Things You'll Need:
- Exercise Pens For Ferrets
- Ferret Ear Cleaning Solutions
- Dry Ferret Food
- Ferret Cages With Starter Kits
- Ferret Deodorizing Sprays
- Ferret Hammock
- Ferret Shampoo
- Ferret Toys
- Litter Boxes For Ferrets
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Step 1
Feed your ferret a high-quality ferret or kitten food that's high in protein (34 to 38 percent) and fat (19 to 22 percent) but low in fiber. Make this readily available throughout the day, as ferrets digest food quickly and eat 7 to 10 meals a day. Avoid giving your ferret any moist, canned cat food, which can contribute to dental-tartar formation.
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Step 2
Offer treats such as meats. Give no more than 1 tsp. a day, and mash or chop food into small pieces to make it easier for him to consume.
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Step 3
Provide a cage that's equipped with a water bottle and lined with newspaper on top of linoleum. Make sure the cage is large enough for exercise. For one or two ferrets, the cage should measure 18 by 30 by 36 inches and contain at least two levels. Keep your ferret in his cage unless supervised.
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Step 4
Give your ferret 2 hours of playtime and exercise outside the cage each day. Be sure to ferret-proof your home by removing hazardous products before allowing him to roam the house. If you take your ferret outside, always keep him on a leash made for small animals.
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Step 5
Protect your ferret from extreme weather and temperatures, especially direct sunlight and heat (anything over 80 degrees F can be harmful).
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Step 6
Have a ferret-savvy veterinarian vaccinate your ferret for rabies and canine distemper. Also, remember that ferrets can get fleas, heartworm and intestinal parasites. Consult a veterinarian for preventative measures and treatment.
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Step 7
Spay or neuter your pet ferret. This is especially critical for females, as female ferrets are induced ovulators (they ovulate when bred). If she is not bred when in heat, she can die from anemia.
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Step 8
Give your ferret toys such as tennis balls, cardboard boxes and cat toys. Make sure none of your ferret toys have small, removable parts, as your ferret can ingest these and develop an obstruction in the digestive tract.
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Step 9
Pick up your ferret from behind. Use one hand to support his chest and the other to support his hips.
Comments
mizzlee said
on 11/4/2009 The ferretlady is right!! You really need to do research and talk to other owners before gettin some. I did quite a bit of research before getting ours. These pets are not for everyone. They require a lot of time and patience!!
eclipse001 said
on 8/5/2009 I had always wanted a ferret but my parents said "NO!" because they thought it wouldn't be a very good idea, but now i can cause i'm paying for it so what gender would be best? Umm... Do most bite at a young age? And whats the best way to stop one from biting?
ferretexpert said
on 4/10/2009 Some of this info is incorrect. Your ferret needs at least 3 hours or hours of playtime everyday. Sonni3, they can not fit into holes quite that small. It has to be the size of their head for them to get through. Also, it is VERY wise to first get your ferret[s] a shot before taking them outside.
ferretlady said
on 8/9/2008 Sorry, that link is:
http://www.miamiferret.org/ferret_manual.pdf
ferretlady said
on 8/9/2008 If you are considering getting a ferret or are new to ferret ownership PLEASE read up on them more than this! Many ferrets are abandoned every year because owners didn't know what they were in for and can't or are unwilling to care for them properly. They are GREAT pets, but, like any pet, require planning and self-education.
I HIGHLY recommend this free online ferret manual:
http://www.miamiferret.org/ferret_manual
and the book "Ferrets for Dummies" ($13.59 on Amazon)
Also, ferret shelters are a wonderful resource for learning more about ferrets, and other essentials such as good ferret vets in your area. You can find these small independent shelters by searching for "Small & Furry" Breed- Ferret on Petfinder.com