Ferret Care Information
If you are thinking about purchasing a ferret, you must consider how much time it requires to care for them. Ferrets are exotic animals that belong to 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 a good idea when you purchase two or more to ensure that you will not have a litter. Ferrets also need to see the veterinarian for their vaccinations; it is always a good idea to bring any newly purchased animals in for a regular check up.
High-quality ferret food can be purchased in any local pet store. Any brand of food you choose needs to have at least 20% fat and 35% protein. Ferrets need higher fat levels than felines. Balanced fats like poultry fat are better for ferrets because they have a healthier blend of essential fatty acids.
Your ferret should always have fresh clean water available. Ferrets will drink more water from bowls than from bottles. But if you are unable to clean & change the water bowl every day, then a water bottle would be a better choice.
Make sure the cage you buy is safe, easy to clean, and roomy. Spacing of the cage is very important. If the ferret can force its head through any part of that cage, it is in danger. Take care that the cage you get has no place where your ferret’s feet can get trapped.
Ferrets love to run around and play. If they are not placed in a proper cage they will get hurt. Ferrets love to hide in dark padded areas and they usually sleep 15-20 hours a day. Sleeping sacks and hammocks are great for both play and sleep. Also, you can try placing a sheet over one part of their cage in order to give them a quiet and private place to play or to sleep.
Ferrets love to chew things, so anything within their reach can become a hazard to them. You should check the cage regularly for anything that is damaged or chewed on. If a ferret happens to eat the wrong thing it can cause an intestinal obstruction, and will need to be removed surgically.
Ferrets are very social animals. You must start to introduce ferrets to humans when they reach 30 days old.
You should have a ferret proofed room to let your pet out of its cage at least twice a day. Never leave them unattended when they are outside their cage. There is a risk of them getting hurt.
If you can handle them more often it is better for training. This will help them interact with you. Ferrets love to cuddle and it really feels nice when they do it with you. You can also litter train a ferret. The sooner you start litter box training the better the success rate.
Ferrets are a fun and loving pet, so remember the more you interact and care for them the longer & healthier life they will have.
For more information check out our complete list of ferret care articles.
