Snakes and Ferrets

[GTChick01]

Anyone have both of these? Just curious as to how the snake would react around the ferret. I'm not talking about taking them both out at the same time and see if they become buddy buddy (that's not happening!) but I mean just having them both in the same house. I know ferrets seem like a great dinner to a grown snake, but I'm just wondering if it's going to cause ME any problems. For instance, I don't want to be playing with the ferret and then have a chance of the snake biting me because of the ferret smell. Anyone have any experience with both of these animals?

[ClayEnglish]

Re: Snakes and Ferrets

I do not have ferrets, but I do believe that their smell on your hands would trigger a feeding response.

I think it is best to follow my guidelines, and that is to wash your hands with antibacterial soap between handling ANY two pets. I try to do so even between each boa.

Better safe than sorry.

[GTChick01]

Re: Snakes and Ferrets

I do not have ferrets, but I do believe that their smell on your hands would trigger a feeding response.

I think it is best to follow my guidelines, and that is to wash your hands with antibacterial soap between handling ANY two pets.  I try to do so even between each boa.

Better safe than sorry.

Yea, I wash my hands before/after any animal that I handle, but I'm just wondering about having the smell on my clothes or even just having the ferret smell in the house and how that would work. Maybe it's best not to mix the two animals, lol.

[king_ding_a_ling]

Re: Snakes and Ferrets

;DI own a dog and a cat and snakes...I have found with a past experience that the most important thing to do is wash your hands.I havent had a problem with the snake smelling the animals on my clothes,but I have been attacked before because of not washing my hands.I believe that you can have other animals other than snakes and not have a problem.Just wash your hands after handling each animal and there should be no problems.Unless your snake is possesed

[Damian]

Re: Snakes and Ferrets

i dont have any other animals in my house except snakes, however when i watched my sis's dog for a week my ball python made a run at me right after i held the dog. so like everyone else here has i said i would wash my hands after holding any furry animal. i would wash them really after holding any animal.

[ClayEnglish]

Re: Snakes and Ferrets

I agree, I have never had problems with the smell of animals on my clothes. And again I do speak from a boa constrictor point of view. The problem is associated with the strong smell of the animal on a very hot (98.6 degree) hand that is coming toward the snake.

Boas do not see very well at all, so they depend on that "smell" that is generated by "tasting" the air with thier tongue, and their good sense of heat. That is all it takes sometimes to trigger the feeding response.

If you are washing your hands well, then their should be no problems. I know that ferrets have a fairly strong smell, and an oil-like musk, that may be stronger than I think.

[king_ding_a_ling]

Re: Snakes and Ferrets

Hey Clay,Whats the worst bite you've gotten from a snake??

[J.J.]

Re: Snakes and Ferrets

Ok I have both so I guess this would be my area of expertice. lol

Ferrets are meat eaters and regularly eat snakes in the wild (not to say that a 8ft boa couldn't eat the ferret) but they both can smell each other.

We used to have both in the same room. when the ferrets were out they try to get in the cage with the snake. Boy when they want to they can climb. When the snake is hungry and the ferrets are out (its lunch time).

Heres what I do:
I have them in separet rooms, when I play with the ferrets I wear an old T-shirt and shorts. When I take the snakes out I change my clothes wash my hands and face. heres why ferrets have a smell to the oil thier body produces. If you bathe them to much it gets worse.

If you would like more info on ferrets I can help you. As far as diseases, shots, general care, and so on

In other words keep them in seperat rooms and change your clothes.