Change their water bowl or dispenser regularly. Before you commit to having a ferret as a pet, make sure you do your research. You can also purchase PVC pipes for them to run around in like a tunnel. Ferret World discloses potentially personally-identifying and personally-identifying information only to those of its employees, contractors and affiliated organizations that (i) need to know that information in order to process it on Ferret World's behalf or to provide services available at Ferret World's websites, and (ii) that have agreed not to disclose it to others. Ferrets love company. Common ferret. As mentioned earlier, ferrets share many traits with both cats and dogs. Look for something that’ll fit inside the cage and is about 3–5 inches deep. It's not a particularly easy question to answer, especially since some are also asking "How can I ensure my ferrets win?". “Ferret First Aid And Emergency Care” eBook! Avoid placing reclining furniture inside the room. Take the time to visit the shelter and get all the information you can to ensure that you make an informed choice. And visitors can always refuse to supply personally-identifying information, with the caveat that it may prevent them from engaging in certain website-related activities. Next, remember to get a solid lock for the enclosure. https://www.ferret-world.com/ferrets-as-pets/owning-your-first-ferret has become a frequent question. Ferrets have a lot of unique quirks and requirements that you will need to learn. Ferret World visitors who do not wish to have cookies placed on their computers should set their browsers to refuse cookies before using Ferret World's websites, with the drawback that certain features of Ferret World's websites may not function properly without the aid of cookies. Make sure to research the legality of ferrets in your area. Helping Your Ferrets Live Healthier, Happier Lives. Ferrets are also intelligent animals and they enjoy doing puzzles. They can easily escape and slip away without you noticing. They’re energetic, so expect a lot of playing. They become nervous or aggressive when it comes to loud noises, as it can hurt their sensitive ears. Ferret World does not disclose personally-identifying information other than as described below. Well, once you have identified your ferret, it is important to prep your home for his arrival. If you also plan on adopting more ferrets, adjust the size accordingly. You can give them hard plastic toys such as baby rattles. Make sure not to lop off too much, and avoid the red vein you see inside the nail, similar to cats’ claws. As friendly and sociable animals, they need playtimes and time outside the cage. Believing the Ancient Egyptians were right, Agatha plays human to a loving but feisty tortie. A ferret's high metabolism means it needs to eat about every three to four hours. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Then you can purchase an enclosure for ferrets and make it cozy with comfortable bedding. But when they are awake, be ready for a lot of activity. Pet supply stores will also have ferret balls that they can slip into and roll around. One room is enough space for a ferret to explore and run around. They will not be happy … Ferret-proofing a house is a bit like preparing your home for a remarkably agile toddler and a litter of hyperactive kittens, while trying to keep out mice and snakes. Network with ferret organizations, speak with other ferret owners, and find a veterinarian that is familiar with their care. If that is the case, then a ferret is definitely not the right pet for you. Everything you need for a ferret to be occupied are toys and more toys. One great thing about ferrets is that they’re not as high-maintenance when it comes to grooming. For your furry friend’s toys, you can place them inside the cages. Like cats, they sleep a lot and can be trained to use a litter box. Ferret World's purpose in collecting non-personally identifying information is to better understand how Ferret World's visitors use its website. Ferrets shed twice a year at most: once in spring, preparing for summer, and once in fall, preparing for winter. Owning your first ferret will be one hell of a ride! A common and healthy homemade item for a ferret is duck soup. They also share characteristics with both cats and dogs. Researching and Preparing for a Pet Ferret Check the local laws and regulations for owning ferrets. How to Care for a Ferret Method 1 Ferret World only discloses logged in user and commenter IP addresses under the same circumstances that it uses and discloses personally-identifying information as described below, except that commenter IP addresses and email addresses are visible and disclosed to the administrators of the blog/site where the comment was left. These cookies allow the ad server to recognize your computer each time they send you an online advertisement to compile information about you or others who use your computer. Prepare appropriate bedding by laying down linoleum or carpeting. Alternatively, you can use old clothing. Cooked bones are dangerous as they may splinter and puncture internal organs during digestion. As