Ferret Care Infromation
The ferret is considered as America's most popular pet after cats and dogs.
Ferrets are a group of carnivorous mammals which are closely related to the polecat and usually have typically black, brown, white or mixed fur.
When purchasing a ferret, there are several things you need to consider: time, odor management, vaccinations, diet, housing, social interaction and litter training.
Time
Time is the first thing that should be given attention to. Ferrets love sleeping around 15 to 20 hours each day and they are naturally crepuscular or active only during dusk and dawn. Sleeping periods would normally last two to six hours. However, though ferrets spend more time sleeping compared to other domesticated animals, they are extremely active when awake. Make sure to provide time in your schedule at dusk or dawn for interacting with your pet ferret.
Odor
The next think to consider is odor. Ferrets belong to the mustelid family of animals, which means that they tend to have a distinct odor as they reach adulthood. The best thing to do would be to de-scent and neuter your ferret. De-scenting will also help if you do not want any little born as ferrets rely more on their odors to initiate mating.
Vaccinations
The third thing you have to work on is vaccinations. It is always advised that newly purchased animals should be brough to the vet for regular check-up. Your ferret may be suffering from a host of diseases like foot rot, insulinoma or adrenal disease so a regular check-up will help treat these and prevent further illnesses.
Diet
Diet is perhaps one of the most important things that you should look into when taking care of ferrets. Ferrets should be fed with a balanced diet, which is high quality cat foods or ferret foods which can be bought from any pet store in your area. Ferrets need higher levels of fat compared to felines so choose food containing a minimum of 35% protein and 20% fat. Balanced fats such as poultry fats are composed of an ideal mix of essential fatty acids and are therefore more recommended for ferrets.
Fresh water complements the balanced diet. Your ferret should always be provided with fresh water placed either in bottles or bowls. Although ferrets drink more from the bowl, water in it should be regularly replaced.
Housing
And just like all other animals, ferret needs a home. Safe housing is therefore the next thing to be considered in ferret care. A roomy and safe cage which is easy to clean would be perfect. There is no ferret which doesn't love playing and running around. Therefore, try to make sure that your purchase a cage which has no areas where your ferret's head or feet can get caught.
The unusually long sleep of a ferret will make them hode themselves in dark padded areas. Perhaps what you can do to provide hammock and sleeping sacks. You may also want to have a sheet placed over one part of their cage where they can play or slep quietly in private.
Very young ferrets love nipping and chewing things. Therefore anything within its reach can be chewed and may get stuck in its throat. Your ferret's cage should be regularly checked for the presence of anything that will be chewed by your pet. Any intestinal obstruction caused by the thing chewed can only be remedied through surgery.
Social interactionThe fact that ferrets are social animals makes it necessary for you to introduce them to humans once they reach 30 days old. They should be let out of the cage at least two times a day inside a ferret proof room. Keep in mind, however, that you should not leave your ferret unattended when they are outside their cage as they may get hurt physically.
One of the best ways to help your ferret interact with you is to handle them more often. Ferrets just simply love cuddling. It is belived that the more you interact with your pet ferret, the longer they will live and the healthier their lives will be.
Make it a point, however, to keep very young ferrets (called "kits") away from children as they may accidentally bite and the bite may break through the skin.
Litter training
The last thing to be considered is litter training. Although ferrets naturally spread their waste around for the purpose of making their "territory" with their smell, these pet animals can still be litter trained. Introduce them to a litter box as early as possible and nothing could go wrong.
If you want more great information on ferrets training and care, then check out the informatiion below where you can get a 100% free 10-day mini-course on Secrets To Raising A Healthy Ferret.
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Dear Friend And Ferret Lover,
Welcome to Take Care Of Ferret website,
My name is Janet Simpson and I've been caring for Ferrets for over 20 years. In that time, I've gained a huge amount of knowledge about the ferrets breed. As a Ferrets enthusiast, it is my goal to see that all Ferrets are properly cared for, so I'd like to share my knowledge with you, free of charge.
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