How to Wean Baby Ferrets

Do you have baby ferrets that need to be weened? Are you unsure what steps are involved and what type of food they should eat while making the transition to adult food? Weaning baby ferrets is not difficult, but there are a few things a ferret owner should know to ensure the health and happiness of their kits as they make the transition from babyhood to adulthood.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Meat-based kibble, at least 34 percent protein
• Raw meat, such as ground beef or chicken
• Taurine

1. Wean baby ferrets at no sooner than six weeks of age. Ideally they should be separated from the mother even later to prevent the developement of bad habits related to premature weaning.
2. Purchase kibble or raw meat. If you choose to feed them kibble during weaning moisten it in warm water until it is soft, and add taurine.
3. Feed baby ferrets four times a day, but no more than every four hours.
4. Sterilize all utensils and bowls after feeding, especially if the baby ferrets are being fed raw meat.

Tips & Warnings

• Alternate between feeding baby ferrets kibble and raw meat to help them become familiar with both types of food during weening and prevent them from rejecting either when they are older.
• Ferrets weaned too early can develop bad habits such as suckling or eating foreign objects.
• Ferrets are strictly carnivores, and they require a high protein diet. Make sure if you are feeding your baby ferrets cat kibble it is at least 34 percent protein.
• Ferret babies need to be introduced to raw meat when they are young or they will reject it when older. To prevent this and ensure variety alternate between kibble and raw meat.