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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to not want ferrets?

18 replies

MitchyInge · 29/03/2010 10:05

I do like them (I love all animals) but we already have a horse, a pony, a dog, chickens and 3 cats plus various visiting dogs who board with us from time to time. My 10 year old is OBSESSED with getting some ferrets, I have no firm reasons for saying no other than an 'argh more mouths to feed' feeling. I know she will care for them well because she does a great job with all the other animals, doesn't tire of them, am I being unreasonable to refuse this request?

OP posts:
Sonilaa · 29/03/2010 10:06

yanbu, they need a lot of attention and stink!

OrmRenewed · 29/03/2010 10:07

No you aren't. Enough is enough.

Have to say I like ferrets. But I think you have enough on your plate.

doesntplaywellwithothers · 29/03/2010 10:09

They smell, they are extrodinarily high maintenence, they are destructive, and they are animals that are not supposed to be locked up in a cage all day long. I've lived with ferrets...they are hard work, and not really good for people who are in school/work full time. It may be very well that she will do a great job, but I wouldn't do it if I were you!

Original poster
MitchyInge · 29/03/2010 10:15

she wants to go out and catch rabbits with them as if they are not more fun to shoot at night

what is meant by 'high maintenance', how much care/attention do they need?

OP posts:
pjmama · 29/03/2010 10:17

Very very strong and distinctive smell! That alone would be enough for me to say no. Besides, it sounds like you've enough on your plate and it's not unreasonable to draw a line somewhere.

LisaD1 · 29/03/2010 10:24

Ewww, yuk, don't do it! My GF had ferrets when we were growing up (they were working ferrets and the shed always had their successes hanging in it) and they STINK!

Stick with horses (we have a horse and a pony too, much more fun)

Original poster
MitchyInge · 29/03/2010 10:31

oh yes, remember the smell, knew various people who hunted with ferrets when I was little - it repulsed me even then

it is enough to constantly smell like a wet dog who has been rolling in an ashtray and wearing horse poo as it is

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Sonilaa · 29/03/2010 10:32

they need exercise for their minds and and bodies alike, I would think about as much as a training a puppy... they are also quite prone to parasites in their ears = big vet bills. they need a cage strong enough for a tiger, they chew through rabbit mesh. oh, and did someone mention the smell

Original poster
MitchyInge · 29/03/2010 10:41

am actually jotting all these points down

would much prefer to have some proper reasons instead of 'because I said no a million times already' !

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mistlethrush · 29/03/2010 10:59

If you just handle one you end up needing to change your clothes (males in particular) (did someone mention the smell??? )

Original poster
MitchyInge · 29/03/2010 11:45

ugh

if only had bred more fastidious offspring, don't think the stench of ferret wee is an insuperable obstacle for her at all

wonder if I could just keep her really really busy and distracted until this obsession fades? even if she is destined to become some sort of internationally renowned ferret breeder/handler

OP posts:
midori1999 · 29/03/2010 13:23

I don't think YABU, ultimately it is up to you, but personally, I would be glad (and rather proud) that she wants ferrets for a 'proper' reason and not just as a pet. I know a few people who keep ferrets to take shooting, and they all keep them outside/in sheds, so if that was an option, it would at least keep the smell outside. I don't think they cost that much to feed either, and if you are shooting rabbits, can't they eat those?

frankenfanny · 29/03/2010 13:26

YANBU, she is old enough to understand you do not need another responsibility. Even if she is devoted it is ultimately still yours.

But, She is also old enough to be told the pros and cons if she would take them on herself, not just a blanket "no- because I say so". Not least, one of the main cons is that at her age she will not be able to see how she might feel in a year or 2 - how long do ferrets live? and that you would end up with another chore. Is she going to pay vets bills out her pocket money?

You could try what I told my son when he was that age and wanted snakes.

"When you are old enough to buy your own shed , pay your own vets bills and look after them completely on your own you can have some space at the bottom of the garden provided I never have to see, hear or smell them."

Eventually he lost interest but he did have the option to work towards his dream.

5Foot5 · 29/03/2010 13:34

She could maybe use them to make a bit of money on the side to offset the bills.

In the village where I used to live there was a guy who turned up to local events with his ferrets and he organized various ferret-based gambling games. Ferret racing was the usual but ferret roulette was also entertaining. There was always a crowd of people wanting to have a go and at a £1 a time he must have made quite a bit - even allowing for the prize money.

girrafey · 29/03/2010 13:34

I have to go against the majority here. I too had an obsession with ferrets growing up and i wasn't allowed them.

i now have 2 boys ( pepsi and lemonade) and i have to say they are not hard work. (no more than other pets)

We converted a shed into a large house/ cage for them. They have ledges, tubes, toys an eating area and a sleeping area and they love it. We have reigns and take them on walks. ( also into local schools and nurserys)

My 3 love them, but due to their young ages, we only let them out when both my dp and i are there to make sure of safety.

My ferrets are trained and come when caled, have never bitten, though do have sharp claws when climbing up my back.

Yes ferrets are more of a pongy pet than say a cat, but they can play and curl up and sleep on you like a cat, can take them for walks like a dog and shut them away (when people with allergies or scared come over) like a rabbit.

We (touch wood) havnt had any reason beyond yearly checkup to go to the vets and we love watching them.

We keep an old shirt in the shed and pull that on for their nightly cuddles, poo scooping and water changing etc. So it keeps your clothes etc from smelling, but you get into a routine and it doesnt seem to much trouble.

If you are used to horses etc then ferrets will be easy in comparison. They truely are wonderful and i think you should give your dd a chance.

ps if your anywhere near more she is welcome to come round and play with them etc.

OrmRenewed · 29/03/2010 13:38

When it comes to the smell It's not so bad if they are kept in clean conditions. Clean ferrets smell of ferret - it;s an odd smell but not unpleasant. Dirty ferrets smell of dirty ferret which is not good. Same as a human being would if forced to spend time in a cage full of shit and dead meat.

Original poster
MitchyInge · 29/03/2010 15:46

Ooh it is hard because I secretly like them a lot myself

but I also like donkeys, alpacas, all breeds of giant dogs, shetlands, shire horses, tarantulas, snakes, goats (not the ninja/killer sorts), ducks, pigs, highland cattle - on and on, have to draw line somewhere (at least until lottery win)

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Original poster
MitchyInge · 02/04/2010 11:34

very unhelpful April fool yesterday ferrets bridge digital divide

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