Ferrets may not be a common animal choice for pets, but these critters have been domesticated by humans since way back in 4 BC. Many people find ferrets nice to have and as easy to keep, if not easier, as other typical pets like dogs and cats. Here are some basic tips about caring for ferrets.
Making a Home for the Ferret
Ferrets prefer living in spaces that resemble dens in the wild. A wired cage that is about 30 inches wide, 18 inches deep, and 18 inches long may suffice. Many ferrets like living in cages that have things to climb such as ramps and stairs. The cage should allow good ventilation, thus it is not wise to use aquariums. The floor may be covered by linoleum tiles and carpets or other soft washable materials to make the flooring more comfortable for ferrets to walk on than wire floors. The cage should be kept within 55 to 70 degrees. It should also be cleaned regularly with hot soapy water.
Feeding Ferrets
Ferrets are carnivores that require at least 22% fat and 34% protein from animal sources. It isn’t recommended to feed them dog or cat food. Chicken and turkey are ideal. Ferrets should never be fed vegetables because they are difficult to digest. Fruits are also not an option because sugars may increase tendencies for insulinoma. Egg whites should also be avoided because they can cause hemolytic anemia.
Potty Training
A small 3 to 5 inches-high cardboard box may be used as a litter box for ferrets. Litter pans should be secured to a side of the cage, far from the ferret’s eating and sleeping areas. Litter products made of plant or paper fibers are recommended to prevent clumping of fecal matter.
Keeping Ferrets Clean
Ferrets tend to produce undesirable odors. To prevent them from smelling to strongly, they can be bathed using a special ferret shampoo, kitten shampoo, or diluted baby shampoo. It isn’t advisable to bathe ferrets daily, because it will dry their skin, causing overcompensation of oil secretion, making the ferret smell more. It is also important to check the ferret’s ears for mites regularly. Ears should be cleaned using cotton soaked in a special cleanser that can be bought from a pet store.
Keeping Ferrets Active
Ferrets are very energetic animals. It is recommended to keep them entertained with toys that aren’t easy to break to maintain the animal’s safety.
Ferrets can be nice pets when one knows the right ways of caring for them. Having them can be a fun and exciting experience.
Joshua Simms
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/how-to-care-for-a-pet-ferret-749277.html
Is it really hard to take care of a ferret?
I wanted to ask a question for poeple that had, have, or know about ferrets.One day at the pet store i say this really cute ferret, and i wanted to ask.Is it hard taking care of a ferret? Do they make good pets?
I have two ferrets of my own, they are not hard to take care of at all, you need to of course bathe them and have rabies and distemper shots which any vet will do. They use a litter box which you should have one in the cage and maybe somewhere around the house. You do have to watch your belongings because they will steal everything in sight. Mine loves socks I’m always missing pairs, they are funny animals you will laugh a lot. You also need to ferret proof your home for holes or the fridge, stove, washer etc. because anything they can get their head into they can get their whole body through. Plus if you have recliners you should not use them because if you don’t know your ferret is under there and recline it, it could kill them.
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Its not hard to take care of a ferret.
You need the basics: a spacey habitat, food bowl and water bottle( for ferrets lol), toys( you can make these, just ask if you want to know how, otherwise buy them, like tunnels, they love those. Some habitats come with built in tunnels, these are more expensive though. A basic habitat will do, if you let your ferret out for a few hours. A hammock, i consider is a must. Ferrets love sleeping in them! Talking about sleeping, don’t be alarmed if your ferret sleeps all day, they sleep basically during the day, and are more active at night. Mine was anyway.
Like cats and dogs, ferrets need their rabbies and booster shots. This is a one time per year deal so its not that costly. They also need their nails trimmed. You can do this yourself, just dont cut above the quik(the vein in the nail) or it could bleed to death or cause it serious harm. I always had a vet do it, just in case. It was only 8.00 for all 4 feet. That is like every 2-3 months.
Most pet store, like petco and petsmart, the ferret is already descented and neutered. If you dont get it from either store, ask and see if its already neutered and descented.
