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welcome | facts | choosing | feeding | looking after | care | links | leaflets As we said at the very beginning you must be committed to providing the very best for your ferret. It is amazing how many people don’t think it’s necessary to interact with their ferrets once they bring them home. But it is, and it is something you need to consider BEFORE you buy your pet. Let’s see what ferrets need. Click on a link below to find out more about looking after Ferrets: |
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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-storey 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.
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Ferrets cages need cleaning out regularly to ensure that they stay in the best of health. Ferrets are clean animals and don’t like dirtying their living area, so you also need to provide a litter tray. Here are some tips to help you make sure you keep your ferret’s cage clean and hygienic: Every day Once a week
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There are many types of bedding available for ferrets but the best are the natural products which have been dust extracted, as this reduces irritation to the eyes, nose and respiratory system. Ferrets also like snuggling up into clean, old towels. To
find out more about suitable bedding products, click here.
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It is extremely important that your ferret has the opportunity to exercise every day. Exercise is essential to: maintain high levels of fitness Your ferret will love running around and playing. He will also enjoy branches to climb on as well as platforms and a hammock. You can make him some tunnels out of drainpipes or terracotta chimney liners. Flower pots, cardboard or wooden boxes are great for hiding in and exploring. Hide some small pieces of food or treats in his play area to encourage him to forage. Ferrets are naturally very active and inquisitive animals. They like to keep themselves busy and, when allowed, spend the majority of their time running around and investigating their surroundings. Your ferret will also enjoy a walk outside with you – see
Walking Your Ferret.
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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.
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Ferrets will enjoy going for a walk with you, but make
sure you are in a safe, secure area. You can purchase a harness and it
is a good idea to have an identity tag if you walk them in a public area,
just in case they escape.
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Gerbils do not require washing and don’t generally require grooming if they are in a pair, as they will groom each other. But they do really enjoy an occasional dust bath. Whilst handling your gerbil, you have the perfect opportunity to examine your pet closely to look for any signs of illness. Check his eyes, ears, nose and under the tail. Also check that his teeth and nails aren’t too long and make sure his fur is clean and shiny and that there aren’t any lumps or bumps. (Also see the next section called “Is my Gerbil well?” for more details on signs of illness and behaviour.)
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Ferrets will accept living alone as long as you spend enough time with them, but they will be far happier if there are two of them so that they can play together. However, you must ensure that the cage is large enough to accommodate more than one ferret. Female ferrets, unlike many other small animals, will come into season and will stay in season until mated. Therefore the following combinations are recommended: a male (hob) and female (jill) who are allowed to
breed If you wish to keep more than two ferrets it
is best to have the females neutered or give the males a vasectomy
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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.
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If you do decide to breed from your female ferret, you will need to give her twice as much food as normal whilst she is pregnant, as the demand for nutrients during this time is much greater. Once she has had the litter she will need three times as much food as normal whilst she is lactating (feeding her babies herself). Do not be tempted to touch the kittens for the first week as the mother ferret may reject them.
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When ferrets reach the senior stage of life, it is important to consider changes in their environment and diet. Older animals tend to be less active, especially in colder weather, and will have lower energy requirements. Their food intake should be reduced to prevent obesity. Encourage your older ferret to continue exercising to maintain a good level of fitness which will help fight off disease, but you will find that they tend to rest more than they used to. You may find he requires more help than normal with grooming, but this is just a good opportunity for a longer cuddle!
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If you want to go on holiday, you must ensure that someone is prepared to look after your pet properly whilst you are away, or that you can afford to pay to place him in boarding. |
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