A ferret is an adorable creature and you might have experienced seeing one from a friend of yours, or probably had a close encounter from ferret shelter open houses. Ferrets are definitely making their way into people’s homes as new pets nowadays and seems like it has already started its own trend into the market.

Now how do you buy a ferret wisely? It is really quite easy to say, but you do need to be patient and follow the information as below:

Where to Get Your Ferret

There are main places where you can find ferrets: local/ online pet store, ferret shelter and private breeder. Where you get your ferret from depends on what you are looking for in a ferret. If you are a first time ferret owner, you may want to consider adopting an older ferret from a shelter. Kits (baby ferrets) can be a real challenge for an owner not prepared for their energy and enthusiasm! Kits are very active and they need substantial training and socializing. Older ferrets typically have more training and they are calmer than younger ferrets.

Another benefit of adopting a ferret from a shelter is that you are more likely to end up with a ferret that fits well into your life and household. Shelter operators are much more familiar with the ferrets in their care than a pet store employee would be, so they can make a better match. This is because a shelter operator spends more time interacting with his or her ferrets, but also because a kit’s personality and activity levels are going to change drastically in the first year of his life. Therefore, a pet store employee really can’t know how your ferret is going to be in three months or even three weeks.

Choose a Healthy Ferret

When you choose your ferret, especially if you’re purchasing a kit from a pet store, look for a ferret with the following signs of health:

- Glossy, soft coat
- Bright, clear eyes
- Clean ears
- Clean teeth
- Trimmed nails
- Healthy skin
- Active, curious attitude
- Alert to surroundings

Avoid ferrets that have obvious issues, such as runny ears or nose, or ferrets that are living in filthy cages. While the situations that these ferrets are living in can be heartbreaking, a dirty cage is a breeding ground for parasites, and you could end up bringing diseases home that could affect your other ferrets or pets if you try to save them. If you see bad conditions, it is better to notify the proper authorities that the animals in the store are being neglected than it is to bring them home.

Know Your Personality

When choosing a ferret, don’t choose based on coat color or gender. Coat colors change throughout a ferret’s life, sometimes several times, so just because a ferret is one color as a kit doesn’t mean that he will stay that color. Gender is also not a factor unless your ferrets are not neutered or spayed, and most ferrets are. The only real difference between a male and a female is that the male is generally significantly larger than the female. Instead of coat color or gender, make your final decision based on personality. Every ferret has his or her own distinct personality, behavior, and quirks. Find the ferret that fits with you.

Take Your Time

The ferret you choose will be with you for at least five years, and some ferrets live to be ten or twelve. When you make your choice, don’t let a pushy sales associate or anyone else rush your decision. Which ferret you bring home is a very important decision, one that cannot be taken lightly. Take your time picking out your new companion. Find a ferret that you can bond with, and you two will have a great time together for years to come!

Here are some things you should know and consider before saying “yes” to becoming a ferret owner:

* Ferrets are lovable and cute. They also have the potential to be high maintenance animals. Some sources recommend that owners should be willing to devote two hours a day to playing with their ferrets. If you live on an extremely hectic schedule, you should keep this in mind. Many people cannot find two hours to devote to their own children.

* Ferret care will involve some set up expense as you will be needing ferret pet supplies like a suitable cage, bedding, toys and a safe area to keep your new pet.

* Veterinary care is a must with Ferrets. Along with the basic visits that you might be familiar with as a dog or cat owner, ferrets can sometimes have their own special issues that can be expensive to deal with as they occur. Also, not all vet clinics will take on a ferret as a patient. Before adopting a ferret, be sure that you have a veterinarian in your area who will deal with him or her. If you don’t, then ask yourself if you are willing to drive the miles required to get to the nearest small animal veterinarian.

* Ferrets can be a bit smelly. Although most are sold “fixed” and de-scented now, you should consider this if you are extremely sensitive to odors.

* Your house will have to be ferret proofed to keep your ferret safe. You must make sure that your pet ferret cannot fit into anything inviting like a heating duct or small holes in the wall. Also, common hazards like electrical cords and poisonous substances must be put safely out of harms way before your curious new friend can find them.

* If you have other pets, be sure that they will be able to live with having a new pet ferret in the house. Some dogs and cats do not take well to these new visitors.

* Check local laws and ordinances related to keeping ferrets as pets. Some areas strictly forbid their ownership. Other areas require permits. Finally, in some areas you can do whatever you please as far as owning a ferret. Check this out before you buy.