Ferret Prices in 2024: Purchase Cost, Supplies, Food, and More!

Ferrets are popular pets known for their playful and intelligent nature. However, owning a ferret comes with various costs, including the initial purchase, supplies, food, and veterinary care. This article will provide an overview of the expenses and ferret prices in 2024.

Initial Purchase Cost

Ferret prices in 2024 can vary depending on the seller. On average, baby ferrets or kits may cost between $100 and $500. You can buy ferrets from pet stores, shelters, or private breeders. Adopting a ferret from a shelter can be less expensive, with adoption fees starting at $200. Meanwhile, ferrets from trustworthy breeders may have a higher initial cost but could potentially save you money in vet bills due to better genetic health in the long term.

Supplies and Accessories

To prepare for adopting a ferret, have a cage or pen, bedding, bowls, and toys ready. The cost of cages can range from around $100-$300, while secure carriers are available for $15 to $50. You can find ferret supplies and accessories at stores such as Petco and Walmart. The cost of bedding is between $10 and $30.

Food

To keep ferrets healthy, it’s important to provide them with a balanced diet. Good quality ferret food can cost around $15 per month, depending on the brand and where you purchase it. The food should contain at least 32-40% protein.

Some suitable raw meat options for ferrets include chicken wings, stripped carcasses, turkey necks, rabbits, and pigeons. When you feed your ferret a diet based on raw meat, ensure that you offer a diverse range of meats, organs, and bones. Alternatively, you can opt for high-quality commercial ferret food specifically formulated to meet their nutritional needs.

Some popular ferret food brands include Marshall Premium Ferret Diet, Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Ferret Food, and Wysong Epigen 90 Dry Ferret Food.

It’s essential to avoid foods high in carbs, vegetable proteins, fruits, and veggies to maintain ferrets’ health. Ferrets cannot digest complex carbohydrates and fiber properly, and their diet should be low in fiber, ideally less than 4%. To ensure your ferret’s nutritional requirements are fulfilled, feed them a meat-rich diet.

Veterinary Care

It’s important to have regular health examinations and preventive care to reduce the likelihood of developing health issues and minimize expenses in the future.

Ferrets need rabies and canine distemper vaccinations. They also require neutering or spaying, which can cost between $150 to $300, with females being more expensive. As ferrets are considered exotic pets, vet costs can be quite expensive. To ensure you are financially prepared, it’s essential to determine the cost of ferret veterinary care in your locality and have funds available for a significant veterinary expense.

Ferrets can face several common health issues. Some include adrenal gland disease, insulinoma, lymphoma, dilated cardiomyopathy, gastrointestinal diseases, and other health-related concerns. The expenses of treating these conditions may differ according to the severity and necessary treatment.

Adrenal gland disease: This is a common condition in ferrets, and treatment options include injections, which can cost around $30-50 per injection, and Suprelorin implants, which can be more expensive.

Insulinoma

This tumor affects the pancreas. It also causes low blood sugar levels. The cost of treatment can vary, with annual check-ups costing $75 — and ongoing medication costing up to $150 per month.

Lymphoma

This is a kind of cancer that impacts the lymphatic system. The available treatment options are chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Both treatments can be costly, ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 or higher.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy

This is a common heart disease in ferrets. Treatment may include medications such as diuretics and ACE inhibitors, which can vary in cost.

Gastrointestinal diseases

These can include foreign objects in the stomach, which may require surgery for removal. The price of the surgery may differ based on the case’s difficulty level.

Annual and Monthly Costs

Once you’ve completed the initial setup, the monthly expense for your ferret’s food, litter, treats, and hygiene should be relatively low. You can expect to spend approximately $15 monthly on food and $60 for 50 pounds of litter. Owning a ferret can cost more than $500 per year. This covers food, litter, and veterinary visits.

Conclusion

Ferrets can make wonderful pets. However, it is essential to consider ownership costs before taking on a new furry friend. You should also consider the potential medical costs of owning a ferret. Veterinary care for common illnesses can be expensive. Consider budgeting for pet care items such as food, litter, hygiene, and treats, and also be prepared for any medical costs that may arise. With proper care, your ferret can live a happy and healthy life!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Delecrouix