Basic Ferret Care
Ferret Odor
If you own a ferret, or are thinking about owning one, you need to consider the amount of time that is required to properly care for them. Ferrets are exotic pets and they are part of the mustelid family. So, they will develop an odor when they reach maturity. If you don’t plan to breed your ferret, then de-scenting and neutering is a good idea. De-scenting will help keep their odor under control. Neutering will prevent any unwanted litters if you plan to keep two or more ferrets. Your pet will also need to see a veterinarian for vaccinations and regular check ups. Be sure to take any newly purchased animals to your vet for a check up and any necessary shots.
Ferret Diet
Ferrets require a diet that is balanced for their needs. High quality cat foods or specifically designed ferret food can be found in pretty much any pet store. Check the labels to ensure that the brand of food you choose has at least 35% protein and 20% fat. Ferrets require higher fat levels in their food than cats do. Make sure that your ferret always has fresh water available. They tend to prefer bowls to water bottles and will drink less water if you use a bottle. However, if you’re not able to change the water at least once each day, then you might want to consider the use of a water bottle instead.
Ferret Cages
Safe housing is a must for your ferret. Select a cage that is roomy, easy to clean and, of course, safe. Pay special attention to the spacing of the bars of the cage. If the ferret can force its head through any part of the cage, then that is unsafe. Also make sure that the ferret’s feet can’t get caught in any part of the cage you choose. Because ferrets enjoying playing and running around their cage, if you don’t supply them with a proper cage they can get hurt.
Ferret Hammock
Ferrets also love to sleep – from 15 to 20 hours per day. And, they like to hide is soft, dark places. They’ll be happy if you provide them with sleeping sacks and hammocks which will work for both sleep and play. You might also want to think about placing a sheet over part of their cage to supply a quiet, private area for them.
Ferret Toys
Be aware that your ferret loves to chew things. So, check your ferret’s cage and toys frequently to make sure that anything your ferret might be chewing on is either safe or is removed for its cage. If your ferret ingests pieces of plastic or fabric from a toy or something else it has been chewing on, this can cause an obstruction in its intestines and your pet will require surgery to have it removed.
Training and Socializing Your Ferret
Ferrets can be social animals. Start to introduce humans when your ferret is around 30 days old. Also, you need to let your ferret out of their cage at least twice a day, so make sure you do so in a ferret-proof room. Never leave your ferret unsupervised while it is out of its cage. They could be at risk of getting hurt.
Handle your ferret often so it will be easier to train. Training will help them interact with you. And, ferrets just love to cuddle, too. You can also litter train your ferret. The sooner you initiate litter training the more likely you are to succeed.
Ferrets are both loving and fun. The more you socialize with them, the healthier and happier they will be.
Care For Your New Ferret
You’ve done your research and you’ve decided that a ferret is the best pet for you. Ferrets can be a delightful addition to your life and your home. The incredible little animals can be trained to use a litter box just like cats do. However, you don’t want to let your new pet have the run of your house until you’ve taken a few precautions to keep your ferret safe.
Ferret Litter Training
Naturally, you should never let a new animal have the run of your house. First, it needs to get used to its new surroundings from the safety and comfort of its cage until you feel comfortable letting it wander freely around your home.
You’ll want to teach it to use a litter box, too. The more time you devote to litter training your ferret the better results you will achieve. After proper training most ferrets will use the litter box most of the time, but you still might find the odd “accident” around the house. Be prepared to spend several hours a day for several months to get your ferret properly litter trained.
The best way to start litter training your ferret is to give it the run of a very small room, such as a bathroom, first. Usually ferrets will want to go shortly after waking up or eating. Start the training by putting your ferret in the littler box when it first wakes up. Don’t let it out of the litter box until it has gone to the bathroom.
Reward it with a treat when it has done its business. You’re trying to associate going in the litter box with receiving a treat. Never, ever physically punish a ferret for any reason. The use of such punishment will only serve to make them fear you, not associate what they did with the punishment.
If you plan to let you ferret have the run of the house, you’ll have to resign yourself to cleaning up after them from time to time.
Ferret Proofing Your Home
Before you allow your ferret to have the run of the house, you’ll also need to “ferret proof” it. That simply means making your home safe for your ferret.
Ferrets are curious creatures by nature and will find their way into small spaces. You can be pretty sure that if their head will fit into a space, their bodies can follow. You’ll need to crawl around your home looking for small holes, crevices, anywhere you think your ferret might be able to slip into.
Check every room that you plan to allow your ferret to have access to. Include appliances on your list of things to check for small holes. Ferrets will be able to get inside some type of refrigerators and could get hurt on the fan.
Dryer venting can also look like a fun play area to a ferret. The could potentially rip a hole in plastic venting and then get outside through the dryer vent.
Sofas can be a dangerous place for ferrets, too. Many of them have a thick fabric lining underneath that ferrets can easily get through and then get up into the springs of the sofa.
Many new ferret owners would love to have their pets get the exercise they need by having the run of the house. However, it is important that you offer your new pet a safe place to run.
