Ferrets or Chinchillas?

[BigDan35]

Does anyone in here have a Ferret or a Chinchilla? How are they as pets? I've been thinking about getting them recently but am still undecided. Ferrets seem like really cool, really fun animals but they are illegal in California. So how would one in California go about getting a Ferret. Any other useful, positive, negative information anyone can give me on a Ferret or Chinchilla? I'm just tired of having the normal "rats, rabbits" and would like something a little more exotic.

[lord jackel]

Does anyone in here have a Ferret or a Chinchilla? How are they as pets? I've been thinking about getting them recently but am still undecided. Ferrets seem like really cool, really fun animals but they are illegal in California. So how would one in California go about getting a Ferret. Any other useful, positive, negative information anyone can give me on a Ferret or Chinchilla? I'm just tired of having the normal "rats, rabbits" and would like something a little more exotic.

I used to breed ferrets (but don't own them anymore)...the basic overview - very smart, social (to a funny extent), mischevious and will steal anything shiny that they can get their hands on. They dance, sing (chatter and bark). Downsides - smell musky so you need to bathe them every couple of weeks, they poop and pee by backing up (usually to a corner)...but anywhere they can back up (but can be litter box trainer). They can also get anywhere they can fit there head...so like snakes they can hide in the smallest of spaces...so you have to "ferret proof" your home. My recommendation is to buy one from a breeder...the ones at pet stores are fixed very early on so they stay very small and have lots more health problems. My ferrets that weren't fixed would hit 7 - 12 lbs of solid muscle...versus the 3-5lbs small pet stores ones.

Sorry I don't know anything about Chinchilla's.

Also, I don't advocate getting an illegal pet...but that is up to you.

[qiksilver]

I've been thinking about getting them recently but am still undecided. Ferrets seem like really cool, really fun animals but they are illegal in California. So how would one in California go about getting a Ferret.

seeing as exotics are under enough scrutiny, and we as exotic animal keepers don't really want to see our animals taken away from us, I in no way condone this thread. Not to mention planning illegal activity on a public forum is never a good idea, so with that said, i don't think it's really the best idea to promote illegal activity.

[lillyorchid]

I have a chinchilla. They aren't "cuddly", don't really like being held or touched to mucy. They need to have a AC since anything over 80 can give them heat stroke and or kill them. They need a lot of room to run and jump around so a big cage is a must. They need a high quality pellet and good quality hay. They do better in pairs. When they get sick, they go down hill every fast. I just took mine ot the ER vet this past sunday because he had gotten sick.

I highly recommend if you really want a chinchilla to read up on them over at
http://www.chins-n-quills.com/forums/index.php?

The people can be a bit harsh, but they really do care a lot more about the animals welfare... then your own personal feelings.

I love my chinchilla, he is very sweet. I'd recommend getting one from a breeder and not from a petstore since petstore chins are known to be inbred, have major health problems and be a bit crazy and not to tame.


Also if you know ferrets are illegal in CA... DO NOT GET ONE. You will be caught down the road after your friends get word you own one you will be fined pretty good, along with your ferret being put to sleep.

[BigDan35]

That is so stupid. I really don't understand California at all. We have the strictest rules about absolutely everything. The only 2 states in the whole entire USA that have ferrets listed as illegal are: California, Hawaii.

Why do the other 48 states get to have them legally but we do not?

[qiksilver]

i don't understand why they're not illegal in the midwest, because even though they're not closely related to black footed ferrets, I'm pretty sure they can still interbreed. don't quote me on this though, I could be making it up, but I don't think I am.

[Monty]

I have ferrets and i love them to death always getting into trouble though. then again thats what they are good for, Mustela putorius furo, the scientific name explains it all stinky little thief. which is what they are but a great joy to have around. wouldnt trade them for the world

[BigDan35]

Well goodluck there in New Jersey...I'm not sure if I want to be caught owning an "illegal" pet here in California. One question I have though is if they are illegal how come there are breeders in California that breed ferrets exclusively? You would think these people would be found out soon enough.

[qiksilver]

their ferrets were probably grandfathered in, so they got to keep them. it's weird if they are still actually allowed to breed them.

[Monty]

i just think its dumb that you can make such a cute lil fuzzybutt illegal they arent much diffrent then how you would take care of a cat well ok they are but they arent mine free roam the house all the time and i have them on innova evo ferret food and a raw meat diet. they are carnivores. my lil girl poe will do a back flip when she sees her treats or i shake the treat bag its cute. i've lost 10 pairs of socks, 3 pairs of boxers, 2 work shirts, 300 dollars and 5 credit cards, my house keys, and my cell phone i found the cell phone last nite but cant seem to find anything else. :cens0r::cens0r::cens0r::cens0r:IN THIEVES I TELL YA!!!!!! lol i love them i wish they would change the laws also they are illegal to own in parts of new york too.

but i dont see them going anywhere soon in new jersey i work at a petco and those are one of our biggest sellers next to the reptiles we have.