Things To Do Before You Bring Your Ferret Home
A ferret home has to be planned with care. Although some people mistakenly think of ferrets as being little rodents, they are actually very intelligent, playful and affectionate pets that can be trained with a little effort.
When you consider adopting or purchasing a ferret, you must be willing to take the precautions to safeguard or “ferret proof” your home. This is the same precaution that you would normally take with a child.
If there are any sharp items lying around, you must get rid of them. If there are any items that can cause choking, you must get rid of those items as well. When you create a ferret home, you have to take extreme safety measures to ensure that your pet will be protected against the many dangers that it can cause for itself.
Cage Basics
A ferret’s cage should be adequate enough to house your pet for a few hours throughout the day. The cage should be a multi-tiered or multi-layered wire cage with solid locks that can keep a ferret inside. Make sure that the bars or slats on the cage are small enough so that your ferret cannot slip between them and escape from the cage.
The cage should contain soft fleece fabric at the bottom. This will serve as your ferret’s bed. The cage should also have separate places for the litter box and food and water. These are the basics that are needed for a ferret home.
Cleaning
It’s important that you keep your ferret’s cage clean. This means emptying the litter box regularly and making sure the food and water supply is fresh and clean. While most ferrets aren’t messy creatures, it’s still important to spend a little time making your ferret’s home as comfortable and sanitary for your pet as possible.
Play and Sleep
Your ferret needs both sleep and exercise in order to function. Make sure that the ferret home is set up to accommodate these functions. You should put soft fabric at the foot of the cage and possibly a ferret hammock at the top of the cage. Your pet will have adequate space for both sleeping and playing.
Yours Mine Ours
You can’t expect to keep your pet ferret in a cage all day long. As a result, you must make sure that your home is “ferret proof” before you bring your new ferret home.
When your ferret is released from its cage, it will do the things that it knows best. A ferret will dig through anything and everything within its path. If you have things around your house that you value, then keep it out of the reach of your pet ferret. A ferret will dig, burrow, investigate, steal and hide anything that it finds interesting.
Ferrets are hyperactive. They need plenty of things to do. It is for this reason that you should keep many ferret toys in the cage or around different locations in your home. It may not seem like much, but simple toys and activities will keep your ferret amused and away from the valuable things that you keep within your home.
Maintaining a ferret home isn’t expensive, but it can be a time consuming task if you don’t take steps to keep your ferret amused. You have to be up for the challenge of making sure that both your pet’s cage and your home are adequate and safe environments for your new pet ferret.
Ferret Hammock – These Hammocks are Used for More Than One Purpose
Have you ever thought about buying a ferret hammock? Many people choose to keep ferrets as pets as they are really quite loveable and cute. They are very popular pets that are often mistaken for rodents by most of the population. Contrary to belief, they are not rats or rodents. Although they give off musk like odor, they are not related to the skunk family either. Actually, they are related to wolverines, weasels and otters.
Ferrets are wonderful as household pets. They are extremely playful, mischievous and energetic. This might be one of the reasons that the purchase of a ferret hammock is a necessity for anyone that is considering buying or adopting a ferret in the near future.
Pet Sleep and Play
Most ferrets are extremely playful and inquisitive. They love to jump and dance around with their owners and other ferrets. They are known for digging, dancing, hiding, sleeping, jumping and tunneling. As a result of all of this hyperactive activity they need a safe place to rest. Ferret hammocks can be the ideal resting place for an active ferret, as it can offer support, comfort and can be a source of amusement as well.
Ironically, these hammocks are used for more than one purpose. The very same ferrets will use these hammocks for both a bed and a toy. After they have played and torn up everything within sight, they will use hammocks as sleeping tools. However, depending on the style and location of the ferret hammock, ferrets will also use them as a way to keep amused. Ferrets love to dig in dark places and hide in tunnels. These hammocks are made with these purposes in mind.
Hammock Features
Ferret hammocks are made to hang in cages as well as be freestanding outside of the cage. The hanging hammocks are usually clipped to the sides of a ferret’s cage with 4 separate clips to hold the hammock in place. The typical ferret cage will house both a hanging hammock as well as regular grounded bedding.
