A beginner's guide to owning and caring for ferrets.
Introduction
The ferret is a commonly misunderstood creature. Many people mistakenly believe that ferrets are rodents, but they are actually members of the Mustelid family. Other members of this family include weasels, otters, skunks, and polecats, to name a few.
Ferrets often end up abused and neglected; not because of any intentional cruelty by the owner, but simply because many people don’t understand the unique needs of this exotic pet.
When deciding whether or not a ferret is the right pet for you, there are several factors that you will need to consider:
Housing
Ferrets are intelligent and inquisitive creatures, with a very high energy level. As such, they need a large cage and plenty of time to roam and explore. The minimum cage size for 1-2 ferrets is 3 ft. by 3 ft. by 2 ft. A prospective owner should consider how much time they can devote to supervising their pet outside of the cage. Ferrets need at least 4 hours per day of free play time during which they will need to be monitored closely.
Diet
As ferrets are obligate carnivores, they need a diet that is high in protein and fat, and low in carbohydrates and fibre. Most people choose a packaged kibble diet for their pet, but a popular alternative method of feeding is the whole prey diet, which consists primarily of raw meat and eggs. When choosing a packaged kibble, you should ensure that the first five ingredients listed are meat-based, and that the nutritional analysis lists at least 25% protein, 15% fat, and no more than 5% fibre.
Activity
If a ferret is not sufficiently stimulated, it will find endless amounts of mischief to get into. Ferrets are notorious for digging at carpets and furniture, finding their way into cupboards and drawers, and chewing on electrical wiring.
The best way to deter your pet from these undesirable activities is to provide an array of stimulating and interactive toys. Some popular choices are sturdy plastic kitten toys that rattle when shaken, knotted ropes, and laser pointers.
There are also many games that you can play with your pet that utilize common household items. A towel or blanket dragged along the floor or a plastic bag thrown up into the air can provide hours of entertainment for both owner and pet.
Ferret-Proofing Your Home
There are many hidden pet hazards in the average household. The most lethal of these are electrical wires and small chewable items left lying about. All wiring should be fastened securely above ground level, and anything that could be chewed and swallowed must be safely out of reach. The most common cause of death among domesticated ferrets is intestinal blockage caused by foam, plastic, or rubber.
All floor-level cupboards and drawers should be emptied or secured with sturdy locks, and household cleaners must be kept far from ground level.
Conclusion
Having a ferret as a pet can be a wonderful experience if researched properly. This article has merely touched on a few of the most important points, and if you are considering adopting one of these amazing creatures, you will need to research the subject carefully before making a commitment. You have now taken the first step towards becoming a responsible “Ferrent”!
