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NO TIME?
Now, you may say "I don't have the *time* to do all of this!!!"  That isn't true.  Yes, it will take time to set it all up, but you can do it one project at a time until its all done.  Once done, it doesn't take that long.  I have 11 ferrets, as I said before.  It takes me a total of about 1/2 hour per day to feed and clean up after them all...and I don't particularly hurry when doing it.



SHOULD I GIVE THEM UP?...OR NOT!!!!
The whole thing in a nutshell, is that, if you really love your ferrets, there are inexpensive, non-time-consuming, easy-to-implement ways to keep them from driving you nuts.  The big thing here is that you have to *want* to.  If you are really just looking for a reason to move them on, then just say so and offer them up.  Don't worry about what others feel on this matter.  They aren't you and they don't live in your house.  Their opinions are unimportant.  The only suggestion I have to make on that matter though, is that you be extremely honest as to the behavior of your ferret (or ferrets) that you find new homes for.

EXAMPLE
Another pair of ferrets that I rescued, lived with a family that also had a dog and some cats.  These ferrets didn't even have a litter box to *use*, let alone get trained for one.  They also bit your feet (no, not "nip"...BITE!), harassed the cats and dog--drawing blood on several occasions.  They did their bit where ever they wanted to.  They also ate disgusting food and stank to high heaven.  I rescued them (for $150) from the family.  They lied to me, saying they didn't bite, they always used a litter box (where was the litter box???) and they got along great with cats and dogs.  They were just trying to get rid of them.

However, after about three months, they all eat Iams (no Ferretone needed), they share Chewy's cage (they are the "kids" play group) and play time, they use a litter box most of the time (Run, a girl, has to be reminded a few times per week, but remembers for a few days afterward), they don't bite (they do still nip just a bit, but only occasionally, when they want your attention and you aren't giving it to them!) and are very kind to the cat--they give him at least three seconds notice before chasing after him! :) They also love to play with me, inviting me to get down on the floor and wrestle, chase and otherwise have a good time.  They also dance just for the pure joy of dancing! :)  They've *got* to get better music, though...I'm getting a little tired of the Bee Gees.

Basically, it comes down to:  Do you want to find a way to keep your Ferret (or ferrets), or do you just want them to go live with someone else and free up your home again?  Whatever your decision, make it, then follow through. If you want to keep them, but want advice on how to either prevent something, or change a behavior, drop me a line and ask. I have had ferrets for about 3 years now.  My ferrets have a wide range of personalities and mental capabilities (Hershey is a genius, while Stuffy is close to being an idiot!), so I've had lots of practice in learning how to "proof" things, as well as how to protect myself and everyone/everything in my home.  I am willing to share my experiences with my ferrets, if you want the help.

Todd and the (We ain't trained...we just haven't figgered out how to beat his proofing yet!) Fuzzbutt Rodeo Clowns!

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