Ferret Friends of Pittsburgh
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How to get a FFP ferret...
First and foremost, we ask that you email us to be placed on our waiting list for kits. At that time we can answer any questions you might have and help select the right ferret for you. The information provided below should answer any basic questions and will guide you through our reservation process.

Q: When can my kit come home?
A: Once the mother & father have been bred, the gestation period is 42 days, give or take. Typically kits are weaned at 8-10 weeks of age and can leave for their new homes at that point.

Q: How do I pick a kit for me?
A: We encourage new owners to visit our ferretry to pick out their own kit. If that is not possible, we are happy to pick one out for you based on the information you provide to us. Pictures of the kits are available on the Nursery page. Each litter has a baby diary linked as well, which should help with describing the kits as they progress. As the kits age, we will be able to judge their personality better.

Q: How do I reserve a kit?
A: First you must be added to our waiting list. When the litter is approximately three weeks old, we will start to accept a $50.00 "refundable" deposit for each kit you may be interested in. Once our waiting list has been fulfilled, we will take reservations on a first come, first serve basis.

Q: How much does the kit cost?
A: Our prices range from $150.00 to $200.00 for pet ferrets. It is your responsibilty to have your ferret neutered/spayed at the appropriate age and provide FFP with proof of such. Each litter will have the price listed in their baby diary after they have been sexed and their color has been identified. We do NOT, under any circumstances, allow our ferrets to be descented. This is a totally unnecessary operation for your baby. They will only use their scent glands if they are in danger or upset/scared. The smell goes away in minutes and is a musky odor. Kits who are descented without our approval are in breach of contract and subject to confiscation by FFP. Breeding ferrets are only sold to approved breeders.

Q: Will my kit be vaccinated?
A: That depends on when you pick up your kit. Ferrets are required to have a series of three canine distemper vaccinations as kits, and then a yearly booster**. The distemper series is started at 8, 11 & 14 weeks of age**. We use Purevax or Galaxy D vaccine (Fervac D is no longer available).
**Recently vaccination protocols have changed due to the unavailability of USDA approved vaccinations. Some vets believe that only 2 shots are required for the initial series, one at 11 weeks and 15 weeks. Please consult your veterinarian for their opinion and protocol.

In addition, Pennsylvania requires ferrets to be vaccinated annualy for Rabies. The rabies vaccination can be given at 13-16 weeks of age. Most US states also require rabies vaccinations, and for the safety of your pet it is highly recommended. Rabies vaccinations must also be repeated annually. Imbrab 3 is the only USDA approved rabies vaccination for use in ferrets.

Q: What about ADV (Aleutians Disease Virus)?
A: All of our ferrets are tested for ADV and are negative. We will provide you proof of the parents ADV status upon purchase. I highly recommend testing your kit when it reaches 4-6 months of age.

Q: Will my kit be spayed or neutered?
A: No. You will be required to sign a contract stipulating that the purchased kit will not be spayed until at least 8 months of age for females and/or not neutered until at least 10 months of age for males. There is an excellent article written about the effects of early spay/neuter in dogs that can be translated into ferret just the same - www.caninesports.com/SpayNeuter.html or you can view the same article in an adobe .pdf version. I also do NOT allow my kits to be descented. Descenting is totally unnecessary once the ferret has been altered and sometimes the surgery can even kill the ferret.

Q: I live out-of-state, how can I get a FFP ferret?
A: We will try to accomodate anyone genuinely interested in our kits. WE DO NOT SHIP! However, we do travel quite extensively to ferret shows and we have a good contact for a reasonable pet transporter. Ferret shows are a common place for meetings, however they are mostly in the Eastern states and the kits have to be at least 16 weeks to attend.

If you still have questions, but the answers weren't found here - please email me for more information.

This page last updated 01/22/2008

Visitors since 02/07/2007