Ferrets For Adoption

Are You Planning to Buy Or Adopt a Ferret?
By Jennifer Manning

Caring for a pet ferret is probably less challenging than caring for a dog, but more challenging than caring for a cat. Whether you plan to buy or adopt a ferret, here are 6 important tips that will help you keep them healthy and happy.

Ferret Cages

First off, you'll need to buy a ferret cage. Many cages include a litter box (yes, ferrets can be trained to use a litter box). Get the largest cage you can afford and fill it with "ferret safe" toys. This will keep him protected while he's unsupervised. And an unsupervised ferret can find many ways to get into trouble such as:

• Curling up inside a recliner and getting crushed
• Escaping through a dryer vent
• Escaping through an open door or window
• And many other creative ways to get into danger -- a ferret is very imaginative.

21 rescued ferrets playing their ferret room at Critter Camp Exotic Pet Sanctuary www.crittercamp.biz 

Exercise

You should let your ferret out of her cage for a few hours of supervised play each day. Use extra caution when children are around -- for the safety of both the child and the ferret.

Feeding

Ferrets are known as strict carnivores and require a diet rich in meat. Make sure to provide them with a good quality ferret food that contains a high percentage of meat. And never feed your ferret table scraps or anything sweet -- it can lead to serious health issues.

Ferret Scent

Ferrets have a distinct musky odor. They can be descented (removal of their scent gland), but it doesn't remove the entire odor. So you'll need to make sure you can handle living with this distinctive smell for quite a few years -- their lifespan is typically 6 to 10 years. You might want to adopt a ferret on a trial basis to see if you can handle it.

Ferret Health

Your ferret will require Canine distemper and rabies vaccinations on a yearly basis. So make sure there's a veterinarian in your area who is capable of providing care for pet ferrets. And when you buy or adopt a ferret, be sure to ask for any health or veterinary records.

Multiple Ferrets

Many people realize something after they buy or adopt a ferret -- they want more. That's quite alright. Ferrets get along well with and enjoy the company of other ferrets. Just make sure you get a cage large enough for multiple ferrets, or get one of the modular cages that allow the addition of other rooms.

Learn more about Ferret Adoption at http://www.petcarejournal.com/adopt-a-ferret.html - a website designed to provide you with pet care articles and resources that will help you get the most out of your pet keeping experience, no matter what type of pet you own.

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