Ferrets For Sale

By most definitions, ferrets are considered to be a domesticated animal. They descend from the European polecat with perhaps a few other ferret species mixed in their genetic history. They are in the family Mustelidae, which also includes weasels, wolverines, otters, and mink. Ferrets are strict carnivores and have very slender, flexible bodies that they use to enter underground tunnels to hunt prey in their wild state. Due to this, ferrets have historically been used to flush out burrowing animals like rabbits and rodents from their holes.

2 f4 Savannah jungle juveniles available in first heat

  • Price: 750.00-950.00
  • Name: Savannah Hybrid Cubs
  • Posted: 03/04/2024
  • Phone: 4439036351
  • Email: Email Seller
  • Location: Maryland
  • Website: http://www.savannahhybridcubs.com

Hi I’m Julie from Savannah hybrid cubs Maryland. We have 2 f4 female Savannah jungle cat hybrid juveniles available. They’re a little over five months old reaching their first heat. We have other litters we need to make room for so we are selling th...

View Details

Ferretts

  • Price: $500.00
  • Name: Michelle Monique Hooper
  • Posted: 01/07/2024
  • Phone: 2196175386
  • Email: Email Seller
  • Location: Indiana

Three Ferretts two brown one white selling together at that one price

View Details

Ferret

  • Price: $450.00
  • Name: Malayna
  • Posted: 11/11/2023
  • Phone: 9046605765
  • Email: Email Seller
  • Location: Florida

Female ferret around 8 months old. Unable to care for her do to financial trouble and she deserves some much better. She comes with cage, food, blankets and a few of her favorite toys. All together everything would be $450

View Details

Ferrets

  • Price: $300.00
  • Name: Dave Takacs
  • Posted: 10/27/2023
  • Phone: 2197982358
  • Location: Indiana

Male and female unrelated ferrets for sale. Come with tri level cage and paperwork. Very sweet and playful. Pick up only. Asking 300

View Details

Ferrets

  • Price: $300.00
  • Name: Dave Takacs
  • Posted: 10/21/2023
  • Phone: 2197982358
  • Email: Email Seller
  • Location: Indiana

Two ferrets for sale. Will come with tri level cage and up to date paperwork. Pick up only. Asking 300. Call or message me at 219 798 2358

View Details

Female intact ferret

  • Name: Rachel
  • Posted: 10/08/2023
  • Phone: 260-687-9308
  • Email: Email Seller
  • Location: Indiana

Born May5th, 2023 Eating a raw diet Will go with a fleece tunnel hammock, spay contract for $250, and a health certificate. **accepting trades*** Located in Fremont, IN

View Details

Ferret duo

  • Name: Paige
  • Posted: 08/18/2023
  • Phone: 8457934843
  • Email: Email Seller
  • Location: New York

Male and female Marshall ferrets. Come with cage, food and toys. Wonderful playful ferrets. Only selling because we are having a baby and moving and we can’t give them enough love. $800 firm

View Details

Marshalls Ferrets For Sale Near Me

  • Price: $249.99
  • Name: tony
  • Posted: 07/31/2023
  • Phone: 7173618300
  • Email: Email Seller
  • Location: Pennsylvania
  • Website: https://mccrackenspetfoodandsupply.com/ferrets/

Current pricing is $249.99 – Please contact us to confirm availability! 717-361-8300 Thank you! These adorable Marshall ferrets for sale are ready to find their new forever homes! Please note, we are located in Pennsylvania. We do not ship, and we wi...

View Details

Ferret

Ferrets may have been domesticated for more than 2000 years, but today they are mostly kept as pets. While their ancestors, the polecats, are solitary animals, ferrets are extremely social and playful, interacting with other ferrets and their owners. These traits make domesticated ferrets relatively popular pets, and most major pet stores have ferret products in stock.

Are they considered an exotic pet?

The definition of an exotic pet varies from person to person, but generally applies to animals that are not dogs and cats. Often the word exotic pet also applies to animals that are uncommonly owned, in which ferrets may not be considered to be ‘exotic’. Ferrets may also erroneously be seen as wild animals by some people due to their close resemblance to polecats and other mustelid species. As ferrets are certainly domesticated by most definitions and common enough to be sold in chain pet stores, they should never be considered wild and are only an exotic pet by the most inclusive definitions.