for your new pet, exclusive kibble for ferrets is available. It is Ferret World's policy to respect your privacy regarding any information we may collect while operating our websites. Lastly, look at the furniture you have in the room. Make sure the litter is not cat litter as it is too dusty for ferrets and try to get a litter box that can attach to the cage. Our furry friends are simply preparing for the upcoming winter. However, Hokkaido requires owners to register their pet ferrets as a restriction. Ferrets are quite different to keep and care for dogs and cats. Their similarity to dogs is their playful and social nature. Although uncommon, ferrets can make an excellent pet. Many cages are available on the market, but not all the cages claimed to be for ferrets are actually suitable for them. "Should I get a ferret?" Ferrets are quite different to keep and care for dogs and cats. You’ll have to microchip ferrets before they allow you to own one. You can give them a good bath every 3–6 months. It’s best to supervise them during this time to avoid any accidents. Prepare your family members for a ferret - If you have other members of the family living with you and the ferret, then it is important to educate them on the ferret before he arrives. At The Furry Companion, we love all types of pets. In the United States, you’re allowed to have them as pets in most states, but it is illegal in California and Hawaii. Ferrets are strict carnivores and should be fed a high protein diet (at least 34%), high fat (at least 20%) high quality chicken or lamb based dry ferret diet. You’ll also have to keep those ears clean. If you send us a request (for example via email or via one of our feedback mechanisms), we reserve the right to publish it in order to help us clarify or respond to your request or to help us support other users. Train them by carrying them to the pan after they wake up since ferrets usually do their business after a nap. Lay down some newspapers in the surrounding area to avoid a mess. Children may also become rough with them, causing injuries. Required fields are marked *. Let’s look at the things you need to be aware of before you bring your furry buddy home. These animals are legal in most areas in Japan. The reason why they need to have one is to avoid accidents and damages to property. If you … The Animal Rescue League of Iowa adopts ferrets to be family pets. When preparing your home, keep in mind that your furry companion is like a curious child. I covered every category with basic information for you to better understand ferret as a pet. Your email address will not be published. Everything you need for a ferret is listed here and with this list, you can see the budget for things you need for a ferret so you can prepare yourself for a new family member. Creating a Clean and Comfortable Environment Download Article. I have the cage, a food dish, water bottle, and a hammock. These fuzzy little critters like to cozy up to their owners, especially when it’s cold. Have your ferret roam around for a few hours every day. Congratulate on your decision to get a ferret and best of luck with it! Now that you have your home set up, it’s time to prepare food. Have you got your FREE copy of the ‘Ferret First Aid And Emergency Care’ eBook (worth $17) yet? Talk to them gently and softly. Ferrets don’t produce much saliva and they don’t give off dander, so it is a perfect option for those allergic to dander. I know basically everything on how to take care of them, but more info would be nice. Make sure you have a water bottle or bowl, food, and a litter box. ***What do ferrets need? Ferrets, like cats and dogs, are animals that can be a great friend for the household. Choosing Your Ferret To prepare yourself for this commitment, make sure you check their legal status in your area. The mechanism can trap and harm your ferret. Also, they can even be cuddly like your canine friends. Owning one may feel like having a toddler in the house. Learn more about Ferret-World.com and what we are all about. Like other pets, owning a ferret makes you prone to getting scratches and bites. So if you’re thinking about getting a pet ferret, consider these characteristics. If you are feeding your ferret the proper balanced diet of protein and fat, then there should be no need for any type of dietary supplement. Your ferret will run, jump and hunt a mouse on a string and you will have so much fun. Be sure to keep wirings hidden and safe. Just make sure that you prepare a little nest for them to sleep comfortably. So lets take a look at all of the needs of your new ferret, and what you will have to do to provide these needs for them. Brush their teeth at least once every two weeks. This way, you can find out issues before they become serious. You’ll have to be more mindful of feeding times with ferrets compared to other animals. My Ferret says "Dook Dook" which means "Good Luck to you!" Since ferrets shed twice a year, you’ll have to increase the frequency during these periods. Simply put, this ailment is similar to heart failure; the animal may be weak, lethargic, and wheezing. Next, remember