Ferret owners??

[sweetr72]

Are there any YT'ers that have ferrets?? I would like to do some possible foster care for ferrets but wonder what it would be like?? My dogs have welcomed in various dog rescues and a few cat rescues but I wonder how they would react to a ferret OR how a ferret would react to them...if anyone has a ferret please share you stories, pics and any information or advise!!

Thanks,
Dawn

[Suzy]

I don't know for sure, but I think mine would go after a ferret and possibly hurt it...

They chase bunnies and birds out of our yard, I think with the intent of catching them but who knows if it's just for fun.

Considering the yorkie was bred to be a ratter, I personally wouldn't risk it!

[sweetr72]

Ya I suppose its a possibility...I just cant see mine chasing it...they would be wondering what it is for sure..but they dont bother with my daughters pet mouse or my sons bearded dragon...hmmmm...I do see pictures online of ferrets and dogs and ferrets and cats...but I want personal experiences. It might not be the way to go but hope to hear more opinions..

Dawn

[sweetr72]

Wow no one has a ferret here??

Dawn

[linz06]

My ex had a ferret and Layla met her one time. They chased each other around a little bit, but the ferret kept trying to bite at Layla. I hated that ferret! It always bit at my toes and tried to climb up my pants, and it smelled sooooo bad! It also stole shoe liners so we always had to keep all our shoes up on chairs or in closets (until it learned how to open closets)

[nene1977]

I had a ferret before I had my dog. Ferrets are fun to have BUT the run around kinda of the same way a mouse or bunny would. So IF you do get one make sure the ferret and Yorkie are always supervised when they are together. And when the ferret is in its cage make sure the Yorkie can not bother it. Ferrets will bite when they feel threatened so be prepared for your little Yorkie to get his or her nose bit.

[Yorkiekids]

We have three ferets and Penny & Piper get along great with them.

[sweetr72]

Originally Posted by Yorkiekids

We have three ferets and Penny & Piper get along great with them.

Really? What did you have first..the ferret or the yorkies??

[jrsygal37]

Please, don't get ferrets. It may work but I really think that you'd be putting these little guys at risk. Yorkies are ratters. That's not to say that they all have that instinct but I think most do. Ferrets are on the same line as mice, rats, etc. and I think that instinctively your Yorkies would go after it. Even in playing your Yorkies and or the Ferrets can get seriously hurt. Ferrets have pretty sharp teeth and you can't blame them if they defend themselves. Elaine

[Patti]

My BF has had ferrets for 15 years, she usually had 3-4 at a time, some rescues, she loved them. The down side is they have a strong odor, she washes them alot to help with this, they need to be let out and do pee and poop on the floor when out. When they get sick, and they all have at about 5 years of age, usually with adrenal disease vet care is very expensive as tehyare consisdered exotics. She is down to her last one and it was at the er vey all weekend not able to pee and it cost 1000.00 and it needs surgery which is another 1000.00. But she loves them. She got her first dog ever 6 years ago, a cavalier king charles spaniel and she does well with the ferrets. Chases but never touches them. I have babysat for them a few times and my Pom liked them but my Yorkie chased them but never got them. Hope this helps

[diggy4]

First pic is Bella sitting on Willis she LOVED to just sit on him, and he didnt mind.

Second is again Bella sitting on WIllis

Third is Murphy and Willis and Bella all eating and drinking for the same bowls.

Here are pics for ya, I agree and disagree with what some have said. First off a Ferret is a far bigger threat to a yorkie than a yorkie to a ferret. Ferret's are fierce hunters but that is the black footed ferret not the domestic ferret we have as pets. The closest relative to the domestic ferret is a Mink, also a fierce fighter and hunter. I know our little fur butts are good fighters and have hunting instincts but after working as an animal caretaker for years in a store that sold ferrets, and owning 2 with a yorkie....Id fear more for my Yorkie than the ferret. Thank goodness Murphy and Willis loved Bella and they played for hours on end. Perfect little partners. My ferrets did have a cage they were in at night but had run of the house most of the time. Bella would try to get in the cage with them. They have VERY sharp teeth and move very fast when they need to. Best I can describe a ferret to you is this...A mix between a cat and a dog. They are independant and love freedom, not a good caged animal although most do it to them anyway. Mine ran to me when I called them or squeaked a toy and would run up my leg and kiss me all over my face. They are burrow ALOT love to tunnel and hide and have "secret places" like drawers, under couches, purses, book bags, and under blankets. They steal EVERYTHING....remotes, paper, toys, dog bones, LOVE KEYS, candy, and they hide it...usually in the same spot until they think you found it, then they move all their treasures!! Mine have caused many many hours of searching for keys or what not..they take anything. They are EXTREMELY smart, dont under estimate them...people like to refer to them as rodents THEY ARE NOT. Very high intelligence. They are a pack animal and once bonded with another ferret, or any animal usually they will mourn themselves to death in missing their friend. Trust me, I experianced it and IT SUCKS! They are just like dogs they want treats and know the sound of treats being opened from allt he way upstairs and come running and look out if they want a treat they WILL get one. They love to go outside and play. I know I am leaving a bunch out and if you wanna ask more ?'s go ahead I have had ferrets in my life for 7 years now and just adore them. Just like a cat or dog they do have personalities mine 2 were opposites I would find Murphy swinging from the curtains and Willis would run and get in bed because he knew Murphy was being bad! Murphy also knew he was being bad but he was my rebel he didnt care!! I suggest a controlled introduction and getting very familiar with the ferrets first. Ferrets get mad, they fight, they bite, just like any dog.....It really depends on the ferret. Bella is a VERY aggressive dog and lived fine with a very aggressive ferret they had their fights, and Murphy usually won or got his way. Bella and Willis have never had a fight as he is very passive. I hope this helps and there is a TON of info on the net and I would be glad to help ya out in anyway I can. Ohhh and just like Yorkies, Its really hard to own just one, I suggest 2 believe me its much easier, they are very warm blooded and like to sleep together litterally on top of each other. Mine had 4 beds and only slept in one and together!