Taking Your Ferret Home
Ferret Cages
There’s a few things to consider when you first take your ferret home. The first thing is that you need to choose a home for your ferret. Remember that the place you choose will be where your pet will spend the majority of its time. Ensure that the space is comfortable and safe. There are lots of choices available for ferret cages so be sure to pick one that gives your pet room to run around. Be sure to get some soft bedding for the cage so your ferret is comfortable and not in danger of hurting itself. Consider a cage with a plastic bottom as they are easier to clean. Cages with metal bottoms will rust and start to look shabby after several washings. However, if you do purchase plastic coated metal make sure that your ferret isn’t chewing the coating off. If they ingest bits of plastic it can cause an intestinal blockage. The cage should have multiple levels and large doors. The large doors are so your ferret doesn’t get stuck while trying to get out.
Ferret Hammock
Ferrets sleep between 15 and 20 hours a day, so be sure to purchase some sleeping sacks and hammocks to make them more comfortable. You’ll want to ferret-proof the room as well, as you ferret needs to spend a couple of hours each day outside of their cage.
Ferret Toys
Toys will also help to keep your ferret active and happy. However, be careful about the types of toys you purchase as some could put your ferret’s life at risk. Ferrets have very sharp teeth so select sturdy toys. Cat toys are often a good choice. Avoid any foam or plastic toys that are easily damaged. It’s best no to leave any toys in the cage if you’re not there to supervise. If your ferret eats a piece of a toy it can easily result in an obstruction that will need to be surgically removed.
Ferret Odor
Ferrets are part of the Mustelid family, which includes weasels, badgers, otters, etc., and so they have an odor. You should consider scheduling an appointment with your veterinarian to have your ferret neutered and de-scented. Most likely both procedures can be done at the same time. Always follow the veterinarian’s instructions on how to care for your pet after these procedures. Be sure to get your ferret the vaccinations they need and regular examinations as well. Most kits (baby ferrets) have only had their first series of shots when you purchase them. Make sure you know what shots they received and when so you can inform your vet. Once the first series of distemper shots are complete your ferret will only need the shot annually. Booster vaccinations will also be required. Be sure to set up a schedule with the veterinarian.
Ferret Diet
High quality food is required to ensure your ferret’s health. Make sure the food you have chosen is not made from frozen meat. It’s also a good idea to find out what brand of food your ferret was getting before you brought it home. If you’re changing the type or brand of food, do it slowly by mixing small amounts of the new food with the old food and slowly increasing the amount of the new food while decreasing the old one.
Ferret Treats
Ferrets don’t really require snacks but if you choose to give them treats choose healthy ones like cooked eggs and meat. Candies or sugary treats will only harm your ferret.
Preparing for the arrival of your ferret well in advance will ensure that your new pet remains healthy and happy.
Proper Feeding for Your Ferret
Ferret Diet
If you want your ferret to live for a long time, a proper diet is very important. Without correct feeding your ferret is at risk for serious health problems. Ferrets evolved to be meat eaters and need a low fiber, high protein diet in order to thrive. Several years ago the best choice for feeding ferrets was high quality cat food. You can still purchase premium quality cat food for your ferret, but there are now many different ferret food choices on the market that provide the combination that your pet needs – high quality fat along with low carbohydrates. The proper mix will help ensure that your ferret can achieve a maximum life span.
Baby Ferret Diet
The proper diet is extremely important for a baby ferret. Here’s what to look for when buying food for your ferret: 35-40% protein, 18-30% fat, 2% fiber, 21 amino acids, less than 7% ash and some good carbs such as rice flower or brewer’s yeast. Watch out for some ferret foods that use frozen fish as you ferret will not eat it. Some ferrets may even refuse food that they don’t like until they starve. Higher quality ferret food is frequently more expensive than a premium quality cat food, but ferrets tend not to eat very much, so it may not be very expensive in the long run. If you give your ferret a healthy diet supplements will not be necessary.
Dry Ferret Food
Your ferret will need to eat at least twice a day to ensure the amount calories to maintain good health. Because ferrets are small animals the portion size given should be small as well. With a moist diet, the food can only be left out for about forty five minutes and then, if it has not been eaten in that time frame, it should be removed. If you want to have the food available for longer than that, you may want to consider dry pellet food. Dry pellets can be left in the cage all day and they are also a good idea to help keep your ferret’s teeth clean. If you choose a dry pellet diet for your pet, remember that there should also be fresh water available. Use a dish for the fresh water as ferrets seem to prefer drinking from a dish rather than a water bottle. Also, be sure to change the water often to ensure freshness and cleanliness.
Ferret Treats
Treats are not necessary for your ferret but can help when you are attempting to housebreak your pet. Good choices for snacks are cooked eggs and meats. You should stay away from high-sugar fruits or candy as well as any dairy products like ice cream or milk. Also, avoid nuts or nut products. Any of these things can cause nutritional problems. Health problems that your ferret could encounter include malnutrition, obesity, tooth decay, diarrhea, intestinal blockage, insulinoma and hypoglycemia. Be sure to use treats sparingly so your ferret doesn’t begin to refuse its normal food. Vegetables and grains are not well tolerated by ferrets, so make sure to avoid them. And, onions should be avoided at all costs as they are poisonous to ferrets.
