learn the secrets of ferret care
methods to rapidly improve your relationship with
your ferret
If you own a ferret, or are
thinking about adopting a ferret, you need to consider the amount of
time that is required for proper ferret care. Ferrets
are exotic pets and they are part
of the mustelid family. So, they will develop an odor when they reach maturity.
If you're not going to breed your ferret, then be sure
to have them de-scented and neutered. De-scenting should help keep the odor
under control. Neutering eliminates the potential of any unwanted kits (babies) if you
plan to keep two or more ferrets. Your pet will also need to see
a veterinarian for vaccinations and regular check ups. Always take any newly adopted
animals to a vet for a check up and all necessary shots.
Many will purchase a ferret by impulse before they actually know how
to care for a ferret. Ferrets are a different kind of
pet. You should know what you are getting into before you purchase a
ferret. In this article I will cover a few facts you should understand
about ferrets. PS If you wonder while reading this article if I
own ferrets myself. Yes I do, I have a wonderful pair of ferrets.
Ferrets reign from the Mustelid family. The ferret is very closely
related to the weasel.
Through various studies, it has become apparent that the ferret has
similar qualities to other animals you may wonder about. Such as:
- Badgers
- Skunks
- Wolverines
ferret care surroundings
In determining whether or not you
have a lifestyle and household that's conducive to ferret care, ask
yourself where you'll be keeping your ferret. Many ferret owners choose
to allow their ferrets to have free reign of the house, but this
decision involves litter training your ferret and very thoroughly
ferret-proofing your house. Electrical cords that can be chewed must be
covered in metal coiling, tight squeezes behind appliances must be
blocked off, windows must be kept securely screened or closed at all
times, air ducts must be covered with ferret-proof vents, and the floor
must be kept clear of any items that might be ingested. Other ferret
owners opt to keep their ferrets caged. An appropriate ferret cage will
be at least 18" long, 18" wide, and 30" deep. Ferrets love to climb and
explore, so the more toys you provide, the better. A litter pan can also
be placed in the cage to make
cleaning easier. Once of the biggest parts of learning how to care for a
ferret is accepting the fact that ferrets can be extremely messy.
You'll need to clean your ferret's cage at least once a week,
and the litter box will need to be scooped one to two times
a day at a minimum. Don't ever use clumping cat litter for ferrets, as
it can lead to respiratory problems. Your best choice will be one of
the many available natural litters such as those made of recycled newspaper.
Exercise
and play is a major part of pet ferret care
. If your ferret has free reign of the house,
he's probably getting plenty of exercise, but you'll still need to give
your ferret plenty of attention by grooming and interacting with him. If
you're keeping your ferret caged, he'll need to be let out for a few
hours every day for some supervised exercise. Again, make sure that the
room you allow your ferret to roam in has been thoroughly
ferret-proofed. Give your ferret plenty of toys such as pvc pipes,
rubber balls, and cat toys, and keep in mind that one of the greatest
things you can do for a single ferret is to get it a companion. Many
people choose another ferret, of course, but sometimes, cats and ferrets
will get along well, if the cat is introduced to the ferret as a kitten.
Never introduce an adult cat to a ferret unless you want to run the risk
of the cat regarding the ferret as a tasty meal!
If you're looking into getting
a ferret, you're probably aware of the fact that they aren't the
sweetest smelling creatures on earth. A lot of their musky odor has to
do with whether or not they've been spayed or neutered. Having your
ferret spayed or neutered significantly cuts down on musk production.
Bathing your ferret can also help, but keep in mind that if you
over-bathe them, their musk glands will only work overtime! Regular
brushing is needed, as ferrets can get hairballs just like cats. Talk to
your vet about preventing ear mites and fleas, and also have him or her
show you how to properly trim your ferret's toenails. Your skin will
thank you!
Now that
you have an idea of the basics about ferret care
, it's time to find your new
friend. While pet stores are the obvious choice, many animal shelters
also house ferrets, dumped by people who weren't prepared for the time
that goes into properly caring for these creatures. Wherever you choose
to find your ferret, be sure that you can promise both yourself and your
new pet that they'll have a long, happy life to look forward to in your
home.
