Ferrets
CARE Sheet
Ferret
(Mustela putorius furo)
Origin:Europe
EuropeSize:12-16" long
12-16" longPet Status:Excellent
ExcellentLife span:5-11 years
5-11 yearsBreeding ability: Good. Gestation period of 38-44 days; average litter 5-13 babies
Compatibility with other species:Not recommended
Not recommendedFeeding:Carnivorous / Quality Pelleted Food
Carnivorous / Quality Pelleted FoodBio:
Ferrets are related to mink and weasels and are from the family called “Mustelids”. In 3000BC ferrets were first domesticated by the Ancient Egyptians. It wasn’t until the 1980’s that ferrets became popular as pets. They were introduced in the 10th Century to Europe as working ferrets. There are now no wild ferrets left in the world.
Nowadays ferrets have become popular pets. It is estimated that there is a population of over 1.5 million world-wide.
General diet:
Ferrets are carnivores so they require lots of protein in their diet, and this means that they will cost a little more to feed than a rabbit or guinea pig. Ferrets digest their food very quickly so need small, frequent meals with a high level of protein and oil.
Use a good quality, heavy, earthenware food bowl to keep the food dry and clean, and prevent the ferret from tipping the food on to the floor of the cage. Their bowls must be cleaned after every use and stale food thrown away.
Treats/extra foods:
Treats are so called because that’s just what they should be – a “treat”. If fed correctly they are not detrimental to a ferret and they will love them. However, treats are designed to be an extremely small element of the animal’s diet, and overfeeding may lead to health problems such as obesity, dental problems and heart disease.
Some natural treats you can provide for your ferret are bits of meat, some fruit and vegetables and pieces of cereal. You will need to be careful though as ferrets will have a favourite hiding place where they will hoard food. You will need to find this and remove any food that is stale. Also it will make sure that he doesn’t over-indulge in his favourite Treat!
NEVER GIVE YOUR FERRET ANY DAIRY PRODUCTS OR SWEETS.
Vitamins/supplements:
A balanced diet should provide all the vitamins your ferret needs. If you want to be absolutley sure your pet is getting what it needs, multivitamins are available.
Housing:
Ferrets can live indoors or outdoors. If kept inside your ferret will need a large cage with at least two compartments – one for them to toilet, sleep and play in whilst you are out, and one he can sleep in. It should be kept away from draughts and direct sunlight. The ideal sized cage for one or two ferrets would be 4ft x 2ft x 2ft (120cm x 60cm x 60cm).
If you prefer to keep them outdoors a two-story rabbit hutch will be ideal and it should be placed in a sheltered position, out of direct sunlight. Extremes of temperature can cause stress to animals which may result in discomfort or illness.
In cold weather, there must be adequate protection from draughts, wind and rain. Repositioning the cage can make the most of the winter sunlight, and plastic sheets over the front of the cage can prevent rain from driving into the cage, but always allow for sufficient ventilation. Cages should be checked before winter to ensure that they are water and draught proof and extra bedding should be provided if there is any doubt about insulation.
Place the hutch on bricks or legs to avoid becoming damp during wet weather. Ensure the roof is sloping, waterproofed and overhangs slightly to avoid poor drainage on the top surface.
Provide a run for your ferret too and fill it with lots of toys so that they won’t get bored. These could include logs and branches, boxes, flowerpots and drainpipes.
Sanitation/General care:
Use bedding materials that are clean, non-toxic, absorbent, dust free and easily replaced. Some bedding materials are wood shavings (Aspen or kiln dried pine NO CEDAR), shredded paper, processed ground corn cob or commercial pellets. Provide a house or other structure where the pig can hide when frightened or tired. Keep the cage on a stand or sturdy table away from cold, damp areas, out of direct sunlight and drafts.
General Maintenance:
Clean the cage thoroughly with hot water at least once each week. Always remove non-eaten greens, fruits and vegetables at the end of each way and wash all food dishes with hot water at least twice weekly. Make sure that a constant supply of fresh water is available at all times. You can also place toys, ladders, blocks and other materials in their cages to encourage this type of activity.
Health care:
A ferret is inexpensive to buy but you must be prepared to pay for veterinary treatment if it becomes ill. You should seek advice on whether your ferrets need to be vaccinated against canine distemper every year and you will probably either need to pay for neutering or a vasectomy if you want to keep more than one ferret. Lone female ferrets should be neutered to avoid seasons and associated health problems.
Taming/handling:
To ensure that your ferret becomes tame and affectionate it is important that you handle it frequently and correctly. Picking up a ferret incorrectly could lead to your ferret being permanently frightened and may lead to it becoming aggressive.
Remember that most small animals are prey in the wild. So, if they are approached from above they will see a large shadow and become scared. They might run and hide or try to attack you.
Before attempting handling, make sure that your ferret is awake and alert. Let him decide when he is ready to come to you. Your voice is a very good method of introduction as it will make him aware that you are near him.
Ferrets should be grasped around the shoulders with one hand, with your thumb under its mouth and, at the same time, supporting the hind legs with your other hand. Then gently lift the ferret and hold against your chest.
Supplies checklist:
¨Appropriately sized cage
Appropriately sized cage¨Food bowls and water bottle
Food bowls and water bottle¨Bedding
Bedding¨High Ferret Food
High Ferret Food¨Timothy hay
Timothy hay¨Vitamin supplements
Vitamin supplements¨Hiding place and/or nesting box
Hiding place and/or nesting box¨Chew sticks and toys
Chew sticks and toys¨Book on the raising and training of Ferrets
Book on the raising and training of FerretsOne Stop
Country Pet Supply
Ferrets
Ferrets are fun pets to have. Unfortunately many people do not understand their needs and are not prepared to keep these great little animals long-term. As a result, there are often many ferrets residing in local shelters and rescue groups. We have made the decision to help those animals find loving homes by referring you to those shelters for your pet ferret.
