Hi
Having recently decided to get a pair of ferrets, I've been researching as much as I can ahead of buying a cage but there are several questions I have, which are as follows:
1 - Cage. I can't decide between these two:
The one on the left is much nicer to look at, but is much more expensive (£182), and gives a volume (excluding the pedestal & the skirt) of 138x56x65. Also, it is a 'converted' aviary, so it wasn't actually designed for small animals unlike the one on the right (which is £105 and 133x80x50 (about 5% bigger).
Any thoughts on the suitability of either, or would they both be fine for 2 ferrets? Will they use the full size of the cage? I don't have a garden, so will I have to walk them/exercise them for 1-2 hours every day?
2 - Ferret-proofing- I've read that they love to chew wires etc. when they can get hold of them - how easy is it to 'supervise' them when out of the cage? Are they likely to run behind the TV & start munching cables before I get the chance to stop them? Any there any other common issues caused by letting ferrets run about inside that I really should know about?
3 - Insurance - which insurance provides good cover for ferrets? I've tried a couple of the major insurance companies, only to discover the only species options are 'dog/cat'. Also, does anyone know whether the policies cover things such as cancer?
4 - Young or adult? - Ideally, I'd love to get a pair of young kits - 8-12 weeks or so. I figure it'll be easier to form a bond early on with them, plus I can train them in my own way. I know they're more nippy as youngsters, but I can handle that (I once had pet geese!). I also would love them spending almost their entire lives with me. Is my logic correct, or are rescue adults actually very easy to look after?
5 - Running costs -after insurance, how much should I be spending on food/bedding/ferretone/etc?
6 - Literature - Are there any ferret books worth getting? It seems there are loads, but I'm wondering if they have anything different information other than what's freely available in care sheets etc. on the internet.
7 - Vet - I know ferrets are susceptible to getting ill. Does anyone know a good ferret vet in London?
8 - Cleaning - I read that I will need to 'tidy' the cage once a day & clean it properly once a week. What exactly does the weekly clean entail? Is it just removing the bottom tray, cleaning it & putting it back, or do you need to wash all their 'furniture' etc as well?
Neverending gratitude coming to all answers.
I'm really looking forward to getting started!!!