Ferrets for Life
Ferrets from Breeders
A lot of prospective ferret owners are looking for private breeders. Unfortunately there are not a lot of them. In fact, it is typically much easier and advisable to find a ferret shelter than a breeder. Certain areas of the country seem to have number of them concentrated in one area where in other parts there aren’t any to be had. To find a local breeder I would first suggest checking the list of breeder links on the site. If none are listed there, check to see if there are any shelters in your area. They may know of a local breeder. Finally a call to your local veterinarian may lead you to a local breeder, especially if they specialize in exotic pets.
Ok, now that we’ve established how to find a private breeder you may ask what is the difference between breeder and pet store ferrets. Most pet store ferrets come from large ferret farms where thousands of ferrets are breed at a commercial scale. Ferrets bred this way don’t have the chance to interact with humans as they would in a private home. Another drawback of some commercial ferret farms is that while some are known as “pets only”, many sell to both the pet trade and for laboratory use. This can be a real turnoff for ferret enthusiasts given the nature and intelligence of these animals.
The knowledge that a ferret was brought up in a home environment is a real plus in this ferret owners eyes. It’s nice to know that the kits from a particular litter were able to stay together until they are purchased as a treasured pet by their new owner.
Many times the small breeders will specialize in certain colors. If you are looking for a show quality cinnamon ferret, a breeder is where you want to go. Which brings me to another point. Many small scale breeders show their ferrets at ferret shows and they breed their ferrets for certain qualities. Be prepared to shell out some extra bucks for that show quality cinnamon, but if that’s what you want, a breeder is the place to get it.
Blood lines are another reason to get a ferret from a breeder. Some breeders in the US specialize in ferrets that have European bloodlines. Diseases such as adrenal disease are much less common in Europe. By incorporating European stock into the breeder’s ferrets, it is hoped that healthier ferrets will result.
Most ferrets from breeders are much larger than ferrets from pet stores. This is especially true in male ferrets. This is due for two reasons. First, the bigger ferret is a characteristic that tends to be bred for. Secondly, ferrets purchased from breeders are not fixed. It is up to the owner to get this done. While not spaying females is not an option, waiting until they are six months old is a good idea. This lets their bodies to fully develop with the benefit of all the hormones they are supposed to have. As for the males, leaving them intact until they are nine months old really makes a difference. Waiting to fix a male ferret will result in a ferret that is much bigger and stockier than his pet store male counterpart. Male ferrets are supposed to be nearly twice the size of the females. Because pet store ferrets are fixed so early the size difference is not nearly are pronounced.
Ok, now that we’ve established how to find a private breeder you may ask what is the difference between breeder and pet store ferrets. Most pet store ferrets come from large ferret farms where thousands of ferrets are breed at a commercial scale. Ferrets bred this way don’t have the chance to interact with humans as they would in a private home. Another drawback of some commercial ferret farms is that while some are known as “pets only”, many sell to both the pet trade and for laboratory use. This can be a real turnoff for ferret enthusiasts given the nature and intelligence of these animals.
The knowledge that a ferret was brought up in a home environment is a real plus in this ferret owners eyes. It’s nice to know that the kits from a particular litter were able to stay together until they are purchased as a treasured pet by their new owner.
Many times the small breeders will specialize in certain colors. If you are looking for a show quality cinnamon ferret, a breeder is where you want to go. Which brings me to another point. Many small scale breeders show their ferrets at ferret shows and they breed their ferrets for certain qualities. Be prepared to shell out some extra bucks for that show quality cinnamon, but if that’s what you want, a breeder is the place to get it.
Blood lines are another reason to get a ferret from a breeder. Some breeders in the US specialize in ferrets that have European bloodlines. Diseases such as adrenal disease are much less common in Europe. By incorporating European stock into the breeder’s ferrets, it is hoped that healthier ferrets will result.
Most ferrets from breeders are much larger than ferrets from pet stores. This is especially true in male ferrets. This is due for two reasons. First, the bigger ferret is a characteristic that tends to be bred for. Secondly, ferrets purchased from breeders are not fixed. It is up to the owner to get this done. While not spaying females is not an option, waiting until they are six months old is a good idea. This lets their bodies to fully develop with the benefit of all the hormones they are supposed to have. As for the males, leaving them intact until they are nine months old really makes a difference. Waiting to fix a male ferret will result in a ferret that is much bigger and stockier than his pet store male counterpart. Male ferrets are supposed to be nearly twice the size of the females. Because pet store ferrets are fixed so early the size difference is not nearly are pronounced.
