Marshalls ferrets?

[wuvweasels]

This was with a ferret that had never bitten, and never bit again. If this had been a small child those bites that had gone to the bone would have broken the bones of a small child. Mayhem was the sweetest ferret and has been handled by many a person both before and after and he never attempted to bite anyone. I've heard of tales of ferrets having to be removed from a finger, a hand or a toe because they've locked their jaws onto said appendage and will not let go.

But this could happen with almost any animal. What you're essentially saying is that pets aren't appropriate in a household with any children under 8? I know of children who have been bitten by dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, rats, turtles...

Any responsible parent/pet owner is aware of the risks that a companion animal can pose to her child (as well as to herself). And a responsible pet owner will not allow a very young child the freedom to "drop" or "pinch" their pet. When my son plays with our ferret I sit right beside him and tell him exactly how to hold her and remind him constantly what not to do. I am very cautious about allowing animals around my son. Just this afternoon a neighbor brought her chow chow puppy by and I do not trust this particular dog (very paranoid and easily spooked). I did not allow my son to pet the dog. I realize that you can't expect this type of supervision in every household with children but to exclude every one because of that? Besides, what if there was a bite? Of course I don't want my child to lose nerve functioning in his arm but for goodness' sake, I'm not going to keep him in a bubble. Keeping companion animals is a way of life to our family and I want my son to be raised with knowledge of and respect for our pets. He was bitten pretty bad by one of our rats once but I can assure you he would choose to be bitten again than to have never experienced having owned them. He loved those stinky things LOL. Lastly, if you run a ferret rescue or own ferrets into the double digits you are obviously going to come into contact with a disproportionate amount of personalities and behavioral problems that do not present themselves to someone with one or two ferrets who have not been abused/neglected, bounced from home to home etc.

I apologize in advance for hijacking the thread and for getting a little emotional (I know that's not a fair tactic LOL). It's just that this topic hits very close to home.

[herbalmistress]

I can see both sides of this argument, and have decided i definitely will not lie to a shelter or rescue about having a toddler. I honestly wasn't aware that a ferret's bite could cause so much damage, and i was under the impression they are not as likely to bite as rodents are. I guess i assumed them to be more like cats. A cat can give a pretty bad bite, if and when they bite, but they aren't very likely to do it.

I have had a wide variety of pets in my home since my oldest son was young. We too are the type of family who considers living with companion animals a way of life for us. We have cats and dogs. We've kept mice, gerbils, and rats. We also have an aquatic turtle i took on before my oldest son was even born. I have always stressed respect for the animals, in their handling, and have taught my children that they have instincts to help them survive that must be respected as well.

I'm not the type of person who takes on a pet i know nothing about. That's why i'm on this forum asking questions instead of running out and purchasing a couple of ferrets on a whim. One thing i'd like to make clear is that i'm not wanting to become a ferret owner purely for the sake of my children, because i'd like them to have a new pet. I want ferrets. I've wanted ferrets since i was a kid. The fact that my boys are interested in ferrets is an added plus and therefor i can see ferret ownership being enriching for our whole family. But it is not and has never been my intention to get ferrets FOR my kids.

I am a stay at home mom, and we are a homeschooling family. I have the time and ability to ensure that any animal i bring into my home is respected and has it's needs met. Being with my children and my pets takes up all of every day of my life.

I will not be getting any ferrets until i feel sure i know exactly what i'm in for. Honestly, it could be a while. With all that said, i appreciate the varying viewpoints on this topic. I'm on here asking questions because i know i'm ignorant, and am wanting to see the whole picture. Thanks for all of your input, and please keep it coming.

Peace,
Cherry

[joan]

I'm the breeder in Austin referenced above, and I do not sell kits to anyone with children under 8 (no exceptions) for all the reasons which have been stated. I consider homes with older children on a case by case basis.

I recommend that any family with young children, who are well supervised and trained to properly interact with animals, adopt an older kit or young adult from a shelter. The MF ferrets are generally more docile than other farm ferrets and much more so than most breeder ferrets, so are better suited to homes with children.

[Heather]

I agree with you wuvweasels, it could happen with any pet. I've seem some ghastly messes of small children who've been attacked by the family dog (one such attack was a toy poodle, the child fell on the dog). That child, according to her mother had already had 2 surgeries and was going to have 4 or 5 more. We cannot wrap our children in cotton wool and expect them to learn. I wish that your children and that of herbalmistress were the norm and not the exception, unfortunately that has been my experience. A lot of parents don't consider ferrets a threat, after all they're tiny. I make a point whenever my guys are in the public eye and I'm answering questions of opening my guys mouths and showing their teeth. Nine times out of ten, the first question out of people's mouths is "do they bite" my response is yes. I don't want to be responsible for one of my ferrets traumatizing a small child because they behaved like a small child
I agree with joan, perhaps an older, more solid ferret that has learned manners and has already got a proven track record would be the best bet for a family that really wants a ferret and have young children. I've dealt with Nicodemus who was a marshals kit that I rescued, he was sweet and he would never dream of biting (baring something extreme happening, as was said, all animals bite). Thor and Odin are breeders ferrets, even though they're sweet and I love them to pieces....they're still a handful and can be difficult and bite when they're playing and feel threatened. Napoleon was a Path Valley kit and he was h*** on furry paws Scruffing didn't work (as soon as you let go of him he would attack you), time outs didn't work (as soon as he was let out he would attack), ignoring him would result in getting your feet and ankles bitten. I did finally win, now he can be handled by anyone, but....only if he's in your arms, on the ground and playing he will use both his claws and his teeth in play. He's a hefty little bum weighing in at just under 4 lbs but he can be a real handful. I would personally look for a "used" marshals ferret who has his/her hearing (I find the boys a little softer and more inclined to be hugged and snuggled). Deaf ferrets are a whole different ball game, a rescue would know if the ferret they're offering you has it's hearing. I've heard of people on the list who have had marshals' ferrets and purchased breeders' ferrets and suddenly finding themselves playing a whole different game. As much as I dislike marshals, their ferrets are "usually" calm, softer ferrets. They generally breed for this particular behaviour.
I know that my particular stance may not sit well with many, but I love my little charges and I want to see them happy. I also want them to be happy in their new homes and I want their new people to be happy with them. Most of the ferrets that live in my home were turned in because an adult couldn't handle them, how can I expect a small child to .
ciao