Ferrets

Someone on an internet forum asked why they shouldn't get a ferret. I did my best to talk them out of it. I just wanted to let the poster know what they were getting into!

ferrets, ferrets, ferrets. I don't even know where to start. They steal things. Lots of things, and stash them in your furniture. Things like coins, keys, leather, FOOD!! Ours was very much into stealing food, crackers, cookies, pop tarts, an entire sleeve of them. Oatmeal cream pies, you name it, she stole it. A friend of mine had 7, and would take them to work with him. They put their heads together, and stole 10 York Peppermint patties from the counter, and stashed them under the couch.

Ferrets can get into ANYTHING! Like potted plants? Forget it! They can climb up to them, and will dig all the dirt out all over the floor. Like your cupboards and drawers neat and tidy? What if you opened your silverware drawer to find a sleeping ferret? Like to sleep? If your ferret hides so well you can't find her, (even my dog was fooled quite a few times), she will want to play at 3 am. Nothing like waking up to a ferret nose in your ear.

They can easily slip out the door, and go un-noticed for hours. It's a lot of work and stress trying to find a ferret outside. They require a lot of people time, especially if you only get one. Our ferret quickly learned that the ferret war dance gained her fruit loops. She was always attacking our feet. If you get multiple ferrets, they put their little weasel heads together, and cause double the mischief. They also only have two speeds-full steam ahead, and sleep. Full steam ahead? They don't want to be held, there is trouble to be had!

But mostly, they will steal your heart, and never give it back. They simply don't live long enough.