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Post by taylor on Jun 4, 2007 10:36:57 GMT -5
I am getting my ferret this weekend from Craig's list. $60 for a ferret and all his supplies. I don't know if his cage is included but I know he listed Litter, Food, Toys, Hammock, Harness, Leash, ect. For all that, I think $60 is a real good deal especially when ferrets here cost $100+ at the petshop and $75 at the closest ferret rescue that I know of. He has cats and a dog right now and him and his girl is never home and feel that the ferret shouldn't be left in the cage all the time so he wants to find a better home for him and just wants to recoup a little money. Which is fine, I'm doing the same with my tiel. I heard I could get $80-$85. In some states she goes for $100-$150! But trying for $50 to help get Kodo. However a woman who rehabs tiels is offering $20 and willing to take it if it means a good life for my royal pain. I also found a rescue on Craig's list who is asking a fee of $50 which we're getting this weekend too, for my other ferret. ooo that sounds pretty good. you should post piccys when you get them. fab.
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Post by Meekos Mummy on Jun 6, 2007 22:51:33 GMT -5
I found my baby on CL and he was free. 5 months old, my first ferret, quite a turd (in a good way). I had to drive for an hour and half to get him, but it was definitely worth it. I got him, a three story cage, a new bag of food, bi-odor, litter, toys etc. I think he may have been a bit mistreated though. He is quite a biter, but we are working on that. He is starting to adjust pretty well to his new home and we all just love him.
LOL..speaking of the devil. Here he comes to bite my toes as we speak!
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Post by connie on Jun 12, 2007 23:28:17 GMT -5
The biggest problem I have with ferrets on CL is that most of the time they aren't vaccinated or ADV tested. Yeah, ok, you get a ferret for $50 from CL because you don't want to pay my $85 adoption fee. But my $85 ferret included it's shots and ADV test. Once you take your $50 ferret to the vet to get his shots and health exam, your $50 ferret now has become your $200 ferret.
I posted this on another thread, but I've had several people inquire about adopting, only to tell me my $85 fee (I do a sliding scale, $85 is the highest fee) was too much and they are going to get one from Craigslist. So they do, then ended up calling me because their wonderful ferret from Craigslist has ECE or some other intestinal infection.
One person in particular did not take my advice on keeping the new one she got from CL separate from her current ferret for a few days, both ended up with ECE and she was facing a $1000 vet bill. She wanted me to take the ferrets because she couldn't afford the vet bill.
Yeah, some bargain she got. Sorry to sound so negative, but I just cannot stand craigslist. Go to your local shelter and adopt. If people quit buying them from CL, then people will quit advertising them.
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Post by ajherring on Jun 13, 2007 8:44:02 GMT -5
I paid $60 for Kodo. I was suppose to get Food, Litter, Harness, Leash, Toys, Bedding, Litter Pan, Ect Ect
I ended up with moldy food, Enough litter to change the filthy litter pan, food bowl & water bottle.. don't know what happened to the rest and curious as to what the ect, ect was suppose to mean. Still.. $60 beats $100+ I guess at PetCo.
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Post by connie on Jun 13, 2007 9:02:08 GMT -5
Still better than petco, but not better than adopting from a shelter. When folks adopt from me, I give them enough food for a week or so, some toys, and the bedding that's in the ferret's cage. I also have cages that I sell for $25-$40 which go to help raise funds for the shelter. If you think about it, I charge $85 for a ferret under a year old, and the fee goes down from there. That's barely enough to cover their vet visit. If I get in elderly ferrets or ones that are sick, the adoption fee doesn't cover their vet bill, so selling cages is a way to cover those costs. And if I have any that require surgery, well, I'm sure you get the picture.
Natural Gold sales are another way I cover expenses, but it's never enough. I end up paying a lot out of my own pocket. I know other shelters sell stuff, hold raffles or whatever, but I work full time and don't have time to mess with that sort of thing. I did try it a few times, but the money it brought in wasn't worth the effort.
I'm curious if Kodo was up to date on his shots when you bought him and if he had ever been seen by a vet. If not, you need to add at least another $100 to what you've already paid for the vet bill.
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Post by connie on Jun 13, 2007 9:26:24 GMT -5
Just wanted to clarify, please don't misunderstand my post. Every ferret deserves a good home, whether it comes from a petstore, shelter or Craigslist. But don't think the ferrets on Craigs list are a better deal or cheaper than adopting from a shelter, because they're not. Even the 'free to good home' ones will more than likely require a trip to the vet as soon as you bring them home.
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Post by elisa on Jun 13, 2007 10:10:37 GMT -5
Connie, the rescue shelters are great places to adopt any pets. And the fact is, you are never going to come out ahead financially-- we spent many, many $$$ out of pocket for the years I was involved with N.A.P.A. in northern California.
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Post by Crystal on Jun 13, 2007 10:16:09 GMT -5
I agree Connie. That's really cool that your shelter does those tests. unfortunately mine only does rabies and distemper. I had to do the adv testing on my own.