The prices for ferret hammocks vary. They can range anywhere from $2.00 to well over $100.00. The styles range from simple to elaborate. It all depends on how much the pet owner wants to spend on his beloved ferret. The most popular fabric for a hammock is fleece. Ferrets love to nestle into the softness that this fabric provides.
Hammock Designs
1. Cubed hammock. This type of hammock is a four sided cube with a circular hole in each side of the cube. The ferret has a tree house of sorts to use as a toy.
2. Fleece pool hammock. This type of ferret hammock looks like a kiddie’s pool that is clipped to the sides of the cage with 4 clips. It doesn’t have a cover like the cubed hammock, but it makes a great bed that doubles as a fun source of entertainment for your ferret.
3. Hanging tube hammock. This is a long tunnel/tube which is also clipped to the sides of the cage. This is perfect for ferrets that love to play hide and seek in tunnels, or nestle into the safety of a dark tunnel to sleep more soundly.
A ferret hammock provides a great sense of fun and adventure for the average ferret. After a long day of play, ferrets need to get their rest. These adorable hammocks are the perfect tool for accomplishing both.
Ferret Hunting – Hunting With a Small Mammal
Ferrets have many endearing qualities, one of which is the rewarding and energetic activity of ferret hunting.
The experience of hunting with the small mammal can bring out the best in both ferret and human. Considered by some as an exotic pet, the extremely inquisitive nature and lean build make the ferret a popular choice for hunting rabbits and rodents. Alone, in tandem, or with dogs, ferrets are tenacious, flushing quarry out of burrows and holes.
They have been used extensively for hunting in England in the past; rabbits are seen there as blight to farmers.
Care
Of primary concern while the hunt is in down time, owners must provide comfort for ferrets in the way of food, water, and affection. The ferret will respond in a more positive manner, as companionship is translated onto the field.
Keeping a ferret’s nails in proper order is crucial to hunting. The ferret uses its nails or claws to scurry, scrabble, and dig its way around obstacles, so if your pet ferret has had its claws clipped for safety in the home, this could reduce the effectiveness of the ferret during the hunt.
Legality
As with other species, take care to have proper licenses in order and to check all municipal, county, state, provincial, and national laws for accordance. Ecologists have concerns when it comes to ferreting, as they have been thought to disrupt natural ecology.
Brazil, New Zealand, Australia, Iceland, and Japan are examples of countries that have very specific exclusions to the keeping or handling of ferrets, so knowledge in this area is important. The consequences can be severe.
Equipment and tools
There are specific items that are essential and other more frivolous additions you may need for your ferret hunting forays.
Transporting your ferret safely is necessary. Keeping the ferret comfortable is also a key, so make sure that food and water are available to it at all times. Warmth and a comfortable sleeping place for these creatures remains vital, as they are crepuscular in nature.
As with any hunting expedition, there are certain tool and tidy items that are necessary. Keeping a sharp knife for the hunt and a carrying box for the quarry is a very good idea.
A small but sturdy spade has been a favorite tool for hunters, considering that ferrets themselves sometimes need to be brought out of a burrow they might consider to be a good sleeping place.
A purse net is a valuable tool, saving the carcass of the prey from undue harm thus retaining the value of the animal. To many, this is a very important aspect of the hunt and should not be overlooked, as your hard work could be lessened.
Locators are not vital to the hunt, but can save much time and worry about your assistant. Usually fitted with a collar, the ferret is then free to roam. It can be sighted easily afterwards using the methods particular to the device. Many of the newer versions include collar and a handheld positioning apparatus that locates the animal.
Ferret hunting can be a great way to build an even stronger bond with your pet, but be sure you understand your ferret’s care and safety needs before you head out.
Things to Know Before You Get a New Ferret
If you are looking at purchasing a new ferret then you will have a friend for life if you give it the love and attention it needs. Ferrets are very energetic, even though they sleep for up to 16 hours a day, and will require lots of exercise and play time with you.
While they seem like the ideal pet for many people, there are some things to be considered before purchasing a ferret.
Where to Buy
There are a number of places where you can purchase a ferret.
1. Pet stores. Most people purchase their new pet from these stores.
2. Breeders. This is probably the best place to purchase your new ferret from as most breeders will give you valuable help and information as regards to looking after your new pet.
