Baby Ferrets or Adult Ferret: Which One to Pet?
Some people automatically think that should start off with a baby ferret for many reasons, some of which just don’t make sense with ferrets. The thought that you must begin with a baby so that he’ll bond with you properly doesn’t hold true in the ferret world. Most adult ferrets adapt well to change and will love you no matter how long you’ve had them. But what about the “I want little Johnny and the ferret will grow up together” reasoning? The fact is both adult and baby ferrets make good pets. The decision should be made based on your experience and lifestyle.
Kits (baby ferrets)
Baby ferrets, or kits, are absolutely adorable and hard to resist. Youngsters are delightfully bouncy and mischievous, with seemingly perpetual energy. They’re just a tad more energetic than their adult counterparts. Here are some things to know about kits:
Kits are more active and playful and can be more demanding of your time. They are also notoriously nippy because they are still in the learning and testing stage.
Biting is not cute and should not be encourage through play. It can get out of hand and become a behavior issue instead of a learning issue if not dealt with immediately. To find out how to deal with biting.
You need to train and socialize the kit. You’ll be the one who teaches this ferret kit what is and isn’t acceptable.
You need to make sure that he has all of his baby shots. Medically speaking, a baby fuzzy should have already received his first distemper shot by the time he goes home with you. He may need up to a total of four shots, depending on how old he is and what he’s already received.
If you have small children, I recommended that a kit not be your first choice. If just you and maybe one or two other adults are in the household and there’s lots of extra attention to give, a kit may be what you’re looking for.
Older Ferrets
Adult ferrets make wonderful first-time pets. You don’t have to get these guys as babies to get them to bond to you. Unfortunately, thousands of wonderful adult ferrets wait patiently in shelters for that just-right home simply because people believe the older kids are damage in some way. Some people even dare to think adults aren’t as cute as kits. I beg to differ. Ninety-five percent of all my ferts have been hand-me-down adults. And each one, with his unique personality, melted my heart right away. If you’re thinking about adopting an older ferret, keep the following points in mind:
Because the life span of a ferret is relatively short (average 6-8 years), getting an older or adult fert means possibly having less time with him down the road.
Generally speaking, older ferrets seem to be a bit more relaxed with themselves and wiser to their surroundings. They’re still inquisitive and mischief makers, though. Unless they are ill, most adults are wildly amusing and playful. Some can even get into as much, if not more, trouble than their young counterparts. They just seem to have had the edge taken off.