| