Ferrets
Mustela putorius furo
Ferrets are cute, active, playful and entertaining animals. Although very active, they do sleep a lot, as much as 16 hours a day.
Males are larger than females and ferrets are usually 3 to 4 pounds but larger ones can be as heavy as 6 pounds. Many have dark brown fur but they can also be black, gray, tan, or even albino. The average life span is around 7 years although they can live longer.
Ferrets naturally have a strong body odor. The odor is caused by hormone production and anal scent glands. The strong smell from the scent glands is used as a defense mechanism.
Fortunately, pet ferrets do not suffer from these unpleasant odors when they have been spayed or neutered and the scent glands removed. Any lingering odor can be taken care of with regular baths. Most ferrets sold in the United States have already been descented.
Ferrets As Pets
Ferrets make good pets and are happy living alone or with another ferret. They are social animals and often like meeting new people. They are fun, playful, and active.
Ferrets make good pets and are happy living alone or with another ferret. They are social animals and often like meeting new people. They are fun, playful, and active.
Much like dogs and cats, they will need annual visits to a veterinarian for vaccinations. They also require regular baths and grooming. Ferrets can even be taught to walk on a leash and can be litter trained.
Ferrets are not pets that can be caged all the time like gerbils, hamsters and mice. Although they can spend a lot of time in a cage, they need the freedom to run, jump, and explore your home everyday. A ferret that is kept exclusively in a cage may become a very unhealthy pet.
Even though most are quite friendly, they are not recommended for young children. If handled roughly, it is possible for a ferret to bite or scratch when frightened by a child’s overzealous affection.
What do I need?
Once you have decided to get an adorable ferret you should have everything he needs before bringing him into your home. Having everything ready makes the transition as stress free as possible. The care sheet below lists all the items needed for your new pet.
Once you have decided to get an adorable ferret you should have everything he needs before bringing him into your home. Having everything ready makes the transition as stress free as possible. The care sheet below lists all the items needed for your new pet.
Cage
Your pet will need a cage at least 36″ x 24″ x 24″. This is the minimum size necessary but you should get as big a cage as possible. Ferrets are active and while in the cage you want your pet to have lots of room to play. There are many different types of ferret cages available that offer lots of room to move around.
Your pet will need a cage at least 36″ x 24″ x 24″. This is the minimum size necessary but you should get as big a cage as possible. Ferrets are active and while in the cage you want your pet to have lots of room to play. There are many different types of ferret cages available that offer lots of room to move around.
Soft rugs, carpet or blanket for bedding on the bottom of the cage.
A heavy ceramic food bowl or a bowl that can’t be easily tipped or chewed.
A stoppered water bottle that attaches to the side of the cage.
A sleep area like a hammock, sleep sack or soft tunnel.
Lots of toys to keep your pet entertained while in his cage.
A litter box with a high and low end filled with your preferred type of litter. Litter made from recycled paper is a clean, safe choice.
Food, Treats & Supplements
Dry ferret food that is high in protein should be your pets primary diet. Moist canned food can also be substituted occasionally. There are a variety of commercial pet foods available.
Dry ferret food that is high in protein should be your pets primary diet. Moist canned food can also be substituted occasionally. There are a variety of commercial pet foods available.
An assortment of treats to add some variety to your pets diet.
Vitamin supplements to ensure your ferret is getting all the nutrients he needs.
Grooming
Ferret shampoo and conditioner to keep your pets coat clean, healthy, and odor free.
Ferret shampoo and conditioner to keep your pets coat clean, healthy, and odor free.
Safety
Since your companion will need time outside of his cage, you want to make sure your home is safe for him to run around and explore. Watch for rubber and latex items, sponges, and cleaning supplies. Baby locks are a good way to keep a ferret away from harmful items he may try to eat.
Since your companion will need time outside of his cage, you want to make sure your home is safe for him to run around and explore. Watch for rubber and latex items, sponges, and cleaning supplies. Baby locks are a good way to keep a ferret away from harmful items he may try to eat.
A ferret collar or harness with a small bell attached. Ferrets are sneaky and a bell can make them easier to find.
Food & Diet
Ferrets are sometimes picky eaters so you have to make sure your pet is getting all the nutrition he needs. A high protein diet, combined with various treats and a vitamin supplement will make your ferret a happy and healthy pet. Below are various foods that you can feed your companion.
Food
Ferrets are carnivores and therefor require a diet that is high in protein. There are many commercial pet foods available designed specifically for ferrets.
Ferrets are carnivores and therefor require a diet that is high in protein. There are many commercial pet foods available designed specifically for ferrets.
You can find dry food and moist canned food chock full of the protein he needs. Dry food is crunchy and helps your pet’s gums and teeth and will be his primary diet. Moist ferret food can help with hairballs, but should only be given occasionally.
Ferrets can sometimes be picky eaters. Mixing multiple foods together can often solve this problem and may get him to like all the different types. Plus, having various types of food your pet enjoys makes sure you can always find something he will eat. You don’t want him to go hungry because a store was out of his favorite pet food and he won’t eat a different brand.
Ferrets have small digestive tracts and therefor eat frequent small meals every few hours. In order to fulfill these frequent meals, dry food should be available at all times.
Ferrets also drink when they eat, so water should always be available. Keeping the food and stoppered water bottle close together will make your furry friend happy.
Treats
Variety is the spice of life and this applies to your ferret as well. There are lots of different commercial pet treats available that he will greatly enjoy. You can also give cooked boneless chicken and meats as treats as well as meaty baby food. Chocolate, dairy products, sugary and salty foods should be avoided.
Variety is the spice of life and this applies to your ferret as well. There are lots of different commercial pet treats available that he will greatly enjoy. You can also give cooked boneless chicken and meats as treats as well as meaty baby food. Chocolate, dairy products, sugary and salty foods should be avoided.
Supplements
Vitamin supplements make a great addition to a ferret’s diet. Even though a well balanced diet should have everything he needs, you never know what exactly he is eating.
Vitamin supplements make a great addition to a ferret’s diet. Even though a well balanced diet should have everything he needs, you never know what exactly he is eating.
If you have an overly picky pet, he could just be eating his favorite pieces of food and missing out on important nutrients. A supplement makes sure your pet gets all the important vitamins and nutrients.
courtesy: http://petferretcare.net/
courtesy: http://petferretcare.net/
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