How to Care for Ferrets

Ferrets are ultradian animals'they have short bursts of activity
separated by hours of rest. They can adapt their schedules to
yours so they'll be awake and ready to play when you are.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

5. Protect your ferret from extreme weather and temperatures, especially direct sunlight and heat (anything over 80 degrees F can be harmful).

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.

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.

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.

9. Pick up your ferret from behind. Use one hand to support his chest and the other to support his hips.

Tips & Warnings

• Some states don't allow ferrets to be kept as pets. Contact your local wildlife or fish and game department or the humane society to find out if ferrets are legal in your area and whether you'll need a license to own one.

• Ferrets can catch colds from people, so stay away from your ferret if you are feeling sick.