Raising Baby Ferrets
Buy A Ferret
Baby ferrets, also called kits, can be purchased from a breeder or adopted from an animal shelter. The correct designation for a male ferret is a hob and for a female ferret it is a jill.
Adopt A Ferret
When you adopt them they will have already been weaned and will require solid food. Their teeth won’t yet be sharp enough to chew anything, so it’s a good idea to soak their food in warm water for about 5 to 10 minutes. The best type of food to give them is the kind that is specifically formulated for ferrets. Some people will feed their ferret cat food, but if you do this make sure you purchase only premium cat food and be sure to read the labels carefully to make sure you’re getting the right amount of protein and fat that your ferret will require.
Ferret Diet
Your kit will require more fat and protein than a kitten does. They have a rapid gastrointestinal transit time of about 3 to 4 hours, so they need high-quality, easily digestible protein sources. Make sure that any food you buy for your baby ferret contains 35-40% protein and 20% fat.
You kit needs a balance of meat and poultry products to decrease any future risk of urinary tract or intestinal blockages. In addition to his food, your ferret needs to have water constantly available, either in a dish or a bottle.
Ferret Snacks
Although snacks are not really necessary, As your baby ferret grows older, you can give him the occasional snack such as bananas, crackers and raisins but only in very small portions.
Ferret Cages
You should get a cage for your baby ferret that is big enough to let them move around safely and that is easy to clean. Make sure the bar spacing is tight enough that your ferret won’t be able to escape or get their head caught. Also, it should have a large door so your kit won’t have trouble getting in or out of the cage.
A plastic-bottomed cage is generally the easiest type to clean. Always wash the bottom of the cage and change their bedding as well. Ferrets like soft bedding, sleep sacks and hammocks. You should also wash their bedding from time to time.
Ferret Litter Training
Toilet training should begin when you ferret is still young. After they have woken up or after they have eaten, place them on the litter and try to make them stay there until they have done their business. Give them a little snack if they are successful. But, don’t punish them if they have an accident. They simply won’t understand and may become afraid of you or bite. Eventually, they’ll get the idea.
Ferret Home
In order to protect both your home and your pet, it is a good idea to ferret proof your house to prevent any accidents.
Ferret Toys
Baby ferrets like to have toys to play with. You should be able to find lots of toys at most pet stores. Just make sure that they can stand up to your ferret’s sharp teeth. Be sure to consistently check all of their toys because they will eventually chew through most of them.
Ferret Care
Baby ferrets need a lot of love and attention. They also need to visit the vet for vaccinations and anti rabies shots so they can remain healthy and stay with you for a very long time.