What You Will Need:
Feeding Bowl and Water Container
The food bowl for a new ferret should be large and heavy enough so that the ferret doesn’t think it’s a toy and throw it everywhere so a good large, deep bowl should be used. Your ferret will also need access to plenty of clean, fresh water, so a water bowl or drinking tray attached to the side of the cage is ideal.
Cage
Even if you plan on letting your ferret roam around inside the house it will be a good idea to have a cage for it so it has somewhere to sleep and be safe. Get the largest you can afford.
Food
It’s important to note that some foods, like corn or bread are not suitable for your new ferret. A ferret is a true carnivore so will need a high protein diet consisting of predominantly meat. Some kitten foods are an excellent ferret food but be sure to look at the ingredients carefully, as some will be high in vegetable protein, which isn’t good for your ferret. The ideal scenario would be feeding your new ferret with whole meat like mice and rabbits but most people cannot bear to do that.
Litter box and litter
These are important if you want your ferret house trained. It is a good idea to have more than one litter box spread out around the house to and use wood or paper pellets at the bottom of the boxes if you can as they soak up the waste.
Hygiene
Nail clippers, toothbrush and shampoos all play a part in grooming your new ferret believe it or not. Keeping nails short will stop your ferret from hurting itself when it’s playing, a toothbrush can be used if you see tartar building up on your ferrets teeth. Ferrets don’t like water so you should preferably not bathe your ferret but if you must then a maximum of twice a year should be ok. Bathing your pet too often results in them losing their essential oils.
Toys and Activities
These are an essential part of your ferret’s life and should not be forgotten. You can purchase them from pet shops or other places, even online but do not buy anything made from latex or rubber as your new ferret will chew them up. Always be sure to choose toys that are designed to appeal to your ferret’s inquisitive nature and sense of fun for best results.
Once you bring your new ferret home, you’ll soon realize that you’ve found an adorable, funny little friend who can be affectionate and mischievous all at the same time.
Adopt a Ferret – Why Not Consider Adopting Instead of Buying
If you are looking for a new pet then why not adopt a ferret? A ferret will give you countless years of happiness and joy as they are playful, affectionate creatures with a very inquisitive nature. They will require a lot of time and attention from you when they’re awake, but they tend to sleep a lot, so you should take some time to create a safe place for your ferret to call home before you set out to adopt a ferret.
Where to Adopt
There are a number of places where you can adopt a ferret and each one could be checked out before you decide on which ferret you want.
Classified Ads
Classified ads can sometimes be the ideal place to find available ferrets. People buy ferrets thinking they don’t require much care and attention or maybe their own circumstances change and they find they can’t keep their pet any longer.
If you do find a ferret you want to buy then pay close attention to it as you talk to the owner about the animal. The ferret could have health problems or psychological issues the seller might not want to disclose so if you do adopt a ferret this way, pay a visit to your local veterinarian with your newly acquired pet to have it checked out. Check any paperwork the owner has too and make sure they have had their vaccinations.
Humane Society or Animal Shelter
These places are great places to check if you want to adopt a ferret, although the Humane Society tend to give most ferrets they receive to a Ferret Rescue Centre. If they do keep ferrets then you can be assured that a veterinarian will have checked them over and given them any vaccinations they need.
The last thing a society like the Humane Society wants is an animal with rabies or other diseases. You should also find that the ferrets will be checked for suitable temperament before they’re offered for adoption.
Ferret Rescue Centre
This is the number 1 choice if you want to adopt a ferret. Staffed by volunteers, the Ferret Rescue Centre will look after any ferret that people no longer want. All ferrets will be vaccinated against infections like distemper and rabies and the foster families will also check them out physically and mentally making a note of any problems the ferret may have.
There might not be any paperwork with the ferret you want but you can assured they will have been thoroughly examined before you do adopt the ferret. Most rescue centers will let you return the ferret should it not be to your liking or doesn’t fit into your family life.
Finally
If you want to adopt a ferret then there are a number of ways you can do that. The thing to remember about a ferret is that they will require lots of care and attention from you as they are very energetic. Most people don’t realize this when they purchase a ferret and soon realize they are more time consuming than they thought. It pays to do some research about ferrets before you go and adopt one.