Where is it illegal to own a ferret?

Confusion over the nature of the ferret’s domestication history has in some cases led to them being treated as ‘wild’ animals. Ferrets are famously illegal in the state of California for environmental concerns and also New York City for their supposed threat to public health. Both explanations are not supported by sound evidence and seem to spring forth from the mentality that ‘other’ pets aside from the most popular animals should be treated with impossible scrutiny. Strangely, ferrets are very popular and have caused no problems in the other 48 states where they are legal, yet ferret advocates have had great difficulty attempting to reverse the bans. Ferrets are also illegal in Hawaii, as are most pets, due to the island’s fragile ecosystem and supportive climate, as well as the fact that ferrets are rabies vectors. Ferrets are also illegal in Puerto Rico and Washington D.C. A permit is needed to keep a ferret in Rhode Island.

“Blog Paws 2011 Ferrets” by Andrea Arden is licensed under CC BY 2.0 

Ferret ownership: pros and cons

As far as exotic pets go, ferrets are relatively simple to care for because they adapt well to living in a cage (provided it is large or they are allowed out for daily exercise and playtime), eat readily available commercial food, and are easy and fun to handle. They are entertaining, have a natural affinity for human contact, and are cuddly; traits that are often absent in many exotic pets and all other members of the Mustelidae family. Unlike their close relatives the mink, they are highly unlikely to injure you to the point that you’d need to go to the emergency room. However, like all pets, ferrets are not for everyone. Here are some of their not so desirable traits:

  • Odor. Anyone who goes to a store like Petco and visits the ferrets for sale will notice that they have a musky scent. Ferrets have scent glands just like skunks that they can release when they get scared, however these glands are often removed in the United States. Many owners claim that the smell is reduced with spaying and neutering as well. Still, ferrets will often make your room acquire a lingering odor that will be more noticeable to visitors after you go ‘nose blind’. Some owners report that the smell significantly decreases when the animals are fed a non-commercial homemade diet.
  • Ferrets can be ‘mouthy’ and rambunctious. It might be cute at first, but some people may not appreciate the somewhat aggressive play habits of ferrets which might lead to the occasional nip. Ferrets can be corrected just like dogs and cats to play more nicely, but results may vary and be as effective as the trainer is skilled. Ferrets also like to steal and hide some items.
  • Messiness. Ferrets will sometimes use a litter box but are often inconsistent. Their poop is messy and for a carnivore, there is a lot of it that tends to pile up in the corners of the cage.
  • Health problems. Ferrets unfortunately are prone to a few serious health problems and have an overall lifespan of 7-10 years. Cancer affecting the adrenal glands, lymphatic system, and pancreas are common and will require an expensive exotic pet vet to treat.

The positives to owning ferrets are numerous. Ferrets that are well-socialized are tame and can even tolerate having harnesses and costumes put on them. A mature, well-mannered child (the general recommendation is 6+ years old) can enjoy playing with ferrets and many will play with others pets like dogs and cats. Ferrets perform a motion called the ‘weasel war dance’ that in the wild is used to disorient prey, but in domesticated ferrets, it is an invitation to play. Ferrets are very entertaining and sleep most of the day, allowing you to easily take them out for short play sessions before they tire and are ready to go back to sleep.

The ferret enclosure

Ferrets should have a relatively spacious cage and it is generally recommended that they are not housed alone, so the enclosure should be able to comfortably house two animals. A popular cage for ferrets is the Ferret Nation, which provides a decent amount of room and can even have additions placed on to it to expand the living space. Ferrets do well in a multi-level enclosure. Proper cage accessories include a hammock for them to sleep on, a litter pan, and various enrichment devices such as tubes and tunnels.

ferret on leash in yoyogi park” by su.bo is licensed under CC BY 2.0 

Ferret Enrichment

Since ferrets like to burrow, good enrichment for them are toys that they can crawl into. Many options are commercially available; there are ball pits, fabric pouches in the shapes of different animals, and tubes. Ferrets can play with cat toys that are not small enough for them to swallow. The popular brand kong makes small-sized kongs for ferrets that can be used in the same way that they are for dogs. The best enrichment for ferrets however is their daily playtime with their owner outside of the cage.

