Ferrets for Dummies

by Kim Schilling

Book Overview

Everything you need to know about your playful new pet Thinking of getting a ferret? It's not unusual--millions of people worldwide keep ferrets as pets, and they've been domesticated for around 2,500... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0764552597
• ISBN13: 9780764552595
• Release Date: October 2000
• Publisher: For Dummies
• Length: 416 Pages
• Weight: 2.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 7.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Incredible "must own" book

This is a must-own for ANY ferret owner, new or old. Its packed full of all sorts of great information and is a good book to keep on hand for those questions that pop up. I bought this book about 3 months before i adopted my first two ferrets and i found it an invaluable resource to have on hand. I even lent it to my mother-in-law so that she could read it and learn more about these critters in case she needed to babysit. From information on cages to vet visits and common diseases, this is the bible for ferret owners. There's even a section in the back full of recipes that are fun to make and were adored by both my ferrets. This is not one of those books that only newcomers to the world of ferrets needs. I honestly would reccommend this book to new and old ferret owners...even if you only had to use this book once, its worth its price in gold. I can't stress it enough, if you're interested in ferrets, BUY THIS BOOK.

A Ferret Book that Finally Says it All

Thank GOD for Ferrets for Dummies! Ms. Schilling has owned pet ferrets for many years and it shows! But what's even more helpful is that she writes about ferrets from the perspective of an adoring owner as well as a foster mom to ferrets awaiting new homes. She doesn't hold back and lets the reader know that ferrets aren't for everyone. Because of that, both the ferrets and the readers win! There's nothing sadder than a ferret in an uninformed home! On the flip side, if after reading Ferrets for Dummies you believe a ferret or two or three is for you, you will be well prepared! Bravo to the author for discussing those issues which many ferret fanatics (myself included) try to brush under the table.....such as odor, litter box woes and problem ferrets! Ms. Schilling was not only able to tackle the difficult issues with style and grace, but also with a great sense of humor - essential to any ferret owner! I can't say enough about this book! It's the best! I know many people who decided that ferrets were DEFINITELY for their household after reading Ferrets for Dummies! And there were a few that decided ferrets might not be the best pets for them! Wonderful! Matching the right pet with the right family is what it's all about! I hope Ms. Schilling keeps on writing!! She has a fan in me!

Dummies for Ferrets

I can't imagine owning my ferret Tycho without the aid of this book. When my ferret lost weight and began vomiting, I panicked and agonized over what could possibly be wrong with the little guy. After he calmed down and I calmed down, I grabbed this indispensable tome and began reading to see if I could figure out what might be wrong. It turns out that ferrets are some times susceptible to all manner of little bugs just like we are, and while they can be worrisome, do not actual long term harm. And that's all it was, a virus had nailed Tycho and weight loss was a common seasonal thing. A trip to the vet confirmed our what we had read. Tycho is much better, and so are we.Kim Schilling's book is probably the best there is for owning a fert. She gives all sorts of insights into what makes them tick-how they play, what their body language means-something that taught us a valuable lesson during a thunder storm. Tycho was so frightened by the noise that when my wife picked him up and went face to face with him to sooth him, Tycho sunk his teeth into her chin, then did the same to me. We both missed his frizzed out tail and fur-something that told should have told us to stay away for a little while, but we didn't know any better until after we had read the book. It has a wonderful section on health, including numerous diseases and their symptoms. It covers playing, food, housing, even breeding, plus has a wealth of state by state resources, ferret shelters and contacts for the reader.Only a dummy would buy a pet, any pet, without doing research into them first. Ferrets more than just about any other pet, need to be researched thoroughly before bringing one home for the first time. We had only read one book before getting Tycho, but we probably should have read more. Now that I have read `Ferrets for Dummies', I am a little wiser in the ways of carpet sharks. I love my ferret, he's a good pal to read with as he bounds around the bed nibbling toes or burrowing under blankets. It's gratifying to know that he thinks I've done a good job raising him with his numerous kisses.Buy this book and understand what you're getting into. Ferrets are great pets, but they are a high maintenance pet. They require attention, care, and love. But you know what? You will get it all back and then some.

Not Just For Dummies!

This book is not just for dummies - it is great for everyone! Kim Shilling has done an excellent job in fine detail on complete ferret care! This is a book that is suitable for beginners as well as for long time ferret owners. It is informative and humorous. It is a must for any ferret enthusiast's collection. A breeze to read and entertaining, as well. Stuffed full of good and correct information! I am a ferret breeder and lover and consider it a top-notch resource.

A must have for ferret lovers and first time ferret meeters

Ferrets for Dummies is the only ferret book I have read that can be usefull to both new and old ferret owners a like. For new ferret owners and even first time ferret meeters,this book really helps the reader get to know the general personality of ferrets. Ferrets are a wonderful pet.......for the right person. Ferrets for Dummies helps you know if a ferret is the right pet for you before you go out and buy one. If first time ferret owners read this book before they went out and purchased a ferret, there may be less homeless and neglected ferrets and a smaller need for ferret shelters. This book helps explain what to expect from your ferret and how to care for it, from before your new pets arrival home until its final days!! I highly recommend this book to anyone interested or involved in ferret ownership.