Ferrets – General Info and Guide
Ferrets are quite curious, friendly, and smart. They are very lively and so require a lot of exercise time and play sessions. Since they bite if not socialized well, it’s not the best idea to buy a ferret for young kids. Adults as well should handle them carefully, because they could believe your finger is food if you don’t train them well. They enjoy playing by jumping and hopping around and enjoy it if their owners play with them.
A ferret may live for between six and thirteen years, so if you get one, you should be committed to taking care of them their whole lives They are brilliant, friendly pets and do the best if you have at least two of them. It’s very recommended to get two at a time and then your ferret will have someone to play with at all times.
Houses for ferrets typically are created to have two levels, as well as somewhere to place a comfy hammock. Their cage ought to additionally have a dark place like a wooden hutch so the ferret can use it to sleep in. Ferrets enjoy playing with their toys. When setting up their habitat, it’s a good idea to include things like tree branches, logs, cardboard boxes, and unused flower pots.
It is simple to litter box train a ferret. Just place a litter box in the corner your ferret prefers to go to the bathroom and fill it with an odor controlled, fresh bedding made of natural paper material. Be sure you not only put one in their enclosure but also one outside of their cage they can use during play sessions.
Health
Ferrets are a type of weasel, and they are also a carnivore, which means they eat meat. Ferrets have a fast metabolism, and thereby require lots of animal fats. Since their metabolism is fast, they have to eat meals every three to four hours. So, it is necessary to make sure they have dry ferret food available at all times, but don’t give them any that is fish-based. Stay away from anything high in grain or vegetable content.
Don’t change their foods too quickly, or they will get sick. So, to avoid this, make you’re your pet receives a mixture of different kinds of food early on, and then this will get them used to different diets in case you can’t get any of the food they prefer for some reason or another. Be sure they always have access to clean, fresh water.
Pet ferrets
The word ferret means little thief in Latin. Several ferrets together are known as a business, and people have kept them for pets for more than two thousand years. They were first used to help hunters scare out rabbits. Then they developed into just being pets and now live with us inside the house. But a ferret is unique, and you must take care of their needs, so they stay well and are happy.
How to Feed Ferrets
A ferret is what is called an ‘obligate carnivore.’ That means they only eat meat. One excellent option to feed a pet ferret is to give them kitten food that is of high quality. A ferret’s metabolism is very fast, which means they need to be able to have food available all the time.
Ferrets can also eat meat that is of a quality meant for people. Plus, they always need to have a supply of fresh, clean water. Be sure to give them water in a bowl that has some weight so they won’t overturn or spill it. And don’t leave anything around that a ferret may like to chew up, as that can cause them harm.
The Behavior of Pet ferrets
Since ferrets are social, it is best to keep at least two of them, and not to keep a single one by itself. Be sure the ferrets are neutered or spayed as this prevents fights or breeding, as well as being suitable for their health.
Ferrets are active more so at dusk and dawn. If you get lucky, you could see them do what some call the weasel war dance. That’s when they jump and bob around because they are playful and happy. Don’t let your ferret be around other small pets like kittens, guinea pigs, or bunnies. That’s because since they are carnivores, they could prey on them.
How to house and litter train ferrets
Ferrets need to be kept securely in an enclosure when not being supervised so they will stay safe. If you let them run loose and unsupervised, they could end up chewing something and end up getting hurt. That is why it is better to keep them housed in a cage of some sort meant for ferrets. Their cage should be as big as you can afford, so they can at least be able to stretch out completely as well as walk around inside it and be able to turn around completely.
Ventilate the enclosure adequately, and it also has lots of things for enrichment like tunnels a few boxes, and some hammocks for them to sleep in. Were you aware you can litter train a ferret just like with cats? Put the litter box in one of the corners of their enclosure and be sure to change it daily.
Healthiness
Your pet ferret needs to have regular health checkups just like other pets do. They also should get preventative checkups. Vaccinate them against the same illnesses that dogs can get, and need to take preventative medications for fleas or worms. Ferrets are considered old at four years. They sadly have a short lifespan. If you get your pet regular health checkups, they can be monitored for health or dental issues and possibly live longer.
Related
Here is where we discuss the best cage for your ferret.
