Raising Ferrets
You must feed, clean up after and exercise ferrets just as you do children. Ferrets live an average of 7 to 8 years. They have a great sense of smell and can hear extremely well. They also sleep a lot during the day, some as much as 20 hours, but are more active in the evening. Ferrets also love to play.
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Instructions
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Give your ferret a home. Even though you will let your ferret out to play, he needs adequate space to live and play in when inside his cage. The size of your cage depends on your budget, but you should also base your cage decision on how well it will be able to keep him occupied when inside. There are several kinds of cages, some with add-on levels and easy cleaning capabilities. Ferret Nation has a 36-inch long by 25-inch wide by 24-inch high cage that is inexpensive and gives your ferret plenty of room to play (see Resources).
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Litter train your ferret. Ferrets can be picky animals. When you begin litter training a ferret, use a small pan that is not easily tipped over. Put the pan in her cage. Do not clean all the feces out of the litter because doing so may confuse the animal. She needs to know where the potty area is located.
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Feed and water your ferret freely, every 3 to 4 hours. Ferrets need constant access to good food and fresh water to drink. Dry foods are a great choice, but check your options because not all foods have equal protein and fat content, which ferrets need. If you cannot find ferret food, use cat food only as a last resort until you do find some. Find ferret food at exotic pet stores or order it online.
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Give treats in moderation. Give your ferret treats for good behavior. Treats are a great way to train and reward a ferret. Just do not give treats in excess because your ferret may acquire weight or other issues later in life. Avoid giving him sweets even though he loves them.
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Bathe your ferret if she starts to smell, but keep in mind that ferrets are naturally supposed to smell a bit. If you bathe her too much her skin will dry and her oils will work overtime, making your ferret smell worse. Give baths carefully with shampoo (watch her eyes or use tear-free shampoo) and warm water only when necessary. Towel dry.
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Exercise your ferret. Ferrets are curious; ferret-proof your house. If you think your ferret is not getting enough exercise in the house, take him for a walk like you would your dog, on a harness and leash.
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Provide toys. Keep her interested with tunnels, toys that vibrate, pull along toys, balls or anything that makes noise. Ferrets need toys to keep them interested and busy, just like cats and dogs.
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Tips & Warnings
Name your ferret; find the perfect name for your ferret's personality.
Ferrets can get such sickness as: Adrenal disease, Insulinoma disease, Aleutian disease and the flu. Check with your veterinarian for more information.
Pet ferrets are illegal in some areas.
