Things You Should Know Before You Buy A Ferret
Ferrets are fantastic pets and they are becoming more and more popular. The problem is that people tend to buy ferrets on impulse and can often regret their decision later on. The result is the ferret ending up at animal rescue. Ferrets are adorable and are a lot of fun but ferrets require maintenance and they are not for everyone because they really are high maintenance pets.
Ferrets can suffer from what is called, “shelter shock” if they do not have their needs met. These needs include sufficient human interaction, plenty of time out of their cage, and attention. For those pet owners that are seeking low maintenance pets they should seek hamsters or goldfish. Ferrets need to be out of their cage at least a few hours per day and while they are out they need supervision because they are filled with energy and can get themselves in trouble. Ferrets also need to have a nice roomy cage that can house their litter box, their food and water bowls, the bedding, and perhaps a hammock and other toys.
Consider these things before buying a ferret…
- If you travel a lot and are gone for long periods of time such as overnight often, you might want to reconsider buying a ferret.
- If you go on vacation do you have someone that will babysit your ferret?
- Can you afford to be a ferret owner? Ferrets require annual vet check ups, vaccinations, and they need to be fixed. They also need a quality diet that can not be compromised.
There are a lot of preventative measures that have to be taken prior to buying a ferret that should be considered such as rearranging your house to lodge your ferret, closing off all areas where your ferret can get to that you can not, and securing all of your cabinets with childproof locks.
Ferrets can be very mischievous too and are famous for chewing and digging up your carpet, going to the bathroom where they are not supposed to, and chewing the cushions off of your furniture. This is all part of the joy of ferret ownership.
Before buying a ferret consider further these things:
Do you have any other pets and that there is a possibility that your ferret might never get along with these other pets?
If you have children are you going to be able to supervise all contact between the children and the ferret?
Are you pregnant or plan to be? Babies and ferrets do not mix!
Even if you have the time now, will you have the time in the future to devote to your ferret?
Finally, have you checked with the city in which you reside to make sure that owning a ferret is allowed? Sometimes cities will allow ferrets but they have certain restrictions that have to be met such as the ferret must be spayed or neutered, can you accommodate this? A call to the city in which you live or to the Humane Society should suffice in answering these questions.
Do not let these considerations shun you away from buying a ferret. If you can handle what goes along with ferret ownership then you should, by all means, embrace the experience of having a ferret because they are wonderful and amazing pets.
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What To Know About Your Ferret Diet
Understand first that ferrets are carnivores. Basically what this means is they can’t digest any fiber and they require a diet that consists of meat because this kind of diet offers high fat and protein and low fiber. This is perfect for your ferret. The best source of protein for your ferret diet will come from poultry. Foods that are designed especially for ferrets make up a good diet and so do some high quality kitten foods. Look over the ingredients in the food before giving it to your ferret and be certain that you are delivering the right nutrients so he stays healthy.
Do not feed your ferret any dog food because they lack necessary nutrients and they are high in carbs that ferrets are unable to digest. Ferrets also eat smaller meals that must be very concentrated. Ferrets should also not have corn or fish and their diet must be a quality food. Offering your ferret cheaper foods will only result in having to offer them additional food rations to compensate.
Ferrets are pretty fussy eaters and once they get adjusted to a particular brand of food they do not take to change lightly. Ideally, you can offer your ferret a mix of quality kitten and ferret foods together. Although it is important to stick to the same brand as they will know if you change it and might not want it. If a particular food that you have been feeding your ferret becomes unavailable and you have to make a change, do so gradually so that you do not upset his sensitive digestive tract.
Ideally, food should be accessible to your ferret around the clock but this is impossible with moist foods. To get around this, keep a dish of quality food pellets where he can reach them when he wants to eat. You will find that the dry pellets are good for your ferret’s teeth too. It is very important that your ferret has fresh and clean water all of the time, especially when the weather is warm. When ferrets are thirsty they simply stop eating so always make sure your ferret has a water supply near him. It is best to feed your ferret water from a bowl as opposed to a water bottle as they will drink more water this way. They might also play in the bowl of water so be sure to change it often.
Ferrets just love snacks, although they do not need them. However, snacks are fun and most owners like to allow their ferrets to indulge once and a while. Snacks are very good rewards when training your ferret. The problem with ferrets and snacks is when they are given the wrong kind of snacks. Ferrets should not be given sweets for many reasons but the most obvious include obesity, tooth decay, and the development of hypoglycemia. Fruits are alright if they are not high in natural sugars and dairy will upset their digestive system causing diarrhea. Cooked meats and cooked eggs make up great snacking options.
