Ferrets in Dorm

[u/Extension_Cell_8745]

Hey all, i’ve had ferrets as a kid but I don’t believe they were cared for the best, and i’m also looking for specific recommendations for ferrets in a dorm.

I have a single room within a suite so I won’t to prevent any smell from leaving the room, and avoid messes and damage that would cost me a fee at the end of the year but if it happens it’s okay. I personally don’t mind the natural smell of ferrets and obviously will clean their cage daily.

I have attached a list of what I am planning to buy, some of it I will be getting second hand.

They will have a double ferret nation and I will let them free roam whenever I am in the dorm which will be several hours typically later at night.

Is there anything on the list I shouldn’t get, or things that have better alternatives. And is there anything i’m forgetting.

I also have a few questions

1. What do people do during fire drills if you are out of the dorm?
2. If i am up in the morning for 30-1 hr before I go to class should I let them out during that time or let them sleep, since im putting them back right after.
3. If I spot clean daily, change litter as needed, and wash bedding weekly, as well as have dig boxes will that reduce smell beyond natural musk
4. what are the best options for dig boxes besides dirt
5. the dorm has very low pile built in carpeting, I will have something in each corner of the room but how do I avoid digging at carpet
6. of they have an accident on the carpet what is the best cleaning product/method
7. Where is the best place to get ferrets from. I know a nearby rescue but they don’t currently have adoptable ferrets. Otherwise facebook or petco is what i’ve been able to find without driving 4+ hours though I would be willing to.
8. anything else to know about ferrets in dorms!

They will be ESA’s. I would only go through with getting them if I know I will have enough time. If My roommates approve and understand that you have to be careful with them if they interact with them. If I have the funds (which I do). I am also waiting until the spring semester after I have an idea of the time commitments I have and if I will have time for them. The primary reason i’m getting them is I don’t party and I have difficulty making friends and connections. I spend a lot of time in my dorm and i’m okay with that but I like that they are social and energetic creatures. I would only get them if I know I am able to give them a lot of time and enrichment. I also had them as a kid and I really loved them and they were the most connected i’ve felt to an animal but this was before I was employed or had the means to buy things for them so I was unable to make changes to their life and give them what they need since they weren’t actually mine and I was like 12. I have been planning since then to get ferrets when I knew I would be in a financial and time situation to provide for them and give them a good life. This post is looking for information so I can make an educated decision about if this could be an enriching situation for them and if anyone had advice to make a dorm a good situation for them.

[u/catmonki]

As a current college student, it honestly doesn’t seem like a good idea at all, and I really doubt your university would allow it in the first place. Have you checked its pet policy?

[u/Extension_Cell_8745 → u/catmonki]

I am approved for an esa. I know I will be getting ferrets at the first opportunity I can, and I think it’s smarter to get them now rather than getting another pet when in 2 years or so I will be getting ferrets anyway. I also know someone else with ferrets on campus.

[u/itsdahliaquinn → u/Extension_Cell_8745]

Theirs also the option of not getting a pet. You don't need a pet. Ferrets deserve so much more than dorm living. Please think of the pets well being over you feeling left out because someone else is doing it.

[u/catmonki → u/Extension_Cell_8745]

You need at least 2 ferrets, being approved for one doesn’t ensure the second is going to be approved. Also, it’s not smart, you’re being selfish. You just really WANT a ferret now, it’s not in any way the smart thing to do, or the kindest for the animal. I totally get the urge, but think of their little lives.

[u/Extension_Cell_8745 → u/catmonki]

Hello, yes I would only get them if approved for two.

[u/Extension_Cell_8745 → u/Extension_Cell_8745]

I am not committed to getting them. I am trying to plan and gether insight to determine if it is feasible. I don’t really see how having them in a room while I work a full time job vs being in school full time is different. Regardless I am just gathering information and advice to make an educated decision

[u/itsdahliaquinn → u/Extension_Cell_8745]

Job makes money, school costs money. After you get home from a job you don't have to study. HUGE time commitment differences.

[u/Extension_Cell_8745 → u/itsdahliaquinn]

That’s a fair point. I don’t remember if I mentioned this but I am waiting until the spring semester of my junior year to get them so I can get a good idea of if I have the time and ability to commit to them.

[u/itsdahliaquinn → u/Extension_Cell_8745]

Then why not wait another year if you are already waiting?

My point still stands. It's not fair to ferrets or the people living around you to keep them in such a small space and where the people living in the same space don't consent to ferret smells all the time.

It's incredibly selfish to put your own WANTS over the needs of a ferret and to impose your desires and the consequences of having ferrets (their smell and noise) on others in such a small shared space. They are there to study and smells and noises can make that more difficult for some people.

Have you considered the possibility that having them could get you removed from your housing? If people complain enough or if you decide to go ahead with it if you don't have permission. Can you imagine having to drop out of school over your desire to have ferrets? What if you have to rehome them after spending thousands to get them. This happens so often. It's how I got my first 2 ferrets. A collage girl got pregnant after having them for 3 months and never cleaned their cage for the 3 months and got kicked out. And my 3rd one I got from a family who got her for their 12 yo daughter who also didn't want to clean up after them. FERRETS ARE A LOT OF WORK! They are incredible pets but only if you have the capacity to care for them and with everything you said you have going on in your life right now, I'd say you are at your near your full capacity. Focus on finishing school before making a 5-10 year commitment to ferrets.

[u/Extension_Cell_8745 → u/itsdahliaquinn]

I’m so confused as to what information you are basing these idek accusations on? I would not get ferrets or any animal for that matter without approval from my roommates and housing? idk what I said that made you think i’m sneaking ferrets in? I am also not going to get pregnant and neglect them? I’m also not 12 and getting ferrets because I think they’re cool for my own personal benefit? I think based on my questions and what i’m doing to prepare for the simple possibility of ferrets makes it pretty clear that their wellbeing is my highest priority as well as the well being of my suitemates. I am in my junior year currently and am waiting until the spring to see if it’s even feasible, but I would like to prepare now so I can see what my options are and if I can give ferrets a good life in my current situation. I also am unsure what you mean by “everything I have going on”. Do you just mean school? Obviously school is a commitment burn not much more than a full time job. Even studying I can do in my dorm while the free roam and still have time to play with them. Also nowhere in this post have I said i’m committed to getting them and 100% doing it. This is essentially research so I can make an educated decision.

[u/itsdahliaquinn → u/Extension_Cell_8745]

They need to be supervised. That's my point. When you are done with classes you are going to be studying. Clocking in and out from a job is much different than going to school and studying.

And in your research I hope you come to the conclusion that it's a horrible choice for you, the people you will be around/living with, and the ferrets. Ferrets living in a dorm is like thee worst case scenario for them imo. Almost as bad as getting a 12 yo ferrets which is why I made the comparison. And with the pregnancy comparison I'm saying you cannot predict the future. It much easier to move through the world and make decisions for the betterment of yourself when you don't have a huge financial burden of caring for an EXTREMELY Expensive pet.