How to Buy a Ferret
Ferrets are one of the most popular pets in the US. Many people decide to buy a ferret every month. They are affectionate, fun loving, and trainable. They can be considered the ultimate pet because they don’t make a lot of noise, they can be litter-box trained fairly easily, and they can be put in a cage when needed.
Some Things to Think About Before You Buy a Ferret
If you are thinking about adding a ferret to your family, you need to know how to choose the right one. Like any pet, you need to put a lot of consideration into it in order to make sure you are getting the right one to suit you.
One of the first things you need to do if you want to buy a ferret is to make sure you’re getting it from a good company. There are a few different breeders that produce good ferrets, but there may also be breeders that aren’t as careful about quality of the breed.
Before you start shopping, look up some of the breeders who have the best results and find out what pet stores in your area buy from those breeders. This will make it more likely that you will get a well-bred ferret that will have a long, healthy life.
Also, before you buy a ferret, look into some of the accessories you may need for them. This doesn’t just include the cage. It may also include adequate bedding, food containers, play equipment or toys and other activities. You need to set up a spot in your home with a cage and have a place where the ferret can play. They need room to run and not get hurt.
Check Out Their Personality
Something else you need to check while you shop is the personality of the baby ferret. Now, just like all animals, their personality will change a bit as they mature, but you can get a good idea of what a ferret is going to be like from the time you first pick it up.
Look past the color when you buy a ferret. If you truly ‘click’ with a ferret, you won’t care what color it is. Pick it up and see what it does. Some babies are very laid back and there is a good chance they will grow up to be calm, affectionate adults.
Other babies won’t do anything but play, and this probably won’t change much even as they grow older. If a baby ferret bites and scratches while it’s trying to play, keep in mind that this ferret is likely to be a handful. This isn’t a bad thing, it just means that you need to be a little more patient with training.
Spend time playing with many of them before you buy a ferret. If you think you like one but all it has done is sleep, get it to wake up and interact with you so you know more about it. The longer you spend in the store with the ferrets, the more likely it is that you will find one you absolutely love.
Some stores sell slightly older ferrets as well, occasionally at a lower price than the tiny babies. You may want to look into these ferrets if you want to save a bit. One of the biggest drawbacks here is that litter-box training might be a little harder since you didn’t get to start training at a young age.
Enjoy Your New Pet
If you are going to buy a ferret, take your time. Do lots of research so you know what to look for and what to avoid. Once you bring your ferret home, you will be thrilled with your affectionate, playful new pet.
Different Ferret Colors and Patterns
There are too many different ferret colors to count. The loveable ferret comes in many different colors. It is joked that an owner can literally purchase a ferret that matches the color of his car or the color of his favorite shirt. Although, this may seem like an exaggeration, the colors of ferrets are far from being few. As a result of selective breeding, you can mix different colorings of ferrets and basically get anything that is to your liking.
Ferret Colors and Patterns
There are four basic ferret colors. These colors are silver, albino, dark eyed white and sable. There are many different sources that will say that there are only two types of colors for ferrets, those colors being sable and albino.
However, it is also believed that the additional colors are a result of the color combination of selective breeding. These have taken on the descriptive names of patterns such as mitt, blaze, hooded, badger or Shetland, roan, Siamese, chocolate and panda.
Yes, with the many different types of colors and patterns even ferret owners have difficulty identifying the colors of their pets. The colors can be quite confusing and overwhelming if you don’t know exactly how to identify them. Even the slightest of coloring can change the perceived color or pattern of a ferret.
Body Features
Ferret colors can be identified based upon certain features of ferrets. Color is based upon the eyes, nose, undercoat and guard hairs. Because of the blurring of the different colors, it is usually hard to determine an exact color of ferrets. Owners look to these many features for identification. There are even online tools available to help owners identify pet color.
The purest of the colors is albino. An albino ferret will have guard hairs that are white, a pink nose, pink eyes and a white undercoat. This particular color is easy to identify because it has not been mixed or blurred due to selective breeding. On the other end of the spectrum is the sable ferret. Its guard hairs are usually the darkest, but its undercoat is white. In addition, its nose and eyes are also dark in nature. Both the sable and albino are considered to be ferret colors that are extremely basic.