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Post by Mike D on Jun 16, 2007 23:51:30 GMT -5
Hi, does anyone know where I can find the most inexpensive hammocks and sleep sacks for ferrets? Ferrets Unlimited Ferret Shelter in Cleveland Ohio is in great need of donations and supplies. I am trying to find inexpensive sleepy time articles to buy and donate. They have over 75 rescued ferrets there. They all need homes too if you know anyone that would want to adopt one or 2 They need so much help. Please letme know what anyone thinks. Mike D legalizeferretsinca@gmail.com
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Post by connie on Jun 17, 2007 9:15:11 GMT -5
I know Jean well. She recently had over 30 of her ferrets placed in other shelters due to her overcrowding. In fact, I have some of them.
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Post by ajherring on Jun 17, 2007 10:19:41 GMT -5
The only reason why we adopted from CL was because we could not get to a shelter. I always prefer shelters over buying from other people. We wanted our next cat to come from the ASPCA, but we ended up rescuing one from the dumpster instead. Actually Podo was suppose to come from a shelter, I later found out its not a very good one. I didn't buy from CL because it was "cheaper" because in the long run, it isn't. I bought from CL because it was the only way we could get a ferret for less than $100 from PetCo
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Post by ajherring on Jun 17, 2007 13:15:54 GMT -5
next year we're either going north to visit miah and camp or go west... if we go west we are defiantly stopping at your shelter, connie. =)
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Post by connie on Jun 18, 2007 9:17:11 GMT -5
The only reason why we adopted from CL was because we could not get to a shelter. I always prefer shelters over buying from other people. We wanted our next cat to come from the ASPCA, but we ended up rescuing one from the dumpster instead. Actually Podo was suppose to come from a shelter, I later found out its not a very good one. I didn't buy from CL because it was "cheaper" because in the long run, it isn't. I bought from CL because it was the only way we could get a ferret for less than $100 from PetCo As long as you are aware of what you're getting through Craigslist, that's great! What I get so irritated with is the people, and there have been many, that end up asking me for help with a sick ferret they got from CL. When I ask why they didn't adopt instead, their reply is that the adoption fee was too high or they didn't want to take the time to fill out an application. In all honesty, I'd love to tell these people to go back to the person you 'adopted' it from and ask them to help you! But of course I don't and I help them any way I can.
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Post by ajherring on Jun 18, 2007 11:19:50 GMT -5
yeah i understand that lol some people dont relise a shelter is -much- cheaper than cl, no matter how 'cheap' the ferret is on there.. unless there is proof of a full vet exam recently, and i doubt that would ever happen under $75
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Post by sjones25 on Jun 26, 2007 17:35:51 GMT -5
I have been looking to get one for awhile now. I had one for 14 months while my cousin was over seas. When she came home I was happy that she was ok but sad to see butter cup go... I have been on craigslist everyday in the baltimore maryland area. People on there do have outrages prices and some are good but then they live too far and I don't drive or they don't reply back or when they do they up the price. I have one that in my area but he wants you to submit a resume on your animal history for his two ferrets. he has been trying to rehome them since may. But first for $300, then $200 then $150 and now free but I dont know where to begin doing a resume for a animal.
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Post by sjones25 on Jun 26, 2007 17:40:36 GMT -5
Still better than petco, but not better than adopting from a shelter. When folks adopt from me, I give them enough food for a week or so, some toys, and the bedding that's in the ferret's cage. I also have cages that I sell for $25-$40 which go to help raise funds for the shelter. If you think about it, I charge $85 for a ferret under a year old, and the fee goes down from there. That's barely enough to cover their vet visit. If I get in elderly ferrets or ones that are sick, the adoption fee doesn't cover their vet bill, so selling cages is a way to cover those costs. And if I have any that require surgery, well, I'm sure you get the picture. Natural Gold sales are another way I cover expenses, but it's never enough. I end up paying a lot out of my own pocket. I know other shelters sell stuff, hold raffles or whatever, but I work full time and don't have time to mess with that sort of thing. I did try it a few times, but the money it brought in wasn't worth the effort. I'm curious if Kodo was up to date on his shots when you bought him and if he had ever been seen by a vet. If not, you need to add at least another $100 to what you've already paid for the vet bill. Connie wish you were in Maryland...
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Post by connie on Jun 26, 2007 19:00:49 GMT -5
Check out Rocky's just outside of Baltimore in Parkton, MD. I know Barb, the shelter director well and in fact she's my mentor. I was just up there last month. www.rockysferrets.com/
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Post by femalecheetah on Jun 27, 2007 15:35:44 GMT -5
I received my last two boys off of craigslist from a lady who no longer could take care of them and I got them both for free along with a few things like their left over food and some supplements.
I agree that some of the prices are ridiculously high for a "rehoming" fee, I see a lot of people getting flagged on craigslist for posting to high of an adoption/rehoming fee since you aren't allowed to sale pets on the site.