Feeding ferrets

While there are many acceptable ferret diets available commercially, there is some debate on what the proper foods are to feed. Many people advocate a raw diet for ferrets under the principal that natural is better, but there isn’t really evidence outside of anecdotes that this is beneficial, and it can pose a bacterial risk to the owner. Some people even feed live animals to ferrets, but this is definitely unnecessary and results in pain and suffering for the prey. Some may claim that the animals need to hunt in order to be mentally healthy but this is also false. Ferrets get all the enrichment they need from playing with other ferrets and their caretakers.

Ferrets are obligate carnivores and their food should have very little carbohydrate content. Choose a ferret or cat food with at least a 36% protein content and a fat content around 20%. There is, of course, much debate over the brand you should choose, and you will find that people prefer more expensive brands over those typically available in popular chain pet stores. Feeding a raw diet that consists of whole prey like frozen-thawed mice and chicks runs the risk of not being balanced; therefore it is a good idea to include a balanced, high quality ferret kibble as a supplement. Ferrets need to eat often and should always have food available due to their high metabolic rate. Raw food should not be left out, however, and whole prey-fed ferrets don’t require constant access to food.

Healthcare

Luckily for ferrets, there is an approved rabies vaccine available for them. All ferrets should receive this killed virus inoculation. They should also receive an approved vaccine to prevent canine distemper, which they are very susceptible to. Ferrets are very prone to adrenal gland disorders. Some of the symptoms of this condition include hair loss and muscle atrophy. Symptoms of pancreatic disease in ferrets include lethargy, nausea, seizures, and they will get tumors on the pancreas called insulinomas that will result in abnormal blood sugar and over secretion of insulin. A ferret with this condition can suddenly collapse and that can last for minutes to hours. As ferrets can be very inquisitive, they should be supervised when they play outside the cage to ensure that they don’t ingest inedible objects, which is a relatively common problem with them.  Ferrets are prone to heatstroke, and temperatures above 75 degrees F can be dangerous for them.

Ferrets for sale” by Steven-L-Johnson is licensed under CC BY 2.0

How to tame and train your ferret

Young ferrets and untrained adult ferrets have a propensity to nip as this is natural for them when they interact with their playmates and their environment. You will have to gently guide your ferret to stop inappropriate behaviors or they can worsen over time. When the ferret performs an unwanted behavior, first immediately pause the play session. An added action you can take is to hold the ferret by its scruff. This method initiates a natural response in the ferret to stop the behavior because this is how a mother ferret would correct its babies in the wild. However, if this doesn’t work and the ferret latches on to your finger or a bad object (such as an electrical wire) you can gently push your finger into the ferret’s mouth which will cause it to let go immediately. The finger method should not be used frequently. Firmly say no when performing any corrective actions.

Ferret grooming

Do not bathe your ferret more than a few times per year to avoid stripping away their coat’s natural oils. There great ferret shampoos available commercially. Ferrets do shed and there are brushes sold for them to aid in removing the loose hairs. Just like dogs, you will also need to trim their nails about every 2 weeks, or when the nails get too long. It is very important to address the ferret’s dental health. Serious health problems can develop over time from plaque present beneath the gum line. When it comes to brushing the teeth, as often as possible (up to once a day) is best, but for most owners brushing about once weekly is more feasible, as ferrets are not likely to tolerate frequent dental care.

Do ferrets make a good pet?

Where to buy ferrets 

Purchasing ferrets from pet stores is generally frowned upon because these animals almost always come from Marshall Farms, which is known in ferret owner circles as a ‘ferret mill’. These animals are bred in high numbers and are said to be of inferior quality. The pros to buying from a pet store are that the animals are relatively inexpensive and are already de-scented and neutered or spayed.

