How To Take Care Of A Ferret

The ferret is a domestic mammal of the type Mustela putorius furo. Domestic ferrets typically have a lifespan of 5 to 10 years, and are very playful and intelligent.​

1. Find Your Ferret.

Ferrets can be bought at almost all major pet stores in the U.S. I got my ferret from Petco, but any store is fine. Also, you may find small, private ferret breeders. It is said by many ferret owners that Marshall Ferrets, or ferrets bought at a pet store, have a shorter lifespan than that of private breeders.



2. The Cage

A Ferret cage is important, because not only is it the place where your ferret will sleep, but it is where your ferret will eat, and where it will use the bathroom. A good cage for a single ferret is 4"x4", and has multiple levels. It also is made of thin steel bars. A ferret cage will cost you $50-$200 USD.
Here is an example of a good ferret cage:



3. Food % Water

A Ferrets diet should consist of:

• A Minimum of 35% ANIMAL Protein
• A Minimum of 15% ANIMAL Fat
• A Maximum Of 5% Fiber

Marshall Brand foods provide these nutrients, although some ferret owners prefer to raise their ferrets with feeder mice. This practice is known as the BARF diet. Kits, or baby ferrets, should have a slight amount of water added to their food,along with a slight stirring. This is because their teeth have not developed enough to chew on whole dry food. Food and water should be served in heavy ceramic dishes, or in dishes that will clip onto the cage. This is because ferrets just love to dig into their food and water bowls. Contrary to popular belief, water bottles-such as those used for rabbits- are damaging to a ferret's teeth.



4. Ferretproofing your home

Ferrets have a natural curiosity, and this leads to them to crawl into small spaces, where they would not be wanted, or otherwise could hurt themselves. This Includes, but is not limited to:

• Refrigerators
• Wardrobes
• TV's
• Closets
• Etc.

For these reasons, you should do a thorough examination of your home before letting your ferret explore. Although, you still should NEVER, leave your ferret to explore unattended.



5. Playing

Ferrets are very playful creatures, and they are playful all their lives. They like to play with a vast amount of toys and contraptions, which can all be bought at a pet store. Here is an example of something ferrets like to play with, hoses/tubes.Another toy that ferrets enjoy is the Kong chew toy. You can put the ferrets treats in it, and she will toss it around and chew like there is no tomorrow!

A good ferret owner will play with his/her ferret at least 4 hours every day. If a ferret is not played with for extended periods of time, she may suffer from depression, and other loneliness related illnesses.




6. Health

Ferrets are prone to a number of diseases, such as canine distemper, adrenal disease, rabies, and many others. Therefore, you must provide your ferret with vaccinations/ pills for the prevention/curing of these diseases, although canine distemper is 100% fatal, unfortunately.Ferrets are also prone to a number of parasites, mostly being fleas and ear mites, althought there are others. Fleas should be treated with ferret-only shampoo, but tearless baby shampoo seems to work well also. Ear mites can be prevented by regular cleaning of the ear, but when your ferret is infected, they will have to be removed via medicinal pill.

Thanks for your time!

 

why post if its not done mate, there is no point of having a reserved thread that has 2 words on it..

EDIT: sorry i thought you were just in it for the post count ;]

7/10 for the guide, i love ferrets

 

Cmon people, don't let me sink into page 2!!!

 

Ferretts seem like a great animal, but I heard when they go to the bathroom it really smells- this true?

 

Uhmm, Pretty Nice Guide 7/10.
I Liked the pics,

And thanks for the info

 

Lol I live in CA where ferrets aren't allowed to be pets But my History teacher has one

 

Ferret feces smell just like the ferret themselves. The natural smell from A Ferret is somewhat musky, but it is not overpowering, and everyone in the household will get used to the smell within 24 hours.

 

hood guide, 7.5/10 i have a few ferrets and also have little hammocks in its cage made out of old jumper sleeves? you might want 2 add that?

 

7/10, good effort and nice layout

 

lol nice

7.5/10

i always wanted to have a ferret but i <3 dogs more sorry

 

LMFAO.

This has got to be the most random topic I've ever seen.

Do you really think posting how to look after a ferret is going to help 99% of the Sythe community?

If you do, then 7/10

 

7/10 , nice guide however i'd like something more dangerous

 

i must admit that u love my sig