Ferrets for Dummies

Rating:
Summary: A perfect book for beginners
Review: True to the "...for Dummies" series philosophy, "Ferrets for Dummies" is a fine survey of all the basics you need to know in order to take care of ferrets properly. It even includes a touching chapter on how to deal with and survive the impending death of a ferret as well as the passing itself. I've read this chapter repeatedly after the death of several ferrets.

The only two changes I would make to this book are (1) more details regarding the cancers that, unfortunately, most ferrets will eventually develop (specifically adrenal gland tumors and insulinoma), and (2) overall a more serious tone. The tone of the writing veers away in a couple of spots from solidly informative towards silliness, but I've found that this is characteristic of almost all the "....for Dummies" books so I suppose that is a critique of the editor and publisher more than the author. Also, this "homespun" style probably makes the text more palatable to beginners and the curious. I volunteer for a local ferret shelter and have fostered numerous rescued ferrets, and have no hesitation recommending this book either for those getting involved in the same thing, or those who simply wish to have a single pet ferret and know nothing about how to go about it.

Until a more advanced book comes along that really delves into significant detail regarding ferret care, "Ferrets for Dummies" is pretty much the definitive book on the subject. Keep it on your bookshelf as a reference, and read it in conjunction with some of the many other ferret care books available to get a really rounded view of what is involved in taking care of ferrets.

Rating:
Summary: A perfect book for beginners
Review: True to the "...for Dummies" series philosophy, "Ferrets for Dummies" is a fine survey of all the basics you need to know in order to take care of ferrets properly. It even includes a touching chapter on how to deal with and survive the impending death of a ferret as well as the passing itself. I've read this chapter repeatedly after the death of several ferrets.

The only two changes I would make to this book are (1) more details regarding the cancers that, unfortunately, most ferrets will eventually develop (specifically adrenal gland tumors and insulinoma), and (2) overall a more serious tone. The tone of the writing veers away in a couple of spots from solidly informative towards silliness, but I've found that this is characteristic of almost all the "....for Dummies" books so I suppose that is a critique of the editor and publisher more than the author. Also, this "homespun" style probably makes the text more palatable to beginners and the curious. I volunteer for a local ferret shelter and have fostered numerous rescued ferrets, and have no hesitation recommending this book either for those getting involved in the same thing, or those who simply wish to have a single pet ferret and know nothing about how to go about it.

Until a more advanced book comes along that really delves into significant detail regarding ferret care, "Ferrets for Dummies" is pretty much the definitive book on the subject. Keep it on your bookshelf as a reference, and read it in conjunction with some of the many other ferret care books available to get a really rounded view of what is involved in taking care of ferrets.

Rating:
Summary: Ferrets for Dummies covers all aspects of ownership.
Review: Very well written. Easy to understand. For the beginner to the veteran ferret owner. I've had ferrets for 10 years and found the book very useful, especially the medical guidelines. I would highly recommend this book to people thinking about acquiring their first ferret, as well as the seasoned ferret owner.