Post by Calvin_and_Hobbes on Apr 15, 2005 16:43:21 GMT -5
As most ferret owners know and soon-to-be owners need to know, ferrets are very expensive pets! But don't let that keep you from getting them, as they are very rewarding pets! However, you must first see if you are financially ready.
Taking Kristen's list of things you need, I will estimate how much each one costs. *Keep in mind that some items may cost less or more than what I have put. It depends on who you get them from and where you get them. Also, some of these costs, such as food and treats, are estimated for every 1-2 months*
****The book “Ferrets for Dummies” written by Kim Schilling!!!***$10-20
Cage Items:
-Cage – the larger the better! Depending on the size of the cage and where you get it from, this varies in cost from less than $50 to more than $250.
-Linoleum to line the cage – the wire floors hurt little feet: This also varies. Expect to pay $5-15, depending on big your cage is.
-Hammocks - you will want to have one hammy per ferret in your cage: Again, depends on where you get them and how many. You need at least 3-4, averaging $7 for each one= $21-28
-Litter boxes – I would start with 4 litter boxes ( two inside the cage and two outside) For 4 litterboxes, expect to pay about $15-20, depending on the style and size.
-Litter – I use wood stove pellets (do not use clumping/scoopable cat litter) This depends on what kind of litter you choose to use. Average is $10.
-Food crock – I like the ones that screw the to cage :for a crock, expect at least $4.
-Water crock – same kind that screw to the cage :About $4
-Old t-shirts and sweatshirts for bedding and lining the cage: FREE!
Foods and Treats
-Choose at least 2 different foods (that rank a 9 or 10) from this list : For 2 different bags of food, it will cost approximately $20-30, depending on what kind you get and how much.www.mdferretpaws.org/care/food_treats.html
-Storage containers for food – I found that it’s cheaper to get plastic cereal containers and they have a handy pour spout : for plastic cereal containers, if you already have them, they are free! Otherwise they're about $3 I imagine...I've never bought one!
-Duck Soup Ingredients – need to start on duck soup right away when you get your ferret : depending on what recipie you use and what you choose to make, it is around $5, assuming you have all the other ferret ingredients.
-Laxatone/Hairball remedy – serving: a one inch strip on your finger given weekly to prevent hairballs (during shedding season give a ½ inch strip daily until shedding is done) Depends on what kind you get. Average is $4-5.
-Ferretone – mix ½ and ½ with olive oil to cut the Vitamin A in the tone and feed a dime sized drip daily for skin and coat: $8
-Treats (the below treats are safe and contain no sugar or corn) Depending on what/how many, about $10
Totally Ferrret Treats
Duck Soup
N Bones
Cheweasels
Foamy Fries
Cooked, unseasoned meats
Maintenance and First Aid
-A good, ferret knowledgeable vet : look in yellowpages/phonebook and ask around
-A good ferret knowledgable ER vet
-Nail Clippers - I like the scissor type made for small dogs and cats (nails should be clipped twice a month or so) Depending on the style (you can also use human nail clippers) about $5
-Styptic powder – to stop bleeding if a nail is cut too short : About $8, depending on how much
-Needleless Syringes – at least 2 1cc’s and 2 10 or 12 cc’s – for medication or feeding (if needed) Around $7, but I've never bought these before.
-Natures Miracle Cleaner – to clean up accidents : $9-10
-Good Paper Towels - I use “Viva” and think they are the best at cleaning up accidents) about $3-4.
-Dog leash type clips plastic – to clip the litter boxes to the cage, so ferts don't tip them over : never bought these. Probably around $5.
-“H” style harness for outside trips : $10-12
-A binder or folder to hold all vet records and medical information : depending on what you get, iit can be $0.10-4
-A carrier for vet trips, make sure you can fit a hammock in it.: Around $30-50, depending on size and who you buy it from
You need AT LEAST $500 saved up for each ferret for vet emergencies!!
So, just as a starting finance for one ferret (as the cost is for only one thing on some items), it will be about $810. Just to START with!! And that doesn't even include the ferrets themselves! Then you have to add in the monthly costs of food, litter, bedding, toys, unexpected vet visits! As I said, ferrets are VERY expensive pets! But with the proper care and love, they will give it all back to you and make it ALL worth while! If you have any questions, feel free to post and ask!