It is often recommended to buy ferrets from responsible breeders because there tends to be lower incidence of the common adrenal diseases that they seem to be prone to. Unfortunately, they are harder to find and will likely require you to have your animal shipped to you by plane if you can’t drive to pick them up. It will also become your responsibility to get the ferret fixed.

Another great option is to adopt your ferret. Ferrets are a relatively popular pet and they are sporadically given up to animal shelters.  A good way to find them is with sites such as Petfinder.com, or you can contact a ferret rescue, although be advised that private rescues often have high standards on who they adopt out to.

Ferrets, a member of the weasel family, have been domesticated for at least 2,500 years. They are active, curious, playful little creatures that average about twenty inches in length. Male ferrets are noticeably larger in size than the females. The name “ferret” comes from a Latin word that translates to “little thief”, probably because ferrets have a habit of taking small items and trinkets and squirrelling them away.

How much does it cost to buy a ferret?

The ideal ferret cage is one designed with multiple levels and a spot to hang a hammock. Ferrets love hammocks. There should also be a small box or wooden hut inside the cage that provides a darkened place for ferrets to make a sleeping nest. Soft towels or old t-shirts make good bedding material but they will need to be washed frequently. The ferret’s cage should also have litter box with paper-based cat litter or shredded newspapers.

Ferret Diet?

As carnivores, ferrets require a meat-based diet and they need large amounts of animal fat to fuel their high metabolisms. Several pet food manufacturers make high-quality food specifically designed for ferrets but pet owners should read the ingredients listed on the label and avoid ferret foods that rely on fish as a protein base or contain too much grains and vegetables. Ferrets do not like fish and will starve themselves instead of eating fish-based food. And the high levels of grains and vegetables could predispose the ferret to cancer. Ferret owners should get in the habit of buying smaller quantities of ferret food. Ferrets are notoriously picky eaters and will refuse to eat food that has gone a bit stale.

Ferret Enrichment

Ferrets love to play and should be allowed out of their cages often to interact with their owners. They will bounce around on the floor and entice their owners to join in. They like to climb and explore, but watch them to make sure they don’t pilfer small objects like your wedding ring or car keys. Ferrets will also play fight and can sometimes play too rough. But they can learn to control themselves. When they are not running and bouncing, they like to snuggle up for a nap is random, cozy places, like hoodie pouches or slippers or inside warm dryers. Owners should get in the habit of looking for their ferrets before they do everyday things.

Breeding Ferrets

Female ferrets come into heat twice a year, usually in March and again in August. The males will go into rut several weeks before this time. It is obvious when a male goes into rut because the odor will become much stronger and he will develop unsanitary habits, like drinking his own urine and soaking his fur in his urine. After conception, the male and female ferret should be separated. In about 42 days, the ferret mother will deliver her babies, called kits. Ferret owners should not attempt to handle the newborns. Often this action will upset the mother and she will then eat her young. Instead, owners should be hands off for at least the first week or the kits’ lives. The kits will start eating ferret food at around three weeks of age and they will be ready to explore at about seven weeks.

