Ferret Care Information

If you have or you are thinking about purchasing a ferret, you must consider how much time it requires to care for them. Ferrets are exotic animals that belong to the mustelid family. This means they will have an odor when they mature.

De-scenting and neutering your ferret would be a good choice if you are not breeding them. You can reduce the ferret odor by de-scenting and neutering them when you purchase two or more
Ferrets also need to see the veterinarian for their vaccinations; it is always a good idea to bring any newly purchased animals in for a regular check up.

You can get high-quality ferret food in any local pet store. Any brand of food you choose should have at least 35% protein and 20% fat. Ferrets require higher fat levels than felines. With a healthier blend of essential fatty acids, poultry fat and other balanced fats are better for ferrets.

Your ferret should always have fresh clean water available. Ferrets will drink less water from bottles than bowls. But if you are unable to wash & change the water bowl at least once a day, then a water bottle is a better choice for you. You must also provide safe housing for your ferret.

You should buy a cage that is safe, easy to clean, and roomy. Spacing of the cage is important. Your ferret is at risk if it can force its head through any part of the cage. Make sure the cage you purchase has no areas where your ferret’s feet can get caught.

Ferrets love to play and run around. If they are not in the right kind of cage, ferrets can get hurt. Ferrets sleep 15-20 hours a day and they love to hide in dark padded areas. Sleeping sacks and hammocks are great for both sleeping and playing.  You could also try cover a part of their cage with a sheet in order to give them a nice private place to play or sleep.

Ferrets love to chew things, so anything within their reach could be hazardous. You should check your ferret’s cage regularly for anything that is damaged or chewed on.

If a ferret eats the wrong thing it will cause obstruction in the intestines, and will need to be surgically removed. Ferrets are very social animals. You should wait to introduce ferrets to people until they are 30 days old.

You should let your ferret out of their cage at least twice a day, in a ferret proof room. Never leave your ferret unattended outside their cage. They are at risk of getting hurt. If you can handle them more often it is better for training.

This will help them interact with you. Ferrets love cuddling and it is a great feeling when they do it with you. Ferrets can be litter trained. The earlier you start litter box training the better the success rate.

Ferrets are a fun and loving pet, remember the more you interact and care for them the longer & healthier life they will have.

For more information about all aspects of caring for ferrets visit Ferret-Care-Center.com & take our free 12 part ferret mini-course.