Taking Kristen's list of things you need, I will estimate how much each one costs. *Keep in mind that some items may cost less or more than what I have put. It depends on who you get them from and where you get them. Also, some of these costs, such as food and treats, are estimated for every 1-2 months*
****The book “Ferrets for Dummies” written by Kim Schilling!!!***$10-20
Cage Items:
-Cage – the larger the better! Depending on the size of the cage and where you get it from, this varies in cost from less than $50 to more than $250.
-Linoleum to line the cage – the wire floors hurt little feet: This also varies. Expect to pay $5-15, depending on big your cage is.
-Hammocks - you will want to have one hammy per ferret in your cage: Again, depends on where you get them and how many. You need at least 3-4, averaging $7 for each one= $21-28
-Litter boxes – I would start with 4 litter boxes ( two inside the cage and two outside) For 4 litterboxes, expect to pay about $15-20, depending on the style and size.
-Litter – I use wood stove pellets (do not use clumping/scoopable cat litter) This depends on what kind of litter you choose to use. Average is $10.
-Food crock – I like the ones that screw the to cage :for a crock, expect at least $4.
-Water crock – same kind that screw to the cage :About $4
-Old t-shirts and sweatshirts for bedding and lining the cage: FREE!
Foods and Treats
-Choose at least 2 different foods (that rank a 9 or 10) from this list : For 2 different bags of food, it will cost approximately $20-30, depending on what kind you get and how much.www.mdferretpaws.org/care/food_treats.html
-Storage containers for food – I found that it’s cheaper to get plastic cereal containers and they have a handy pour spout : for plastic cereal containers, if you already have them, they are free! Otherwise they're about $3 I imagine...I've never bought one!
-Duck Soup Ingredients – need to start on duck soup right away when you get your ferret : depending on what recipie you use and what you choose to make, it is around $5, assuming you have all the other ferret ingredients.
-Laxatone/Hairball remedy – serving: a one inch strip on your finger given weekly to prevent hairballs (during shedding season give a ½ inch strip daily until shedding is done) Depends on what kind you get. Average is $4-5.
-Ferretone – mix ½ and ½ with olive oil to cut the Vitamin A in the tone and feed a dime sized drip daily for skin and coat: $8
-Treats (the below treats are safe and contain no sugar or corn) Depending on what/how many, about $10
Totally Ferrret Treats
Duck Soup
N Bones
Cheweasels
Foamy Fries
Cooked, unseasoned meats
Maintenance and First Aid
-A good, ferret knowledgeable vet : look in yellowpages/phonebook and ask around
-A good ferret knowledgable ER vet
-Nail Clippers - I like the scissor type made for small dogs and cats (nails should be clipped twice a month or so) Depending on the style (you can also use human nail clippers) about $5
-Styptic powder – to stop bleeding if a nail is cut too short : About $8, depending on how much
-Needleless Syringes – at least 2 1cc’s and 2 10 or 12 cc’s – for medication or feeding (if needed) Around $7, but I've never bought these before.
-Natures Miracle Cleaner – to clean up accidents : $9-10
-Good Paper Towels - I use “Viva” and think they are the best at cleaning up accidents) about $3-4.
-Dog leash type clips plastic – to clip the litter boxes to the cage, so ferts don't tip them over : never bought these. Probably around $5.
-“H” style harness for outside trips : $10-12
-A binder or folder to hold all vet records and medical information : depending on what you get, iit can be $0.10-4
-A carrier for vet trips, make sure you can fit a hammock in it.: Around $30-50, depending on size and who you buy it from
You need AT LEAST $500 saved up for each ferret for vet emergencies!!
So, just as a starting finance for one ferret (as the cost is for only one thing on some items), it will be about $810. Just to START with!! And that doesn't even include the ferrets themselves! Then you have to add in the monthly costs of food, litter, bedding, toys, unexpected vet visits! As I said, ferrets are VERY expensive pets! But with the proper care and love, they will give it all back to you and make it ALL worth while! If you have any questions, feel free to post and ask!
all my kids are doing well otter is getting real beefy feeling <winter weight?> and his coat is getting real soft not many noticeable changes overall,, new guy is getting big
Daxy is SO happy the weather is cooling off! He doesn't like the AC - it limits him to one room but when I let him go other places, he just flat ferrets cause it's too hote