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The Four Basic Ferret Colors
When it comes to the colors of ferrets there are basically four different ferret colors to choose from. It might seem like there are more choices but if you find a different shade he will be part of one of the four original colors which are silver, Albino, Dark Eyed White, and The Sable which covers the dark and chocolate shades.
To complicate matters just a bit a ferret can have very distinct markings that often alter his coloring. . Some ordinary markings consist of white tips at the tail, bibs, white feet, and rings around the eyes. You might hear various references about differences in ferrets by their markings such as being referred to as a sable mitt, a sable bib, a blaze, Siamese, pointed patterned, badgers, pandas, Shetlands, or roans. These terms are all referencing the patterns and markings on the ferret.
Ferrets also have two different fur textures, guardhair and undercoat. The guardhair is the most prevalent hair and the hair that is the longest. The undercoat is simply that, the hair under the guardhair, the hair that offers protection from the cold.
All ferrets are white when they are born but the hair generally darkens and they turn into one of the varieties. The exception, of course, is the albino who remains white with pink or red eyes and noses. The most familiar ferret will be the sable. They have the darker guard hairs with a creamy colored under coat. They eyes are black and the nose can be pink, black or brown. The main characteristic of the sable is the dark fur across the eyes.
The black sable very much resembles the regular sable except he does not have the same distinct eye markings and could have a speckled nose. The chocolate and the champagne ferret are variations of the sable too. These kinds might have a little beige or burgundy mixed in.
Cinnamon ferrets are hard to come by but when you see one you will note the light brown fur that has a reddish hue to it. They can also be what many might call blonde. The eyes and nose can be a variety of colors. The silver ferret can be barely silver or it could be gray in color.
The numerous colors and patterns of ferrets today are a result of selective breeding. Another thing to consider about ferret colors is that they have a tendency to change colors and patterns during the course of their existence. The changes occur at different ages or at various seasons. For this reason, it is a good idea to not base your ferret selection on color.
Ferrets can look very unique because of their individual markings. Some have speckles on their stomachs; some have rings around their eyes, others have markings on the tips of their tails. And even more might look like they are wearing a bib because of the way that they are marked. Each ferret is very unique in both appearance and personality.
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Ferret Disease – How To Avoid Them
By no means are ferrets sickly animals or more likely to get a disease than any other animal but each pet has certain health issues that they are more susceptible to and this is no different with ferret disease. Most of these diseases can be avoided with a proper diet and care.
Intestinal blockages can occur in ferrets if they have access to things that are not intended to be food such as fabric, plastic, or rubber…things like that. Ferrets can not digest these items and this can lead to intestinal blockages. It is important to keep these things away from your ferret and to pay special attention to any bloating, constipation, or vomiting and take your ferret to the vet right away. Blockages should not be taken lightly and can kill your ferret if left untreated.
Ferrets are more susceptible for issues with their adrenal glands including tumors or lesions. Pay attention of your ferret starts to lose hair in certain areas but be aware that not all ferrets will show signs when they have a tumor. This is another reason that annual vet visits are so important. The vet will check the ferret’s adrenal gland as part of a routine check up.
Tumors in the pancreas are common but more exclusively in older ferrets. Although symptoms are not always present, look for loss of appetite, pawing at the mouth, lethargy, attention lapses, and seizures. Ferrets can develop cancer in their lymphatic system, enlarged spleens, and bacterial infections of the stomach lining, urinary tract infections and prostate troubles.
Other health problems and diseases that ferrets are prone to include abscesses that are a result of infection to an initial injury. This is another reason why ferrets should stay caged when they are not being watched. Female ferrets can get more female reproductive infections when they are in heat. This is because males have a tendency to be aggressive when mating, couple that with a lack of hygiene and this can be common. In general, if your ferret is housed in unsanitary conditions this is a possibility.
Proliferative Colitis is common in ferrets that cross contaminate fecal and orally but it is also possible when food is improperly cooked. Usually this type of condition is seen in ferrets less than one year of age. Jills that are nursing can develop blocked mammary glands which make feeding impossible. The result can be that a bacterium contaminates the bloodstream and causes illness.
Young ferrets have been known to develop ringworm from litter boxes that are not cared for properly. Ferrets are very susceptible to various strains of botulism, especially C. The main cause of this is when raw meat is not handled or stored properly. Other things that ferrets are more prone to as opposed to other pets are dental disease, heat exhaustion, and vitamin deficiencies including anemia. When a well balanced diet is provided for your ferret it is likely that he will develop any of the latter conditions.
