At a glance
LuvemBooks Verdict
Best for
Prospective or new ferret owners who want a single, comprehensive plain-English reference covering everything from pre-adoption decisions and daily care to health, diet, and problem behavior.
Worth it if
You are considering getting a ferret or have recently become an owner and want one authoritative, humor-laced volume that tackles the full range of ferret care — including the difficult topics most general pet guides skip — and can serve as a durable shelf reference for years.
Skip if
Experienced ferret keepers seeking advanced or cutting-edge guidance should look elsewhere, as the broad For Dummies format may feel too introductory and the 2007 publication date means some veterinary and nutritional advice no longer reflects current best practice.
What readers & critics say
Reader responses captured on ThriftBooks praise Schilling for tackling difficult subjects like litter box problems and problem ferret behavior with style, grace, and genuine humor, and commend her perspective as both a long-time owner and foster carer. A reviewer on Amazon.de noted the book had gone a long way toward convincing them to adopt a ferret and that they could see it serving as a continual resource for every ferret-related question going forward.
Sources: ThriftBooks, Amazon.deLook inside the book
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- Is it worth reading?
- For anyone considering ferret ownership or navigating the demands of caring for a ferret, Ferrets For Dummies 2e delivers genuinely broad, honest coverage in a single volume — including difficult subjects like litter box problems and problem ferret behavior that many general pet guides sidestep. Susan A. Brown's veterinary contributions give the health sections real authority. The significant caveat is the 2007 publication date: readers with questions about current treatment options or the latest nutritional thinking should plan to supplement this guide with more recent veterinary sources.
- Similar books
- Readers who value Ferrets For Dummies 2e's practical, plain-English approach to an unconventional pet will find kindred titles among the related books curated below. The original Ferrets For Dummies by Kim Schilling is the natural companion volume. Think Like a Cat by Pam Johnson-Bennett offers the same honest, behavior-focused depth for cat owners. For readers with exotic pets, The Bearded Dragon Manual and Guide to a Well-Behaved Parrot by Mattie Sue Athan take a similarly thorough approach to species-specific care. The Other End of the Leash by Patricia B. McConnell is an excellent pick for those drawn to the behavioral and communication side of pet ownership.
- Who should read this?
- The book is squarely aimed at two overlapping groups: people seriously considering ferret adoption who want an honest, comprehensive picture of what ownership involves, and current ferret owners looking for a durable reference they can return to as new questions arise. Its plain-English format and sense of humor make it especially accessible to first-time ferret owners without a scientific background. Experienced ferret keepers seeking advanced or highly specialized discussion may find the For Dummies format too introductory for their needs.
- How does the 2nd edition compare to the 1st?
- The second edition was explicitly positioned as an update rather than a simple reprint — the publisher described it as reflecting the 'latest' information available at the time of the 2007 revision, signaling an intent to incorporate evolving knowledge about ferret care. The most significant addition is the contribution of veterinary expert Susan A. Brown, whose involvement deepens and adds authoritative medical weight to the health and disease sections not present in the original edition.
- What specific ferret topics does it cover?
- The book ranges from foundational questions — is a ferret the right pet? — through daily care essentials including appropriate diets and dental hygiene, to disease recognition, common ferret infections, and the design of enriching environments. It also addresses litter box challenges and the management of problem ferret behavior, topics that many general pet guides avoid. Ferret personality is addressed directly, characterizing these animals as slinky, lightning-fast, mischievous creatures and inveterate thieves who spirit stolen objects off to hidey-holes.
- What's the tone and format like?
- Ferrets For Dummies 2e is written in the plain-English, quick-reference style characteristic of the For Dummies series, deliberately structured to be accessible to readers without a scientific background. Schilling's handling of difficult subjects — litter box problems, challenging ferret behavior — is noted by readers as being delivered with style, grace, and a great sense of humor, striking a tonal balance that acknowledges the genuinely demanding and sometimes frustrating realities of ferret ownership rather than presenting an idealized picture.
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Age & Reading Level
Recommended age
Adult
Reading level
Adult
Skip if you are an experienced ferret keeper looking for advanced or specialized veterinary and behavioral discussion beyond foundational coverage.
Editorial Review
The second edition of Ferrets For Dummies by Kim Schilling, with contributions from Susan A. Brown, is a comprehensive pet-care reference designed to guide both prospective and current ferret owners through every stage of life with these mischievous, fast-moving animals. Covering diet, dental hygiene, common diseases, enrichment, and even problem ferret behavior, it aims to be a go-to resource in plain-English format for the unique demands ferret ownership places on its keepers.
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