Making sure your ferret has a healthy diet is crucial in maintaining a long and healthy life. Your ferret will be happy, comfortable and less likely to develop any life-threatening illnesses. Most ferret owners are known for giving their pets lots of love and affection, however, the best way to be kind to your ferret is to make sure they are feed correctly.
Is a Ferret Hammock Necessary?
Ferret Bed
All ferrets just love to sleep. On average a ferret will sleep between eighteen and twenty hours a day. They like to hide, too, in soft, dark spaces. So, you need to provide your ferret with a comfortable bed where they can hide and sleep. Just as we like a light blanket when our room is warm and a heavier blanket when our room is cool, so do ferrets. Because of this, you should provide two types of beds for them in their cage. That way they can pick which place they find most comfortable at the time. For a ferret, having a bed is vital to ensure healthy sleeping patterns. If your ferret is uncomfortable it won’t sleep well and this could cause health problems.
Ferret Sleep Sack
One option for your ferret’s bed is a sleep sack, sometimes referred to as a nap sack. These can provide extra warmth when it is required. A sleep sack will lie on the bottom of the cage. Most have an opening at one end for your ferret to crawl into. Some have openings at both ends. When your ferret chooses the sleep sack, it is surrounded by warmth. You can even find some sleep sacks that make crinkling sounds. This can also be used for play time.
Fleece Ferret Hammock
Another option for your ferret’s bed is a hammock. A hammock gets suspended in your ferret’s cage. It provides a comfy, pocketed space that gives your pet a feeling of security while still being partially open. Ferrets are sensitive to heat, so a hammock provides comfort while also leaving an open space for cooling, if necessary. Hammocks are available is all shapes and size and can be fleece-lined or unlined. You can also find some large hammocks that can comfortably accommodate several ferrets and they really like snuggling together when sleeping. Other hammock configurations can be flat or boot-shaped, while still other have a zipper so you can adjust the size of the opening. Hammocks also provide for usable space for your ferret.
When you purchase a hammock or sleep sack, be sure that it is machine washable so you can prevent the spread of disease and to keep it clean. Select a closely woven fabric as it will be more durable and safer. Any time a sleep sack or hammock starts to fray, or if the seams begin to separate, remove it from the cage immediately. A damaged sack or hammock is hazardous to your ferret. Always be sure that the hardware used to attach the hammock to the cage is safe for your pet.
Hammocks are a good idea for your ferret because they can provide a safe environment without putting pressure on the ferret’s body. It also helps place them in their natural sleeping position and gives them another area they can use for play.
Raising Your Baby Ferret
Ferret Care
Just like any infant, baby ferrets also need a lot of care. Even though baby ferrets can leave their mothers as early as six weeks old, they will still need lots of attention and supervision in order to live a long and happy life. Makes sure you know how to care for baby ferrets long before they are born. A female ferret, or jill, must not be handled during the birthing process. Doing so could be dangerous for the babies and for you, as well, as she could become hostile.
Kits (baby ferrets)
A typical litter of ferrets is usually around seven or eight babies, or “kits”. The kits are blind and pretty much hairless at birth. The next few weeks are spent eating, sleeping and growing. After about twenty days their color will darken from the pink complexion they had a birth and their eyes will start to open. At six weeks old they are old enough to leave their mothers. Your baby ferret’s first visit to the veterinarian should happen around seven weeks of age. At this time they should get their first set of vaccinations and you should discuss having them de-scented and fixed with you vet.
Baby Ferret Diet
A kit needs to be weaned from their old diet. If you have purchased your baby ferret from a breeder, check with them to see what brand of food they have been giving the ferret. Should you decide to use the same brand of food, you should soak it in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes before feeding it to your baby ferret. If you plan to switch the type of food, start with the old brand and gradually introduce the new brand into their diet over several days. Before high-quality ferret food was available a lot of people would feed their pets with a premium quality cat food. During infancy, ferrets need higher quality protein that cannot be provided by cat food. Make sure that whatever food you choose that it contains at least 35% protein and 20% fat. Poultry fat supplies a better balance of essential fatty acids and is well tolerated by baby ferrets. Make sure your kit has water all the time and change the water at least once a day.
Ferret Cages
Choose a large, ferret-friendly cage for your baby ferret so they will be comfortable and have plenty of room to move around in safely. Ferrets can be very active and a ferret-specific cage will make sure they can play and run around without worry of injury. It’s best to avoid cages with metal bottoms as they can corrode easily. If you purchase a cage with plastic coated wire, you’ll need to make sure that your baby ferret isn’t chewing on it as ingesting the plastic would be harmful. Baby ferrets also like places to hide so provide some soft padding for them to burrow into and sleep in as well. Check their bedding on a regular basis to make sure your pet isn’t eating it. If they are it could cause a dangerous blockage in their intestines.
Your baby ferret will needs lots of love and attention. They can be very active and need to receive proper care as they grow so they can live a long and healthy life.
