|
Ferret Fans Offer Some Advice!
by Dear Heloise
Dear Heloise: I was really happy to see ferrets as a topic. You stated that
ferrets are nocturnal, but actually they are crepuscular -- active at dawn
and
at dusk.
They do adapt readily to the household clock, however.
My wife and I owned and operated a ferret shelter for more than 10 years
here
in New Hampshire. During that time, we answered hundreds of questions. I
wrote
The Ferret Owner's Manual for our adopters and anyone who had an interest in
ferrets. It's available on the Internet, for anyone who wishes to learn
about
ferrets and ferret care, at www.4lilpaws.org. Your readers are welcome to
download it. -- Dick Bossart, via e-mail
We got lots of comments from readers about ferrets. Here is what some of
them
had to say:
"My family started with Pudge about two years ago and recently brought in
Martin and Monty. They are all the same size and get along. It is such a
riot to
watch them play, and there is never a dull moment. To anyone interested in
buying a ferret, I would recommend reading a 'how to' book on them. That was
very helpful to us. One last tip: A collar with a bell is a must, and
ferrets
don't mind it at all." -- Todd Gillette, via e-mail
"Much like children, it doesn't matter how expensive a toy you buy --
ferrets
would rather play in the box it came in!" -- Kie Spring and Zander, via
e-mail
"I've had ferrets for 10 years. Ferret-proof your home, since most have gaps
under the cabinets." -- Rob Dejournett, via e-mail
"My family now has our third ferret as a pet. Our ferret likes to play tag
with our cat. They hide under furniture, including rocking chairs. All my
crochet work and yarn needs to be put up and in a closed plastic or canvas
container. We wake him to play during the day, and at night frequently leave
on
a light or the TV in the living room." -- Terri Fakler, Winona, Minn.
"When my ferret is ready to nap, he goes into my guest bedroom, pulls
himself
up onto the bed and crawls under the comforter. We keep him up to date on
his
shots at the vet, and my son keeps Gizmo's nails trimmed." -- Mary of
Sherwood,
Ark.
"Please caution readers about the responsibility of owning a ferret. They
are
a member of the skunk family. Even de-scented, they still have a strong
odor."
-- Andrea Peterson, via e-mail
Dear Readers: Anna Classen of Little Egg Harbor, N.J., sent in a photo of
her
daughter Ciara and Slinky the white ferret at the beach. Slinky is on a
surfboard and is looking up at Ciara with love in his eyes.
Anna said that Slinky is very loving and follows them everywhere. She also
said he had fun digging in the sand and swimming on their day at the beach.
--Heloise
© King Features Syndicate Inc.
Copyright C 2005 Deseret News Publishing Co.Provided by ProQuest
Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.
Return To Article Page
|
|
