How to Make a Ferret Happy

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

An adorable ferret (or two, or three . . . )
Safe toys
Safe treats
15 minutes, every day

Step 1

Ferrets form strong bonds with each other and you.

Get your ferret a buddy (or two)!

Most ferrets love the company of their own kind, for cuddling and vigorous play when out of the cage. Their ridiculous antics and wrestling will delight you too; the extra cost and maintenance are well worth it. However, choosing and introducing a new playmate to a long-time loner or depressed ferret can be tricky. Ferret shelters can be of great assistance in helping you find the right match, and the right approach. Go to Petfinder.com and search for "Animal: Small & Furry" and "Breed: Ferret" to find a shelter near you.
Step 2

We're booored!

Let your ferret out of the cage!
No matter how expansive or decked out your ferret mansion is, it is still a cage, and your ferret is bored to death in it (when he's not sleeping). Meticulously ferret-proof your house so that you can let your ferret romp loose for at least an hour, preferably more, every day. Position the cage in a common area so that your ferret isn't isolated and forgotten. He'll make his desire known, and reward you with happy dances when freedom is granted.
Step 3

I'm in ferret paradise!

Give your ferret a tube!
This is an essential ferret toy. Though they love rain pipes etc, I highly recommend getting a clear tube so that you can see the inevitable traffic jams, posturing, and tail wagging. (Yes- ferrets DO wag their tails, but only when very excited about something partially hidden, as in a tube.) Compressible, flexible tubes are also nice because they can be put away more easily, and a changing shape is very exciting for a ferret. Mine all get very amped up chasing the end of the tube as I drag it across the floor. Clear tubes are sold in most large pet stores in the ferret section.
Step 4

This bee is the only thing he loves to steal.

Give your ferret things to steal!
Almost every ferret loves to find, and drag away, particular prizes, ranging from shoes, wallets, stuffed animals, potatoes, tennis balls, blocks of wood, etc. Try to find something safe and permissible, and provide plenty of that for him to "steal". Occasionally raid his stash and scatter his booty for him to "steal" again. He will be just as delighted the second, third, and hundredth, time.
Step 5

Fiesty youngster takes on the rattle toy.

Give your ferret toys!
They don't have to be expensive, as long as they are safe. Some popular favorites at our house are extra-large bubble envelopes, rattle ping-pong balls, a Tide wash bag, an old pair of jeans, a paper bag, tennis balls, Kong chew toys, and feathered cat toys. Just remember, ferrets can get bored with anything if they have access to it all of the time (which is why they never play with the toys in their cage). Rotate toys in and out of circulation to keep your ferret stimulated.
Step 6

Guarding the water.

Give your ferret access to water!
While most ferrets don't like being immersed in water for a bath, they very much enjoy splashing and playing with water. Putting a favorite toy or an ice cube in the water adds more challenge and fun. If you have a shower stall or bathtub escape ladder, you can leave a basin full of water for them to play with whenever they feel like it (several times a day for my ferrets).
Step 7

If I can't see you, you can't see me . . . .

Give your ferret a dig box!
Most ferrets love scratching and snorkeling through most any loose material. Rice is generally the substance of choice, but people have also used shredded paper, ping-pong balls, sand, packing peanuts (starch, never styrofoam), etc. Buy a large plastic bin with a lid and cut a hole in the side or offset the lid (tape it to keep it in place.) Provide ramps if necessary; bird ladders and cat scratching boards work well. Just make certain that your ferret won't get trapped in the bin or spray rice all over!
Step 8

Dreaming of more socks.

Give your ferret a den.
Ferrets often want to stash toys or sleep in places that are inconvenient or inappropriate, but you can give them a better alternative that makes both of you happy. The key is to make it in or under a sturdy piece of furniture, and a little difficult for the ferret to get in, but easy for you. For example, you could get a little wooden dresser at a yardsale and cut a hole in the bottom so that the ferret can climb up into the bottom drawer. Fill it with old socks or blankets that you can launder with the rest of his things. You'll be rewarded with the convenience of simply opening the drawer to collect the ferret or stolen articles.
Step 9

Pie is NOT a good treat!

Give your ferret treats!
Outdated books and websites often advocate giving ferrets Cheerios or raisins, but experts now agree that carbs and sugar are not good for ferrets. They can have tiny (half-raisin size) pieces of fruit occasionally, but meat and unsweetened peanut butter are much better choices. There are also many good preservative-free pet treats sold in pet and grocery stores. And of course no ferret household would run smoothly without ferretone (an oil supplement for skin and fur). When you find something that your ferret loves, you can easily train him to come when called with a distinctive noise, such as a clicker or bell.
Step 10

Waiting impatiently for us to put shoes on.

Take your ferret outside!
Ferrets love going outside, as long as it isn't too hot or cold (60-75 degrees is best). Ours come running and get in their carrying crate when we jingle our keys or the bells on their harnesses. For the most part we just carry them, but sometimes we put their harnesses on and let them wander around smelling everything. Always use a fitted harness, (my favorite is the Hagen Ferret Harness), and not just a collar for "walking". Small dog (<10 lbs) carrying crates are great for carrying ferrets.
Step 11

We love our human!

Cuddle with your ferret!
Ferrets often feel uncomfortable cuddling high up (even on a couch), but many will crawl into your lap if you sit on the floor after their manic play has wound down. You can encourage this behavior by giving them a treat in your lap every day. Pay attention to how your ferret likes to be petted. Does he like to be rubbed behind the ears, or stroked on his neck? A firm rub the whole way down his body will create an reflexive "escape wiggle", so avoid those during lap time.

Comments

walker7 said

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on 11/17/2009 Great article...I have learned a lot about ferrets. Thanks!

on 10/17/2009 Hey everyone, thanks for reading my article. You can also help my ferret shelter by checking out my ferret art at cafe press (search for "ferret drawing" to see my work); if you buy anything half of my profits go to the Washington Ferret Rescue and Shelter!

dokternj said

on 2/18/2009 This article has me all fired up to get a couple ferrets again! I really miss having them. This info is great!

scooterman said

on 12/30/2008 I have 2 ferrets. A female and a male. How do I get them to play at night time? All they want to do is sleep at night. Are they bored with their toys or what? ANY help would be greatly appreciated. You can contact me at mr_shortburns@yahoo.com and leave me a message of ANY help.