If you’re thinking of getting your first ferret there’s a strong chance that you’re thinking of getting a youngster. Would you be better off considering an older ferret?
Like any young animal, there’s no doubt that young ferrets are cute. Of course, there’s a long line of older ferrets wanting the record to show that they’re adorable too. The older ferrets are right about being adorable, but they’re often overlooked when it comes to being chosen as a pet.
Here are a few of the key things to consider before you make your choice. Remember that the choice you make will be a good choice, as long as it’s well informed.
Litter Training
Do you want to start from scratch with litter training, or would you prefer a ferret that has a little more experience in that department. If you want to be able to point your ferret in the right direction rather than covering the basics choose an older ferret. Baby ferrets are going to need a little more encouragement.
Biting
Baby ferrets are more likely to bite you regularly, as they tend to find it hard to work out the difference between fingers and food. They can be trained out of this misunderstanding though. An older ferret is less likely to bite, though if your older ferret does bite you’ll know about it.
As a ferret gets older its bite will get stronger. Forming a good bond of trust will help you to avoid the discomfort of a bite from a grown-up ferret.
Immunization
All ferrets are going to need some shots from the vet. Boosters for Rabies and Distemper are going to be an annual experience for your ferret, regardless of age. Your baby ferret may need more shots at the start of your time together, as the immunizations need to be built up over a course of shots.
If you decide to get a baby ferret make sure you find out how many of the primary shots have been given. With an older ferret you’ll need to find out when the boosters are due. It’s also a good idea to check if the ferret has had any adverse reactions to their previous shots. Let your vet know if there are any known issues.
