Tim Philipson admits ferrets' reputation for "biting, scratching and stinking" might prevent people seeing them as the perfect pet, but insists his mate Marcus' less-desirable characteristics are mostly manageable.
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"Stinking is the big one," he said. "But most of that comes with keeping his cage clean."
Mr Philipson became a ferret father to six-year-old Marcus about 12-months ago and has recently taken to walking him about Orange on a leash.
VIDEO: Tim Philipson takes Marcus for a wander ...
He said children in particular are curious when they see the two of them at the parks in North Orange.
"It's a cool pet, no questions about that," Mr Philipson said. "He's very smart and very independent, which can be frustrating."
Mr Philipson said when it comes to walk time Marcus will cooperate to the level which suits his mood.
"He loves exploring and sometimes he'll come when he's called, but if he doesn't feel like it he won't," he said.
Marcus sleeps in a two-story rabbit hutch with an upstairs bedroom. He's particular about his bedding and is not interested in his blankets being strewn into his room any which way.
Mr Philipson said while he's not sure if they're becoming an increasingly popular pet he does know of several other ferret families in Orange.
"I've never seen anyone else walking one though," he said.
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