How to Raise a Ferret

Ferrets are probably the most entertaining animals you can have for a pet. They are very energetic and curious. Before getting a ferret, you must be willing to commit a lot of time to them and you will need to ferret proof your home. They are prone to certain illnesses, so you will need to a veterinarian. Just like your dog or cat, they need to be vaccinated and have well check-ups. It's a commitment of the heart that will be greatly rewarded.

Things You'll Need

• Large cage
• Small dog or cat bed
• Hanging water bottle
• Lots of toys
• Dry, high quality cat food
• Litter box and litter
• Collar with bell and leash

Instructions

1. Buy your ferret young. The younger the better when it comes to training your ferret. They are very smart and can learn quite quickly if you are consistent with their training.

2. Ferret proof your home. Ferrets like to play and chew things up. Your ferret should not be able to get to anything, that once chewed into little pieces, can harm her. Rubber, plastic and spongy things are some of a ferret's favorite things to chew up and can get lodged in the ferret's intestines causing a blockage. If you have other animals, keep rubber and plastic dog toys picked up and anything containing cat nip. Get them toys, lots of toys, that don't have small parts. Fuzzy newborn toys are great. You will also want to put a collar with a bell on your ferret when they are young, too. It may take a few minutes to get them used to it, but it will be well worth the fight the first time you can't find him. As soon as he starts to move around, you will hear the bell.

3. Set up the cage. The cage will need a litter box, water bottle, food dish and a bed. You should also put in lots of toys and a small blanket. They love to roll up in blankets and even fall asleep in them. Keep the litter box at one end and their food and water at the other. Keep them in their cage if you are going out or at night while you are sleeping. Or, if you have the room, you can set up a spare bedroom just for the ferret. Keep it just as you would the cage.

4. Feed your ferrets dry, high quality cat food. Don't give them canned food or dog food; it isn't good for them. If you change brands of food, introduce a small amount of the new food mixed in with the old food and increase the amount of new food each day. Soon they will be eating the new food without any fuss. Keep the dish full all the time, unless your ferret is overweight. Keep the water bottle full of fresh, clean water.

5. Take your ferret to the vet. Just like any other pet, ferrets need to be vaccinated and have check-ups, too. You will have a much healthier, happier ferret if she receives the proper care. The vet can also tell you what to watch for in certain illnesses that ferrets are prone to. Ask your vet for any special instructions on cleaning your pet. They need to be bathed about every two weeks and you can use a baby shampoo. Then just lay a towel on the floor and the ferret will dry himself.

6. Teach your ferret not to bite. Your ferret bites to play usually, so your pet doesn't know it's bad until you say. You don't need to hit a ferret to teach him. Grab him by the scruff of his neck and say no. Then put him in his cage for 10 minutes and ignore him. It won't take long for him to learn what is acceptable and what is not.

7. Play with your ferret every day. Make sure you take your ferret out of his cage and play with him every day. They are very playful and entertaining. They will make you laugh no matter how bad your day has been.

Tips & Warnings

• Pick up a few books on raising ferrets and read all you can. The more you know, the healthier and happier your ferret will be.