Learn Some Facts Before You Adopt A Ferret
Ferrets are curious little creatures and they are becoming more popular as household pets. Before you adopt a ferret there are a few things that you should understand but likely the best advice will be not to rush into it. The reason for this is that owning a ferret is a bit different than owning other pets however; it is still a rewarding experience nonetheless. There is a lot to know about ferret ownership and once you have learned all that you can then you will be better to make a decision if this kind of pet is going to fit well into your home and your lifestyle.
First, ferrets are pets that require that you spend time with them each day. Compare the time spent with a ferret to that time you would plan to spend with a new kitten. Ferrets love to play and they are quite lively. You should be able to devote a minimum of one hour to your ferret each day but longer than that will be even better for your new pet.
Next, ferrets need a cage which they should be in when they can not be supervised. These cages should be roomy and above all a safe haven for your ferret so he can not injure himself. Ferrets love to run around but often find that they end up in compromising places because of their insidious play.
Subsequently, ferrets are not cheap to own. They have some health issues that are really no big deal as long as they are addressed. Ferrets need to see the vet annually for vaccinations and check ups. They also need a diet that is made up of a good quality of food. A better quality of food will help them stay healthy and will also avoid future problems.
Ferrets can be litter trained if you will be willing to spend the time teaching them. The best training for your ferret is reward training where they are given a treat for good and positive behavior. The ferrets seem to respond best to this. While this might require patience it is well worth it in the end.
Ferrets have a natural odor to them that is kind of musky however if they see the vet they will get spayed or neutered which will help to reduce the smell. Unfortunately, the odor of ferrets is something that you have to live with and can not be bathed away. Changing their litter and bedding often will usually help quench the odor too.
Ferrets are very rewarding pets but do not underestimate the maintenance that goes into them. For health reasons the female ferret has to be spayed unless you plan to breed her annually. If this is not taken care of she can get aplastic anemia which can kill her. Vaccinations are mandatory for ferrets so they must have both their rabies and distemper shot every year.
Ferrets are very smart pets. They are also very social, playful, loyal, loving, and curious. Ferrets are now in the top three of most well liked household pets and they are adorable. Just make sure that you are up to the challenge of owning one of these furry little creatures before adopting.
Caring For Your New Baby Ferret The Right Way
All babies require extra care and attention and baby ferrets are no exception to that rule. Ferrets are mammals so there are quite a few similarities with other babies. They can leave their mother at about age 6 weeks if they are going to get the proper care elsewhere. Knowing how to properly care for a new baby ferret requires a lot more than guess work and finding out what they need and want should be handled prior to them being born or brought home.
When the female ferret, also called the Jill, is giving birth to her litter, she should not be touched or handled in any way. Doing so could result in her becoming violent and possibly harming you or her young. Leave her be, she knows what she is doing. The litter will be called “kits.” The mother ferret usually will give birth to about eight babies in one litter. When the babies are born they are unable to see anything, they are pink in color and totally hairless. For some time the kits do nothing more than sleep, eat, and grow. In about three weeks the babies will begin to open their eyes and they will darken in color.
By six weeks the kits can leave their mother but by the seventh week it is suggested that the babies see the vet for their first visit. This is a good time to begin vaccinations but it is also wise to discuss neutering your ferret and having him descented.
When you are picking up your ferret always inquire with the breeder about the food that the ferret has been used to eating. If you can, try to keep him on the same diet but it is a good idea to also soften the food by soaking it is warm water before giving it to the baby ferret. If you decide to switch foods then always wean the baby ferret from one food to another very gradually. Do this by adding a little of the new brand to the old one, a little at a time until the new brand is the predominant one.
Some people feed their ferrets’ cat food but it is always a better choice to feed your ferret a good quality ferret food because it has more of the right minerals and balance to it. Especially when ferrets are babies, they require a high protein diet and this can not be provided through a cat food regimen. The ideal food choice should consist of 35% protein and 20% fat. The best choice for a baby ferret would be a food that uses poultry as the main fatty acid. Ferrets should always have access to plenty of clean water that is changed regularly.
Make sure that your new baby ferret has a nice spacious cage that he can grow with. Be sure that this cage is designed and safe for ferrets and one where he can not harm himself but has ample room. The cage is the safe haven for your ferret and a place where he can play without harm. Make sure the material that the cage is made from is safe and non chewable and that it can’t corrode. Make the cage all comfy inside so your ferret is comfortable and has the opportunity to burrow. Always use bedding choices that can not be chewed up as this could harm your ferret.
