Pet Ferrets - What You Need to Know
You want to learn all about ferrets but don't know where to start? There is an ever growing group of ferret aficionados who are looking for information available about these charming furry creatures. Whether you are wanting to adopt a pet ferret, living with a ferret lover or simply interested in learning more about these musk-producing mammals, there are a few basic facts to get you started with your ferret passion. BiologyFerrets are Mustelids (related to weasels and skunks) and produce an odor from their musk gland. Sometimes these glands are removed to reduce the odor. They are furry little creatures with natural oils that keep their coat shiny and smooth. Frequent bathing may remove some of these oils, but they are usually agreeable to showers. Their nails have a tendency to get long so regular nail trimming is important. Color, Size and AgeFerrets come in a range of colors. Typically they are black, brown, white or a mixture of these colors. Adults will weigh between 2 and 4 pounds and measure about 20 inches in length. Young ferrets can be fragile but if you know their needs you will be better able to train them as kits.As they mature, they seek the company of other ferrets. Older ferrets may display dominance over the younger ferrets. They also have the tendency to develop cliques and may not easily accept new ferrets in their territory. Their lifespan is about 7 to 10 years. Local RegulationsLaws vary so make sure that you are properly informed about local ordinances. Some countries don't allow ferrets to be house pets, while some areas require a license or micro chipping or sterilization. In the US, check with your state's Department of Fish and Game.Habits and IdiosyncrasiesFerrets are naturally adventuresome and curious creatures. While they will sleep 14 to 18 hours a day, they are most active at dawn and dusk.You should let them out of their cages at these times so that they can exercise and satisfy their curiosity. When excited, they do a "weasel war dance" and may appear ready to attack but in reality, they are just expressing exuberance. CareBecause ferrets are such adventurous creatures, you should have them checked frequently. They may swallow objects that can be poisonous or harmful to their digestive tract. In the wild, ferrets live in underground burrows, so they need enclosed areas to explore and hide. They may often crawl into furniture which in the case of recliners can be dangerous for them. Because of this habit and their tendency to tear apart items out of curiosity it is necessary to ferret-proof your home.Diet and Litter TrainingThere are several options for feeding your pet including many commercial ferret feeds. You could feed live prey or kitten food. Just be sure you are providing a high protein and high fat diet. Adult cat food is not adequate. Ferrets can be trained to use a litter box but may not be quite as reliable as a cat. |
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