"Mongoose or Ferret" dilemma

[Juxtaroberto]

The mongooses introduced into the wild where I live were descended from "semi-domestic" animals used by snake charmers and also farmers as a means of catching rats.

How long ago? All the nicety has probably been eliminated from them. Honestly, I wouldn't keep one. They seem to be temperamental. Almost like an iguana that won't be slowed down by the cold.

 

[coura]

DEFENETLY go with the ferret. Keeping a wild small carnivorus mammal without proper training can be has hazzardous for you as for the animal. Things such as rabies, tapeworm, leptospirosis and several other nasties are plentifull in all species of mongoose, skunk, fox, etc. YOU DONT WANT to be bitten by even a small one, the risk is huge. Go with ferret, they are a true domestic animal and they make great pets. The risk of capturing a wild mongoose isnt worth it.

 

[coura]

How long ago? All the nicety has probably been eliminated from them. Honestly, I wouldn't keep one. They seem to be temperamental. Almost like an iguana that won't be slowed down by the cold.

I would rater have the most horrible temper ig anytime, if it bits me, well thats to bad. The same may not happen with a wild mongoose.

 

[Cichlid king]

They were introduced over in the 1880's.

 

[ivgonmad]

They are still wild, even if they were not native to the islands. Being introduced into a new habitat does not make them automatically domesticated in any way.

 

[Mavrick813]

Gfxferret.com has some of the best animals and lots of nice color morphs to choose from but they are a bit more expensive than you would usually pay for one, and then the whole shipping thing... not sure how that would work.

I currently have 4 ferrets, 3 Marshalls, and one from a Private Breeder. The Private Breeders do not Spay, Nueter or, Descent their animals. It is believed in the Ferret community that Spaying and Nuetering at 3-6 weeks the way Marshals and Petvalley Ferrets do stunts the growth, appetite, bone density etc etc. SO, if you were to go the route of GFX or another private breeder that is willing to ship. Be ready to sign forms that state you know about Ferrets, Have an Exotic Vet with Ferret Experience that will Nueter / Spay a ferret at 6-8 Months old. And be ready to put out about $1000.00 including Purchase, Shipping, Enclosure, and First round of Vet bills. Now some have tried to beat the system and bought a Breeder ferret so they can bypass the Nuetering costs. OR have signed agreements to Nueter / Spay and then not do it. Only to end up having one sick or dead ferret on their hands.
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=11+2081&aid=545

As for the stinking part. I use Feline Pine litter. And a Vitamin supplement in their water that practically eliminates any Foul odor in their stool and urine. My girl who is not spayed yet has absolutely no additional Body Odor over my guys that were spayed by Marshalls Ferretry.

If you were looking for an animal that Looks similar to a ferret, You'd have to look at Minks. Many people in Michigan see these guys in the wild all the time.

http://www.furcommission.com/news/newsB8.htm

Here is a breeder that does not ship. But is very reputable. She has a links page that will take you to some of the top Private Breeders in the US.
http://www.mindspring.com/~jbferret/index.html

All four sleeping in a tote after the Vet tired them out.

My Girl.

 

[Lepisosteus platyrhincus]

MONGOOSE!!! then again im all about the exotics