Bringing Your Ferret Home

Before you bring your ferret home there are a few things you should know. First you must choose a home for your ferret. Keep in mind this is the place your ferret will spend most of their time and it should be a comfortable, safe place.

Ferret Housing

There are multiple choices of ferret cages, make sure there is enough room for your ferret to run around in.  Make sure there are no gaps in the levels because this may catch your ferret and hurt it. The cage should always have soft bedding, so that your ferret is comfortable and does not hurt itself. Plastic bottom cages are easy to clean; metal bottoms rust and look dingy after multiple washings. It is important if you buy plastic coated metal that your ferret is not chewing the coating off because this can cause intestinal blockages.

Make sure the cage has multi layers, and large doors. Large doors ensures your ferret will not get stuck when it’s trying to get out. Also purchase a sleeping sack and hammock, the more areas your ferret has to sleep, the more comfortable and happy they are. Remember ferrets sleep 15- 20 hours a day on average.  Your new ferret needs to spend two hours a day outside their cage. Think about ferret proofing a room so they do not get hurt.
 
Ferret Toys

Your ferret will also need toys, but be careful in what you purchase; some toys can place your ferret’s life at risk. Make sure toys are durable for the against the ferrets sharp teeth. Cat toys are wonderful for ferrets. Stay away from foam or plastic toys they are easily destroyed.  Do not leave toys in the cage if you are not supervising, if your ferret damages a toy and eats the piece it can result in an obstruction and it will need to be surgically removed. 

Ferrets are part of the Mustelid family so they do have an odor to them, it is best that you schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to have your ferret neutered and de-scented. Often both procedures can be done at the same time. When your ferret is home make sure you follow the veterinarian’s aftercare instructions to ensure your ferrets health.

Ferret Vet Care

Your ferret also needs vaccinations and regular exams. Most kits have only had their first series of shots, you should make sure you are aware of when they received their shots, and continue the series. After the first series of distemper shots are finished your ferret will only need the shot annually. Ferrets also need their booster vaccination.

Feeding Your Ferret

The type of food you feed your ferret is important. Make sure it is either high quality cat food or a ferret food that is not made from frozen meat. You should find out which brand of food the ferret has been eating before you bring it home. If you choose to switch brands, you must wean the ferret off the old food. Mix a small amount of the new food in with the old food and gradually increase the portion of new food daily until the ferret becomes used to the new taste. 

Snacks for ferrets are not necessary and can cause many future health problems. If you choose to feed your ferret a snack, healthy options are cook eggs and meat. Feeding your ferret sugary treats will only harm them.

Bringing your ferret home takes a lot of preparation, but this will ensure the safety and health of your furry little friend.

Here are two lonely ferrets looking for their owners, temporarily displaced by Hurricane Frances in 2004, waiting to be taken home.