Ferrets or Mice, No I won't be buying them on impulse

[Cluckcluck1215]

So I have not been able to find a answer to this.
I have been researching for a small pet, And narrowed it down to Ferrets(YES I LOVE THEM ) and Mice.

I know ferrets CAN smell, and do know how to feed, care and bathe them.Still researching Mice.

Which, In your HONEST opinion, Do you think is best?

My daily routine:
Mainly I only go out for around 3-5 hours at a time, but some days I am home all day, some I am out all day(rare)

 

[MageofMist]

Mice are cheaper, easier and to care for and don't require as much attention and don't smell as bad, but ferrets do usually sleep through most of the day and when they are awake, well... They are bundles of floofy energy and are fun to play wrestle with, and their war dances are amusing.

I had 2 ferrets when I was a kid, a brown one named Woody and an albino one named Snowy, and even with regular cleaning they still smelled. They were perfect for me though as they were asleep when I was at school and wide awake and ready to play when I came home. They also loved to hoard my stuffed toys under my bed, so I jokingly called them the "cleanup crew" for tidying my room for me.

I feel I am a little biased though, I never had mice as a kid and have very fond memories of my "duo of terror."

 

[LilJoe]

If you dont mind sruff missing all the time id stay Ferret!

Although.....
Mice are cute.....POCKET PET!!!! lol

 

[Flashpoint]

Mice are cheaper, easier and to care for and don't require as much attention and don't smell as bad, but ferrets do usually sleep through most of the day and when they are awake, well... They are bundles of floofy energy and are fun to play wrestle with, and their war dances are amusing.

I had 2 ferrets when I was a kid, a brown one named Woody and an albino one named Snowy, and even with regular cleaning they still smelled. They were perfect for me though as they were asleep when I was at school and wide awake and ready to play when I came home. They also loved to hoard my stuffed toys under my bed, so I jokingly called them the "cleanup crew" for tidying my room for me.

I feel I am a little biased though, I never had mice as a kid and have very fond memories of my "duo of terror."

I have had ferrets for years and currently owned by eight of them

The biggest reason ferrets "smell bad" is because owners tend to give them too many baths. Then the ferret's musk glands have to work overtime to replace the necessary and natural oil that their skin and fur needs. I only give mine baths - 2-3 times a year, and this is only if I think they need one or if there is a possibility of fleas. And although they have a naturally musky smell, it isn't to the "stink stage".

Also, I wash my ferret blankets every week or 10 days (I have a big supply of plush and micro plush blankets) as they collect the oil and THAT will smell worse than any ferret dared to.

Hope this helps

 

[Cluckcluck1215]

Both of them are so cute!

But the Ferrets ARE SO expensive to keep, but mice are adorable, but not to friendly, where ferrets are playful...hmmmm.

 

[Cluckcluck1215]

I have had ferrets for years and currently owned by eight of them

The biggest reason ferrets "smell bad" is because owners tend to give them too many baths. Then the ferret's musk glands have to work overtime to replace the necessary and natural oil that their skin and fur needs. I only give mine baths - 2-3 times a year, and this is only if I think they need one or if there is a possibility of fleas. And although they have a naturally musky smell, it isn't to the "stink stage".

Also, I wash my ferret blankets every week or 10 days (I have a big supply of plush and micro plush blankets) as they collect the oil and THAT will smell worse than any ferret dared to.

Hope this helps

Wow!8!Pictures?

 

[Flashpoint]

Both of them are so cute!

But the Ferrets ARE SO expensive to keep, but mice are adorable, but not to friendly, where ferrets are playful...hmmmm.

You can always check into ferrets at a ferret rescue - Ferrets at the pet store run on the average $130 and up. Ferret rescues are often around $80-100. And, because they are extremely social animals, it is always best to have at least two. They can keep each other company and gives them someone alive to play with if their Ferret mom or dad isn't handy.

I buy my ferret food from http://www.drsfostersmith.com and get their signature brand. My ferrets love it. Plus, they often have it on sale and often have free shipping. Worth looking into. 8 ferrets cost me about $20 a month on food. Of course, toys and treats and other things are extra. lol I also make a lot of my own hammocks and toys - like crocheted covered plastic eggs with bells in them.

I also wanted to add to the previous comment I posted that ferrets are a natural "scratchy" animal and the lack of oil dries out their skin and makes it worse. If toenails are not clipped regularly, I have seen them scratch til blood runs. So no baths! (I have one friend who was doing it every week - WAYYYYYY too often.) You can even buy some sprays that make them smell good. lol

Will work here in a bit on getting some up to date pics. I had posted one on here earlier on another thread. This is Willow.

 

[Cluckcluck1215]

I was thinking about getting them here:http://unclehenrys.com/classified/4657593/classified?back=/search/Pets?sr=54420339#4657593

But I was thinking of getting one ferret now, and another later.I have quite a bit of free time, so I can play with him or her whenever she or he wants, pretty much.

Or should I get them at PetCo?Immean, one for $50 compared to $170 is so much better, cut my cost down a lot....

 

[Cluckcluck1215]

So, guys.
I ABSOLUTLY want ferrets so bad, But, right now I do NOT have money for the Critter Nation cage, and I will NOT put even one in anything smaller then that.

I also have NO experince keeping a small pet, beside fish.So, I have been tossing the idea of getting a hamster around, so I think if I can, I will get one of those, because they are adorable.And I can get just one.So, when I DO get ferrets, I will have a LITTLE experince in keeping small animals.

I will be doing a LOT of research and getting the proper cage and everything.

P.S.Ferrets are still better, I think

 

[Flashpoint]

So, guys.
I ABSOLUTLY want ferrets so bad, But, right now I do NOT have money for the Critter Nation cage, and I will NOT put even one in anything smaller then that.

I also have NO experince keeping a small pet, beside fish.So, I have been tossing the idea of getting a hamster around, so I think if I can, I will get one of those, because they are adorable.And I can get just one.So, when I DO get ferrets, I will have a LITTLE experince in keeping small animals.

I will be doing a LOT of research and getting the proper cage and everything.

P.S.Ferrets are still better, I think

Yes, Cluck - do a lot of research on ferrets. They can be expensive to keep, not just food, but if one became ill. As to cages, I have two Ferret Nations and love them. One is good for 8 ferrets and I use mine to alternate so I don't have fuzzbutts on my arms, head and back while I try to clean! lol Having a ferret is like having a 2-3 yr old toddler in the house. Imagine 8 or more at one time!