Ferrets can be so much fun if they are happy pets then they will be fun and live a long time!
Is The Ferret Hammock Right For Your Ferret
More than anything else, ferrets adore sleeping, so as a ferret owner you should do everything possible to make sure that your ferret has sufficient sleep accommodations. Anything that you give him to enhance his sleep will be much appreciated since he will likely be asleep as many as 20 hours per day. The ideal place for a ferret to slumber would be a place that is dark and soft because they kind of like to hide when they snooze. Sleep is very important to the health of your ferret so do what you can to make him happy. So, is a ferret hammock right for your ferret?
There are some options available to offer your ferret for when he sleeps such as sleep sacks and hammocks. The sleep sack offers sufficient warmth for your ferret. You simply lay it on the floor of his cage so he can climb in. Some of these sleep sacks have an opening on one end and others have openings at both. Your ferret might even enjoy playing in his sleep sack and you should have no worries as they are completely safe.
While ferrets do enjoy warmth they also sometimes can overheat so a hammock is also a good choice for your ferret. These hammocks are very similar to regular human occupied hammocks but smaller and fit in the ferret cage and allow your ferret an opportunity to sleep in cooler conditions if he wants to. These hammocks do some in a variety of colors and sizes, some even allowing for more than one ferret to sleep at a time.
If you decide to use either or both of these enhanced sleep options for your ferret remember to keep them laundered regularly so they are clean and free from any diseases. Look over these items periodically and make sure that they are not fraying or tearing as this can only harm your pet ferret if he starts to chew on it. If it becomes damaged it is best to discard it and buy a new one. Prior to purchasing one of these sleep sacks or hammocks check out the materials and the hardware that is being used to ensure that it is safe for your pet.
The hammocks are the best option if you have to make a choice. This is because the hammock provides more of a natural environment for the ferret, they are very safe, and they are better for the ferret in regards to how they sleep. Another thing about the hammock is that the ferret will be able to spend countless hours playing on it while you do not have to worry about him getting hurt.
There are plenty of things that you can do to make things more comforting for your ferret that will provide him with a happy and healthy life.
Ferret Care Information You Should Know
It is never a good idea to buy a pet based on impulse or through a hasty decision. This is especially true with ferrets. The primary concern is the amount of time that you can dedicate to the ferret to care for him. Ferrets are bred from the Mustelid line which means that they are exotic and elite however it also means that once your ferret becomes an adult he will carry an odor that you will want to tend to. Now, if you plan to breed the ferret then having him descented is not a good idea but otherwise your vet can neuter and descent your vet and the problem will be solved. Ferrets need to have regular vaccinations and regular check ups at the vet too.
Take the ferret diet into consideration prior to buying. There is a specific diet that ferrets need to follow if they are to remain healthy and live long lives and as a ferret owner you must be faithful in following this diet. Ferret food or even a good quality cat food can be bought at all pet stores and this is what your ferret should be eating because they are high in protein and low in fat. Ferret food is better since ferrets need more fat than cats do. Poultry incorporated foods are the best option for providing fats.
There are other things that are mandatory for ferrets such as access to fresh and clean water around the clock. If possible, always offer them water from a bowl. Your ferret also needs a place for him to call home, ideally his own cage but make sure the cage is spacious, safe and cleaned regularly. Make sure that the cage you use is designed for ferrets so it is safe. It is in the best interest of your ferret to keep him caged when he can not be supervised so he does not hurt himself.
If allowed to, ferrets will sleep most of the day away especially if you allow him ample darkness and a soft padded place to lie. Check into hammocks that are designed for ferrets at the local pet store or simply cover the ferret’s cage with a dark sheet and place the cage in a quiet area of the home.
Follow this rule of thumb when it comes to your ferret, if he can reach it he will chew it. The problem with this is that he could very well choke on whatever it is that he is chewing. Of course, he can also damage your belongings too! It is easy for ferrets to get intestine obstructions so always keep these sorts of things away from ferrets.
Ferrets make excellent and loving pets and by nature can be quite social. Socially they tend to bloom better when they are introduced to other people when they are about one month old. Ferrets require a lot of time in their cage but they should be allowed out a couple of times daily but only when you can supervise them.
Ferrets also love to be held and to snuggle with you. Ferrets are enjoyable and affectionate pets especially when they are interacted with early on.