Changes Changes Changes
A ferret’s color is constantly changing. All ferrets are born white. As it matures, different factors will cause a ferret to change colors. The same ferret can have one color during the springtime and a different one during the fall. Ferrets are known to change colors during the many different season changes. A female ferret’s color can change due to reproductive cycles. If she is in heat, chances are her fur will change.
In addition, temperature changes can affect ferret colors as well. Unfortunately many ferret owners learn about these changes the hard way. They pick a ferret for its color only to learn that the ferret may not continue to stay this particular color all the time. As a result, you should never buy your new ferret based upon color only. Choose your ferret for its inquisitive nature and playfulness and you’ll find that ferret color won’t matter nearly as much as enjoying your new pet.
Ferret Diet – What’s On The Menu
The ferret diet is mostly made up of meat. The ferret is a carnivore that has to have adequate amounts of meat in its diet in order to survive. This loveable pet is capable of exerting large amounts of energy on a daily basis. It needs adequate amounts of food in order to help keep its high metabolism functioning properly.
Types of food
Your ferret should have a diet that is high in protein that is derived from meat products. This can be done in fresh meat form or from the use of kibbles. If you aren’t able to find the appropriate ferret food, you can substitute one of the brands of higher quality kitten food.
Higher quality kitten food is specified because regular store bought cat food is usually very high in vegetable protein, which is not good for your pet ferret. Be sure to check the label for the type of proteins added to the food you intend to buy. In addition, when you buy kitten food that is higher in quality, you also help your ferret to speed up metabolism.
If you’re worried about the cost of feeding your ferret, you can save a little money by buying dry food instead of wet food. Wet food has to be replaced more often than dry food. Yes, your pet needs plenty of water due to the high protein diet, but leave the water on the side. Make sure that there is always plenty of fresh, clean water available in your pet’s cage.
In addition to protein and water, your ferret needs high levels of fat within its diet. You can find dry foods that are rich in protein and fat. Carbs are not needed within a ferret diet. In addition, sweets are not a mainstay of your pet’s diet. You should also avoid feeding your ferret table-scraps or treats that you enjoy.
If you want to include some treats into your ferret’s diet, many of the commercial ferret treats are sweet in nature. These treats can be excellent rewards for good behavior or when you’re working on training your ferret to do certain things.
Overweight Ferret?
You don’t have to worry about the average ferret becoming overweight. Many people say that you should always have food readily available for your pet ferret to eat at all times. This is considered the free range principle of eating.
As a result of your pet’s high protein ferret diet, it has an extremely high metabolism. Coupled with the fact that your ferret is hyperactive and is constantly playing, digging, tunneling and dancing, it will always get the exercise that it needs. This ensures that it will not become overweight if continues to have the same ferret diet and active lifestyle.
Stick to the plan and make sure that your pet has an adequate high protein ferret diet. Provide a diet that is rich in protein and fat. With the exception of ferret treats, try to limit the intake of sugar if possible, but treats should only be used as a source of reward during training or to help control your ferret’s behavior. If you continue to do these things for your ferret’s diet on a daily basis, your pet ferret will thank you for it.
Things You Must Know About Your Baby Ferret
At first glance it’s hard to see that the ball of fur sleeping soundly in the corner of its cage is a baby ferret. As it sleeps curled up tightly in a ball oblivious to what’s going on around it you smile and creep away not wanting to disturb it. As cute as this might seem, some ferret owners forget that a baby ferret spends more time asleep than awake. However it makes up for all that slumber the moment it’s awake.
A baby ferret might seem like an innocent harmless creature now, but as it grows up you will realize that that once cuddly ball of fluff is a very energetic carnivore that is playful, inquisitive and very mischievous too.
Weaning Process
Like all domesticated pets baby ferrets, or kits as they are commonly called, should be with their mothers until they are at least 6 weeks old. If you buy a ferret younger than this, it may have weaning problems or other issues.
