There are a number of choices to consider when buying a pet ferret.
They can be grouped into two major categories: the ferret and the provider.
The Ferret: 1- Male or Female? Are you going to choose a male or female ferret? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? The male ferret will be larger than the female.
Male ferrets tend to grow to about 16 inches in length and weigh in at close to 3 pounds.
The female may reach 12 inches in length and weigh about 1-1/2 pounds.
Although it is a good idea to have your ferret spayed/neutered regardless of gender, it is a health necessity for you to have your female fixed unless you are planning to aggressively breed her.
The easiest way to handle the neutering issue is to buy your ferret already fixed.
Make sure this matter is handled with the breeder, shelter or pet store.
Whether your new ferret is a male or female, he/she will require the same amount of love and care.
The gender choice becomes simply a preference.
2- Baby or Adult? A baby ferret requires more care than an adult.
If you bring your baby ferret home before he is 14 weeks old, you will have to bring him to the veterinarian for his canine distemper vaccinations until the series is complete.
The advantage of an adult ferret is that he may already be trained to use the litter box.
The pros and cons of age seem about equal.
3- Color? The color of your new pet is totally a matter of taste.
There are various colorings available: black, black sable, champagne, chocolate, cinnamon, dark-eyed white and sable.
4- One or More? The choice of purchasing one or more ferrets is, thankfully, not a once for all decision.
If you purchase one now and a second one later, the established ferret will likely accept the new one without a problem.
Part of your consideration is the amount of time you are able and willing to invest in your new ferret.
If your time is going to be limited, getting a second ferret as a companion to the first may be a good idea.
The pair of them will play together when you are not there.
This can lead to some fun times with them playing with each other and you when they spend time outside of their cage.
The Provider: 5- Pet Store? Pet stores are the leading source of domesticated ferrets in the United States.
You will typically have a choice among several pet stores.
Find a store with employees that are knowledgeable about ferrets and can help you with your choice.
Kits purchased from a pet store will probably be neutered and de-scented.
Make sure to verity this with the pet store.
Also, know what vaccinations have been given.
Figure a baby ferret will sell in the $100 range.
6- Breeder? Finding a local ferret breeder may be difficult as there are not many.
Check with your local shelter or veterinarian for a referral.
Ferrets raised by breeders have more human contact than pet store ferrets - who get their stock from commercial ferret farms.
On the downside, breeder ferrets are not neutered.
Your ferret will likely be larger if from a breeder due to the delay in neutering.
This necessary surgery will be up to you to schedule with your veterinarian.
Breeders tend to concentrate on particular colors so your new friend is likely to cost you more money than the pet store variety.
7- Shelter? Too many ferrets end up in shelters.
Many well intentioned people jump into ferret ownership ill-prepared for the responsibility.
Adopting a ferret from a shelter is a good option.
First, you are rescuing a life that never intended to be sheltered.
Secondly, those who work at the shelter can give you practical guidance about the care of ferrets.
Third, it is most likely the most inexpensive route to go.
Having considered all these options you are now in a good position to make an intelligent choice in buying a new ferret.