Ferrets are excellent, playful pets. Unlike other pets, they are very active, loving, and have a very curious nature that keeps on getting your attention all the time. However, the thing most people want to know, particularly new buyers, why these small creatures are expensive.
A good ferret pet ranges from $60 to more than $300. Add another $150-$400 for vaccination, because it is necessary and required. Furthermore, you can expect to spend more money on veterinary examinations and basic supplies. In case you want to opt for spaying or neutering, you need to have more budget for that as well.
All these costs affect the purchasing decisions of ferret lovers.
We aren’t even including the costs of food, shelter, toys, or routine veterinary care. If you add them up too, they will make you feel like you have adopted a luxurious pet.
The ongoing expenditures are indeed more than the initial cost.
But before diving deeper into the costs and requirements of a single ferret, first, let us reveal what is the reason behind their expensiveness.
Where Do You Even Buy a Ferret?
Private Breeders
Ferrets are expensive because people prefer to buy ferrets that are young; it is easier for them to train and have a special bond with them. In addition, they are not easily available as some states don’t allow their breeding. The only option you have is to buy ferrets from a private breeder. The private breeders charge more money since they inform you regarding the direct family history of the ferret that assists you in understanding what you are getting.
Buying from a Pet Store
Buying a ferret from a local pet store is also an option.
However, local pet stores often don’t have young ferrets. Their ferrets are adult and it isn’t easy to train them. They have their friends in the store and when you don’t buy them in a group, they may create a lot of trouble.
Ferrets typically don’t know how to live alone.
They either go into depression or become ill, and won’t see your home as their primary home. This kind of isolation usually harms their health.
In case you are planning to buy a pair of ferrets from a local store, it will still be cheaper than the private breeder, but again the issue of training them will rise up.
It will be immensely tough for you to make them do what you want.
So, all these conditions and situations make the initial cost of a ferret expensive. Besides, there are other expenditures along the line that make them more costly.
But is it worth it? After all, considering all the costs, it’s easy to see why ferrets can be so expensive.
We believe spending a couple of hundred dollars each year (after the initial buying cost) is nothing, if you really want to own a ferret. Ferrets are so much interesting; they are full of life and love.
Once you spend some time with them, you perceive why people love to invest in them.
If you are interested in knowing the exact amount that owning a ferret requires each year, it is $200. But if the ferret is unhealthy and you don’t keep him in a good state, the medical bills can cost more than $500 yearly.
Below are some other expenses that you need to keep in mind before owning a ferret.
1 – Ferret Food
Ferret food is expensive and it isn’t easily available online. It goes out of stock as soon as the international, reputable brands put their packages online. For that reason, in most cases, you have to buy the ferret from the local pet store. It doesn’t matter what ferret food you are buying, just make sure it fills your ferret up with necessary nutrients.
The ferret diet is high in fat and protein. The professional pet food companies specially formulate them to meet the requirements of a ferret. Some ferret owners try to feed their ferrets cat or dog food. It is not good and causes harm to them in the long-term.
For that reason, even if the ferret food is expensive, get it. It is good to spend a bit more money to keep your ferret happy and healthy.
Check out our Ferret Food Chart here if you’re looking for more information on food choices.
2 – Medical Needs
We have covered this topic before briefly; however, it is important to explain some aspects of it nonethless. Health should always be the primary concern for a ferret owner.
Unfortunately, these cute creatures are quite susceptible to illness or disease. These are some of those pets that consume a lot of money to stay healthy. Especially in the case of a bad diet, they can lose health quickly. New ferret owners often don’t know that they are a strict carnivore. When they try to mix foods with fiber in their diet, they become sick.
Therefore, make sure you are financially prepared for their health issues and act act responsibly, or issues with your ferrets will add up and get even more expensive. It is better to set aside $200 for their medical needs in the emergency fund.
But if you won’t let your guard down and will be sure to feed them the right food, you can save this money.
3 – Ferret-Proofing Your Home
Ferret-proofing your home is the first thing you should think about.
Because if your home isn’t ferret-proof, the curiosity and energy of ferrets will create problems for you. Due to their size, they will run through small spaces or hide into very small spots. It would be immense tough for you to find them. You have to block all the tiny holes or spaces that allow them to run outside or other rooms (if you want to restrict them in a specific room).
Apart from this, it is pertinent to be extremely cautious about the heating/electric cables, kitchen appliances, and any type of electric cords. Since they can chew the wire for fun or run over them while chasing each other.
Believe it or not, ferrets can learn to open drawers and cabinets as well. If your drawers have medicines, soaps, cleaners, or sharp objects like scissors or blades, try to lock them. Similarly, in bathrooms, ensure that that the bathtubs aren’t filled with water when you are opening their cages to avoid drowning accidents.
One thing you may consider is adding a gate like the one below. It will keep ferrets isolated to one area and reduce any potential headaches.
Conclusion
These are the reasons why ferrets are expensive, but I can personally assure you they are well worth their cost. These full-of-life creatures give you unlimited moments of joy and laughter. Once you see how they play or treat you with love, you can’t live without them for a moment. If you can afford to set aside a reasonable budget, you will surely see that even though ferrets can be quite expensive, it will be an expense you won’t regret.