How Much Do Ferrets Cost?
How Much Money Are Ferrets are increasingly popular as pets – but how much do they cost to buy and look after?
The Initial Outlay
The cost of buying a ferret varies greatly, depending on where it comes from, how old it is, type and colour of the fur, and other factors. Generally, it’s possible to buy a ferret for around £50 to £75. However, it’s also possible to pay considerably more than this. If the ferret is a rare breed or color, and has been well bred, it could cost up to double the usual price.
Cages, Bedding and Other Equipment
The cost of buying and equipping a cage for the ferret will run to around £100 – or more, depending on the specifications. You may need to include things like:
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- A cage: at least 3ft wide and 6ft long, although larger is preferable for the ferret to have adequate exercise space.
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- Bedding: absorbent litter, and possibly cosy bedding that the ferret can burrow into.
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- Toys: ferrets love to play, so think about a range of toys that your pet can interact with.
Food and Veterinary Care
Ferrets don’t cost quite as much as dogs to feed, but still need a good quality, balanced diet. Many owners switch between wet and dry food, and mixing the two can make it more enjoyable. Home-cooked meals can also be given where appropriate. This will typically cost between £10-£15 per month.
On top of this, you’ll also need to factor in usual veterinary fees such as vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, and check-ups. Prices will again depend on the practice, but you’ll need to set aside at least £30-£60 for this each year.
In Summary
To sum it up, the cost of buying and looking after a ferret can range from around £100 to £300 per year – depending on factors such as the quality of food, size of cage and veterinary fees.
However, when you take into account the love and companionship that ferrets can bring, this may be money well spent.
