Since I know there are a few ferret keepers around... I found myself today really missing having some fuzzy pets... We're not ready for a dog because we refuse to take on that responsibility without a fenced in yard. A cat is out of the question because I'm severely allergic. I've had rats, fostered rescued rabbits, gerbils, hedgehogs and even a squirrel... But have been considering and researching ferrets for quite awhile recently. A friend had a pair, the male was very sweet and playful, the female an evil vile animal who terrified me and would attack any visible pink appendage.

Anyway, was just browsing some rescue info and came across a pair named "gir" and "gaz" (Invader zim... spawned my internet persona years ago) and am considering firing off an email to the owner but really want a little more input... The name thing sort of hooked me and I am refusing to jump into anything based solely on the name.

I am fully aware that they are extremely playful, can get into anything and everything and require constant supervision and exercise. Also aware they require regular vet checkups and shots (often cat vaccines) and need to be checked out for ADV. Need multi level large enclosures and can have an 'odor' as well as ferret proof play areas and lots of attention.

Things I'm still wondering... How hard are they to litter train... Everything I've read seems conflicted, some say it's quite easy, others say very unusual.

As far as diet, are the commercial brands appropriate, or do they have special needs that require more of a home mix.

As far as temperament.... Am I going to have to warn everyone who comes in that they might end up bleeding all over my floor if they touch one of them (as my friend did, and even though the warning was heeded I still ended up with 3 stitches) or is this fairly uncommon and easily picked up upon on a first meeting? Should I expect more behaviour similar to the squirrel, in that nice and wonderfully cuddly yet during play time could get over excited and nibble.

What are the overhead and long term costs for keeping two ferrets?

If it weren't for by laws we would have kept the squirrel... She had such a wonderful playful demeanor.

And thanks for any input/information!