The pet ferret is a fun and interesting animal that can bring joy to your life. However, before you get one, it’s important to prepare for their needs and understand what they need to live comfortably.
This post will discuss the steps necessary for preparing for a pet ferret, including considerations such as housing, food, and safety precautions.
Ferrets have been domesticated for a long time, and they are still considered to be half-wild in some states. This is why ferrets can be illegal in these areas.
Ferrets are Illegal in some Areas of the United States
Ferrets are illegal in some areas of the United States. It is important to check your area before getting a ferret so that you don’t break any laws and risk getting fined or charged with animal cruelty.
States and cities in the US where ferrets are illegal:
- California
- Hawaii
- New York City
- Washington D.C.
Additionally, it’s recommended that pet owners always do their research before they find themselves with an illegally obtained ferret.
Ferrets Love Company
Ferrets are social animals and enjoy the company of other ferrets. If you can not afford two ferrets, be prepared to be their main company!
However, it is recommended that you get two pet ferrets to have each other for the company when their human owner isn’t around to play with them.
Ferret Proof your House
Ferrets are a great escape artist and will find every hole, crack, and opening in your house to escape.
Their small size makes it easy for them to squeeze through tight spots like pet doors or under the door frame. After all, they have been bred to hunt rabbits and rats in tight spaces!
You must ferret proof your home from all potential areas of access before bringing a ferret into your household.
This includes blocking off any holes on windows, making sure there are no wires exposed near the floorboards where they can be chewed on, and around pet food containers, so they don’t get stuck inside when trying to reach the food.
You should also cover up vents and block off crawl spaces if possible.
Your Ferret Needs A Cage
It is important to have a ferret cage that will provide your pet with enough space and privacy.
The cage should be as large as you can afford. The minimum size might be 24″ x 24″ x 18″ high – But in all honesty, if you can not afford a bigger cage – don´t get yourself a ferret!
Here is a cage that would be perfect for your ferret:
Top Pick: MidWest Homes for Pets: Deluxe Ferret Cage & Playpen
Large cages can also accommodate more than one animal by having multiple levels or separate rooms within them. Read more about the best ferret cages here.
I found that a cage that comes with built-in casters is very convenient. You can move the cage from one place to the other without producing a total mess 🙂
You must make sure that there are no wires on any surfaces near where they could chew them off and get electrocuted while exploring around freely inside their new home.
You want as many closed-off areas for them to hide away from people and other pets when needed but still give them plenty of room.
They also enjoy making nests for themselves where they sleep at night, so you might want to get a few soft blankets for them to snuggle up in a while curled up in their cage.
Litterbox, Food, and Water Bowls
Also, don’t forget, you need enough room for a litterbox, food and water bowls, a bed/mat, toys, and other things that make up their living area.
Toys (a lot!)
One of the most important things that ferrets need is plenty of toys. You can buy some, or make your own. There are many tutorials available online.
Your furry friend needs something to keep busy when you are not home! As said above, ideally, you have two ferrets!
Be sure to provide them with various fun things to play with, like tunnels and tubes. We found that ferrets also love anything that’s fuzzy or has feathers!
They might not know what you’re playing at first, but once they figure out how it works, then there is no stopping them from trying their best to get the toy away from you so they can have some alone time too.
We’ve had ours for two years now, and we still find new toys every day! If your ferret doesn’t seem interested in anyone particular toy, try hiding treats inside it – this will almost always motivate him/her into action 😉
Ferret Food
Your new family member loves meat! Ferrets are obligate carnivores, so they need a lot of protein in their diet.
When you first introduce your ferret to his new food, he will probably sniff all over it and reject it because the smell is unfamiliar.
Make sure to feed your ferret many different types of food—Kibble, meat, eggs, and so on. By the time they turn 4 months old, they have developed a like or dislike for a certain diet.
Foods they have not been introduced to until then, they most likely will not touch later in life!
If you plan to buy ferret food, you should buy a good brand tested and proven for ferrets! You can find these brands in pet stores or order online.
Summary
Before you bring home a ferret, make sure to ferret proof your home. Buy food, toys, and most importantly, a cage. Don´t forget food and water bowls, and a litterbox.
Check with your local authorities if owning a pet ferret is legal in the area you are living.
