Ferret Care Information

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 exotic pets and they are part of the mustelid family. So, they will develop an odor when they reach maturity. If you have no plans to breed your ferret, then de-scenting is a good idea and neutering is a must. De-scenting should help keep the odor under control. Neutering will prevent any unwanted litters if you plan to keep 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. High quality cat foods or specifically designed ferret food can be found in pretty much any pet store. Read the labels to be sure that the brand of food you’ve selected contains at least 35% protein and 20% fat. Ferrets require higher fat 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 can’t change the water at least once during the day, you might want to switch to a water bottle instead.
Safe housing is a must 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 the ferret can force its head through any part of the cage, then that is unsafe. Always make sure that your ferret’s feet don’t get caught in any part of the cage that you’ve selected. All ferrets like to run around their cage and play in it as well. Make sure you get an appropriate cage so they don’t get hurt.
Ferrets also love to sleep – from 15 to 20 hours per day. And, they like to hide is soft, dark places. If you give them sleeping sacks and hammock that they can use for both sleep and play, you’ll have a 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. So, check your ferret’s cage frequently to make sure that anything your ferret might be chewing on is either safe or is removed for its cage. 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 introduce humans when your ferret is around 30 days old. Furthermore, you need to let your ferret get out of their cage at least twice a day, so make sure this is in a ferre-proof room. Never let your ferret be unsupervised when it is outside of its cage. They could be at risk of getting hurt.
Handling your ferret frequently should help make it easier to train. Training will help in their socialization. And, ferrets really like to cuddle, too. Ferrets can also be litter trained. The sooner you initiate litter training the more likely you are to succeed.
Ferrets are both affectionate and fun. The more frequently you socialize with them, the healthier and happier they will be.

Taking 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 also essential for your ferret’s safety and comfort. Cages with a plastic bottom are the easiest ones to clean as the metal bottoms ones tend to rust and look grimy after several washings. However, if you purchase a cage that has plastic coated metal, be sure that your ferret is not chewing the plastic. Should your ferret swallow some plastic bits, surgery may be required to remove them. 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.
Toys are always welcome in ferret play. But, choose your ferret’s toys wisely. Incorrect types of toys could actually jeopardizes your ferret’s life. The toys need to be able to resist damage from a ferret’s sharp teeth. Cat toys often work well for ferrets. Avoid any toys that can be easily destroyed. 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 certain odor to them as they are part of the Mustelid family. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to have your ferret de-scented and neutered. Your ferret will also need vaccinations and regular exams. Talk to your vet about the best schedule to any shoots and boosters that your pet is going to need.
The kind of food you select for your ferret is of great importance. 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 alter the brand of food they were getting from the breeder make the change very slowly. Gradually introduce the new food while slowly decreasing the old food until the transition to the new food is complete. 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 choose to give your ferret snacks, choose healthy options like cooked eggs and meat. Avoid surgary treats for your ferret as they are harmful to him.
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.