FERRETS 

How Much Are Ferrets?

The question, “How much are ferrets“, is more complicated than it may appear.

There is the cost of buying/adopting a ferret, which can vary widely. But the cost of buying the ferret is the least of the expenses.

When you buy a car, you expect the primary cost to be the car itself.  But you also know there will be other costs associated with owning a car–maintenance, insurance, gas…that will be ongoing costs for the life of the car.

Many people get a pet without thinking about the costs associated with having a pet. You may get a kitten for free or a turtle for $5, but that isn’t the final cost. It is just the beginning!

How Much Are Ferrets?

The Short Answer

In general, kits cost more than adults. In the U.S., there are a number of places to find a ferret: breeders, pet shops, Craigslist (and other want ads), ferret associations and animal shelters.

Breeders: $200+ (if transportation is needed, there may be an extra fee of $150+)

Pet Shops: $120-$250

Craigslist: free- $300+ (often with extras such as cage and/or supplies)

Ferret Associations and Shelters: $70 – $100

How Much Are Ferrets?

The Longer Answer

It is important to consider the costs of setting up proper housing and accessories for your ferret, along with ongoing expenses such as food, litter, and veterinary care.

If you get your ferret from a shelter or pet store, he or she will generally have the required vaccines and be neutered or spayed and descented–saving you these vet bills.

If you get your ferret from Craigslist, the ferret should be spayed or neutered and probably descended, but vaccines may or may not be up to date. Many ferrets found in the “Want Ads” come with some or many of the items your ferret needs–such as a cage, litter box and litter, food, bowls, bedding and toys.

If you go directly to a breeder, unless the ferret is an adult, you can expect to pay for vaccines as well as spaying or neutering and descenting. Average vaccines range between $20-$40. Spay and descenting or neuter and descenting average between $50-$200.

How much you spend on a cage, bedding, litter, toys and other accessories depends on your budget. There are many options and choices in a variety of price ranges. You can get an adequate cage for well under $100 or you could get a deluxe, multi-level cage for several hundred dollars. The necessary (and optional) accessories you equip your ferret’s cage with can also be inexpensive or elaborate. It is possible to get a litter box, bedding, bowl, water bottle and toys all for less than $25. You can also spend a hundred or so more on tunnels, tubes, hammocks, and sleep sacs.

The most important thing to consider when deciding on any item for your ferret is to make sure it is safe and appropriate for a ferret.

Food and litter is an ongoing expense that can vary as well. There are several options when it comes to feeding your ferret a healthy diet. Whether raw, homemade or packaged, making sure the food is healthy and appropriate for your ferret is most important. The litter you use also needs to be appropriate for ferrets.

So, How Much Are Ferrets?

It depends on a lot of variables. But no matter how much or how little you spend, they are worth every penny and much, much more.

If you are seriously considering adding a ferret to your family, educate yourself first. Learn how to care for a ferret and what a ferret needs to be healthy and happy. Then you can better decide if a ferret is right for you. Peruse the various articles and posts you find here and as a starting point, read: Are Ferret sGood Pets?

For more information on where to find a ferret, click here.

Your comments are welcome.