Bringing Your Ferret Home
Before you bring your ferret home there are a few things you should know. First you need to set up a home for your ferret. Keep in mind this should be a comfortable and safe place because this is the where your pet will spend most of their time.
Be sure to choose a cage that has plenty of room for your ferret to run around. Make sure there are no gaps in the levels because this may catch your ferret and hurt it. The cage should have soft, comfortable bedding so that your ferret will not hurt itself.
Cages with metal bottoms will rust and look dingy after a few washings; plastic bottoms are easy to clean. 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. Large doors ensure your ferret will not get stuck when it’s trying to get out. Also get hammocks and sleeping sacks. The more areas your pet has to sleep the more comfortable and happy they are. Remember ferrets sleep 15- 20 hours a day on average.
Your ferret should spend two hours a day outside its cage. Consider making a ferret-proof room so they do not get hurt.
Your pet will also need toys, but be careful in what you purchase; some toys can place your ferret’s life at risk. To stand up to the sharp teeth toys must be tough. Cat toys are wonderful for ferrets. Do not buy foam or plastic toys because they are easily destroyed.
If your ferret swallows a piece of a broken toy it could result in an obstruction that needs to be surgically removed, so not leave toys inside the cage if you are not supervising.
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 pet neutered and de-scented. Often both de-scenting and neutering can be done at the same time.
When your ferret is home be sure to follow all of the veterinarian’s instructions to ensure your ferrets health. Your ferret also needs vaccinations and regular exams.
Most kits have only had their first set of shots, so you should make sure you find out when they received their shots, and then continue the series with your veterinarian. After the first series of distemper shots are finished your ferret will only need the shot annually. Ferrets also need booster vaccinations.
It is important that you feed your ferret the right type of food. 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 of food the ferret has been eating before you bring it home. If you plan on switching brands of food you must first wean the ferret off the old food. Help ease the transition to the new food by mixing a small amount of the new food in with the old food and gradually increase the portion of the new food each day.
Snacks for ferrets are unnecessary and they could cause many health problems later in life. If you choose to feed your ferret a snack, healthy options are cooked eggs and meat. Feeding your ferret sugary treats can be very harmful.
Bringing your ferret home takes a lot of preparation, but it will ensure the safety and health of your furry little friend.