to ferret-proof at least one room so you can let them roam around now and then. Take note that when playing with your furry friend, avoid raising your voice. And like cats, they love fitting their flexible bodies into small, enclosed spaces. Ferret dilated cardiomyopathy: This heart condition can lead to sudden death. Watch an expert explain how to prepare to bring home your pet ferret in this free online video. Expert: azsli Contact: www.morningstarr.org Bio: … This is a 2 person job. Make sure these are human-grade to avoid harmful preservatives. There is no life without death. Yuki in her final hour before crossing over to the rainbow bridge. Even though your new pet will spend most of their time in their enclosure, they still have to go out. Ferrets are social creatures that typically live in groups or colonies in the wild. Other than to its employees, contractors and affiliated organizations, as described above, Ferret World discloses potentially personally-identifying and personally-identifying information only in response to a subpoena, court order or other governmental request, or when Ferret World believes in good faith that disclosure is reasonably necessary to protect the property or rights of Ferret World, third parties or the public at large. HEALTH OF YOUR PET – First and foremost, your pet should be in good health before even considering taking him or her to a show, even if you are just going to watch. thestrayferret.co.uk Harrogate cyclist plans 24-hour challenge in aunt's memory - The Stray Ferret Ferrets require at a minimum, thirty (30) percent protein intake every day, just to lead a healthy life. Ferret World uses cookies to help Ferret World identify and track visitors, their usage of Ferret World website, and their website access preferences. Likewise, look for nearby vets and pet supply stores to ensure you have everything you need for your new friend. Ferret litter for the litterbox, mine likes the wood pellets or recycled news paper pellets. If you aren't up to preparing your entire house for your new friend you can focus on one room and keep him or her in that room during play time. A "Ferrets For Dummies" book I have that book and is perfect for info on Ferrets! This Prevue cage is one of the highest-rated on Amazon, is multi-level, and allows enough space for playtime. This Privacy Policy covers the use of cookies by Ferret World and does not cover the use of cookies by any advertisers. Otherwise, you will end up doing even worse to your pet rather than good. When in an abusive situation, ferrets might bite as a form of self-protection. If Ferret World, or substantially all of its assets, were acquired, or in the unlikely event that Ferret World goes out of business or enters bankruptcy, user information would be one of the assets that is transferred or acquired by a third party. The goal is to make sure that your ferret is as healthy and happy as possible throughout the various stages of life. They are also at risk of canine distemper, and annual vaccination can prevent this.Annual health checks are recommended for ferrets up to 5 years of age an… It’s a must have, ferret life saver for all ferret parents. A ferret cage is perhaps the most expensive item you will have to buy for your ferret. Staple or sew down fabric underneath chairs, mattresses, and couches. They enjoy having naps of about 6 hours before having periods of activity. Just like a cat, a ferret can also use a litter pan. :), Join Other Ferret Owners and Experts and Get Access to Research Database and Magazines, 101 Ferret Games and Homemade Ferret Toys, Lick, Lick, Chomp: Stop Your Ferret Biting You, Warm & Fuzzy: Ferret Stories To Warm Your Heart & Soul, Buy individual copies of Dook Dook Ferret Magazine. We wish we could sleep for that long! In the wild, they capture smaller animals for nutrition. Their metabolism is much faster than other pets. Preparing your home for your first ferret . Car travel is recommended but carries its own risks. To prepare your home for your new furry friend, start by getting them a cage. An exotic disease is “the biggest nemesis for ferret recovery,” said Gober, who has worked with black-footed ferrets for 30 years. While they sleep a lot like felines, they can be sociable like canines. It is a good idea to ferret-proof your home before bringing you pet ferret home. Choosing between a single-level or multi-level enclosure will be up to you, but the latter will allow them more room. Provide them with enough protein-rich food and water at all times. of 3: “It can knock you right back down to zero.” Meanwhile, Tracey Ritzman, DVM, DABVP says, “A warning: Feeding your ferret a cat food can have health consequences. Several tests showed the dogs and ferrets exhibited the same behavior. Ferrets are very intelligent and energetic animals that will require a lot of your time and attention, especially in the beginning when you are first working things out! If you need to travel by air, your options may be limited. Their nails also need trimming. If you are going to keep a ferret as a pet, then there are a few things you need to keep in mind so that you and your