I need a ferret! - Paw Talk

slickbeetle · #1 10-27-2004, 11:32 PM

I am located in North Central arkansas any am lookin to buy a couple ferrets. I have been unable to find any breeders and all of the pet shops prices I have found are way out of my price range. Can anyone tell me where to buy ferrets in AR or in southern missouri? Please Help!

*fstybrat* · #2 10-28-2004, 12:33 AM

have you looked at the possibility of shelters?
Ferrets (no matter where you get them) are not "cheap" animals... you may find a dea; on the initial purchase, but have you considered the ongoing maintenance & life long care as well? That gets very spendy sometimes

slickbeetle · #3 10-28-2004, 04:49 PM

There are no shelters within many hours drive of here. I am well aware of the cost of raising animals(its not that much, and a lot less for a ferret) I have 3 black cats and a bengal. I am just saying that I can't afford to pay 120 dollars for a ferret(and I would need two because I would want the one to have a buddy), that is insane. If anyone knows of any breeders in Arkansas or sothern missouri please give me a holler. I know of many people that have gotten ferrets for $30-$40 but they don't remember where they got them or they got them many miles away on vacation or somthing. All of the pet shops I have ever seen will rob you blind.

***Jade*** · #4 10-28-2004, 06:14 PM

Just to elaborate on Kay's points for anyone who may be considering a ferret, you may want to refer to this article:

http://www.neferrets.org/marapr03.htm#cost

Quote:


	All told, a ferret owner can reasonably expect that, in the course of a 6-8 year lifetime, a pet ferret could cost them anywhere from $4,400 to $9,700. These are both the low and high approximation figures based on the cost breakdown in our new brochure, and they are accurate. Furthermore, these are only the high-and low-end figures for costs in Massachusetts. Other areas of other states may have significantly higher totals in some of these categories.

Millimi · #5 10-28-2004, 06:50 PM

All pets are expensive, and ferrets are up there with costing the most. I don't have a ferret, but I know a lot about them.

Just a good cage can cost anywhere from $100 to $500! And since they need regular check ups and vaccines from vets, that's a lot of money too. The price of ferrets from pet stores actually isn't that much if you think about how much dogs and cats go for. I think it's good that they are so expensive because if you buy one, it shows you have the money and will probably, I hope, spend enough money to care for it well. Also, all ferrets need toys and high quality food, and that adds up to a lot of money! And since you want two, double all that money. I once did a price check to see how much it would cost to buy a ferret with everything and it came out to around $500 just for one ferret! That's around $1000 for you. I think, for right now, you should stick to wanting a ferret and not getting one. I really hope this doesn't sound mean, because I don't want it to. I know how badly you want a ferret, I do too!

*fstybrat* · #6 10-28-2004, 06:51 PM

Thanks Jade! Many people assume that just because a ferret is smaller is costs less...

I am affraid this is very untrue! Because of the sensitivity of their respratory systems it can actually be cheaper in the long run to rais a cat or dog. To each his own I guess, but I feel that as long as I inform of the possible costs involved, then I have done my part...

Good Luck to you Beetle... imo, I would NEVER pay that little because you can be sure most likely there are underlying health issues or quality issues at those prices. On average a ferret costs about 100.00 sometimes you can get them as low as 75.00 and that is a deal. For a good healthy, quality ferret one should expect to pay at least 130.00 (this is just based upon my experience).

slickbeetle · #7 10-28-2004, 10:30 PM

Thanks for all of the info guys. I agree with you millimi.After doing some research I have found that the people that said they could get a ferret for 20 or 40 are full of it. There is no way i will get one for that, especially a new one(by that I mean I would want them young so I could develope a good bond with them as the grow). I was just blown away that they cost that much. But heck I have spent more than that on animals before. I have a bengal and he cost me about $500 after all was said and done. I just figured they would cost less. I am going to put the ferret idea on hold for awhile, save a little money and get some later. Thank for all your help guys. Just curious, so when I do decide to get one, could you guys help me out on what signs to look for when getting a good healthy ferret at the pet shop.

Millimi · #8 10-30-2004, 05:52 PM

I'm so glad you have decided to wait! I know how hard it is to wait, I have to wait until I move out because my parents hate ferrets.

I'm sure some of these ferret experts around here can help you out when you get one, I really couldn't help, but I'll try, since I don't know that much about them.

*fstybrat* · #9 10-30-2004, 07:26 PM

I'll be here if ya need anything... I am by no means an "expert" but I do have quite a bit of knowledge & experience with them

I agree I think as hard is it is to make the decision to wait, I think you are making an excellent choice!

DO more research on them & learn all yu can in the mean time... You may still find that later on you may still want one & then you'll be able to make a better educated decision as to if it is a right animal for you.

babygirlleelee · #10 11-17-2004, 04:03 PM

Let's see. I live in NE Arkansas, and some places are alot more expensive than others on ferrets. I bought my ferrets for 100 dollars each. Other places charge 150 or more. Petsmarts and Petcos take in ferrets that need a new home, so them stores adopt them out. There is also a ferret shelter in Fayetville, and the lady has 2 as of now that are trying to find good homes. Hope I have been of some help.