Furry, Fun-Loving Ferrets What's not to love?

 

 

Ferrets are fascinating creatures that have moved their way into nearly half a million American households over the past several years. Their small size, their playfulness, and their friendly disposition make ferrets great companions. They do, however, require a lot of care and supervised attention.  They're not a pet for beginners!

 

Ferrets are very dependent upon their human companions for survival. Because ferrets require continuous care and supervision, potential owners should evaluate their ability to commit. The commitment is long term since the lifespan of ferrets is six to 10 years.

 

Ferrets may not be the best pet for families with small children. Although ferrets are very social animals, they may bite or nip if mishandled. Never leave a ferret and a small child alone together. Ferrets generally get along with dogs and cats if they are introduced carefully, but they should not interact with birds, rodents or small reptiles.

 

Ferrets are carnivores and therefore require a high-meat protein diet. Quality cat or kitten foods may be used as well as specialty ferret foods. Water is needed at all times, and is best served in a bottle since ferrets may enjoy playing with water in a bowl. Food should be available at all times. Fruits and vegetables may be used as treats on occasion.

Ferrets require a lot of freedom and exercise, but should be caged when not directly supervised. Wire cages are best and should be a minimum of two feet square for one ferret, provided the ferret has plenty of play time outside the cage. For multiple ferrets or if playtime is limited, a larger cage is better. Spacing on the bars must be such that the ferret can't escape. A blanket or towel will serve as a comfortable place for your ferret to curl up and sleep while a litter pan placed in one corner will serve as a relief area.

 

The cage may be kept indoors or outdoors. If kept outside, shade should be provided to avoid heat exhaustion. Supplemental heat is needed if temperatures fall below the freezing point. Inside the house ferrets should be caged when not directly supervised. Owners should "ferret proof" at least one room in the house for play time. Eliminate loose boards, open drains or air ducts or other holes that ferrets will investigate.

Ferrets will jump, run, slide, do somersaults and play games. They are very curious and like to investigate just about everything. The best toys for ferrets are those made of hard plastic. Don't give them anything that comes apart when chewed. Ferrets may nip or grab onto people with their teeth during play. A loud, firm "NO" is the best disciplinary action. You may also try making a noise maker out of an aluminum can and coins. The rattling noise is disturbing and, combined with the "NO" can be used to correct negative behavior.

 

--This information was compiled from materials supplied by the Shelters That Adopt and Rescue Ferrets, The Humane Society of the United States, Ferret Adoption, Information and Rescue, the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, and Dr. Merry Crimi, an AAHA member veterinarian

 

Published 02/29/08