How To Care For Your Ferret
If you own a ferret, or are thinking about adopting a ferret, you need to consider the amount of time that is required for proper ferret care. Ferrets are exotic pets and they are part of the mustelid family. So, they will develop an odor when they reach maturity. If you have no plans to breed your ferret, then de-scenting is a good idea and neutering is a must. De-scenting will help keep their odor under control. Neutering will prevent any unwanted litters if you plan to keep two or more ferrets. Your pet will also need to see a veterinarian for vaccinations and regular check ups. Always take any newly adopted animals to a vet for a check up and all necessary shots.
A ferret’s diet needs to be properly balanced. Many pet stores carry high quality cat foods or specially designed ferret food. Read the labels to be sure that the brand of food you’ve selected contains at least 35% protein and 20% fat. Ferrets need higher fast levels in their food than cats do. Always make sure that your ferret has fresh water accessible. They tend to prefer bowls to water bottles and will drink less water if you use a bottle. But, if you’re unable to change the water at least once every day, the use of a water bottle might be in order.
Safe housing is a must for your ferret. Select a ferret home that is roomy, easy to clean and, of course, safe. Scrutinize the spacing of the bars of your ferret’s cage. If a ferret can push its head through any part of its cage, then that cage is unsafe. Also make sure that the ferret’s feet can’t get caught in any part of the cage you choose. Ferrets really like to run around and play in their cages, so if you don’t get them the correct type of cage, they could get hurt.
Ferrets also love to sleep – from 15 to 20 hours per day. And, they like to hide is soft, dark places. Giving them sleeping sacks and hammocks that do double duty for both sleep and play, will make for one very happy ferret. To provide a quiet area for them, try placing a sheet over part of their cage to give them a little privacy.
Be aware that your ferret loves to chew things. Be sure to check your ferret’s cage frequently and remove any item they might be chewing on that isn’t safe for them. If your ferret ingests pieces of plastic or fabric from something it has been chewing on, this can cause an obstruction in its intestines and your pet will require surgery to have it removed.
Ferrets can be social animals. Start to initiate human contact when your ferret is around 30 days old. Furthermore, you need to let your ferret get out of their cage at least twice a day, so make sure this is in a ferre-proof room. Never leave your ferret unsupervised while it is out of its cage. They could be at risk of getting hurt.
Handle your ferret often so it will be easier to train. Training will assist in helping them connect with you. And, ferrets really like to cuddle, too. Ferrets can also be litter trained. The sooner you start the litter training process the better chance you have of succeeding.
Ferrets are both affectionate and fun. The more you socialize with them, the healthier and happier they will be.
Taking Your Ferret Home
There’s a few things that you should know before you bring your ferret home. First, select an area where you want to keep your ferret. They will be spending the majority of their time here, so be sure to make the area both safe and comfortable. You’ll have lots of choices available for ferret cages. It’s important that they have sufficient room to run around and that there are no gaps is the levels to prevent your ferret from getting hurt. Soft bedding is also essential for your ferret’s safety and comfort. A cage with a plastic bottom is often easier to clean. The metal-bottomed cages are apt to rust and look grimy after several washings. But, if you buy a cage with plastic coated metal, make sure your ferret isn’t chewing the plastic. If your ferret swallows bits of plastic they could cause a serious health problem that may even require surgery. Providing hammocks and sleeping sacks will not only serve to make your ferret happier but more comfortable, too. A ferret will sleep up to 20 hours every day, so providing a comfortable sleeping area is essential. Don’t forget that your ferret needs to be out of his cage at least two hours a day, so make sure you ferret-proof that room so they don’t get hurt.
Your ferret will always welcome a selection of toys. However, select any toys for your ferret very carefully. Incorrect types of toys could actually jeopardizes your ferret’s life. The toys need to be able to resist damage from a ferret’s sharp teeth. Cat toys can frequently be a good choice for ferrets. Don’t get any toys that are easily destroyed. It’s not a good idea to leave toys in your ferret’s cage if you’re not there to supervise. A piece of damaged toy could be disastrous for your ferret were he to swallow it.
Ferrets have a certain odor to them as they are part of the Mustelid family. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to have your ferret de-scented and neutered. Your ferret will also need inoculations and regular check-ups. Talk to your vet about the best schedule to any shoots and boosters that your pet is going to need.
The kind of food you select for your ferret is of great importance. Always select either premium quality cat for or specially designed ferret food that doesn’t contain any protein supplied from frozen meat. If you plan to alter the brand of food they were getting from the breeder make the change very slowly. Slowly introduce the new food while also slowly decreasing the previous type of food until they are switched to the new brand. Ferrets don’t really need any snacks and and inappropriate choice of snack could cause health problems in the future. However, snacks can used as an aid for training your ferret. If you decide to give your ferret snacks, always opt for healthy options such as cooked eggs and meat. Refrain from giving your ferret any surgary treats. They will only harm him.
It requires a lot of planning to ensure that you bring your ferret to a home that is safe and stress-free for both you and your new pet.
