Manitoba ferret association

Now you are serious about getting a furry.. but don't know where to start. In this section I hope to help you with that.

After you have finished reading this section.. don't forget that you MUST not only read all the other sections.. but all of VITAL ESSENTIALS.. as they are just that.. vital.

The best thing that I can suggest for everyone is when you decide that a ferret is what you want.. you have the time.. you are dedicated.. start by going to your local ferret shelters or pet stores. find out if they would mind if you came there and spent some time with the ones they have available.. It wouldn't hurt to make a few trips there.. spend a little time.. perhaps volunteer to help feed.. clean their cages.. play with them. Please note - The MFA shelter is run from a private residence and offers the opportunity to visit; however, volunteering to clean cages, clip nails etc is not not available.

Perhaps you could arrange to spend the day.. to see what is entailed when owning one.. or rather.. being owned by one.

All too often people will read what is entailed.. and once it becomes reality.. they realize they just don't have the time.. and in some cases the energy in caring for one.

By arranging some time with your local ferret shelter.. you will know first hand.. of what must be done on a daily basis.. and if it's for you.. then you can proceed.

If you have decided this is absolutely for you.. Being a first time ferret parent..I would highly recommend adopting an older one from a shelter..

All too often the older ones or those that have had previous surgeries are forgotten about.. yet they make the greatest pets.. they already come trained.. and they are a bit more laid back... the ferret's personality is known unlike a kit.

Age shouldn't be a factor as far as I am concerned.. as with anything in life.. nothing is guaranteed in life.. not even the amount of time we humans will spend here.. When it is our time to go.. we simply do.. just as all the beautiful furry kids we are so very fortunate to have in our lives. Some ferrets only live to 3 years and others will live to 8 or 9 years old. that kit you bought because you wanted a baby may only live to 3 or 4. the 3 or 4 year old shelter ferret could live to 8 or 9 years and actually outlive that baby ferret you wanted. Old ferrets bond even more so with their adoptive Mom or Dad almost like they know that have been given a second chance at love.

Every furry friend deserves a good life.. one with alot of love.. and proper care.. nothing in life deserves to live less than so.. or leave this earth with no dignity.

I personally do not emphasis on color.. age.. health.. or the like.. They all need homes.. That's all that matters to me..

As ferret caretakers, the following rights are recognized as integral to the ethical and moral treatment of Mustela furo, the domesticated ferret:

The ferret has the right to life. The ferret has the right to be loved and to love back in a forever home until its time comes to cross the Rainbow Bridge. In those instances where euthanasia is seen as the only moral and ethical option, then it is to be performed with dignity and compassion and in a painless manner.

The ferret has the right to professional veterinary care and treatment, as well as medical treatments that prevent disease, such as heartworm, rabies and distemper, among others.

The ferret has the right to clean water and nutritious food, presented in a sanitary manner.

The ferret has the right to live in a clean and stimulating environment commensurate to its intelligence and curiosity.

The ferret has the right to positive physical contact with people and other ferrets.

The ferret has the right to daily exercise and to explore its environment.

The ferret has the right to be a ferret; not a dog nor a cat.

The ferret has the right to live in a secure and stress-free environment, which includes places to hide when sleeping.

The ferret has the right to be bred in a safe, moral and ethical manner, with the assurance offspring from such breeding will also be treated ethically and morally.

The ferret has the right to defend itself when afraid, without fear of judgement or reprisal.