Caring for Pet Ferrets

Mar 8th, 2008 | Ferrets | Comments Off

Ferrets may not be a common animal choice for pets, but these critters have been domesticated by humans since way back in 4 BC. Many people find ferrets nice to have and as easy to keep, if not easier, as other typical pets like dogs and cats. Here are some basic tips about caring for ferrets.

Making a Home for the Ferret

Ferrets prefer living in spaces that resemble dens in the wild. A wired cage that is about 30 inches wide, 18 inches deep, and 18 inches long may suffice. Many ferrets like living in cages that have things to climb such as ramps and stairs. The cage should allow good ventilation, thus it is not wise to use aquariums. The floor may be covered by linoleum tiles and carpets or other soft washable materials to make the flooring more comfortable for ferrets to walk on than wire floors. The cage should be kept within 55 to 70 degrees. It should also be cleaned regularly with hot soapy water.

Feeding Ferrets

Ferrets are carnivores that require at least 22% fat and 34% protein from animal sources. It isn’t recommended to feed them dog or cat food. Chicken and turkey are ideal. Ferrets should never be fed vegetables because they are difficult to digest. Fruits are also not an option because sugars may increase tendencies for insulinoma. Egg whites should also be avoided because they can cause hemolytic anemia.

Potty Training

A small 3 to 5 inches-high cardboard box may be used as a litter box for ferrets. Litter pans should be secured to a side of the cage, far from the ferret’s eating and sleeping areas. Litter products made of plant or paper fibers are recommended to prevent clumping of fecal matter.

Keeping Ferrets Clean

Ferrets tend to produce undesirable odors. To prevent them from smelling to strongly, they can be bathed using a special ferret shampoo, kitten shampoo, or diluted baby shampoo. It isn’t advisable to bathe ferrets daily, because it will dry their skin, causing overcompensation of oil secretion, making the ferret smell more. It is also important to check the ferret’s ears for mites regularly. Ears should be cleaned using cotton soaked in a special cleanser that can be bought from a pet store.

Keeping Ferrets Active

Ferrets are very energetic animals. It is recommended to keep them entertained with toys that aren’t easy to break to maintain the animal’s safety.

Ferrets can be nice pets when one knows the right ways of caring for them. Having them can be a fun and exciting experience.

Ferrets Can Make Great Pets

Jan 11th, 2008 | Ferrets | Comments Off

by Trevor Goald
Fun does come in small packages!

Most people find ferrets to be worth the extra work they require in care, because the entertainment and amusement factors outweigh the labor. You might find a ferret a good fit with your lifestyle if you like to be kept on the move and entertained.

Ferrets are light and small, and thus easily carried or lifted without straining one’s back. But their small size hides a curious and enthusiastic explorer. Never dull, ferrets are inquisitive by nature.

And they don’t need a whole lot of care other than in the entertainment department. But if your ringmaster duties should ever be put on hold for too long, the little critter will easily find other ways to amuse itself, and those ways might involve various pieces of your furniture and knick knacks, so be warned!

When you decide to get one of these cute little creatures as a pet and companion, you should take the time to learn about their needs. You will need to purchase a few things to get yourself started — including a proper cage, proper ferret food and vitamins, and toys.

You should also plan to take the animal to the vet within the first few weeks that you own it. It will need to visit the vet yearly, much like any other pet that you may have cared for in the past. Owning any pet is a lot of time and commitment — almost as much as having a baby in the home. You are responsible for entertaining this little creature and making sure that it stays safe.

Perhaps the best way to determine whether you are a good match for the personality of a ferret is to visit and play with one at an animal shelter. Doing so will give you a sense of how they like to interact and play with humans.

As well, time spent visiting and playing with a ferret at a shelter can help you to find the one that is best suited for your needs and your capabilities. A baby ferret, known as a kit, is a lot of work, and needs to be trained.

Thus a kit might not be the best choice if you are new to the world of ferrets. Why not start with an adult, and spend a few years learning about their habits and likes and dislikes before you venture into caring for a young animal. You’ll be more ready then, to work with a kit, and watch it grow into your life and home for many years.

If you want a pet that is small and playful, a ferret might be right for you!

About the Author:
Columnist Trevor Goald writes for a variety of popular Internet sites, on home repair and family matter subjects. Don’t reprint this exact article. Instead, reprint a free unique content version of this same article.