Ferret for food?

[Sonny1318]

I’m confused, is this for the list or the ferret ? I’m thinking I wanna be on a list of ferrets. This reminds me, I gotta defrost some mice.

[MissterDog]

Agreed.

Besides, would the owner know that you plan on using the ferrets as feeders? I'd be pissed if I found out that the pet I thought was going to a loving home was actually used as snake food. Don't get me wrong- I know that snakes need to eat and I have no problem feeding my ball python her f/t rats. But I would never go on craigslist and "adopt" rats just to turn around and feed them to my snake. I think that is unfair to the previous owner. If you are going to go through with it I think you should be clear about your intentions.

This. It's best not to be deceitful or you'll give more news for PETA to scream about. There should be a line between feeding animals that were clearly born and bred to be feeders vs an animal that was raised as a pet.

[Bogertophis]

...There should be a line between feeding animals that were clearly born and bred to be feeders vs an animal that was raised as a pet.

I mostly agree, but it's a big gray area for animals raised & intended as pets that for other reasons are unsuitable- physical or temperament defects, for example.

Another thing just crossed my (suspicious) mind about these "free ferrets"- their owner might be a federal worker or contractor who's been laid off & cannot afford
to keep their pets. So for SURE I'd want to know WHY they're giving them away? If it's truly for a better home or what? It's hard to get the truth from some people-
they often say 'allergies' when really a pet is just destroying their house. Or because they cannot afford needed medical care.

[MR Snakes]

No...it's pretty much apathy on our part.

There you go using big words again.

I’m confused, is this for the list or the ferret ? I’m thinking I wanna be on a list of ferrets. This reminds me, I gotta defrost some mice.

I will make sure you are on the ferret list. Right behind the OP.

[Kira]

I mostly agree, but it's a big gray area for animals raised & intended as pets that for other reasons are unsuitable- physical or temperament defects, for example.

Another thing just crossed my (suspicious) mind about these "free ferrets"- their owner might be a federal worker or contractor who's been laid off & cannot afford
to keep their pets. So for SURE I'd want to know WHY they're giving them away? If it's truly for a better home or what? It's hard to get the truth from some people-
they often say 'allergies' when really a pet is just destroying their house. Or because they cannot afford needed medical care.

Regardless of why they are giving the ferrets away, I highly doubt they would be fine with them being fed to a giant snake. People give free pets away all the time so I don't see that as a red flag at all. My first dog was a 6 month old golden retriever that was given up to a shelter by her previous owners. The owners didn't get any money of course and there were no behavioral or medical issues with the dog. They kept in contact with my family for the first few months to check up on her. Some people just bite off more than they can chew when it comes to pets and like I said- that doesn't mean that they are okay with their pet being used as a feeder.

Bottom line is: He should be completely clear with his intentions. The owners have the right to know what's going to happen to their former pets.

[Bogertophis]

Regardless of why they are giving the ferrets away, I highly doubt they would be fine with them being fed to a giant snake. People give free pets away all the time so I don't see that as a red flag at all. My first dog was a 6 month old golden retriever that was given up to a shelter by her previous owners. The owners didn't get any money of course and there were no behavioral or medical issues with the dog. They kept in contact with my family for the first few months to check up on her. Some people just bite off more than they can chew when it comes to pets and like I said- that doesn't mean that they are okay with their pet being used as a feeder.

Bottom line is: He should be completely clear with his intentions. The owners have the right to know what's going to happen to their former pets.

I'd imagine there are also ferret rescues around, maybe someone should tell these people about a safer option (other than "free ads").

[MissterDog]

I mostly agree, but it's a big gray area for animals raised & intended as pets that for other reasons are unsuitable- physical or temperament defects, for example.

Another thing just crossed my (suspicious) mind about these "free ferrets"- their owner might be a federal worker or contractor who's been laid off & cannot afford
to keep their pets. So for SURE I'd want to know WHY they're giving them away? If it's truly for a better home or what? It's hard to get the truth from some people-
they often say 'allergies' when really a pet is just destroying their house. Or because they cannot afford needed medical care.

So based on your logic, you're suggesting if a pet has developed a physical or behavioral defect it makes it more acceptable for it to be given away as pet food?

It's one thing say, if an animal was bred with the intention of being a pet but had a fatal birth defect or was still born, and was given away BEFORE it was placed in a pet enviroment (intention should still be disclosed).

It's another if that animal with a defect, say a one legged dog or one eyed ferret was RAISED in a pet environment and experienced bonding but developed some behavior issues and then the owner decides they want to rehome it.

Does that mean the owner is okay with their "defective" pet being fed off? Most likely HECK NO. Doesn't matter if other people are okay with it, if the owner did not CONSENT to their pet being given away for the purpose of being fed off then it shouldn't matter if the pet was later deemed "defective".

Point of the matter is, and I'll again agree with Kira again because she worded everything wonderfully, the intention must first and foremost be clear, always, even if it means getting turned down. There is too much backlash if people try to get these free feeder animals under the false pretense of "adoption." Frankly I think it's despicable.

[Bogertophis]

There's many variables...a ferret might be free because it bites everyone, who knows? Many people giving away free animals do not disclose the whole story either.
Should they? Yes, but many don't, fearing they'll be stuck with the animal. Should those "adopters" disclose their intentions: yes, of course...but many won't and
those placing free ads ought to realize that too.

[Craiga 01453]

I'm at work and didn't read through this whole thread, so if I'm repeating something I apologize...

Another thought is that ferrets also get shots for distemper, and other things. I'd be concerned about what types of shots, medications, etc....the ferrets may have been given and wouldn't trust feeding that to my snake.

And I'll be honest, if I found out I rehomed my pets and they were fed off as prey I would beat the everloving bag out of the person who did that. I would happily take the A&B charge on that one.

[MR Snakes]

I'm at work and didn't read through this whole thread, so if I'm repeating something I apologize...

Another thought is that ferrets also get shots for distemper, and other things. I'd be concerned about what types of shots, medications, etc....the ferrets may have been given and wouldn't trust feeding that to my snake.

And I'll be honest, if I found out I rehomed my pets and they were fed off as prey I would beat the everloving bag out of the person who did that. I would happily take the A&B charge on that one.

OK, sounds like someone needs to take their afternoon break about now.