Ever seen cute ferrets on Instagram or TikTok and felt like you just needed one? Ferrets have been domesticated for over 2,000 years. They are highly intelligent and social pets. Even though they seem like small, easy-to-care-for-pocket pets, they come with big responsibilities and often require as much care as a cat or dog, if not more! Many highly recommend learning more about this animal before taking the plunge, like how much is a ferret and what is beyond their cuteness. Luckily for you, we have summed it all up into one article. Let’s take a look!
Table of Contents
Initial Costs: The True Price of Owning a Ferret
Buying from a Breeder
Pet stores usually sell ferrets for cheaper to compete with breeders, but less expensive isn’t always better. Here are the average costs involved in having a ferret as a pet bought from a breeder:
- Sable: $10-200
- Black Sable: $200-300
- Albino: $100-200
- Champagne: $150-300
- Chocolate: $150-300
- Cinnamon: $150-400
Adopting a Ferret
Adopting a ferret is generally less expensive than buying from a breeder, whose prices typically range from $150 to $200. Adoption is almost always cheaper, and it helps support ferret rescues, which are usually run by volunteers and donations.
Ferret Care and Supplies
Here’s a list of average costs for ferret care and supplies:
- Ferret cage: $50-300
- Litter pans: $10-40
- Litter: $15-30 (monthly)
- Ferret food: $10-50 (monthly)
- Ferret cage hammocks: $10-30
- Food and water dishes: $10-20
- Veterinarian check-ups: $100-300 (annual)
- Vaccinations: $20-150 (annual)
- Ferret toys: $20-50 (semi-annual)
- Carrier: $20-60
- Collar or Harness: $20-50
- Ferret-safe shampoo: $5-10 (annual)
- Ferret toothbrush & toothpaste: $10-20 (semi-annual)
Hidden Costs of Cute Ferrets
A ferret will need an initial check-up when you first get it and routine check-ups to ensure it is healthy. Ferret healthcare costs could include the following:
- Health care: $100-300
- Check-ups: $50-100 per year
- Vaccinations: $15-20 per year
- Dental: $10-50 per year
- Treatment for parasites: $10-30 per year
- Emergencies: $100-500+ per year
Ferret-Proofing Your Home
Like you’d baby-proof your home for a toddler, you also need to ferret-proof your home by removing potential dangers for your curious friend. Here are some helpful tips to keep your ferret safe:
- Remove Small Objects: Ferrets love to steal small items and hide them in their favorite spots. Keep things like buttons, plastic bottle caps, and soft rubber or silicone objects out of reach.
- Lock Away Cleaning Supplies: Ferrets are extremely curious and skilled at reaching areas where toxic cleaners, chemicals, and medications are stored. Keep these items in secure, locked cabinets or areas inaccessible to your pets.
- Hide Electrical Cords: Ferrets love to nibble on things! They might chew on electrical cords, which poses a risk of electric shock. Use protective coverings or secure cords out of their reach.
- Choose Safe Plants: Ferrets are diggers and see houseplants as the perfect area to explore. In addition to the mess they leave, some common houseplants can be toxic if swallowed. Ensure that any plants within their reach are safe for pets.
Time and Energy: The True Commitment of Ferret Ownership
Ferrets are highly active pets and need good enrichment. They should not always be confined to a cage, yet they require close supervision when allowed out of their enclosures. It is often necessary to take special measures to “ferret-proof” homes where ferrets are kept to ensure their safety. Ferrets are clever and mischievous, able to climb and squeeze through small spaces. They may chew on cables or ingest small objects found on the floor, which can lead to electrocution or intestinal blockage. Ferrets require specific housing; they enjoy multi-level cages, dark places to hide, and soft bedding such as baby blankets. Towels should be avoided, as claws can easily get caught in the loops. Cages should be large, at least 3 feet by 3 feet by 2 feet for a single ferret, to allow ample room for exploration. They can be relatively easily litter-trained, and any non-edible, non-clumping litter material can be used. Wire cage bottoms should be covered to prevent injury to their feet.
The Emotional Benefits of Owning a Ferret
A ferret’s playful antics can be highly entertaining, and watching them scurry around is sure to boost your mood on days you need it most. Any pet can help with this, but ferrets (or multiple ferrets) could bring you particular joy with their relentless affection.
Conclusion
Owning a ferret can be a rewarding experience, especially since they are popular and unique pets. However, just like with any other animal, ferrets can be expensive. From vet visits to multi-level cages, ferrets have specific requirements to thrive in their new homes. They need monthly and annual care that can quickly add up. Ferrets can also be more expensive than other small animals, so it’s essential to be financially ready to own one. If you’re looking to acquire a ferret, we hope this guide gives you a good idea of the costs involved.
FAQs
How much is a ferret?
The average cost of purchasing a ferret from a breeder can range from $100 to $400 while adopting one from a rescue generally costs $50 to $300.
What is the average monthly cost of owning a ferret?
To give you a rough estimate, initial purchase and startup fees can range from $250 to $800. After that, you can expect to spend at least $300 to $600 annually to keep your ferret thriving. Prices may vary based on your location.
Are ferrets high-maintenance pets?
Yes, ferrets are high-maintenance pets. Although they may appear to be small, easy-to-care-for-pocket pets, they are a significant responsibility and often require as much care as a cat or dog, if not more!
What do ferrets eat, and is their food expensive?
High-quality food for your ferret can cost around $15-20 per month. Ferrets are carnivores (meat-eaters) and typically eat rodents, birds, and rabbits in the wild. Pet ferrets should be fed commercially made, high-protein, moderate-fat, low-carbohydrate pellet diets specifically formulated for ferrets.
Do ferrets need regular veterinary care?
Like every other pet, ferrets can have health issues and should be examined by a vet regularly. It is generally recommended to have annual check-ups until they are five years old and every six months thereafter. Vaccinations are highly recommended, especially for rabies and distemper.