just joined

[nux]

i am going to be a new ferret owner in a couple of weeks and so am doing lots and lots of research. i am an herbalist and i have freelance studied nutrition and TCM for most of my life, so naturally after reading all about the illnesses and diseases ferrets can get and how they can be prevented with proper diet, i want to be sure my ferret has the best possible chance of having a happy, healthy life through holistic, natural diet and activity.

thanks for creating a space where this can be discussed!

-nux

[tsslilsis]

Welcome to the forum! It is great that you have read up and decided what route you are taking before you've gotten your new baby. Some people jump right into the ferret world without stopping to research and that can cause a bounty of problems (This is why there are so many people out there who think ferrets are herbivores).

Please keep us posting on your journey into the ferret world.

-~Ketlin

[suds]

Hi Nux\
look around there is alot of great informattion here to learn from a good place tp start is reading threads on how some of us are going through the swotching proccess now holisticferret.proboards80.com/index.cgi?board=newbie . ask any questions you have there a alot of friendly knowlegble people here to help you .

[Forum Administrator]

Welcome to the group! With your background, I'm sure you'll fit right in I hope you enjoy the forum and if you have any questions or need assistance, just ask.

[ferretpalooza]

Welcome to the board. When are you getting your ferrets and how many? They say the babies are the easiest to switch, so having the knowledge right off will be a great asset!!

[buzzonesbirdie]

Sorry Im a little late in saying HELLO!! but here I am.

Welcome to the board !!

on being a soon-to-be new ferret owner. Once you go ferret you never go back

LOL

Welcome

[nux]

thanks everyone...

i think i am a little lost in this forum set-up because i had asked some questions in a different area about pesticides and antibiotics in raw meats and now i can't find it and have no idea if anyone responded...it is really important to me.

also i think i am getting one ferret. i was on the fence for a long time because i figured two ferrets would be healthier because they'd have one another for company, but, realistically, one ferret would get a lot more one on one from us i think. also, being totally new to this, i don't want to overwhelm myself and take on more than i can handle, which i do not yet know the limits of because i haven't had a ferret yet....ya know! oddly, when i think of getting two baby ferrets, that seems less overwhelming.

does anyone have any advice in choosing the right ferret? this is another concern...i am so far decided upon a female, with dark fur, as i understand these types have the strongest immune systems and are less apt to be deaf or develop other issues.

also is there any way to tell before purchase if a ferret will tend toward being a biter or not? the place i am going to buy mine from actually hires people for the sole purpose of handling the ferrets for at least five minutes a day each. seems as if that would help not only to determine the biters, but the ferrrets would be more accustomed to handling. what say you?

also i want to say that this website has been extremely helpful in my research process, far more so than the other one i was recommended to. i think folks who care enough to take care of their ferrets holistically are going to have an entirely diffrerent level of responsibility. thanks!

[Forum Administrator]

i think i am a little lost in this forum set-up because i had asked some questions in a different area about pesticides and antibiotics in raw meats and now i can't find it and have no idea if anyone responded...it is really important to me.

Here is your thread You went into the nutrition section, and posted in under "general feeding discussions and questions"

holisticferret.proboards80.com/index.cgi?board=gen&action=display&thread=1415

I would get one ferret and then add another one a month or two later Get your feet wet first, just my advice. You don't want to bite off more then you can chew.

also i want to say that this website has been extremely helpful in my research process, far more so than the other one i was recommended to. i think folks who care enough to take care of their ferrets holistically are going to have an entirely diffrerent level of responsibility. thanks.

Thanks, I'm happy to hear that you enjoy our site. Continue to ask questions and make yourself at home.

[Heather]

Hi and Welcome
I'm a little late at popping in on this one but welcome just the same . I wish everyone put as much thought into choosing their furchild as you do . It would make it a lot easier on us on the rescue end. Maybe, then they wouldn't even need us for those ferrets that bite too much, or don't snuggle or are too active for their lifestyle or that they thought they were cage beasties.....the list is long and very disheartening.
Myself, I love the boys They love to snuggle (even my most active ones) the girls are very busy. It's entirely up to you though. That's a question that is always very personal
The worst biters...hmmm I honestly don't think that ferrets start out being biters, they're allowed to develop that habit. Deaf ferrets have to be the most notorious biters. Some of the farm ferrets are harder to handle than others. Marshal's pride themselves on their quiet, non-bitey fuzzies. I just wish they would concern themselves with the long term health of their fuzzies too My Path Valley and Canadian ferrets are my most aggressive biters, or at least they were when they were turned in but they are my most loving snuggly dudes. So I'm going to say that when treated with kindness and respect ferrets don't normally bite aggressively.
Please feel free to prowl around and ask questions, there's always some friendly soul prowling around. I hope I will be seeing you around.
ciao

[weloveourweasels]

[nux]

hey heather that was very helpful, i do want one that will be snuggly cause they're so darn cute when they snuggle!!! so that is a consideration in the final choice. down to four days to go now!!!