From:
Bruce Williams, DVM
Date: 2001-04-24 15:21:00 UTC
Subject: Re: ferrets and newborns
--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., "Linda" <Linda@f...> wrote:
> Hi
Sorry I haven't posted yet. I have just been so busy that I
barely had
> time to keep up with the posts.
>
> I have a question
I just found out that I am expecting my first
child. I
> have very jealous ferrets, Tyler & Tangles, and I am worried about
them and
> the baby. Plus about me having enough time for them. Anyone know
about how ferrets are with babies and children? I am
> wondering if I should adopt them out before the baby is born. I
don't want
> to give them up but I also don't want them possibly biting my new
baby when
> he/she is born. (I am due Dec. 10th).
Dear Linda:
Congratulations on your upcoming baby! My wife and I had a son just
over two years ago. The baby and ferrets have coexisted quite well.
We know which ferrets are likely to nip (as they also nip me) and are
very careful - that one is not left around the toddler unsupervised
(although he loves to play with that ferret.)
Ferrets are really no more dangerous to children than any other
domestic animal; but no animal should be left alone with an infant
for any reason.
Raising a baby is especially time-consuming and exhausting. If you
do not believe that you will either be able to care for the ferrets,
or be able to supervise their interaction totally with a small child,
then I would encourage you to find a new and loving home for them.
But literally thousands of couples have juggled babies and ferrets,
and done it very well.
With kindest regards,
Bruce H. Williams, DVM, DACVP
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