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			Ferrets for Pets If you are seriously thinking of having ferrets for pets then PLEASE read up and talk to experienced owners first. The life span of a ferret is around 7-10 Years but some have lived up to 14 years. Therefore, you are taking on a commitment for many years so do think long and hard about it first. Unlike a cat/dog, ferrets belong in a business (group) so you must consider having two or more to make sure they have the company of their own kind. You are always welcome to visit our rescue, spend time with our ferrets, and perhaps pick up a few tips on housing etc. Just phone and make arrangements. Most people who come to the rescue are so enthusiastic about having ferrets until they actually meet them face to face. A few people just freak out and realise they are not the pet for them; others just cannot get enough of the lovable little critters. A word of warning before you have your first encounter with ferrets, DO NOT wear sandals. Ferrets just love feet and will plague the life out of you trying to lick or nibble them. Ladies, wear trousers as ferrets are very inquisitive and love to stand on their hind legs and inspect your legs, sometimes giving a little scratch. This is not done with aggression, just curiosity. The question people always ask is DO FERRETS BITE. Of course, they do for many different reasons. They bite viciously if frightened or in pain. They nip in play but not to do any harm and they sometimes nip if they are fed up with being handled. The worst things a ferret can do are trash your home or bite you down to the bone (and by golly, the latter hurts). You can avoid both of these by being prepared. By trashing your home I mean things like digging plants out of their pots, knocking objects off low shelving etc. But this can be avoided by watching them and moving things that you DON'T want them to play with. Ferrets that are handled and treated properly make wonderful pets and companions. They can be as loving as any dog/cat; they are fun, very intelligent and respond to kindness. Like a dog, they can also be taken for walks on a harness and lead. Ferrets are used for working purposes the most popular being rabbit control. It is suggested that using ferrets is far better than laying poison or using gas because not only are the rabbits killed but other wild animals that happen to be around at the time. They are also used for laying cables where workmen cannot reach. In fact, they were used to lay television cables for the wedding of our own Prince Charles. Therefore, before you buy or adopt a ferret make sure you know just what sort of animal you are dealing with. What sort of illnesses are they likely to have? Who will care for them when you are on holiday? Find out the cost of neutering/spaying. How much it will cost to buy or build a suitable pen? Find out how much it will cost to feed your pets. Do you have the time your ferret will need from you to play and cuddle? Is there a ferret club/welfare who can advise you in an emergency? I have listed two in the Coventry area below. Find a Ferret friendly Vet and believe me not all of them are.
	Coventry vets - Bell and Partners/024-76602564 Broad Lane Vets - 024-76464789
				web site maintained by Rose Morris
					www.merciaferretwelfare.co.uk
								This page last modified on Thursday, June 04, 2009