Ferrets

Simon Whitehead
The Crowood Press Ltd (22 Oct 2008)
ISBN-10: 1847970362
ISBN-13: 978-1847970367

'Ferreting: An Essential Guide' is written by a professional ferreter, and is an excellent practical guide for people starting out in ferreting. There's a lot of demand for rabbit control these days, especially from people with allotments and gardens, who sow and carefully nurture young plants, only to have them chomped by rabbits. Ferreters perform a useful service. You can also eat the rabbits, which are not difficult to skin. Simon Whitehead is passionate about ferreting, and it shows. He's well-known for displays of ferreting, and has made DVDs, as well as written books on the subject. 'Ferreting' is pretty thorough for an introductory guide, and includes advice on selecting good working ferrets, understanding the terrain you're working, managing ferret teams, and equipment. He's especially interested in new technology, and gives a clear explanation of ferret locators. The information on regulations is also useful, especially as the book is geared to a UK readership. The book is well-illustrated. This is probably the best book on ferreting for novices, and enthusiasts who want a refresher course.

Susan A. Brown DVM (Foreword), Kim Schilling (Author)
John Wiley & Sons; 2nd Edition (9 Oct 2007)
ISBN-10: 0470139439
ISBN-13: 978-0470139431

This the second edition of what is probably the best introductory manual for people who keep ferrets as pets. The book has been updated and expanded, with more, for example, on ferrets and diet. It is comprehensive, covering all aspects of ferret care, including breeding, housing, feeding, and entertaining your ferret. There's a lot of useful information on first aid, including equipment for a ferret first aid box. The book is geared to a US audience, so there isn't much on ferrets as working animals, and some of the expressions and recommended products are American. Owners who want to work their ferrets could supplement this with Simon Whitehead's book. 'Ferrets for Dummies' is easy to understand for a novice, and also has enough information to interest experienced owners. Perhaps there could be more on how much of a commitment these engaging animals involve. You really need hands-on experience with ferrets, and to talk to experienced ferret owners before taking the decision to acquire one. 

Katherine Quesensberry and James Carpenter
Saunders (2012) 3rd edition
ISBN-10: 1416066217

Ferrets, Rabbits and Rodents is a very useful reference book written mainly for vets, though it is useful for anyone who's serious about caring for small mammals such as chinchillas, guinea pigs, and hamsters, as well as rabbits and ferrets. The first part of the book looks at different species, and, as one might expect from the title,  there's more information on ferrets and rabbits than on other species.  The second part provides guidance on general topics, like husbandry, dentistry, haematology, and behavioural problems. The third edition is well illustrated, with both photographs and diagrams. It would suit animal care students, as well as serious ferret enthusiasts, because it's clearly written. It's a little expensive, but good value for the wealth of information offered. A minor drawback is that it is written for a US readership, and so reflects veterinary practices in that country.

Gerry Bucsis and Barbara Somerville
Barron's Educational Series Inc.,U.S.; 2nd Revised edition edition (1 April 2010)
ISBN-10: 0764142232
ISBN-13: 978-0764142239

This is a short guide to training pet ferrets to be civilised companions. Topics covered include toilet training, walking on a leash, recall (getting your ferret to come to you when you call), and teaching your ferret not to bite you. Many people enjoy the company of ferrets, but sometimes find them a little too lively so all the guidance in this book can be very useful . However, 'Training Your Pet Ferret' won't give you much help if what you want is a working ferret, or even a ferret that can do a wide range of tricks. It's ideal for someone who wants a friendly pet which can go for walks on a leash, and is clearly written, so is suitable for older children.

Gerry Buscis, Barbara Somerville
Barron's Educational Series (2001)
ISBN: 0764113232

This is one of the best introductory guides to keeping ferrets as pets. It's clearly written and accessible to novices. It's well worth reading this book before buying a ferret, or adding a new ferret to a household, because of the methodical way in which selection, housing, diet, behaviour, and other topics are dealt with. There's also a good section on health care and ferret ailments, which makes it a useful reference book. The help with training includes ideas on games to play with ferrets, which is important, because ferrets like to be entertained, and are apt to get up to mischief if they're out of their cages you aren't interacting with them. On the downside, 'The Ferret Handbook' is geared to an American readership, and misses out on some of the British expertise from a long tradition of keeping ferrets both as pets, and as working companions. This book could also do with updating, especially the information on ferret diets.

Jackie Drakeford
Quiller (2011)
ISBN-10: 1846891094

This is the second edition of a classic introduction to ferreting, covering selecting a good working ferret, housing and general care, training, and practical aspects of working with ferrets, including combining ferrets and dogs, and finding lost ferrets. Jackie Drakeford also explains different equipment you may find useful. She has been keen on ferreting since her childhood, and her enthusiasm comes across strongly. This book is very accessible for pet owners who want to take up ferreting, though you will really need an experienced ferreter to show you the ropes when you start out. 

James G. Fox and Robert Marini
Wiley Blackwell (2014) 
ISBN-10: 0470960455

The updated, third edition of a key text geared to vets, biologists, and professionals involved with ferrets as laboratory animals. It's only really accessible to people who have a backgriound in biology. However, this book can be very useful for ferret owners who have such a background. because it gives up-to-date guidance on diagnosing and treating ferret ailments. There's detailed information on husbandry, treatments and surgery, including anaesthesia protocols. The new edition has ten new chapters, and gives information on the ferret genome project. The book is written for a US readership, so some topics are more of interest to US readers, for example the focus is on US rather than European regulations. Biology and Diseases of the Ferret is an invaluable resource for professionals dealing with ferrets, and people with a background in biology who have a passion for ferrets. True, it's quite pricey, but it covers an enormous amount of ground, and tells you all you're likely to need to know about ferret biology and diseases.