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Caring For Your Pet Ferret

The decision to bring a ferret to your home as a pet involves a number of things to consider as ferret care is a complex but satisfying job.

Ferrets are a member of the Mustelidae family, particularly mustela putorious furo. They share a number of similarities with minks, weasels and badgers and are not related to mice or rats. Ferrets have been domesticated for more than two thousand years. Although for many years they "worked" as hunting animals, it is unlawful to use them for hunting in the U.S. The domesticated ferret you will bring home should never be turned loose in the outdoors as he would not survive for very long. There are numerous states and municipalities where ferrets are outlawed. Check carefully the local ordinances regarding ferrets before promising your family you are going to acquire one.

Ferrets live on average about 6-8 years. Along with taking into consideration your living situation today, you need to forecast where you will be 7 years from now.

Ferrets are not entirely caged pets. They require a great deal of individual attention and should be permitted at least two hours per day of recreational time outside of their cage. When roaming around in the house they must be closely watched in order to prevent harm to both house and ferret.

You must ferret-proof the space in which your new companion is allowed to roam. Small openings (2"x2") are an open door for your ferret to investigate. Examine the room completely and block all such openings (lest your new friend manages to injure himself on a refrigerator fan). Ferrets, like small children, like to test things by placing them in their mouths. Beware: a ferret can experience serious health issues if he swallows the wrong thing.

Ferrets need to visit the vet several times at the beginning and annually after that to maintain their health. Consider the cost of these veterinary visits into your budget.

Ferrets are not good pets with babies and toddlers in the household. They are used to rough play with their buddies and have very tough skin. When playing with a small child they may nip them, causing intense pain. The child may over-react and injure the ferret by striking or hurling him.

Dogs and cats can live peacefully with your ferret if you are cautious in how the pets are presented to one another.

Ferrets have specific dietary needs. Fats and proteins need to be prominent in their diet (approximately 35% protein and 20% fat) to replace their eating habits in the outdoors where they eat small rodents. Meat-rich foods such as chicken, turkey, beef or lamb work fine. Top quality cat food can be used but special ferret food is recommended. You can leave food in his bowl as he will only eat what he needs and should not be tempted to overindulge.

The home for your ferret should be a cage designed to be safe for him and will contain a number of pieces of equipment:

- a weighted food dish

- a weighted water dish or water bottle (the dish is usually preferred by your ferret)

- a litter box for the cage (and one for outside the cage)

- bedding, such as a sleep sack or hammock (or both)

Note: The litter box should be positioned away from both the sleeping and eating areas.

Other things you may want to purchase before bringing your new friend home:

- ferret shampoo

- a collar and bell

- a harness and leash

- food

- litter for the litter box

- pet claw clippers

- safe toys

- the name, address and phone number of a veterinarian who knows ferrets well

These are just several of the things to think about before deciding on a ferret as a family pet. Ferret care is not just a concept, it is a lifestyle for those adopted by a ferret as owner.

About the Author

Dr. Arthur Young is a ferret enthusiast. For more great information on ferret care, visit  www.loveaferret.com

Farm Sanctuary?

Well right now im still a teen and im in love with animals. And you no how it feels when you start thinking bout what you want to do when your older. Well when im older i want to try to save animals and to do that i want to try to have an animal sanctuary. The only thing im worried about is the money problems thier might be having something like that. How can i get money, cus i cant have a job cus i have to put my whole devotion in the animals im taking care of. Please help cus this is my dream to have a animal sancuary.

If you want to help animals, become a congresswoman and introduce bills to prevent animal cruelty, puppy mills, backyard breeders, and such.
Trying to save animals the way you hope to is like closing the barn door after the cows are out.
Do something with some bite to it. Stop the tragedy before it happens
Short of that, become a fundraiser to help larger sanctuaries who are already established.
You can become a voice for the animals and help that way.

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