Data Bases • Custom Term Papers • Free Term Papers • Free Research Papers • Free Essays • Free Book Reports • Plagiarism? Links • Top 100 Term Paper Sites • Top 25 Essay Sites • Top 50 Essay Sites • Search 97,000 Papers @ DirectEssays.com • Search 101,000 Papers @ ExampleEssays.com • Search 90,000 Papers @ MegaEssays.com Free Essays • Term Paper Sites • Chuck III's Free Essays • Free College Essays • TermPaperSites.com • My Term Papers • Get Free Essays • Essay World • Planet Papers	Search Lots of Essays Back to Subjects - Animal Science & Zoology ferret speech ferret speech I. Many of you will have children at some point in your lives. I started my family early and currently have three beautiful kids. II. Ferrets are amusing creatures that can make good pets. III. Many people would be interested in a low maintenance pet that is softer than a turtle and more affectionate than a goldfish. IV. I currently have three ferrets. I got my first one about five years ago. I found my second and third ferrets a couple of years later at the Oregon Ferret Shelter, where I ended up adopting them for a modest price. I have also volunteered at the shelter now and then and have learned a lot about them. V. I’m going to begin with a brief history of ferrets and some information about them. I’ll then describe some details about ferret care, and finish by discussing some of the benefits of ferret ownership. Transition: Ferrets may not be for everyone, although they are becoming the most popular pet next to cats and dogs, prior knowledge before acquiring a ferret is absolutely crucial. A. The ferret is a member of the weasel family and it is not a rodent. It is thought to have originated from the wild European polecat. 1. A lot of people are misinformed, have misconceptions, or might not have any idea at all about what these animals are about. The ferret family, which includes weasels, mink, polecats, martins, skunks, badgers, otters, wolverines, and the endangered black-footed ferret. Early Greek literature suggests that unlike its cousins, the ferret has been domesticated for approximately two to three thousand years. 2. Historically ferrets have been used for hunting rabbits and for rodent control. 1. Males are called hobs and Females are called jills. 2. Normal life span is between 5-8 years; although that is increasing as the medical community learns more about their diseases and their health requirements. 3. The average male weighs between 3-5 lbs. The average female weighs between 1-2 lbs. That is only the norm. Male ferrets have been recorded to weigh over 7 pounds. 4. They come in many different colors, which people have come to name over the years. Transition: Although these animals require less time than dogs and perhaps cats, they still have needs, including your attention. II. Unintentional negligence can be common in ferret care; the following is some basic care information. A. Choosing and buying your ferret is like buying a dog; it is better to be informed first, rather than running over to the neighborhood pet store and buying your pet. 1. Ferrets can be bought at a pet store, through mail-order breeders, private breeders, or at a ferret shelter. 2. Ferrets are almost always much, much happier when they have a companion so that is something to keep in mind. 3. The ferret shelter will be much more flexible a. If there is an unfixable problem after bringing the ferret home (i.e. allergies, biting, getting along w/ other pets) they will allow you to return them. b. If you already have a ferret or a cat or dog and want to make sure they get along, they encourage you to bring the pet with you and will isolate them together to observe their behavior. B. Ferrets also need standard accommodations for them to be comfortable and healthy. 1. A water bottle and heavy bowl for food should be in every ferret’s cage. 2. For some reason people have adopted a mini hammock as the ferret’s standard sleeping accommodation. 3. A sleep sack, which is basically a mini sleeping bag, is also highly recommended for the cold season. 4. A wire cage with a few toys is also a necessity. C. Regular Health Procedures are Necessary Throughout the Ferret’s life. 1. Unless you want your house to stink worse than rotten eggs, it is advisable to have the ferret de-scented upon bringing him/her home. Fortunately this is usually done before they are put up for sale or adoption. 2. Ferrets require a yearly distemper shot for the entire life of the ferret. A rabies shot is also recommended, but is only really necessary if the ferrets will spend time outside. 3. Their nails grow very fast. This can be hazardous to them and painful to you, so trimming their nails is a must. 4. Although ferrets will naturally use a litter pan in the cage, cleaning the cage and washing their hammock and sleep sack weekly will keep them happier, and of course less likely to catch diseases Transition: Other than being relatively low-maintenance, what are some of the advantages of owning a ferret? III. The following are some of my experiences of the benefits of owning one of these creatures. A. They take little time away from your day. 1. Ferrets are very clean. They will require little if no brushing, and since their coats can get dried out quickly, a bath is only advisable once in a while. 2. They sleep up to 20 hours a day. Which means that doesn’t leave much room for them to want to exercise. 3. They get tired easily. Letting them run around outside of their cage for 30 minutes to an hour is more than enough time for them. 1. Where as another household pet might get an attitude after a scolding, these little guys will forget immediately. 2. They’re cute. They cuddle with each other. They wrestle and jump around when you let them out. Transition to conclusion: People are finally realizing what a great pet this domestic animal really is. It might seem as if I’ve given you a lot of detail, and I have, but, her are the really important things to remember. I. Ferrets make excellent if not unconventional pets. II. They are easy to maintain and affectionately reward you for the time you spend caring for them. Bibliography: Word Count: 996
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