Neutered or Spayed
Around 6 to 7 weeks a baby ferret will usually be spayed or neutered. Most people don’t want to breed their ferrets, so having them spayed or neutered will take care of this issue. Leaving an adult ferret un-desexed can sometimes cause behavioral complications in both the male and female ferret when they get to breeding age.
Vaccinations
By the time you have chosen your baby ferret it should have had its first vaccination against distemper. Distemper vaccinations are a series of 3 injections with the first between 6 and 7 weeks then the next 3 weeks and the last 3 weeks after that. It is important to have your kit vaccinated as distemper affects ferrets just as much as other pets.
Meat Eaters
Once your baby ferret has been weaned you should feed it meat as ferrets are carnivores. If you must feed it anything else, then make sure it’s meat based otherwise your ferret will have complications later in life.
Remember in the wild ferrets eat rabbits and mice, amongst other things, but a domestic ferret will happily eat high-quality, high-protein kitten food. Ask a breeder for the best form of food for your baby ferret and they will help and advise you.
Energetic, Playful and Mischievous
Ferrets are unlike any other pet you may have had before in that they are very energetic animals and will want plenty of exercise. Couple that with the fact they are playful and mischievous creatures and you have an animal that will require a lot of time and effort on your part to fulfill its demands.
Getting your baby ferret toys to play with is an added bonus for your new pet but bear in mind that toys suitable for dogs and cats will not be suitable for your ferret as they will chew them and eat the plastic or latex causing injuries or worse. Always look for specific ferret toys designed to appeal to their inquisitive nature.
A baby ferret, just like all small furry pets look lovely, cuddly and playful when they are young but those stages soon go except the playful streak which stays with a ferret for their entire long life. They will require lots of attention throughout their long lives but they will reward you with fun and laughter every day.
Ferret Care Tips and Information
Ferret care can be made very easy or it can be very labor intensive, involving a lot of your time as they require lots of exercise and love nothing better than to run about and being mischievous. Ferrets also have other requirements which you must consider if you are to have one as a pet.
A Brief History
The ferret is thought to have originated from the European polecat or, some say the Steppe polecat thousands of years ago and all through the centuries civilizations have used the ferret for hunting including the Romans who used them to control rabbits and the British who also used them to control rabbits and other vermin.
Ferret care is something you should look in to before you get yourself a ferret as they require quite a lot of love and care.
Meat Eaters
Ferrets are true carnivores so will require meat or food that is a good substitute to meat. Not many people like to give their ferrets whole food like rabbits or mice so there are foods on the market which make feeding your ferret a lot less stressful to you.
Ferrets Know How to Sleep
They sleep up to 18 hours a day but when awake require lots of playtime and exercise. Favorite games are hide-and-seek and games that involve chasing each other, along with dancing with you and with other ferrets.
Bathing and Other Hygiene
1. Bathing your ferret is not recommended as you will wash away vital oils and leave the skin dry. If you absolutely must wash your ferret, then try not to wash it more than twice a year.
2. Ferret care can also extend to other housekeeping matters such as keeping your ferret’s nails clipped. This will prevent them from getting snagged up on things as they run around.
3. Certain foods will take care of your ferret’s teeth but if you want to you could clean them too, and there are specially designed toothbrushes out there that will take care of that.
Ferret care extends to other activities all of which will make your pet happy and love you more.
Mischievous Fur balls
Ferrets are mischievous, playful creatures and they’re very inquisitive. They will think nothing of running up curtains and other things to explore its surroundings. Ferrets will also take a liking to some things then hide them away to play with another day. One way to reduce the chance of your ferret stealing fun items like keys or jewelry is to give your ferret plenty of toys to play with. You can either buy them from the pet store or make your own.
Leashes
It’s possible you might want to take your ferret out for walks for some exercise and one way to do that is to buy a collar and leash. While a ferret may need a little training to get used to the leash, just like a dog, you will be able to show your pet ferret off to all and sundry even while he’s getting plenty of extra exercise.
Finally…
Today the ferret is a domesticated animal living on most continents of the world which are suitable for a ferret. Care should be taken with your bundle of joy as they require a lot of care and attention. They are mischievous little creatures who will get up to all sorts of different antics bringing joy and laughter to your life, but they can also be incredibly affectionate. Given the correct care ferrets will reward you with years of dedicated love.
