i don't have any of my own but i LOVE ferrets, i've looked into getting some for a long time
i can't tell you much from personal experience other than what i've seen in patients at the animal hospital where i work... most of the ferrets i've met have decent temperaments, they're very curious and love to try to escape. they have a VERY short digestive tract.... read: lots of poop. holy cow. and they
do smell. personally, i don't find the smell all that disagreeable but i guess it's a matter of preference... you can find more info on that on google (bathing and deodorizers). ferrets also need annual or bi-annual rabies vaccinations just like a cat or dog... they are mustelids (weasels), not rodents, so they're actually carnivores that need a specialized diet. apparently they don't handle carbohydrates well either, so no grapes/raisins/other sweets as treats!
they are exceptionally cute
and if you get more than one (recommended so they don't get bored) they are wonderful to watch play together!!! they're also pretty intelligent and can be clicker-trained from what i hear, doing simple tricks like rolling over or sitting up.
the only major drawback to ferrets is their health. they have a high prevalence of cancers and adrenal glad disease... one of my co-workers has had 7-8 ferrets in her lifetime and she said they've all ended in heartache. that's not to say don't own one because of their health... but it's like getting a purebred dog. just be aware that they can potentially have a lot of health issues as they age. adrenal gland disease is particularly ugly and REALLY common... i've read in some places that controlling light levels to your ferret's cage can help prevent the disease, something about photoperiods (like plants!
) and hormone levels, but you'd have to look that up too. a lot of sites i came across recommended books, but i can't remember any off the top of my head... i want to say "Ferrets for Dummies" actually came up a lot!!!
for me, i can't own any ferrets right now, what with college and all... schools are not very pet friendly. but when i go to graduate school i'm seriously considering getting a pair. they don't need as much constant attention as a dog, and my boyfriend is allergic to cats (and hopefully
not allergic to weasels) so for me it might work!
hope i sorta helped... let us know how you do if you get some weasls