Comments

  • Haily on December 10
    looking for a non Marshall ferret , my very first . But I do work in a pet store and work with the animals so I know how to care for them properly
  • Ashley on November 22
    I look for ferret that is young and are good with animals.
  • Margaret Apodaca on November 22
    Looking for a ferret in los angeles
  • Alex Vang on November 11
    Looking for a bonded pair of ferrets for my 17th birthday
  • Lisa Hilton on August 30
    Looking for a male ferret in the Palatka fl area or 100 mile radius.
  • Kaylee Mauer on July 30
    Looking for young ferret in California or Nevada
  • Don S. on July 16
    Looking for young ferret in Chicago metro area
  • Mindy Manning on July 4
    hi im looking for a ferret under 1 year old under 100$
  • Kelly on June 25
    Hi there im looking for a second ferret. I live in CA
  • Ashly gantt on May 19
    I am looking for two baby ferrets
  • Madison on April 18
    I’m looking for a baby female ferret im in Sanford Florida
  • allie on March 16
    so cute
  • siera on February 24
    hi im looking for a ferret in colorado
  • Chelsi Turner on February 23
    I’m looking for a baby ferret, I live in Oklahoma!!!! Please send email if u have one available
  • Anthony M Wagner on January 3
    By Wadena Minnesota looking for a ferret. Prefer fixed and decented. Willing to travel for one but not super far.
  • Wendy on January 2
    I’m looking for a ferret I’m in garden grove ca
  • Faviola Gomez on January 1
    I live around Los Angeles California, willing to travel some miles for a baby ferret male or female
  • Ana Ruiz on November 19
    Hello I'm looking for a Reputable Ferret Breeder I live in Grand Prairie TX.
  • Gary Post on October 17
    Hi, I'm looking for 2 baby ferrets. I live in the Los Angeles, California area. I can travel to pick them up.
  • Angelina on September 26
    Looking for a ferret would be nice if it is not a albino nor a panda .... just the pet not the supplies I also am located in Minnesota next to Brainerd willing to drive but not too far thank you
  • Tonya DeLeon on September 24
    Looking for a ferret I'm in iowa
  • Stephanie Marr on August 23
    Looking for a ferret or if paired, sex doesnt matter, i Live in Maine.
  • John Rodriguez on August 9
    Looking for a ferret in San Jose ,ca
  • Yabdiel rodriguez on August 6
    I’m lookin for a ferret in Richmond VA!!. If anything comes up please let me know!
  • Tanya Sue Crace on July 30
    Looking for a new family member, would love to adopt a little ferret. I'm located in Struthers Ohio any help would be great thanks.
  • alexis on April 19
    i'm looking a for a ferret, in the maryland area.
  • Holly on April 15
    Looking for 1 to 2 baby ferrets. Gender doesn't matter.
  • James gooden on April 14
    I'm looking for a ferret for my daughter
  • Snowyanne on April 1
    I am looking for a all white black eyed ferret or an albino ferret ASASA. TIA
  • Jackeline Bautista on March 15
    Im looking for a ferrets I live in Maryland can someone let me know please
  • Angelina Likens on March 2
    im looking for a ferret a non-albino would be nice or a mongoose. im in crosby minnesota i have a dog "lost his friend" i have a cage that had a ferret & a mongoose in it. i just have a empty cage & heart HELP!!!!!
  • Mysterious on February 23
    Keep in mind ferrets are illegal in CA without a permit.
  • Angelyna Vasquez on February 21
    I’m looking for a female ferret I live in Houston tx I currently have a male ferret
  • Destiney Stacey on February 5
    I am looking for a female 5 to 6 months old baby ferret.
  • Joyanna Groel on February 1
    i love ferrets
  • Anastasia on February 1
    Looking for a few ferrets Los Angeles CA!
  • Morgan Middleton on January 31
    Hi i'm looking for a ferret. I live in bakersfield CA
  • Lily hawk on January 28
    Looking for a ferret near wausau Wisconsin
  • Brenda Soto on January 28
    I’m looking for a female ferret as well
  • Dennis Holmes on January 24
    I’m looking for a baby ferret.I live in Hayward California
  • Jody on January 20
    I'm looking for a male or female ferrets or both would be great too
  • Maddy Chhuon on January 12
    I’m looking for a ferret
  • Tiffany on December 4
    My ferret got out lastnight I been looking all over for her an I still can’t found my baby 😔
  • ana on November 30
    i'm looking for a baby ferret i'm in san jose ca.
  • Cassdre on November 28
    Looking for a ferret near stockton ca
  • Mels on November 15
    I am looking for a ferret I’m from Orlando Florida
  • Celeste J. on October 24
    I am looking for a young ferret. I live in Greensboro, NC
  • Alexus davis on October 14
    I am looking for 2 or 3 ferrets bonded I'm in st.louis MO
  • Luis Bravo on October 1
    I am looking for a baby ferret . Los Angeles California
  • Samantha byler on September 9
    I am looking for a female ferret. I live in needles, ca.
  • Melissa Winkler on August 15
    Is it possible to send an Albino ferret to Richmond VA?