Ferrets Care:Getting Started
If you have or you are thinking about purchasing a ferret, you must consider how much it time it requires to care for them. Ferrets are exotic animals that come from the mustelid family. This means they do tend to have an odor when they reach adulthood. De-scenting and neutering your ferret would be a good choice if you are not breeding them. De-scenting will help with their odor and fixing them is good when you purchase two or more to ensure that you will not have a litter
born. Ferrets also need to see the veterinarian for their vaccinations; it is always a good idea to bring any newly purchase animals in for a regular check up.
Ferrets need a balanced diet, high quality cat foods or ferret food can be purchased in any local pet store. Just make sure any brand of food chosen has at least 35% protein and 20% fat. Ferrets need higher fat levels than felines. Balanced fats like poultry fat are a better blend of essential fatty acids and are better for ferrets. Fresh water should always be available to your ferret. Ferrets drink less water from bottles than bowls. But if you are unable to change the water in the water bowl at least once a day, then using a water bottle is a better choice for you. You must also provide safe housing for your ferret. Consider a cage that is roomy, safe and easy to clean. Spacing of the cage is important. If the ferret can force its head through any part of that cage, it is in danger. Make sure the cage you purchase has no areas where your ferret’s feet can get caught. Ferrets love to run around and play. If they are not placed in a proper cage they will get hurt. Ferrets sleep 15-20 hours a day; they love to hide in dark padded areas. Sleeping sacks and hammocks are great for both play and sleep. Also, you can also try placing a sheet over one part of their cage in order to give them a nice, quiet and private place to play or to sleep.
Ferrets love to chew things; anything within a ferret’s reach can become a hazard to your ferret. You should check your ferret’s cage often for anything that it is chewing on that is becoming damaged. If a ferret eats the wrong thing it will cause obstruction in the intestines, and will need to be surgically removed. Ferrets can be social. You must start to introduce ferrets to humans when they reach 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 for 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 sooner you introduce them to a litter box the higher 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.
