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Comments on: How to Care for Ferrets

52 Comments From eHow Members

mizzlee said

on 11/4/2009 The ferretlady is right!! You really need to do research and talk to other owners before gettin some. I did quite a bit of research before getting ours. These pets are not for everyone. They require a lot of time and patience!!

eclipse001 said

on 8/5/2009 I had always wanted a ferret but my parents said "NO!" because they thought it wouldn't be a very good idea, but now i can cause i'm paying for it so what gender would be best? Umm... Do most bite at a young age? And whats the best way to stop one from biting?

on 4/10/2009 Some of this info is incorrect. Your ferret needs at least 3 hours or hours of playtime everyday. Sonni3, they can not fit into holes quite that small. It has to be the size of their head for them to get through. Also, it is VERY wise to first get your ferret[s] a shot before taking them outside.

ferretlady said

on 8/9/2008 Sorry, that link is:
http://www.miamiferret.org/ferret_manual.pdf

ferretlady said

on 8/9/2008 If you are considering getting a ferret or are new to ferret ownership PLEASE read up on them more than this! Many ferrets are abandoned every year because owners didn't know what they were in for and can't or are unwilling to care for them properly. They are GREAT pets, but, like any pet, require planning and self-education.

I HIGHLY recommend this free online ferret manual:
http://www.miamiferret.org/ferret_manual

and the book "Ferrets for Dummies" ($13.59 on Amazon)

Also, ferret shelters are a wonderful resource for learning more about ferrets, and other essentials such as good ferret vets in your area. You can find these small independent shelters by searching for "Small & Furry" Breed- Ferret on Petfinder.com

on 3/17/2008 I prefer to give them natural foods rather than can foods.any idea?

buddysMom said

on 12/29/2007 I had four wonderful ferrets that were such a delight. If you are going to spend the time and energy to care for ferrets you should also feed them and supplement their food properly. Marshall products are the best on the market. You can get their products at ferretdepot.com at very reasonable rates. It would cost me about 120.00 for their food, bi-odor (which helps tremendously with the waste odor) and feri-vite. Which supplements their shiny coat and skin. This regime would last me about 3 months and for 4 ferrets that is not to bad. Ferrotdepot.com also has hammocks, tubes and safe toys for your pets. All at affordable prices. Much better than PetsMart. My oldest female was a victim of adrenal cancer. The first sign is a sudden loss of hair and the conclusive evidence is when the vulva starts to swell. Surgery is a must or have your beloved pet put down since they do suffer very much

Sonni3 said

on 6/18/2007 When ferret proofing your home remember an adult ferret can squeeze through a hole the size of a quarter or smaller! If you wish to let your ferret remain "free" maintain one ferret proof room with no escape routes.

Anonymous said

on 9/21/2006 My little mischievous one likes to escape from the house, luckily my neighbors know the drill. The best way to get your ferret to come when called is buying a little tub of "Yogies" (yogurt ferret treats) and shaking it, while calling their name. If you get them in the habit of knowing they get a treat every time you shake it, they will come from wherever they are begging for a Yogie. And if they escape and come when called, do not punish them, this will discourage them from responding the next time. You have to actually catch them in the act to punish them.

Anonymous said

on 8/29/2006 Always use the same whistle for his dinner call. Bend down, let him smell your hand, stroke him for coming to you. A few words of encouragement, and then give him dinner.

Anonymous said

on 8/8/2006 Buy 2 litter boxes, one small and one larger one. Put the smaller box inside the big one, and then fill the small box with litter. Then, if your ferrets dig, it won't mess up the whole cage. To clean; empty the small box and clean. If the other box gets dirty, rinse it out. Also, you can use zip ties to keep the ferrets from moving the boxes around.

Anonymous said

on 8/8/2006 If your ferret bites, and does not know he is actual hurting you, then make a loud sharp and high "Yip" sound. In their language it means "ouch that hurt!" Don't ever hit a ferret, it will make it harder for them to bond with you.

Anonymous said

on 8/8/2006 Cutting a ferrets nails is not an option, you must clip there nails or the nails will overgrow and it will be very painful for your pet.

To clip a ferrets nails, some might recommend human nail clippers, but some owners find it crushes the nail before cutting it. I think cat nail clippers are best.

Anonymous said

on 3/23/2006 Ferrets almost always relieve themselves in corners. To stop a ferret from going in an unwanted spot, try putting some of her food in that corner. Like many animals, ferrets don't poop where they eat! Rubbing their nose in it (like some do with dogs) doesn't work!!

Anonymous said

on 3/20/2006 Some ferrets enjoy only dried fruit, like raisins, blueberries and non sweetened cranberries.

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