5 Tips For New Ferret Owners
If you are a new ferret owner or about to purchase your first ferret then let me be the first to tell you that you’ve made a wise choice of a recreational activity. Even more so, the fact that you’ve taken the time to research your hobby shows the extent of your commitment. I am confident that your new ferret will be properly cared for and be comfortable as part of your family.
However, as a new ferret parent there are things you may not be aware of before you embark on this most satisfying hobby, therefore, I have decided to 5 tips I think all new ferret owners should know.
Tip For New Ferret Owners#1
The cost of owning a ferret
The price of a properly bred ferret can be expensive but the cost of owning a ferret is much more than the one time dollar payment at the pet store to buy your fuzzy pet. There is much more to it than that. You see, maintaining a ferret properly incur a financial responsibility that can be a costly activity to ensure the total health of your pet. To properly care for a ferret is to ensure that they are properly fed, have adequate and comfortable housing, and receive timely medical care and your time to love them. Remember to set a medical fund for emergencies of about $500-$1000 for your pet.
Tip For New Ferret Owners#2
Choosing a Litter Pan, Toys And Feeding Utensils
Feeding utensils such as water dishes and feeding bowls should be cleaned properly and on a regular basis. The disease causing bacteria that can grow on food and water bowls are not always visible to the naked eye. Therefore regular cleaning at least once per week ensures that your ferret remains in optimal health. Ferret toys must also be cleaned on a regular basis prevent your pet from becoming sick from disease causing bacteria. If you neglect this advice then be prepared to spend much of your precious time dealing with your ferret’s medical conditions like a sick child. The choice of a litter pan if crucial because chosing the wrong litter pan can also result in your ferret becoming sick. One type of litter you must stay away from is clay or clumpable litter since by its nature can cuase suffication if sniffed by your ferret. most ferret owners prfere stove pellets as the choice of litter for their pets. Litter pan must be scooped at least once per day and scrubbed with soap and water once per week.
Tip For New Ferret Owners#3
Feeding a Baby Ferret
A baby ferret known as a kit(6-11wks old) needs special feeding since they are not accustomed to eating solid food at this stage of life. Their food must be moistened in a ratio of 1:3. That is, one part dry food to three parts warm water. If you are not getting the consistency required then make the necessary adjustment. A ferret’s digestive tract cannot processed foods such as vegetables, grains, or fruits and might only leads to stomach blockage if you continue to make it a consistent part of the ferret diet. Rememeber ferrets are obligate carnivores and need a regular supply of meeat in their diet.
Tip For New Ferret Owners#4
Veterinary expenses
As a ferret owner be prepared incur veterinary expenses. It is not that ferrets are prone to many diseases especially if they are properly vaccinated but they can become infected with diseases such as canine distemper virus and rabies if left unvaccinated. In addition older ferrets are susceptible to several types of cancers.
Tip For New Ferret Owners#5
Do You Need a License?
Some states require ferrets owners to obtain a license to keep a ferret as a pet. So remember to check with your local authority before you go out and buy yourself a ferret. In some states ferrets are not veiwd as a domestic pet but as a wild animal by the local authority as a result the animal can be killed if seized. Therefore it’s most important that you check to see on what side of the law you stand.
I do hope these five tips were of help to you and as you embarked on your recreation may you find your new companion satisfying and fun.