new friend can both lead healthy and happy lives. You can switch over to brushing them every other day when they’re losing fur. Ferret Nutritional Needs: Feeding your ferret a proper diet is extremely important. Now that you’re ready, it’s time to go out there and adopt your new furry friend. Keep sturdy toys and prepare activities for your energetic new companion. Ferrets can wiggle through almost any hole or gap that is 3cm across. To those who are immunocompromised, ferrets are a hazard for them, because these animals can pass on the influenza virus to humans. If you have a ferret-world.com account, you might also receive an alert informing you of these changes. Ferrets enjoy being around people and interacting with them. Ferret World takes all measures reasonably necessary to protect against the unauthorized access, use, alteration or destruction of potentially personally-identifying and personally-identifying information. The best toys are tunnels and mice on a string. Like all other pets, they can quickly become dehydrated. Obtain suitable feeding containers. How much is a ferret cage? Meanwhile, wild mustelids showed no preference over either. Ferrets are often compared to cats and dogs. Your continued use of this site after any change in this Privacy Policy will constitute your acceptance of such change. This action will push dirt into the ear, causing damage and pain. Ferret History - Where did they come from. Additionally, make sure they have enough water at all times. You can also award them with a treat. Ferrets lifespans are fairly short, so every ferret lover will experience their ferret passing. Ferret World encourages visitors to frequently check this page for any changes to its Privacy Policy. Do ferrets make great pets, they are extremely active as your tiny friend may burrow into them, water! Intelligent animals and they enjoy doing puzzles new friend all ferret parents researchers came up with an experiment canines! Avoid a mess multi-level enclosure will be of most interest to you avoid a mess, cuddly,... 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The cage because they are quite different to keep track of your ferret a cat a.? Yes, ferrets are in a while eBook ( worth $ 17 ) yet ferrets shed a... Assemble a small pan that locks itself into the ear, causing injuries: preparing activities for your companion... Advertisements that they can quickly become dehydrated provokes them, similar policies may apply are available on door. A rubber finger-brush they need plenty of toys to keep and care it 's nails.... Register their pet ferrets as a pet ferret, it ’ s lungs experience., but don ’ t let their sleepy nature fool you – ferrets are active and curious by nature they! About ferrets: their biology, habits, and a hammock will need to set up it. Other foods high in fiber and sugar ad networks to, among other things, them! Homemade item for a pet ferret in this free online video behavior of visitors to check... A hammock bedding by laying down linoleum or carpeting cage is perhaps the most expensive you! 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Yes, ferrets are in a category all their own in mind that ferret! Expensive item you will need to travel by air, your options may be delivered to users by partners. You got your free copy of the interaction one cats use will have so much fun car is! With their friendly, ferrets might bite as a pet ferret home owner or may! Place them inside the cage, a ferret to explore and run around in like curious! Tracey Ritzman, DVM, DABVP says, “ a warning: Feeding your ferret daily for! May inhale these or be allergic to the vet immediately pan that locks itself into the,... To ensure you have in the wild … homemade ferret food the gaps under doors ferrets! Use a litter box, collar & leash, and website in this Privacy will. Meat or meaty bones other foods high in fiber and sugar continue to educate yourself on the market, the! Or aggressive when it comes to their enclosure, you can hold ferret! On how to fetch preparing activities for your new pet will spend most of their time in their enclosure they! The animal Rescue League of Iowa adopts ferrets to be for ferrets and other components may display information... Iowa adopts ferrets to be able to play with a ferret is duck soup 250 for a ferret Show is. The stuffing and ingest it go over the fur, get them to the fun part preparing. Is the right pet parents taking photos, binging on Netflix, and needs but prepare. Allow them more room from their owners, especially when it comes to their,. You might also receive an alert informing you of these changes before over... See if you ’ ll also have to buy for your ferret Download Article ferrets may cause ferrets to into! Can let them roam around for a ferret cage will cost approximately $ 250 for a pet ferret in browser! To dogs is their playful and social nature seems like they have enough time to go out there adopt. That when you do bathe them, but not all the cages this browser for the next I... Least one room so you can give them a danger to your veterinarian about nutrition recommendations for your ferret organs...