What Is A Proper Ferret Diet
For the health and safety of your ferret it is imperative that they eat a diet that is designed for ferrets. Ferrets can easily develop health problems if they are not fed right. Ferrets like to eat meat and this is what they require so feeding your ferret anything other than meat will place him in jeopardy health wise. They require a diet that is high in protein and low in fiber. There was a time when people would use cat food to feed their ferrets, and while that is still a viable option there are plenty of foods that are designed for ferrets that better meet the needs of their food requirements. These foods are low in carbs and high in fats and are the perfect blend of food for any ferret diet.
Look over any foods before buying and make sure that they have a combination of a minimum of 35% protein, 2% fiber, 18% fat, 21 amino acids, and ideally less than a 7% ash level. Also, make sure that the carbs that are present come from good sources such as brewer’s yeast or rice flour. Avoid any foods that contain frozen fish that was not processed correctly. Ferrets can be extremely finicky and will let you know when they do not like what you are feeding them. Ferret food does cost more than the cat food option but it is better for the ferret and you will find that they usually require less food when they are eating ferret food. Because this is the ideal food source for them you will also save money by not having to buy vitamin supplements for him.
Ferrets should be fed at least two times per day so they can get sufficient calorie intake but they do not require big servings. Ferret food is usually moist and should not be left out for more than 45 minutes after being offered because it can spoil quickly. For this reason many ferret owners will supplement with a dry pellet option. This gives the ferret something to munch on between feedings and is also good for their teeth. Clean and fresh water should be available for your ferret around the clock and should be offered from a bowl as opposed to a tube or a bottle.
It is not essential that you offer your ferret any treats, although they can be useful for litter training your ferret. Regardless, some ferret owners insist on giving their ferret snacks and treats so if this is the case then stick to eggs and meat as a treat option. Never give your ferret sugar, candy, dairy, nuts, grains, or vegetables. These food items can cause many health problems for your ferret. Onions are lethal for ferrets and should never be an option nor should onions be in any pantry or cupboards that the ferret has access to. Remember, too many snacks will fill up your ferret and result in his not eating balanced meals.
The best way to show your love to your ferret is to make sure that he is healthy and the way to do this is by feeding him properly.
What To Expect With Your New Ferret
Today, many people are deciding that a ferret would make the ideal pet. They are very cute and can be litter trained easily. Ferrets actually are very charming pets but it is wise to study up a bit on ferrets before bringing one home to gather some information on allowing your new ferret to roam freely in your house. No pets should be allowed access to your whole house until they become familiar with their surroundings. You should learn a little about each other before he is allowed to run free, especially unsupervised.
The majority of ferrets can be litter trained with a bit of persistence and patience. Once they have been trained they will almost always use the litter box when they have to “go.” There is no specified time frame that it takes to litter train a ferret. Some catch on right away and for others it could take a while. Basically, it is up to you and how much time you dedicate to this endeavor.
Learn when your ferret is likely to require the litter box. This isn’t difficult to determine as most will go when they wake up and when they are finished eating. Place the litter box in a smaller room, a bathroom usually works well. Keep the door shut and do not let him out until after he uses the litter box. Reward your ferret right away with a treat. This will teach him that there is a reward involved with this behavior.
The number one mistake that many ferret owners make is punishing the ferret if he has an accident. Punishment for having an accident in the house will lead to problems because the ferret can not relate the punishment to the crime and your efforts will only put a damper on your relationship with your new pet.
Ferrets love to run freely around the house but before you allow this you should know that they are famous for making messes and you should make your home safe for him. Remember that ferrets are small so they can get in a lot of areas that might not be intended for them and they are very curious, by nature. If the ferrets head will fit in a space you can pretty much be sure that they can squeeze in there.
Just like you would with a baby, you have to view things from the eyes of the ferret. This means getting down to their level and taking a look around. Look for any place at all that your ferret could get into. Do this in each room of your home even if you do not plan to allow your ferret in the room because you never know when he will sneak in. Pay special attention to appliances as they are a favorite of ferrets.
Leave no stone unturned because ferrets will make places to play from dryer vents, inside the fabric of your couch and will scale the back of your refrigerator and climb into the fan area just for fun. Unfortunately, all of these options certainly spell danger for your ferret.
Most ferret owners love to allow their ferret some free space to exercise and roam free but it is up to you to protect your ferret and it really is not a good idea to allow him a lot of free space from his cage unless it is supervised.
