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For New Ferret Owners
The topics below offer a brief summery of
important information that should be looked up by new, soon to be and even
current ferret owners. For more extended information on these topics, check
the offered links on the left side of this page.
Ferrets For Dummies -By Kim Schilling Is well worth reading
for new ferret owners.
The Ferret Personality
Before considering adopting a ferret you should learn about the ferret
personality. Ferrets are different in personality than kittens or puppies
and have their own unique qualities. Ferrets are highly
playful, social creatures and needs much interaction with humans as well as
other ferrets. Which makes it a good idea to get two ferrets instead of one.
Ferrets left alone for long periods of time will become depressed. Young
ferrets are extremely active and love to run and jump. Younger ferrets tend
to be nippers (it's their way of playing, they're not being mean) so you will need to know how to
properly handle this behavior
should it arise.
Litter Training
Ferrets can be litter trained, though it requires patience and
consistency on your part.
Ferrets are creatures of habit. Outside of the cage, they usually like to go
in a place they have picked out for themselves, which is usually a corner
(they tend to be corner squaters) this may or may not be to your liking.
When your ferrets "go" in his spot make sure you clean it up promptly,
ferrets go by smell and if the spot still has a bathroom scent he will keep
going there. One way to alleviate these messes is by setting a litter box in
the area he has chosen. Pet stores sell convenient corner shaped litter
boxes for ferrets. Ferret Proofing Your House
Ferrets are indeed curious creatures and as for the old saying...
curiosity doesn't just kill the cat. Ferrets can get very sick or even die
from getting into hazardous stuff around the house. Ferrets are
extremely curious creatures and will get into anything and everything if you
are not keeping constant surveillance, which makes it a good idea to ferret
proof your home. Dangers to ferrets come in many forms from things they can
ingest like household cleaners to anything made of rubber to Styrofoam. There
is also physical
dangers from things such as recliner/rocking chairs, extension cords. It is a good idea to
totally block your ferrets access to the kitchen area, kitchen
appliances such as ovens, dryer vents are a real hazard for ferrets. Time Spent Outside Of The Cage:
Ferrets require a minimum of around four hours of time outside of the
cage for exercise each day. Ferrets should be supervised during these times
so they don't get hurt, find a escape route, i.e., a door that is ajar, hole
in window screen, ect. Or get into things that you'd rather they not
get into. Ferrets are curious critters and love to explore! A watchful eye
is necessary as sometimes the exploration can lead to the destruction of a
prized possession or an hair raising escape, make sure all windows and doors
are secure while your ferret is out of his cage. They also love to dig so watch them around your
potted plants or all of your soil may wind up on the floor.
Providing your ferret with appropriate toys and activities can help save
some hassles.
Supplies
You should get in the necessary supplies you will
need for your ferret before you bring him home. Here is a list of some things you will
need...at least to begin with.
Cage- Wire cages are best for ferrets, there are many different
styles made just for
ferrets. Aquariums are not really a good choice to keep ferrets because
there isn't sufficient
amount of room for the ferret plus all the supplies that needs to go in
there as well and bacteria
can build up from lack of ventilation
Litter box- Purchase a litter box that can be securely attached to
the cage, this will prevent ferret from over turning it.
Type of litter to use- Clay cat litters can cause respiratory problems from
the dust it creates.
Clumping litter should be avoided as it can be very dangerous to ferrets
Cedar chips are dangerous as well. Wood pellets are a good choice of litter
for ferrets
as well as newspaper pellet type litter or sheets of shredded newspaper.
Water bottle/water dish/food dish- Make sure the water/food dishes
are the kind made for ferrets and have clamps that will
hold them securely to the sides of the cage, if they aren't anchored
securely the ferret will more
than likely knock them over and spill them.
Food- Start out with the same foods they were getting at the
store/shelter you got them from and slowly switch to preferred brand. Keep
in mind that ferrets need a high quality food, check ingredients before
buying as described in the nutrition section below.
Bedding- Hammocks make excellent ferret beds. Ferrets also like to
snuggle up, soft baby blankets and ferret sack type of beds
are excellent as well. It is a good idea to have all three types in your
ferrets cage.
Grooming supplies- Brush, flea comb, ferret friendly shampoo.
Health supplements- Hairball remedy, ferretone.
Other stuff- Bitter apple spray to keep ferret from chewing on
inappropriate things.
Pet carrier for trips to the vet.
Other Ferret Need To Know Stuff
Legality Of Ferret Ownership In Your State
Ferrets are not legal in all states of the US. Check your local and
state laws before considering a ferret as a pet.
Ferret Odor/ Bathing:
Ferrets have a slightly musky odor which some find offensive and
repeatedly give the ferret a bath to alleviate the odor. But this is not a
good idea. Ferrets should not be bathed often. Repeated baths will only
increase the odor and dry out their skin.
Nutrition
Ferrets are carnivores and need a diet high in protein. When
purchasing ferret food read labels thoroughly. Watch out for corn
ingredients. Corn is not good for ferret digestion and can cause intestinal
blockages. Corn should be no higher than the fifth ingredient listed.
Yearly Vaccinations/ Check ups
As with any family pets, ferrets require yearly check ups and
vaccinations. This will keep you alert to any changes in your ferrets health
and help keep him protected from distemper and rabies. A small amount of
ferrets have an allergic reaction to the distemper vaccination, so ask your
vet about the risk factors and signs of an allergic reaction. Fleas
Do not use over the counter flea treatments on ferrets. They are not
made for ferrets and can be extremely dangerous. Consult with your vet as to
the best way of solving your ferrets flea problem. |
