if you want to see what the kids are, you can breed. Pregnancy lasts about 40 days, at which time animals sleep and eat much. You will need to correct the menu, introduce additional minerals, vitamins and trace elements into it. The process of mating occurs only on the territory of the male, and very noisy and emotionally. If you want to avoid this, then there is nothing easier, especially if the pet lives alone. в период гона самцы метят территорию, становятся неуправляемыми и мстительными. But in the period of the rut the males mark the territory, become uncontrollable and vindictive. In this case, the best solution would be castration ferret.

The material side of the question

At the first moment a person estimates only the cost of the animal itself. However, your expenses do not end there. However, even this first investment will require you from 2 to 20 thousand rubles. In addition, you need to equip it with a convenient cage, without which the ferret content is simply impossible. A puppy and a teenager are able to turn the whole house, cripple and spoil everything they can reach. Therefore, leaving the house, you must always close it. The cell costs from 3500 to 12000 rubles. In addition, you will need to buy a drinker and a bowl (250 rubles), a transfer for trips to the veterinarian (300 rubles), a tray (50 rubles). To your pet could rest, he needs a house, a couch and a hammock, and therefore, boldly put in the costs of another 1500 rubles. A harness and a leash, as well as a claw - it's another 200 rubles for each item.

The ferret content will require the purchase of quality feed. The cost of the ration is about 800 rubles a month, plus vitamin supplements, which will amount to another 300 rubles. Inspection of a veterinarian costs about 500 rubles, preventive vaccinations - 600-700 rubles. In the case of a disease, a check can be up to 30,000 rubles, depending on the required treatment. As you can see, a ferret in an apartment is not a cheap pleasure.

Food

Each owner has two options: to buy ready-made food or to practice natural food. The cost is approximately the same, but the second option requires a lot of time. In any case, the owner must remember that this is an exceptionally carnivorous animal. Fruits and vegetables, food from our table will do more harm than good. Sometimes you can treat your pet with a mouse or egg yolk, it will only benefit him, and he will be very pleased. Predatory disposition is not liked by all masters, but what to do, this is such a fluffy in nature. In principle, it depends on the quality of the diet that depends on how many domestic ferrets live. It can be taught to eat biscuits and drink milk, even a carrot a hungry animal will gnaw, but illnesses and an early death are secured to him.

Instead of concluding

Let's sum up. When you plant a ferret, you can count on the following pluses. This animal, which does not allow to be bored. It is an active and cheerful creature with a high intellect, which you can teach everything you want. The undoubted advantage is the compactness of the animal. It can be placed even in a normal bag if you need to go to the vet. These animals do not need walks, like dogs, and they use trays well. And if you want, you can always make a promenade, the main thing is to buy a good harness. He easily takes the rhythm of the life of the hosts and will not make noise at night, although this is his native schedule in nature. Finally, ferrets are hypoallergenic, which is important today for many people.

But there are in the housing content and its minuses. Ferrets tend to mark the territory, as a result of which an unpleasant smell is firmly fixed in the apartment. In addition, the specific glands of the animal can also emit an odor, which are activated, however, only under extreme conditions. These animals have a huge desire to dig holes, and will use all options, including trying to dig a hole in the couch. It is almost impossible to get rid of these pets. Bright and bright, they constantly get under their feet, and besides, they tend to gnaw and spoil things. So buy or not? The choice is yours.