[sweetr72]

Originally Posted by diggy4

First pic is Bella sitting on Willis she LOVED to just sit on him, and he didnt mind.

Second is again Bella sitting on WIllis

Third is Murphy and Willis and Bella all eating and drinking for the same bowls.

Here are pics for ya, I agree and disagree with what some have said. First off a Ferret is a far bigger threat to a yorkie than a yorkie to a ferret. Ferret's are fierce hunters but that is the black footed ferret not the domestic ferret we have as pets. The closest relative to the domestic ferret is a Mink, also a fierce fighter and hunter. I know our little fur butts are good fighters and have hunting instincts but after working as an animal caretaker for years in a store that sold ferrets, and owning 2 with a yorkie....Id fear more for my Yorkie than the ferret. Thank goodness Murphy and Willis loved Bella and they played for hours on end. Perfect little partners. My ferrets did have a cage they were in at night but had run of the house most of the time. Bella would try to get in the cage with them. They have VERY sharp teeth and move very fast when they need to. Best I can describe a ferret to you is this...A mix between a cat and a dog. They are independant and love freedom, not a good caged animal although most do it to them anyway. Mine ran to me when I called them or squeaked a toy and would run up my leg and kiss me all over my face. They are burrow ALOT love to tunnel and hide and have "secret places" like drawers, under couches, purses, book bags, and under blankets. They steal EVERYTHING....remotes, paper, toys, dog bones, LOVE KEYS, candy, and they hide it...usually in the same spot until they think you found it, then they move all their treasures!! Mine have caused many many hours of searching for keys or what not..they take anything. They are EXTREMELY smart, dont under estimate them...people like to refer to them as rodents THEY ARE NOT. Very high intelligence. They are a pack animal and once bonded with another ferret, or any animal usually they will mourn themselves to death in missing their friend. Trust me, I experianced it and IT SUCKS! They are just like dogs they want treats and know the sound of treats being opened from allt he way upstairs and come running and look out if they want a treat they WILL get one. They love to go outside and play. I know I am leaving a bunch out and if you wanna ask more ?'s go ahead I have had ferrets in my life for 7 years now and just adore them. Just like a cat or dog they do have personalities mine 2 were opposites I would find Murphy swinging from the curtains and Willis would run and get in bed because he knew Murphy was being bad! Murphy also knew he was being bad but he was my rebel he didnt care!! I suggest a controlled introduction and getting very familiar with the ferrets first. Ferrets get mad, they fight, they bite, just like any dog.....It really depends on the ferret. Bella is a VERY aggressive dog and lived fine with a very aggressive ferret they had their fights, and Murphy usually won or got his way. Bella and Willis have never had a fight as he is very passive. I hope this helps and there is a TON of info on the net and I would be glad to help ya out in anyway I can. Ohhh and just like Yorkies, Its really hard to own just one, I suggest 2 believe me its much easier, they are very warm blooded and like to sleep together litterally on top of each other. Mine had 4 beds and only slept in one and together!

Thank you soooooooooooooooooooo soooooooooo much for all of your input it was very very helpful..I have joined a ferret forum now to learn all I need to learn...everyone's advice here is wonderful and will take it all in and make my decision. I almost need to have my dogs meet a ferret first and see how they will react...not worried at all about my yorkies Id worry more about my Boykin Spaniel...even then I am not that worried about her either...she is inquisitive but wouldnt hurt a fly...it may be something I do down the road...even years from now but I thank you all for your opinions!!

Dawn

[diggy4]

Like I said be really careful of the ferret. The attack really fast and really hard. Ferrets also have VERY flexible bones and very thick skin they are much harder to injure than a yorkie would be. If the was a Yorkie/Ferret fight I would guess the ferret would win 9 times out of 10, sounds crazy I know but they really are not near as fragile as they look. Good luck and i think they will be just fine.

[sweetr72]

Originally Posted by diggy4

Like I said be really careful of the ferret. The attack really fast and really hard. Ferrets also have VERY flexible bones and very thick skin they are much harder to injure than a yorkie would be. If the was a Yorkie/Ferret fight I would guess the ferret would win 9 times out of 10, sounds crazy I know but they really are not near as fragile as they look. Good luck and i think they will be just fine.

I hear what your saying...I sure wouldnt want anything to hurt my babies...its almost like you have to have ferrets OR dogs...not both...

Dawn

[Superstarkba]

Awe, I want one!!! Do they get along with your yorkies?