How to Care for a Ferret (Ultimate Guide)
Combine the good traits of dogs and cats and add unique features into one little creature – you have the ferret! While this may be enticing enough for you to rush off and get one at the nearest pet store, there are lots of things that you need to know first before owning one.
These tiny, friendly, smart and mischievous critters are rising in popularity in the US as house pets.
The purchase price of a ferret can differ depending on breed and source but ranges typically between $75 and $200. Buying them is the cheapest part of the expense though.
Like all pets, they need quality food, adequate housing, toys and regular check-ups with a veterinarian to ensure sound health. Other expenses will include accessories or possible emergencies. Potential owners should consider the lifelong costs of owning a pet ferret before purchasing.
Learn more about their characteristics, personality, diet requirements and how to look after these cute animals in this article.
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Ferret Facts
Ferrets are a member of the weasel family and can live roughly around 6-10 years. They have an average length of 15 inches (38cm) and can weigh from 1.5 pounds up to 4.00 pounds. Females tend to be smaller and much smaller than male ferrets.
Their fur can vary in colors ranging from white, dark brown to almost. The most common you’ll see is a dark brown coat combined with a beige undercoat, dark tails and legs plus a dark mask along the eyes. Also, their fur pattern differs from solid to a fascinating panda or blaze.
Typical Behavior or Temperament of a Ferret
Ferrets are very playful and social animals. They really love to play and can act silly at times. What’s amusing with them is that they express love to their owners in a unique way. They endear themselves to their owners by snuggling like a furry inchworm.
Due to their hunting lineage, these little creatures are inquisitive and enjoy exploring. You have to be wary of them though as they love to hoard things. They can steal your keys, remote control, even your socks and hide them in places you can never imagine. So, it’s a good idea to have your home ferret-proofed.
Ferrets also have a dance of joy referred to as ‘weasel war-dance.’ It is a distinct and bouncing action where they hiss, opens their jaws wide and jumps from side to side. Don’t confuse this as an aggressive behavior as this is only their expression of excitement and exuberance.
Watch Ferrets around Small Children and Other Pets
If you have small children and other pets, you might need to reconsider getting a ferret. These little buddies are high-spirited and it is best to wait for your children to reach at least 8-9 years old. A ferret needs to be handled with dexterity. A young child can easily injure a ferret or vice-versa.
Ferrets are also natural hunters and often can’t be trained to be with smaller animals like rodents, lizards, rabbits, fish or birds. If you have those animals in your home, make sure to provide extreme supervision.
If you have dogs and cats, see to it that they are socialized with the ferret as babies (if possible) for them to get along better.
Best Ferret Cages
While it is best to have ferrets freely run in the house, you may need to cage them at night, or when you’re not around to supervise them and avoid any incidents – both to your home and to your pet!
(Image credit: Pinterest)
Get them a well-ventilated cage that is as large as possible to give them space to turn around, stretch out or walk comfortably.
Ferrets, like cats, can be toilet trained. Buy a litter box and grab some recycled paper cat litter or small animal bedding.
Here is the most popular ferret cage currently on Amazon:
- Ferret nation double unit habitat/cage with stand. Ferret nation (182) includes 2 pans, 2 shelves and 3 ramps with ramp covers
- Full width double doors on ferret nation cage and removeable shelves provide maximum accessibility for easy cleaning & feeding
- Ferret Nation's wide expanse shelf & full width leak proof pan provides maximized play area & prevents dangerous falls
Cleaning and Bathing Your Ferret
Ferrets, just like cats, are relatively clean animals and tend to groom themselves regularly. You will need to provide them a bowl of water where they can wash their faces and clean their coat. Proper bathing should be kept at a minimum to control their natural musky odor. Don’t overdo it as it removes healthy oils from their skin causing it to dry out.
These little creatures shed two times a year and should be combed to remove any loose fur. Lastly, as with all small animals, ferrets need regular nail trimming and teeth-brushing.
Here are some ferret grooming products that got great reviews on Amazon:
Ferret Diet: What to Feed Your Ferret
A proper diet is essential for your ferret’s total health. These fun creatures are carnivores which means they need to eat specially formulated high-grade food that is rich in fat and protein.
There are lots of high-quality ferret foods that are available on the market, but be sure to check the ingredients and read its nutritional values. Ferrets must not be fed with fruits, vegetables, dairy products or foods high in sugar, fiber, and carbohydrates. You may divide small meals throughout the day.
Of course, fresh water must also be available for your ferret at all times. Don’t let their water get skanky!
Here is a popular, highly-rated ferret food product on Amazon:
- Genetically Appropriate Diet With No Starch Ingredients
- Unprecedented And Unequalled Meat Content, Including Organic. 62% Protein, And 16% Fat, Plus Other Important Nutrients
- Supports Digestive Health And Desirable Stool Consistency. Has The Natural Flavor And Taste That Ferrets Truly Desire
Ferret Exercise and Playtime
Ferrets are brimmed with huge amounts of energy. They always like to play, swallow or chew things. Give them a variety of toys to keep them amused. If you don’t provide them playthings, they’ll look for one or make one – you don’t want your remote control getting nipped, right?
Make sure that their toys are sturdy and must have no tiny parts that can be detached or broken off to prevent choking. Those toys made from hard rubber, latex or foam must be avoided as they can easily nibble it to smaller segments.
If they do the ‘weasel war-dance,’ they are inviting you to play with them. Attend to them, and they will be delighted. These mammals love getting along with their owners, see to it to spend quality time with them every day.
Here are some product suggestions for ball pits, hanging tunnels and ferret nature walks!
Ferret Medical Care
What are their common health problems?
Ferrets, like most animals, are susceptible to certain diseases commonly affecting their bloodline. They are generally at risk of fleas, and heartworms. These creatures are also vulnerable into more serious problems including canine distemper, gastric issues, and diseases of the pancreas and the adrenal glands.
How do I keep my ferret generally healthy?
Ferrets require regular visits to veterinarians, the same as what most cats and dogs do. Consult your veterinarian for vaccinations and preventive for the listed diseases above. If you notice some abrupt changes in your ferret’s weight or eating, drinking, pooping or urination habits, you must speak to your veterinarian to rule out any sickness.
Getting a Ferret as a Pet
Keep in mind that when you get a pet, you are also accepting the responsibility of looking for its health and welfare and taking care of it for it’s entire life! Should you decide to get a ferret, it is imperative to absorb all the details this guide provided and understand the needs and costs this little animal calls for.
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If you are ready, then check out your local animal shelter to adopt your very own ferret or go to your local pet store to find one. It’s time for you to invest the effort and love required and make memories with this smart, often mischievous, fun-loving pet!
Are you a new Critter Mama? Critter Papa? Show off your new ferret baby and tag us on Instagram @crittermamas!
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