Information on Ferret Care
If you own a ferret, or are thinking about adopting a ferret, you need to consider the amount of time that is required for proper ferret care. Ferrets are considered exotic pets and are part of the Mustelid family. So, they will develop an odor when they reach maturity. If you’re not planning to breed your ferret, then de-scenting and neutering is essential. De-scenting should help keep the odor under control. Neutering will exclude the possiblity of any unwanted litters if you have two or more ferrets. Your pet will also need to see a veterinarian for vaccinations and regular check ups. Always take any newly adopted animals to a vet for a check up and all necessary shots.
A ferret’s diet needs to be properly balanced. You can find both high quality cat foods as well as specially designed ferret foods in many pet stores. Read the labels to be sure that the brand of food you’ve selected contains at least 35% protein and 20% fat. Ferrets need higher fast levels in their food than cats do. Make sure that your ferret always has fresh water available. They tend to like bowls better than water bottles and often drink less water when presented with a bottle. But, if you’re unable to change the water at least once every day, the use of a water bottle might be in order.
Safe housing is vital for your ferret. Select a ferret home that is roomy, easy to clean and, of course, safe. Think about the spacing between the bars of your ferret’s cage. If a ferret can push its head through any part of its cage, then that cage is unsafe. Also make sure that the ferret’s feet can’t get caught in any part of the cage you choose. Because ferrets enjoying playing and running around their cage, if you don’t supply them with a proper cage they can get hurt.
Ferrets also love to sleep – from 15 to 20 hours per day. And, they like to hide is soft, dark places. Giving them sleeping sacks and hammocks that do double duty for both sleep and play, will make for one very happy ferret. You might also want to think about placing a sheet over part of their cage to supply a quiet, private area for them.
Be mindful that your ferret just loves to chew things. Be sure to check your ferret’s cage frequently and remove any item they might be chewing on that isn’t safe for them. If your ferret swallows a piece of plastic or fabric from something it’s been chewing on, this could result in a blockage in its intestines and your pet might need surgery to have it removed.
Ferrets can be social animals. Start to initiate human contact when your ferret is around 30 days old. In addition, your ferret needs to be let out of their cage at least two times a day, so be certain that this happens in a ferret-proof area. Never leave your ferret unsupervised while it is out of its cage. They might be at risk of injury.
Handle your ferret often so it will be easier to train. Training is a way to help you communicate with your pet. And, ferrets really like to cuddle, too. You can also litter train your ferret. The sooner you start the litter training process the better chance you have of succeeding.
Ferrets are both loving and fun. Socializing with them frequently will help to ensure that they are healthier and happier.
Bringing Your Ferret Home
There’s several things you need to know before you bring your ferret home. First, pick a place where you will keep your ferret. As this is where they will spend most of their time, make sure it is a safe and comfortable area. You’ll have lots of choices available for ferret cages. It’s key that they have enough room to run around and have not gaps in the levels so your ferret doesn’t get hurt. Soft bedding is crucial for your ferret’s comfort and safety. A cage with a plastic bottom is often easier to clean. The metal-bottomed cages are apt to rust and look grimy after several washings. But, if you buy a cage with plastic coated metal, make sure your ferret isn’t chewing the plastic. If your ferret swallows bits of plastic they could cause a serious health problem that may even require surgery. Providing hammocks and sleeping sacks will not only serve to make your ferret happier but more comfortable, too. A ferret often sleeps up to 20 hours per day, so sleeping comfort is important. Remember that your ferrets needs to be out of his cage for at least two hours each day, so be sure to provide a ferret-proof area to avoid any injuries.
Your ferret will always welcome a selection of toys. But, choose your ferret’s toys wisely. Poorly chosen toys could actually put your ferret’s life in danger. The toys need to be able to resist damage from a ferret’s sharp teeth. Cat toys can be a good choice for ferrets. Stay away from any toys that are easily damaged. If you’re not available to supervise, most toys should be removed from your ferret’s cage. A piece of damaged toy could be disastrous for your ferret were he to swallow it.
Ferrets have a specific odor to them as they are part of the Mustelid family. Schedule a visit to your veterinarian to have your ferret de-scented and neutered. Your ferret will also need inoculations and regular check-ups. Discuss with your vet the best schedule for your pet to ensure it receives all necessary shots and boosters.
The type of food you choose for your ferret is very important. Be sure to select either a premium quality cat food or a specially designed ferret food that does not include protein supplied by frozen meat. If you plan to change the brand of food they were receiving from the breeder do so very gradually. Slowly introduce the new food while also slowly decreasing the previous type of food until they are switched to the new brand. Ferrets don’t really need any snacks and and inappropriate choice of snack could cause health problems in the future. However, snacks can be helpful for training your ferret. If you decide to let your ferret have snacks, select healthy choices like cooked eggs and meat. Don’t ever give your ferret a surgary treat as it is harmful to them.
It requires a lot of planning to ensure that you bring your ferret to a home that is safe and stress-free for both you and your new pet.
