Ferret costs...?

im considering fostering a couple ferrets over the summer. ive made lists and made some estimates but i just wanted some reassurance. how much would all the supplies, etc cost?

feel free to let me in any other info or tips u have on the costs or other (ive done my reading-u rlly dont have to write up a long page on "ferrets require a lot of attention, r u willing to make the commitment? and such and such")
Answers:
For most prices, you can look here on the internet at http://www.ferretdepot.com , http://www.ferret.com , http://www.petsmart.com , or http://www.petco.com .

A good cage runs around $150 at least.

Are you in charge of vet costs as a foster mom? If so, depending on the treatment, vets aren't cheap.

Ferrets are recommend to have a mixture of at least 3 quality foods - NOT cat food - [good examples are ZuPreem, Innova Evo (you can get it at http://www.petfooddirect.com ), 8-in-1 Ultimate, Totally Ferret, and you can even incorporate Iams Kitten Food in the purple bag] and for a 4 lb. bag it can be $15-$20.

Cat toys work. Ferret-specific toys tend to be more expensive.

Accessories?
Ferret or cat laxative [although petroleum jelly works] ranges anywhere from $1.50 for petroleum jelly to $7.00 for Laxatone.
Ferret or cat toothpaste is about $3 - $4
Treats $1 - $5
Ferretone $5 - $8 for 8oz. (depending on where you go)
Ferrevite $4 - $6
Ear wash $3 - $5
Ferret shampoo [you can also use baby shampoo] $2 - $4
Nail clippers $5 - $8
Litter [not cat litter unless it is non-clumping and mostly dust-free] $7 - $10
Collar/harness/leash $10 - $20

Literature? (Ferrets for Dummies by Kim Schilling is *highly* recommended.) $20


And I have seen you posting a lot of ferret questions. I'm impressed that you're researching everything fully before making a commitment. Have you read Ferrets for Dummies? If not, Kim Shilling really knows her stuff and makes the reading enjoyable because she's funny. Also, http://www.ferret.com and http://www.ferretuniverse.com have some good resources. =) Happy ferreting! I'm sure you'll make a great foster mom!

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Good info from the poster above. Glad to see someone finally mention they need a mixture of at least 3 good quality foods. I see too many people on here saying that cat food is fine for ferrets or that they can do with just one brand.

Your food and litter are going to be the most expensive things. Also vet bills..ferrets are notorious for getting blockages, and if he/she needs surgery, it is going to cost you. Also, Adrenal disease is very common in middle-older aged ferrets.
When I was looking into getting ferrets, I had alot of people tell me to start up a bank account for them.