Every ferret is unique and has its personality. Some are independent, and some are quite cuddly, but each is an individual! If you are considering getting a pet ferret, it may be useful to first meet a few pet ferrets. You’ll see how their personalities can differ and give you a clear idea of what it means to be a ferret owner.
What are Ferrets?
Ferrets are animals belonging to the weasel family that are high-energy and distinctive. Ferrets are animals who are highly social.
Compared to cats and dogs, these creatures need to be treated with a great deal of respect and transparency.
They are brilliant and can be very well educated. These cute animals need to be known before we can pet them. If you are at the initial stage of being an owner of a ferret, what you need is this article.
To take care of your pet ferret, here is what you need to remember.
Ferrets are very caring and playful. Ferrets can be educated very well and very quickly. They are creatures who are intelligent. Ferrets were used widely by Americans during World War II to defend their grains from rodents.
Generally, they are not aggressive, but when they are afraid, they may become aggressive. They prefer to bite and nip playfully, which can result in threatening injuries. Training your new pet ferret not to bite and use a litterbox is necessary.
Small robbers are what ferrets are called often since they love to steal small items and keep them elsewhere. This is also because they enjoy discovering new places and burying things in their newly found homes.
In general, female ferrets grow to 13 to 14 inches in length and weigh three-quarters to two and a half pounds. Sometimes, male ferrets are slightly bigger. Usually, they grow to 15 to 16 inches in length and, if neutered, weigh two to three and a half pounds. When they are not neutered, they can grow larger (four or more pounds).
Habitat and environment:-
Ferrets need a decent cage that’s well-wired for their lives. Your ferret’s cage should have enough space for the ferret to run about. In small cages, ferrets can feel claustrophobic. Other than that, a spotless animal is a ferret.
Ensure you have a cage with a separate litter box, and ensure that the litter box is cleaned every day. Be sure to keep your pet ferret’s cage in a safe, quiet, and warm place to feel relaxed.
Feeding and Diet:-
Ferrets are carnivorous creatures. This means they feed on flesh and meat from these animals. It’s best to have commercial food with a high amount of protein in it for your new pet ferret. Feed your ferret with only meat and protein. To live, ferrets need meat.
So, make sure you feed meat to the ferret, but you can also offer them a choice of chicken, turkey, beef, and so on. You may again buy packaged ferret food that is available to ensure that their nutritional requirements are met.
This is particularly true now that a range of high quality ferret foods have become available more widely. In most pet stores or online retailers, pre-made ferret food is available.
Although a range of foods can be provided to them, using high-quality pet food as the basis for ensuring good nutrition is beneficial. Most notably, fruit and dairy products should not be given to them.
Grooming:-
Ferrets are pets that are clean and hygienic. They keep self-grooming. To remove loose hair, comb your ferret. Twice a year, they shed their fur and need to be searched at that time as well.
To remove foul odor from their bodies, it is essential to bathe them with a ferret shampoo. Other than brushing their teeth, it is also necessary to cut their nails.
Health care:-
Ferrets usually live for eight years on average. They can become a very significant member of your family during that time. Like every other pet, Ferrets need to be taken to a vet for a full health check-up every 6-12 months.
To prevent illnesses like rabies, vaccines are essential. When they begin to smell, suggest spraying your pet ferret and speaking to your veterinarian for the best option.
Ferret activities:-
Ferrets are very adventurous and love to chew on toys. Make sure the toys that do not consist of plastic or other latex are purchased. Purchase toys that are highly durable and firm so that they are not chewed and eaten by your ferret.
Ferrets are animals who are very adventurous and love to chew on toys. Make sure the toys that do not consist of plastic or other latex are purchased. Purchase toys that are highly durable and firm so that they are not chewed and eaten by your ferret.
It is best to spend time with your ferret to make them feel loved as they love to cuddle, and they love attention.
Some owners are shocked at how adept ferrets become at solving problems. Ferrets are very determined and can work at finding things out with surprising patience. They love challenging puzzles and games, and it’s recommended to provide them with puzzle-based toys or games.
Tips and Preventive Treatment:-
Ferrets are very delicate animals and need to be taken care of properly. Every 6-12 months from a vet, Ferrets need to have a health checkup done. Here are a couple of preventive ferret care tips.
- For rabies and other diseases, immunization is vital.
- It is good to have an annual dental check-up.
- Trimming is essential for toenails.
- For parasites and other diseases, a thorough check-up is required.
- For ferrets, daily blood checks and glucose level monitoring are significant.
Other ferret treatment tips:-
- It is imperative to ensure the hygiene of your ferrets. There might be moments when your ferret begins to smell. In general, this scent comes from their underbelly. So, when they start smelling, make sure they spray your ferret very well.
- Ferrets often start biting if they are either frightened or afraid of something or have poor habits and manners. So, teaching your ferret not to bite is necessary and also that this action is evil. An excellent way to teach not to nip or bite might be to scuff your ferret.
- At a very early age, ferrets get used to their food habits and diet. From an early age, make sure that you match the ferret’s diet. This is because when they are about six months, their body begins responding to food. When they are mature, it can become hard to introduce new food products to your ferret.
- In ferrets, problems such as infections, parasites, dental problems, and fleas are common. To keep them safe from these illnesses, have your ferret tested every 6-12 months by a vet. Maintaining their hygiene will minimize many of these issues.
- Ferrets sleep a great deal. They can sleep anywhere and anywhere for 18 hours at a time, so it is necessary to get a cage with enough room for your ferret, and your ferret feels safe sleeping inside it.
- Ferrets can, at times, become very violent. They can try to bite you or nip you, sometimes playfully. Therefore, it is advisable not to leave your kids, particularly in the early years, along with your ferrets.
Although ferrets are not for everyone, they can make good pets for the right owner. They are friendly and connect with their caregivers, peaceful for a significant part of the day, and there are few pets as playful as ferrets. However, they seem to have developed a bad perception which is entirely undeserved.