sarabande
Well-Known Member
has anyone come across a case of a ferret being taken sailing please ?
ferrets afloat
- Thread starter sarabande
- Start date
LittleSister
Well-Known Member
Don't know about ferrets, but there's a hilarious tale about having mink aboard in Libby Purves' 'One Summer's Grace'.
E39mad
Well-Known Member
I've had a few Fursty Ferrets on board but only when berthed
Poignard
Well-Known Member
The pungent odour noticeable on some boats has sometimes led me to wonder if there is a ferret on board (or even a corpse)
Seajet
...
Well I regularly take Gremlins sailing, the little ****'s seem to thrive on it.
old_salt
Well-Known Member
Ferrets was one of the nick names we gave the customs men who would come on board merchant ships coming in to the Manchester ship canal at Eastham locks in the 1950s
OGITD
Well-Known Member
Why the question.
Long story short….. I’ve had three and I’m looking forward to giving a good home to some more in the future.
Although they are a massive responsibility due to their genetic makeup, dietary requirements and character they grow on you like nothing else (assuming you are everything which applies to the statement of “an animal person”).
But I have a project to complete before SWMBO will allow anymore in the garden / house / family.
Apparently enlightened crews in certain regions would keep them onboard to resolve any Rat problem.
On the point of being smelly….. this is only a problem if you don’t have them de-sexed and keep them clean, which involves bathing the wee fellas and washing their bedding / hammock.
Long story short….. I’ve had three and I’m looking forward to giving a good home to some more in the future.
Although they are a massive responsibility due to their genetic makeup, dietary requirements and character they grow on you like nothing else (assuming you are everything which applies to the statement of “an animal person”).
But I have a project to complete before SWMBO will allow anymore in the garden / house / family.
Apparently enlightened crews in certain regions would keep them onboard to resolve any Rat problem.
On the point of being smelly….. this is only a problem if you don’t have them de-sexed and keep them clean, which involves bathing the wee fellas and washing their bedding / hammock.
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chriscoreline
Active Member
I would love to keep ferrets as im a big fan of long animals, but judging from the stories i have herd from their owners, they are probably too high maintnence for me.
i can imigine a nightmare senario where they find their way into the crawlspace and start eating parts of the engine, or siking the ship by chewing on the stern gland or somthing.
i can imigine a nightmare senario where they find their way into the crawlspace and start eating parts of the engine, or siking the ship by chewing on the stern gland or somthing.
Giblets
Well-Known Member
sarabande
Well-Known Member
I suspect that my usual sailing companion is almost human....
No, I was idly looking at some very small space on my restoration boat, and wondered whether I could turn it into a ferret 'bunk', and from then on decided that I had no idea whether ferrets thrived afloat.
No, I was idly looking at some very small space on my restoration boat, and wondered whether I could turn it into a ferret 'bunk', and from then on decided that I had no idea whether ferrets thrived afloat.
Boo2
Well-Known Member
I thought all ferrets where albinos but most of those are like a seal point colour ?
Boo2
OGITD
Well-Known Member
It could be considered cruel not to give them as much space as possible……. so the forepeak would be good.
OGITD
Well-Known Member
Their colours, size, coat, etc has quite an extensive range.
I have a soft spot for the butterscotch / sable / sandy, but the masked ferret is also very popular and quite common here in the UK.
sarabande
Well-Known Member
I was not thinking of confining them, just using a box-like area as a home. They do have the run of quite a large shed at home.
prv
Well-Known Member
OGITD
Well-Known Member
FANTASTIC
As I thought I was on my own on here when it came to Ferrets.
But as far as Ferret accommodation on a boat, I think some form of large-ish, well tethered hammock would be ideal on the basis of stowage and cleaning.
As I thought I was on my own on here when it came to Ferrets.
But as far as Ferret accommodation on a boat, I think some form of large-ish, well tethered hammock would be ideal on the basis of stowage and cleaning.
armchairsailor
Well-Known Member
Not heard of long dogs then? (Term used to encompass sighthounds and lurchers). I miss me lurcher... :-(
Searush
Well-Known Member
There was a time when I would have been happy with ferrets, then a farming acquaintance showed his prized working animals. We were happily discussing said animal when he asked if I wanted to hold it. yeah. OK I said as he passed it over.
It never actually reached my hands, however as it made an almighty leap for my chin, where it sank its teeth to the bone & dangled. No amount of tugging was going to get it off. It tried squeezing the side of its jaws as you do to mae dogs let go without any effect whatsoever. I said to my pal, "If it doesn't let go, I shall break it's neck." and he went pale at the thought of loosing his best ferret. However, as I shifted my grip in order to kill it, the ferret released its hold, leaving me with a bloody neck & 4 puncture holes in my chin.
"I thought ferrets were supposed to be docile," I said, and he replied, "I think it mistook your beard for a rabbit, it would be moving like an animal as you spoke."
I now do not let ferrets get close enough to leap & tend not to talk when around them. Just be warned, many who sail are also bearded & enjoy a chat or "chinwag" - keep them & your ferret well apart please.
It never actually reached my hands, however as it made an almighty leap for my chin, where it sank its teeth to the bone & dangled. No amount of tugging was going to get it off. It tried squeezing the side of its jaws as you do to mae dogs let go without any effect whatsoever. I said to my pal, "If it doesn't let go, I shall break it's neck." and he went pale at the thought of loosing his best ferret. However, as I shifted my grip in order to kill it, the ferret released its hold, leaving me with a bloody neck & 4 puncture holes in my chin.
"I thought ferrets were supposed to be docile," I said, and he replied, "I think it mistook your beard for a rabbit, it would be moving like an animal as you spoke."
I now do not let ferrets get close enough to leap & tend not to talk when around them. Just be warned, many who sail are also bearded & enjoy a chat or "chinwag" - keep them & your ferret well apart please.
SlimRick
Well-Known Member
Sorry for laughing at your misfortune, but that tale has really cheered up my afternoon
