Before you go out and purchase a pet ferret for yourself and your family, you should be prepared. It is important that you know what their special needs are so that you can determine whether or not a ferret is right for you. Owning a ferret is quite different than owning a domesticated dog or cat.
Ferrets are descendants of the European Polecat, and they are a member of the weasel family. They are not wild animals in the US, and in fact, they have been domesticated for thousands of years. In fact, they are so domesticated that if they were to be lost outside, they would most likely die within a few days. Elsewhere in the world, ferrets are used for barn work such as “ferreting,” which involves getting rabbits out of their dens. Ferrets live to be about ten years old.
If you have other pets, such as dogs and cats, take them into consideration before bringing a ferret into your home. While it is possible to have ferrets and dogs or cats in the same home, you should know that ferrets have a tendency to play rough, and they are generally not afraid of other animals. Because of these attributes, a ferret may intensely frustrate your dog or cat, and your other pet may attack the ferret. At the very least, you have to allow a long adjustment period so that your animals will understand that the ferret is family, not foe. Make sure that you remove toxic cleaners from places in your home that may be accessible to your ferret. You should also make sure that you seal off any holes or gaps in walls or under cabinets so that your ferret doesn’t get lost, and you should keep your dishwasher and washer/dryer units off-limits.
It is crucial that you feed your ferret properly so that he or she stays healthy. Ferrets are carnivores, and therefore, their diet should be very high in protein (at least one third of the total diet). Ferret diets should also include about fat and high-quality chicken or lamb. There are dry foods that are specially designed for ferrets, and if you are going to be using one of these, make sure that either chicken or lamb is the first ingredient listed. Avoid foods with corn or grain – these things are hard to digest, and ferrets have very short digestive tracts, so they need an easily-digestible diet. Feed your ferret several small meals each day, and always have fresh drinking water available in a hanging water bottle.
Although you may wind up letting your ferret run free in your home for most of the day, when you first bring your little guy home, you need to have a cage. You should use a large wire cage – not an aquarium-like cage. There are tons of fabulous ferret-specific cages on the market for you to choose from so that your pet has a happy haven. Put a litter pan on one side of the cage, and put the food and water on the opposite side (nobody likes to eat right next to the bathroom). Cut up an old sweatshirt so that your ferret has a soft and warm place to sleep and rest. You should also cover the cage with a blanket on three sides when your ferret is trying to get some shuteye. Do not put wood chips in the bottom of the cage – woods can contain oils that are deadly to ferrets. Make sure that your ferret gets at least three hours of playtime outside of its cage each day.
Ferrets like to play. There are many different toys to choose from, but make sure that you do not get anything with small parts that could be chewed off. All of your ferret’s playthings should be very durable. Ferrets love playing in tunnels, too. You will have hours of laughs watching your ferret play – they are so entertaining and energetic!
Most importantly, you have to provide your ferret with all of its necessary vaccinations. Look for a veterinarian who has extensive experience with ferrets.
