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Anonymous
So, /an/, I'm thinking about buying a ferret.

2 questions: How much money should I expect to spend, not just on the ferret itself, but things like vaccines, housing, etc.

2nd, in terms of training, how difficult are they to deal with?
>> Anonymous
Hey there,
Ferrets are very cool pets, very playful and smart, think of them as having a kitten. However, they need a LOT of discipline and proper training, so be ABSOLUTELY SURE to read a good training book for ferrets. Although they are descented, they will always have a skunky sort of smell and will attract flies. Expect to pay $600 minimum for everything basic to start (including the ferret). Also realise they are not meant to stay in their cage, they are like a kitten and need to roam the house.
>> Anonymous
>>284518
Also, make it "two" ferrets.
>> Anonymous
protip OP, if you're tight on money or don't really have a good amount of money saved, don't get a ferret. Fuckers are way more expensive than dogs when they get ill, and they seem to get ill very often from poor breeding.

Try to get from a breeder instead of a pet store (mill), and get rid of the costs up front to get a healthy, well bred animal.
>> Anonymous
Figure about $150 - 200 for the cage, 50ish for food and supplies. Vet prices vary considerably, but (assuming you buy a fixed animal) first year's worth of shots and check up probably runs from $180 - 250.

Besides the basics, ferrets often get into trouble and wind up at the emergency vet. (Especially your first ferret...you'll make a lot of ferret proofing mistakes in the first few months.) I try to keep a spare $350 or so as an emergency fund. Of course, depending on the emergency, you may need considerably more than 350. Surgery costs at least $500....

As for training... ferrets can be trained to use the litter box most (but not ALL) of the time. Get a large box that the ferret can stand in completly. Skip those "corner" triangle type boxes. If you absolutly can't stand poo on your floor, don't get a ferret.

The thing people seem to have the hardest time "dealing with" is the ferret's ability to get into everything it possibly friggin' can. They pretty much have fun via exploring things, climbing things, digging into furniture, etc. This is why ferret-proofing is challenging, if not down right frustrating at times. What room(s) will the little guy be playing in for 3+ hours a day? Look around and picture him touching *everything*, pawing over your Wii, climbing the curtains, knocking over the trash, squeezing under doors, etc etc. You'll need a plan well in advance to keep your stuff safe form the ferret, and the ferret safe from your stuff.