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Pet Ferret Care Information
Although pet ferret care is not difficult by any stretch of the imagination, it is not as easy as caring for small pets like hamsters or mice. Ferrets are probably one of the most enjoyable pets you can own, but they certainly are not for just anyone. Ferrets are a domesticated animal and are of the Mustela Putorius family being related to pole cats, weasels, badgers and skunks. A ferret's lifespan is 7 to 8 years old. They need a lot of attention and play time numbering at least two hours per day out of their cage unless your ferret has free run of a room or your house. A house or room needs to be ferret proofed if your ferret runs free as they will get into anything small enough for their little body. They can even get underneath a closed door, behind refrigerators and stoves and in any holes around your home, so make sure they are blocked off. Ferrets are prone to many diseases when they get old, so you should plan for this as time goes by. They usually get cancer such as, insulinoma, adrenal disease and other types of cancers. An important aspect of pet ferret care is spaying or neutering your pet. Unless you are planning on being a breeder, all ferret pets should be spayed/neutered. All pet store ferrets are spayed/neutered when you buy them. If you purchase a ferret from a breeder you will be responsible for spaying/neutering your pet. Like I said earlier, the care of pet ferrets is not as easy as other small pets, but it doesn't have to be difficult or complicated! HousingA ferret should have a metal cage with no sharp edges. Wooden cages are not recommended as they will hold oder and stink up the house! Remember, ferrets are related to skunks, so they have a little musky smell that needs to be minimized. Proper bedding for pet ferret care can consist of sheets, hammocks, or blankets.WaterA water bottle that is attached to your ferrets cage will work well also. When a ferret gets older some will want to drink out of a water bowl instead of a water bottle. I'm not sure exactly why, but it is what I've observed! :)
Litter Box and LitterAlmost any washable plastic container can be used as a litter box just as long as it is not too high for your ferret to get into. You should use paper pellets or pine pellets for your ferret's litter. Pine shavings is not good as it can cause respirator problems. Cat litter is very messy and sticks to your ferret's feet. The kitty litter also has a lot more oder then the pine pellets or newspaper.FoodNutrition by far, is the most important aspect of pet ferret care! Ferrets are carnivorous and need a food with at least 34 to 36 per cent protein. 8 and One ferret food is good and even Purina Kitten Chow has the ingredients that a ferret requires. Supplements such as Ferretone and Nutrical are good maybe once a week to keep your ferret healthy and to keep their fur nice and shiney. A weighted food bowl is best so your curious ferret won't turn the bowl over.HandlingBaby ferrets can nip just like a puppy. Ferret skin is very tough so they tend to nip a bit hard. They need to be taught not to nip by scruffing their neck and saying no or using bitter apple on your hands. Never ever hit your ferret, that will only make them nip more because they are frightened of you. Remember, this page focuses on the care of pet ferrets, not how to traumatize them! :)BathingFerrets do not need to be bathed often as it will dry the natural oils in their skin out. Once a month is plenty. They do need to have their ears cleaned with a cue tip and their nails trimmed every once in awhile as well.Article Contributed by: Mary Croonenberghs Mary has owned her own professional pet sitting service called "critter care", located in Phoenix Arizona, since 1997. She is a member of Pet Sitters International, a professional association of pet sitters with very high standards and strict code of practice. A link to her webpage can be found on the pet care services page.
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