Read About Ferret Breeder

Looking For a Ferret Breeder can be challenging and interesting. Here's everything you need to know about these breeders.

Looking For a Ferret Breeder - Breeder Facts

  1. Professional Affiliations:

    The American Ferret Association and the U.S. Ferret Registry are the main professional organizations for ferret breeders.
  2. Why Use a Breeder:

    A ferret breeder will assure you that you are getting a well-bred, well-adjusted Imageand healthy animal.
  3. How to Find:

    Ferret breeders can be found through the American Ferret Association, in the telephone book, by searching on the Internet, by asking veterinarians, or by attending a pet show.
  4. What to Expect:

    A reputable ferret breeder will take you through a screening process to verify that you are suitable for purchasing one of their ferrets. They will also ask you to sign an agreement that you will have your ferret neutered when it reaches 9-12 months old.
  5. Breeder's Surroundings:

    A good ferret breeder will keep the animals' surroundings (cage, litter box and bedding) clean and well-maintained. There will also be plenty of food and water available.

Looking For A Ferret Breeder - Newborn Facts

  1. Average Number of Newborns Delivered at Birth:

    The average number of kits from a single pregnancy is five to eight.
  2. Age To Be Sold:

    A ferret should be at least 8 weeks old before being sold, but a first-time owner should purchase a ferret which is at least 2 years old, as they will be well-trained.
  3. What to Look For in a Newborn:

    A healthy ferret has bright eyes, clean ears, clean teeth, and long, shiny whiskers. It will also be alert and interested in interacting with people.
  4. Registry:

    Reputable breeders will be registered through the US Ferret Registry.
  5. AFA Recognized Characteristics:

    The American Ferret Association Breed Color Standards are: Albino, black, black sable, champagne, chocolate, dark-eyed white, and sable. If the ferret has white feet (mitts), it must also have a white patch under the neck (the bib). ImageThere are a number of patterns which may be present in any of the colors: solid, standard, color point (Siamese), blaze, panda, roan, and dark-eyed white patterns.
  6. Expense to Purchase Newborn:

    A ferret will cost between $75-120, plus the cage and supplies needed.
  7. Dam and Sire Information of your Newborn:

    A breeder will be able to provide you with the lineage information of the ferret, as well as vaccination records.

Looking For A Ferret Breeder - Breeder Concerns

  1. Breeder Reputation:

    A good ferret breeder will be well-known and respected by other breeders and animal owners.
  2. Pet Health:

    Some common health problems in ferrets are adrenal disease, lymphoma, and gastrointestinal disorders.
  3. Assurances:

    All reputable breeders will provide you with a guarantee.