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Post by Bob on Jun 27, 2007 15:51:19 GMT -5
I received my last two boys off of craigslist from a lady who no longer could take care of them and I got them both for free along with a few things like their left over food and some supplements. I agree that some of the prices are ridiculously high for a "rehoming" fee, I see a lot of people getting flagged on craigslist for posting to high of an adoption/rehoming fee since you aren't allowed to sale pets on the site. That's how I got Chico and Hoss. The gal originally want $500 for them and all their stuff. A couple of weeks later I got them and everything but their cage for free.
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jes002
War Dancer
Proud parent of Bentley and Harley
Posts: 237
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Post by jes002 on Jun 28, 2007 9:01:23 GMT -5
I tried desperately to adopt my ferrets from shelters first. I searched every shelter within 100-ish mile radius of me ( mostly houston. I chatted with people online, filled out online applications, months and months of questions and emailing just to get turned down by everybody, ALL because i didnt have any experience. I had the money, i had the time, the love, the ability, the book knowledge, but i didnt have experience. One lady in houston actually slammed me down through a long bad mouthing email, then contacted other shelters in the houston area and told them to refuse my applications. I found this out because i actually became good friends with a shelter lady in galvaston and she told me what was going on. Unfortunately she was the only lady i was able to get through to, and she understood i had a passion and desperately wanted a ferret, but she only had rats at the time. So, i went the craigslist route. Now that i look back, i realize i was very lucky to have gotten two wonderful and healthy ferrets over craigslist, that was such a risk to take! I will never do that again! those shelter ladies and thier application processes took up much of my life before i finally went the craigslist route. It seemed rediculous to me, yet i understood that they loved thier babies, and didnt want to adopt out to somebody without experience. I felt i wouldnt ever have the adoption opportunity because nobody would trust me and my lack of experience. I did have experience with dogs, cats, squirrels, horses, you know.. but ferrets.. no. I was raised to believe adoption is BEST, first and foremost always check rescues and pounds before you go and BUY any animal straight from a breeder. I firmly believe that! I just wished those ladies hadnt of been so hard on me. Ok, so i do admit, i did feed my ferrets Marshalls ferret food for two months before i knew it wasnt "top quality" and there was an episode where i thought my ferrets had ear mites but it was just a case of nasty ears! all in all, they are truely healthy happy boys! those ladies had me thinking i would be a horrible ferret momma. I think Ive done quite well! to make myself clear, i dont hold any grudges on shelters who are picky as to who adopts, i would be too!!! I just wished they could see past my lack of experience and see that i had a wonderful home and huge heart to offer, and a quick brain to soak up the knowledge i did lack. but hey, now that i have experience, i have no problem!!! lol.. And i will never adopt over craigslist, its too much of a gamble and you honestly dont save money... with the vet bills and stuff- it ends up being way more expensive! So, i totally agree with connie on this one!! its the best way to go in every aspect!
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Post by connie on Jun 28, 2007 9:47:06 GMT -5
wow, I never turn down people because they don't have expierence. I was a first time ferret owner too. I do require that they do some research, either by books or on line or both. I also have a little 'training' class when they come to pick up their ferret and I have a ferret care sheet that goes home with every ferret that is adopted.
I have had families adopt from me from Houston and San Antonio because they were either turned down for some silly reason or their calls and emails weren't returned. First rule of sheltering is that you get back with people within 24 hours of their first phone call or email. For me it's usually within a couple of hours. Sometimes I get calls during the day while I'm at work and can't return them until after 5.
A lot of shelters also will not adopt to people with children, but I have no hard and fast rule on that. It depends on the child. I've turned down familes with 13 year olds and have adopted to those with 3 year olds.
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Post by Crystal on Jun 28, 2007 9:49:00 GMT -5
Bummer on the rescues. That really sucks. My local rescue is very nice, they adopted out two wonderful ferrets to my sister who has never owned one but has babysat mine. Plus she has a 4 year old to boot.
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jes002
War Dancer
Proud parent of Bentley and Harley
Posts: 237
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Post by jes002 on Jun 28, 2007 10:06:55 GMT -5
Well, i had no other animals, not even a fish, no kids.. just a roommate that lives on the other half of my apartment...
lack of experience..... which i think was funny because right before that i was hired to take care of a stable of 45 horses which i knew NOTHING about horses what so ever! And i told the lady who hired me the absolute truth! i have NO experience, but i have a passion! she said " your hired, passion always beats experience when it comes to animals"
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jes002
War Dancer
Proud parent of Bentley and Harley
Posts: 237
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Post by jes002 on Jun 28, 2007 10:24:54 GMT -5
well, let me add to that... Passion creates a desire to learn, constantly learning more and more. If you have experience, but no passion, your animal is in jeapordy, ya know!! gotta have that passion, that desire!!
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Post by crazyferretlady on Jul 6, 2007 16:09:11 GMT -5
What you should have said to those shelter owners was "Educate me. Reccomend books and give me advice. Give me a chance and I'll be a good owner" Sometimes it's best to give an eager novice a chance. I'm continually learning about ferrets and will continue to do so.
When I sell one at the store I often get "Are you trying to sell it to me or get me to change my mind?" A lot of times they see the cute, cuddly animals and don't realize the work involved. If I lose a sale oh well - I don't want to deal with a return or worse, a neglected animal down the road.
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