We see so many many posts on the Fml about lost ferrets and thought that it might be helpful to post some hints about lost ferrets.

Number one thing every ferret owner should consider is ferret proofing your residence. We provide this service to our clients and make recommendations that prevent the loss of your fuzzy in the first place.

Secondly, we provide education on safety for your ferret to all clients. Tips such as watch out for door dashers, bumps under the rug, always check where you are sitting or laying if your fuzzies are out, plants go high, and all cupboards that you don't want them in get latched securely.(please don't use kidproof latches, two legged kind). When you notice the ferret missing and complete a thorough search for Mr./Ms.Mrs. Mischeivious and determine they are nowhere in the house, immediately go have 200-300 flyers made on brightly colored paper. It must read something like this:

LOST our beloved little (name) from the

approximate address on (date)

Provide a description and also include a picture if possible.

He/She is in need of daily medical care and must take her meds every day.

Please help us find her. We are worried for her health and safety.

Please call us at (your #) REWARD

Do not specify the amt of the reward, but $20 is usually sufficient for most cases. Please keep in mind that the longer you take completing this procedure, the rate of mortality for your loved one increases.In the winter in cold temps, they can survive only a few days, fair weather a week and extreme hot summers, nort long at all unless they find a cool shelter. Starvation and dehydration are your biddest enemies, although sometimes they will walk into a yard with a big dog, thinking they can play and be killed or severely injured.

Our prayers to all those little lost fuzzheads out there right now. We pray you make it hope safely and next time , don't leave home without mommy or daddy, ok?

Hugs to all,
Ferretguy

I am so sorry for not fully posting the article on finding your lost fuzzies. I failed to mention that you must take those 200-300 flyers and put one in each door within two blocks of your house. Ferrets don't usually go farther than that unless they are picked up and physically transported to another location. No one wants to keep a ferret that they recently found that may soon cost them money and greed will always prevail when some see the REWARD! Just don't tell them what it is until you see the ferret. We have a bout a 90% found rate on this. I might repost this article in it's entirety soon.

Thanks for being understanding
Hugs to all,
Ferretguy,

Please note, this post can also be found in the archives of the Ferret Mailing List at listserv.cuny.edu/archives/ferret-search.html. To subscribe to the Ferret Mailing List please email ferret-request@cunyvm.cuny.edu! With over 3100 members, many with years of experience, the FML is a valuable resource for any ferret owner!!