Ferret Care

Ferret Care Information

If you have or you are thinking about purchasing a ferret, you must consider how much it time it requires to care for them. Ferrets are exotic animals that come from the mustelid family. This means they do tend to have an odor when they reach adulthood. De-scenting and neutering your ferret would be a good choice if you are not breeding them. De-scenting will help with their odor and fixing them is good when you purchase two or more to ensure that you will not have a litter born. Ferrets also need to see the veterinarian for their vaccinations; it is always a good idea to bring any newly purchase animals in for a regular check up.

Ferrets need a balanced diet, high quality cat foods or ferret food can be purchased in any local pet store. Just make sure any brand of food chosen has at least 35% protein and 20% fat. Ferrets need higher fat levels than felines. Balanced fats like poultry fat are a better blend of essential fatty acids and are better for ferrets.   Fresh water should always be available to your ferret. Ferrets drink less water from bottles than bowls.  But if you are unable to change the water in the water bowl at least once a day, then using a water bottle is a better choice for you. You must also provide safe housing for your ferret.  Consider a cage that is roomy, safe and easy to clean. Spacing of the cage is important. If the ferret can force its head through any part of that cage, it is in danger. Make sure the cage you purchase has no areas where your ferret’s feet can get caught.  Ferrets love to run around and play.  If they are not placed in a proper cage they will get hurt. Ferrets sleep 15-20 hours a day; they love to hide in dark padded areas. Sleeping sacks and hammocks are great for both play and sleep. Also, you can also try placing a sheet over one part of their cage in order to give them a nice, quiet and private place to play or to sleep.

Ferrets love to chew things; anything within a ferret’s reach can become a hazard to your ferret. You should check your ferret’s cage often for anything that it is chewing on that is becoming damaged. If a ferret eats the wrong thing it will cause obstruction in the intestines, and will need to be surgically removed.   Ferrets can be social. You must start to introduce ferrets to humans when they reach 30 days old. You should let your ferret out of their cage at least twice a day, in a ferret proof room. Never leave your ferret unattended outside their cage. They are at risk for getting hurt.  If you can handle them more often it is better for training. This will help them interact with you. Ferrets love cuddling and it is a great feeling when they do it with you. Ferrets can be litter trained. The sooner you introduce them to a litter box the higher success rate.  Ferrets are a fun and loving pet, remember the more you interact and care for them the longer healthier life they will have.

Bringing Your Ferret Home

Before you bring your ferret home there are a few things you should know. First you must choose a home for your ferret. Keep in mind this is the place your ferret will spend most of their time and it should be a comfortable safe place. There are multiple choices of ferrets cages, make sure there is enough room for your ferret to run around in. make sure there are no gaps in the levels because this may catch your ferret and hurt it. The cage should always have soft bedding, so that your ferret is comfortable and does not hurt itself. Plastic bottom cages are easy to clean; metal bottoms rust and look dingy after multiple washings. It is important if you buy plastic coated metal that your ferret is not chewing the coating off because this can cause intestinal blockages. Make sure the cage has multi-layers, and large doors. Larges door ensures your ferret will not get stuck when it’s trying to get out. Also purchase a sleeping sack and hammock, because the more areas your ferret has to sleep the more comfortable and happy they are. Remember ferrets sleep 15- 20 hours a day on average. Remember your ferret needs to spend two hours a day outside their cage. Think about ferret proofing a room so they do not get hurt.

Your ferret will also need toys, but be careful in what you purchase; some toys can place your ferret’s life at risk. Make sure toys are durable for the against the ferrets sharp teeth. Cat toys are wonderful for ferrets. Stay away from foam or plastic toys they are easily destroyed.  Do not leave toys in the cage if you are not supervising, if your ferret damages a toy and eats the piece it can result in an obstruction and it will need to be surgically removed.  Ferrets are part of the Mustelid family so they do have an odor to them, it is best that you schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to have your ferret neutered and de-scented. Often both procedures can be done at the same time. When your ferret is home make sure you follow the veterinarian’s aftercare instructions to ensure your ferrets health. Your ferret also needs vaccinations and regular exams. Most kits have only had their first series of shots, you should make sure you are aware of when they received their shots, and continue the series. After the first series of distemper shots are finished your ferret will only need the shot annually. Ferrets also need their booster vaccination.

The type of food you feed your ferret is important make sure it is either high quality cat food or a ferret food that is not made from frozen meat. You should find out what brand food the ferret has been eating before you bring it home. If you choose to switch brands you must wean the ferret off the old food. Mix a small amount of the new food in with the old food and gradually increase the portion of new food daily until the ferret becomes used to the new taste.  Snacks for ferrets are not necessary and can cause many future health problems. If you choose to feed your ferret a snack, healthy options are cook eggs and meat. Feeding your ferret sugary treats will only harm them.

Bringing your ferret home takes a lot of preparation but it will ensure the safety and health of your furry little friend.