| The decision to bring a ferret home as a pet requires | | | | playing with a young child they may nip them, causing |
| a number of considerations as ferret care is a | | | | intense pain. The child may over-react and harm the |
| complex but rewarding job. | | | | ferret by hitting or throwing him. |
| Ferrets are a member of the Mustelidae family, in | | | | Dogs and cats can live peacefully with your ferret if |
| particular mustela putorious furo. They share a | | | | you are careful in how the pets are introduced to |
| number of similarities with minks, weasels and | | | | one another. |
| badgers and are not related to mice or rats. Ferrets | | | | Ferrets have special dietary needs. Fats and proteins |
| have been domesticated for more than two millennia. | | | | need to be prominent in their diet (approximately |
| Although for many years they "worked" as hunting | | | | 35% protein and 20% fat) to substitute for their |
| animals, it is illegal to use them for hunting in the | | | | eating habits in the wild where they eat small |
| United States. The domesticated ferret you will bring | | | | rodents. Meat-rich foods such as chicken, turkey, |
| home should never be turned loose in the outdoors | | | | beef or lamb work fine. High quality cat food can be |
| as he would not survive for very long. There are a | | | | used but specific ferret food is preferred. You can |
| number of states and municipalities where ferrets are | | | | leave food in his bowl as he will only eat what he |
| illegal. Check carefully the local ordinances regarding | | | | needs and should not be tempted to overeat. |
| ferrets before promising your family you are going to | | | | The home for your ferret will be a cage designed to |
| purchase one. | | | | be safe for him and will contain a number of pieces |
| Ferrets live on average around 6-8 years. In addition | | | | of equipment: |
| to considering your living situation today, you need to | | | | - a weighted food dish |
| forecast where you will be 7 years from now. | | | | - a weighted water dish or water bottle (the dish is |
| Ferrets are not exclusively cage animals. They require | | | | usually preferred by your ferret) |
| a large amount of personal attention and should be | | | | - a litter box for the cage (and one for outside the |
| allowed at least two hours per day of play time | | | | cage) |
| outside of their cage. When roaming around in the | | | | - bedding, such as a sleep sack or hammock (or |
| house they must be supervised in order to prevent | | | | both) |
| harm to both house and ferret. | | | | Note: The litter box should be positioned away from |
| You must ferret-proof the area in which your new | | | | both the sleeping and eating areas. |
| friend is allowed to roam. Small openings (2"x2") are | | | | Other things you may want to purchase before |
| an invitation for your ferret to investigate. Check out | | | | bringing your new friend home: |
| the room thoroughly and block all such openings (lest | | | | - ferret shampoo |
| your new friend manages to hurt himself of a | | | | - a collar and bell |
| refrigerator fan). Ferrets, like small children, like to | | | | - a harness and leash |
| test things by putting them in their mouths. Beware: | | | | - food |
| a ferret can experience major health issues if he | | | | - litter for the litter box |
| swallows the wrong thing. | | | | - pet claw clippers |
| Ferrets need to visit the veterinarian several times at | | | | - safe toys |
| the beginning and yearly after that to maintain their | | | | - the name, address and phone number of a |
| health. Factor the cost of these veterinary visits into | | | | veterinarian who knows ferrets well |
| your budget. | | | | These are just a few of the things to consider |
| Ferrets are not good pets with very young children in | | | | before deciding on a ferret as a pet. Ferret care is |
| the household. They are used to playing roughly with | | | | not just a concept, it is a lifestyle for those adopted |
| their companions and have very tough skin. When | | | | by a ferret as owner. |