Food isn’t that expensive, even the good kind( i bought from petco, and cost bout 15 dollars and that bag lasted months)
In my opinion they make great pets. They can be taught to be litterboxed trained. They can be walked on a leash. They have ferret harnesses and leads( though some ferrets are clever and can slip out..)
They can get along with cats and dogs, just depends on the age of cat or dog
. Mine got along with my pups and cat.
They need a few hours each day to be let out and play. You can make tunnels out of dryer hose(the long plastic ones) and this is relatively cheaper then buying a 20-30 dollar one at a store.
They are curious so ferret proof your home, especially when they are let out for their few hours.
If you live in an apt. and can’t have cats or dogs but any caged animal, ferrets are great to have
.
Oh and be warned, they are clever creatures! Especially crafty escape artists!
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YES THEY ARE. You cannot buy them on an impulse!
Just to learn basics about them takes months! I do hours of cleaning a week, plus if you do not know much about them you will buy a crappy food and cage, guarantee. They have to be outside the cage for 4 hrs. a day MINIMUM.
I researched 8 mos. before I got my ferts, and I am still a ferret novice!
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Ferrets make great pets but definately are high maintence animals. They require lots of time money and patience of course.
-You’ll have to get it a nice cage (can start with a smaller starter one to help litter train the ferret then work your way up to a bigger cage, I did a my first home cage then a ferret nation 142).
-Litter train the ferret if it isnt already, which takes quite a bit of time and sometimes lots of poo with stubborn ferrets
-Decent food CAN be cheap, I recommend buying online rather then petco though (ferret.com, buy in bulk)
-They arent stinky as long as you keep their cage clean, meaning scoop poop twice a day and wash their bedding once a week, and a through cleaning of the cage once a month.
-You have to let them out atleast 4 hours a day, which they should be supervised, you should ferret proof your home..because they get into EVERYTHING
-And then last that I can think of…vet bills, they will get sick eventually and that will cost a lot.
Also, if you live in an apt that doesnt allow animals or even if it does you should ask the manager first and get it in writing just in case, many people have had to give up their ferrets because they didnt or the manager went back on his or her word.
Most importantly, you need to do your research. Why not look at older ferrets from shelters? Usually they are VERY well mannered and already litter/nip trained and could use a loving forever home.
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http://www.hugawoozel.com/right.html
Yes they are high maintenance pets but they are awesome animals! Ferrets need at least 4 hours of playtime per day and enrichment (like taking them out in the garden on a harness lead (otherwise may run away) so they can dig in the dirt, investigate and be in the fresh air, or setting up a ferret proofed room with lots of toys to stimulate their curiosity and playfulness).
Cleaning also is a big part of ferret care, cleaning their poop, cages, bedding. Also ferret proofing is extremely important – covering holes, gaps under couches/beds/cupboards, ferrets swallowing bits of foam or plastic is a major cause of intestinal blockage which can cause death) Ferrets can be expensive pets (vet bills, unexpected operations, raw meat (they are carnivores) etc. Ferrets live between 5-8 years so make sure you’re in it for the long term, some ferrets have been known to live to 12 or more years old!
It is great that you are interested and want to find out more info. Perhaps research the internet to find your local ferret society in your area. Many ferrets are bought as pets on impulse and are then given up because they weren’t how they expected or were too much work. So there are many ferrets who have been abandoned who may be up for adoption in your area. Adoption is one option and people can give a loving home to ferret(s). I adopted my ferret at 6 months old and he has such a beautiful gentle (and cheeky/playful!) nature and we’ve bonded really well. I would stay away from pet shops too.
Also if you find your local ferret society, ask them if they could recommend a good breeder (there’s lots of terrible ones out there). Kits (baby ferrets) are cute but are lots of work, if you get kits make sure they are over 8 weeks old (any time before is cruel because ferrets need to be with their mother to be socialised well before then).
Ferrets are the most amazing creatures and are affectionate, playful, cheeky and highly intelligent even if they are a lot of work they are worth it! Also make sure you choose a ferret based on personality on not its colourings or cuteness or let the ferret choose you (if you are adopting or at a breeder) the one that is curious about you or likes being handled by you. It is great getting 2 ferrets so they can play with each other. Just make sure you’re ready first
Hope this helps
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