Ferrets/Expert Profile

Expertise

I have owned ferrets for a little under 11 years. I am not a vet and cannot diagnose an illness. I am knowledgeable enough to answer most questions dealing with care of ill and elderly, general well-being, adoption process , training, safety(ferret proofing), housing requirements, engaging and mind enhancing games, grooming, vaccination, behavior, nipping,nutrition, and common symptoms of diseases. I can direct anyone to a ferret friendly veterinarian. I will, however, do my very best to answer any questions to the best of my ability. I have personally dealt with most ferret illnesses.

Experience in the area

I have been and am currently a ferret owner for a little under 11 years. I volunteer at a ferret shelter along with a general shelter who gets ferrets in regularly. I don't work there but I observe a ferret vet on a regular basis and study everything possible. I also take in poorly kept ferrets and ferrets that have been abused to nurse them back to health so they can go to qualified homes.

Organizations

American Ferret Association

Education/Credentials

I am currently enrolled to receive my Bachelor's degree before taking my entrance exam for my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree and on my way to become a veterinarian. I also teach a class at my local shelter on proper care, behavior, common illnesses and nutrition when someone comes in to adopt a ferret.

Awards and Honors

I have received quite a few "best answers" on yahoo answers.

Past/Present Clients

Although I am not a "professional" I have worked with many many ferrets and their owners. I have taught owners how to nip train their ferrets, potty train. I have pointed people in the direction of the closest ferret friendly vet when the need arises. I have taken in abused and abandoned ferrets to nurse them back to health both physically and emotionally.

What do you like about this subject?

I have always been fascinated by ferrets. They are very interesting creatures and make excellent pets for the right people. Some people go into getting a ferret on impulse and have no choice but to listen to everything the pet store clerk tells them and I would like as much correct information to be out there as possible.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

I would like to learn everything I can about ferrets and ferret care.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

In 6 B.C. Caesar Augustus sent ship loads of ferrets to the Balearic Islands to help control an overpopulation of rabbits released by colonists as game animals. Ferrets have been around for a very long time

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

There is a great debate about the way certain places spay/neuter and descent their ferrets at such a young age.