How Much Do Ferrets Cost At Petco? Plus Top 10 Tips For Ferret Owners

The price of a ferret at Petco ranges from 100 – $200. However, the price you’re most likely to find on the Petco website is $150. Prices vary depending on the location of the particular store, the age of the ferret a,nd some other factors.

Generally, owning a pet ferret could cost you anywhere between $100 and $500. However, there are some monthly costs that may arise when you own a ferret. In fact, taking into consideration the supplies you’d need to put in place to adequately cater for your ferret, you’d spend far more than $500. It’s advisable to read this post completely to understand all it entails to keep a ferret before you purchase one at Petco or any other store.

Key takeaways

• General price range of ferrets is $100 – $500
• prices vary based on age
• Prices vary based on location and place of adoption
• Maintenance costs and supplies involved in caring for Ferret
• What Types of Owners are best suited for ferrets
• Tips for Parenting

Factors That Affect Ferret Prices

1. Age

Ferret prices are largely affected by age. Adult Ferrets cost much less than baby ferrets (kits). Adults (male or female) sell between 100 – $200, but baby/young ferrets can cost anywhere between 300 and 500 dollars.

2. Shop or place of adoption

Of course, the prices of Ferrets at Petco and PetSmart can’t be the same. However, they fall within the same range. Also, the costs of acquiring a ferret at places like animal shelters and private breeders differ a lot. Here’s a little summary.

PetSmart:

prices are most likely within the range of $160 to 200. For the record, PetSmart doesn’t actually sell Ferrets but gives them up for adoption.

Animal shelters:

Ferrets at shelters can cost anywhere between $20 to $70. Prices are quite cheap compared to pet stores, but most ferrets (as well as other animals) at pet shelters have problematic histories or underlying health issues. Plus, there are several Regulations when obtaining pets this way.

Private breeders:

These folks breed high-quality Ferrets, and can also be your guide or advisor on how to adequately take care of them. Ferrets from private breeders are quite expensive: they range from $150 to $300. Baby Ferrets may cost even more (up to $500).

Specie or breed: here are some popular types of domesticated ferrets and their estimated prices

Black Sable; $100 – 200

Albino; albino $100 – 200

Champagne Ferrets; $150 – 300

3. Duration of stay

Pet shops have a habit of reducing the prices of pets that have been in store for a long time with no buyer. This same rule applies to ferrets. If the pet store wants to get rid of it, they’ll sell it at giveaway prices.

What Is The Cheapest way to own a ferret

The cheapest way to own a ferret is to adopt one from an animal shelter or a local vet near you.

What Supplies Do I Need To Adequately Cater For A Ferret?

Here’s all you need to be an effective ferret parent.

Ferret cage: cage should be large enough to allow them to move around and jump if necessary. Also, endeavor to get one that is easy to clean.

Ferret spray: ferrets usually have a nasty smell. These sprays help neutralize the smell, making play and cuddling sessions more enjoyable.

Ferret toys: ferrets (kits especially) love to play with toys. Most ferret toys are animal-shaped. A couple of these would do.

Water bowls: this is, of course, a necessity. However, ferrets most times would splash all the water out. It’s advisable to go for a bowl that doesn’t allow for easy splashing (clip-on bowls).

Ferret food: ferrets won’t eat just anything you throw at them: they’re carnivores and cannot process starch, veggies, or fruits. Feed them high-quality kibble or raw meat if you can afford it.

Beddings: you can use cat beds for ferrets. But get spare ones just in case.

Monthly maintenance costs for a ferret.

After getting all the supplies, the monthly maintenance costs for a ferret will range from $60 to $100.

Top 10 Parenting Tips

• Ensure your pet gets regular, scheduled veterinarian visits. These mammals are not like regular rodents that can adapt and survive almost anything. Only regular medical care would ensure your Ferret lives for up to 10 years.

• Make provision for annual vaccines. If you can afford monthly or bi-annual vaccination, then do so, but it should be done at least once a year.

• Play time should be plenty: These mammals are very playful and cute, and so they can develop certain behaviors or Obsessive disorders if they don’t get enough playtime from their humans.

• Give your pet attention: Play, cuddle, pet, scratch, bathe, feed, and groom your pet ferret. It’s the only way to keep them happy, loyal, and healthy.

• Get a companion for it: Due to the playful nature of ferrets, it’s advisable to buy them in twos. If possible, place them in a group, but never alone. Ferrets that are left alone should have a human as their companion. If you don’t have enough time to play with your pet, best buy a second one so they can play together.

• Don’t bother about the temperature of your surroundings, normal room temperature is perfect for ferrets.

• Don’t allow them to play with kids (at least not all the time). Ferrets make poor pets for kids: they can bite or nibble at them, causing injuries.

• Make provision for mating. Ferrets need to be allowed to mate when they come of age. Failure to do so can result in serious health problems for the ferret, or even death. This is one important thing to note, especially if you’re buying baby Ferrets. But of course, if you buy ferrets in pairs (male and female) you don’t have anything to worry about.

• Make your house Ferret-proof: Ferrets like to explore a lot. They sometimes get into problematic situations in the process (like getting stuck in a hole). In the end, they can injure themselves quite badly or damage your home or appliances. A good way to Ferret-proof your home is to close all vents and seal all small holes. Also, remove sharp objects around your home or move them to places your Ferret can’t reach.
• Spray and bathe them regularly. This is the only way to reduce the smell.

References:

https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/ferret-5004316–1

https://howtodiscuss.com/t/how-much-are-ferrets-at-petco/117123