Ferrets are fascinating animals. They’re playful, intelligent, and love to explore! They also have a voracious appetite for food. Can ferret eat eggs? Ferrets can eat eggs with no problem!
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the different kinds of eggs ferrets can eat and how they should be prepared.
We’ll also talk about why an egg is good for your ferret in general, as well as some tips on what you should always keep in mind when feeding your little furry friend.
One of the most common questions asked by ferret owners is, “Can my ferret eat eggs?” The answer to this question is yes! Ferrets can totally eat hard-boiled, scrambled, and raw eggs.
However, you need to know that they cannot have any seasoning at all.
Ferrets are obligate carnivores meaning that they must get all of their nutrients from animal protein. An egg is a perfect source of animal protein for your ferret!
Boiled Eggs
Why boiled eggs are perfect for your ferret, boiled eggs are the simplest way to feed them an egg with no hassle, and they should be cooked in plain water only without any seasoning or additives.
To make boiled eggs for your ferret, all you need to do is boil the egg in a pot with plain water. If you want to be extra careful about cooking it correctly so that there is no raw inside, cook them for at least fifteen minutes.
The important thing about boiled eggs for ferrets is how they are cooked and what temperature will cause salmonella and other horrible illnesses!
The eggs should be heated up very high, or else this may happen. So remember, when boiling any hard-boiled egg, please take care of these details:
- Heat the water before adding the egg
- Cover while cooking
- Cook until done (15 min) – use a timer!
- Then remove from heat and let it cool down before giving it to your furry friend.
- You can leave the shell on. Just make a little dent, so your ferret has a “starting point”. They will love to crack the shell open with their teeth.
Fun Fact:
Did you know that ferrets were domesticated over 3000 years ago? This was a long time before we knew that eggs are good for any animal’s diet. Ferrets were kept as pest control and for hunting rodents such as rabbits.
Remember not to do this every other week and give a balanced diet of fresh meats and kibbles.
Scrambled Eggs for Ferrets
You can also prepare scrambled eggs but don’t add anything like salt, pepper, paprika. You could use a little bit of fish oil to make the scrambled eggs. Again: make sure to let them cool down before feeding them to your ferrets.
Raw Eggs
Raw eggs are another great option for feeding them as well; make sure that it’s a fresh egg.
Ferret Diet
Generally speaking, a good and healthy diet will increase the lifespan of your ferret. A ferret’s diet consists of meat, kibble (dry food), and water. Avoid cat food or other food not appropriate for your ferrets’ needs!
Ferrets are obligate carnivores. So all they really need is meat. Animal proteins like eggs are also good for them.
Ferrets can eat the following meats:
- Chicken wings and stripped carcasses
- Turkey necks
- Rabbit
- Game birds
- Pigeons
- Minced beef
- Lamb
- Offal
- Lambs heart
- Raw animal bones for calcium and keeping your ferrets’ teeth clean
- Chicken
- Lamb
Every once in a while, whole prey like mice or rats is also a good alternative.
read.. Nutella? Bad for my Ferret?
What Should I Keep in Mind When Feeding my Ferret?
You should have a good budget for your ferrets’ food. Do not buy cheap food that does not meet your ferrets’ needs!
Some wet cat foods could provide a temporary alternative for your ferrets. Ferret food is 30-40% protein and 15-20% fat, while cat food is 12-14% protein, 18-22% fat, so it’s not a one-to-one substitution and should only be given if no other alternative is available.
Tipp:
When you are at home, alternate the regular kibble for your ferret with fresh meat. They will love the variety.
What you Should NOT Feed your Ferret
Ferrets can´t digest fibers or fruits of any kind. Their digestive systems are not set up to digest these items. You should keep in mind that the more processed food you feed your ferrets, the less healthy it is for them (especially if they are getting too many carbs).
Ferrets can’t eat anything with sugar or wheat in it. For example:
- pizza crusts
- pasta noodles
- fruits and vegetables of any kind
- chocolate bars
- cookies/biscuits/cake crumbs
Summary
Can I give my ferret an egg? Yes, they could have them on occasion. But don’t make it a regular meal substitute!
Ferrets love all types of eggs – boiled, scrambled, or raw. They are good for bait and treats during playtime or after dinner time as an occasional treat.
If you’re not sure if your ferret’s diet is healthy enough, talk to your vet for some advice!