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Norwich Evening News
Sophie Maddison with some of the ferrets currently residing at the Great Yarmouth Ferret Re-Homing and Welfare Centre at Burgh Castle.
They are cute, cuddly and more playful than kittens but finding a home for a ferret is proving difficult in Norfolk with one rescue home being inundated with the furry creatures over the festive period.
The Great Yarmouth Ferret Re-Homing and Welfare centre now has more than 15 of the pets in its care and is desperate to find them a loving home for 2007.
According to Sophie Maddison, who single-handedly runs the centre in Castle Burgh near Yarmouth, ferrets are not the dirty, smelly and mysterious animals many think they are.
“Ferrets make wonderful pets,” the 39-year-old said. “They are so funny and cute and far more playful and interesting than a kitten or a puppy.
“I am really keen to get them into a good home for the new year because I have more than 15 here at the moment and there is no more room for them.
“Some of the ferrets need reuniting with their owners because they are great escape artists. However some have just been abandoned. I think a lot of people own them as pets for a few years and decide they don't want them anymore so they dump them here.”
In the past two weeks the RSPCA have brought two of the ferrets from Norwich to the centre in Burgh Castle, and many others from around the county.
While ferrets are similar to other domestic pets such as cats and dogs most of them are kept outside in a hatch with a suitable run. Ferrets need constant stimulation which can prolong its life from eight to 14 years.
“Unfortunately ferrets need stimulus to keep them alive and many owners don't provide this,” Ms Maddison, who owns a ferret called Ernie, said. “If someone owns a ferret they need to have time to play with it.
“They are such funny creatures and it is hilarious to find new ways of keeping them entertained.
“They are so daft that they will provide hours of amusement but there is no point in having a ferret if you are just going to put it in a hatch and ignore it.
“I would recommend them as pets for anyone. They are cheap and easy to look after and will keep you amused for hours.”
If you own a ferret it is recommended they are microchipped, you regularly check ferret enclosures and courts to ensure they are secure, check all the cosy small, safe places ferrets prefer, for example under sheds and in garages.
If you have a young ferret it can sometimes be trained to come to its name or to a clicker or maybe a food bag being rustled. Leave its favourite food in a familiar, easily accessible place.
The Great Yarmouth Ferret Re-homing and Welfare centre relies on donations from members of the public.
If you would like a ferret as a pet or have lost your ferret contact the re-homing centre on 07775 506112.
Do you have an unusual creature for a pet? Telephone Evening News reporter Emma Knights on 01603 772326 or email
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