How to Feed Your Ferret

Ferrets are obligate carnivores, which means they require a diet that's very high in meat-based protein and fat. Because they lack a cecum, ferrets cannot digest plant protein, so fruits and veggies should be limited to occasional treats - no matter how much they beg!

Difficulty: 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. Purchase a high-quality ferret food, a high-quality kitten food or a natural meat diet.

2. Choose a food that contains a minimum protein level of 34 percent and a minimum fat level of 19 percent. Younger ferrets (under 1 year of age) require a food with a higher fat content of 20 to 22 percent.

3. Review the ingredient list carefully. The first ingredient must be a meat source - for example, chicken, chicken meal, lamb or beef.

4. Avoid corn in the first three to five ingredients. Corn is very difficult for a ferret to digest and can cause health problems such as urinary tract infections.

5. Read the ingredient list to make sure that taurine is included. Taurine is an essential ingredient for a ferret's diet. Without taurine, a ferret, like a cat, can develop serious health problems that may eventually result in death.

6. Try to introduce a wide variety of foods during the first six months of your ferret's life. Ferrets imprint on foods when they're young, so this will make things easier if you need to change your ferret's food later on.

7. Consider feeding your ferret a mixture of at least two high-quality foods because ferrets can be very picky eaters.

8. Place the food and water bowls away from the litter pan, preferably on another level of the cage.

9. Keep a full bowl of food available at all times because a ferret's digestive system takes only about 3 to 4 hours from intake to output.

10. Be sure to keep water available at all times as well, in either a bottle, a bowl or both. Change the water daily for freshness.

Tips & Warnings

• Because some ferrets like to dig in their food and water or spill their dishes, a crock-lock dish that attaches to the side of the cage is recommended. A heavy ceramic bowl is another good option.
• Ferrets like to play in their water bowls and make a mess. To prevent this, attach the water bowl higher up the side of the cage, or give your ferret a separate water dish just for playing in. Put a dish of water inside a bigger dishpan so that the ferret can play in the water without soaking the floor.
• Dog food does not contain taurine and is not an appropriate diet for a ferret.

[lleilaniw]

on 4/27/2007 BTW...with the ferret introduction. If there is any "screaming" or blood...you should obviously separate them. If there is TOO much biting...you can put a bit of bitter apple on the bitten one to make the other one not bite it.

[lleilaniw]

on 4/27/2007 It is really NOT neccessary to bathe your ferret twice a month!!! You REALLY shouldn't bathe your ferret more than ONCE a month. It is not uncommon to bathe them once a season either. You can actually make their odor WORSE by washing too much since by washing away some of their oil, they will actually secrete MORE oil. In between time you can just use a baby wipe.

[lleilaniw]

on 4/27/2007 THIS IS ABSOLUTELY NOT THE PLACE FOR A FERRET EMERGENCY!!! A ferret that does not eat or more importantly drink, CAN be very dangerous and potentially FATAL! Due to their small size, they can quickly dehydrate (faster than then can starve.) Anyone else who has an ill ferret, save your time typing a message here and go find a vet! There are emergency vet clinics around however some may or may not see ferrets. This should REALLY be checked out BEFORE you even get a ferret or while your ferret is STILL healthy! Consult your ferret knowledgeable vet for acceptable locations.

[lleilaniw]

on 4/27/2007 First of all, I'd hope you take your new ferret to see your vet BEFORE you introduce them to make sure they will not make your current one sick. Bringing in a new ferret is the EASIEST way for your first ferret to get ECE. After a clean bill of health, you could first let the new one browse around the room alone a little while and THEN let your first one out. They will usually sniff each other first. You may see a little tussling and wrestling. Biting each other is not unusual. By doing this they will figure out their pecking order. Currently I have a new 5 lb 6 month old and my 6 year old 2.5 lb is in charge. Size didn't mean a thing here.

[lleilaniw]

on 4/27/2007 Ferretgirl19: If you are not sure if your ferret is an appropriate size, consult your ferret knowledgeable vet to make sure she isn't underweight. Otherwise...make sure you add VARIETY! Try some Zupreem, Mazuri, Totally Ferret or some other high quality ferret foods mixed in.This way if their favorite food is discontinued or hard to find, you will have more versatility. Also as a treat I've found it beneficial to feed a bit of Chicken and Broth baby food (or some other meat based food WITH OUT vegetables) or ground up kibble and warm water as a gruel. It will be much easier to hand feed them if they become ill or have just had surgery.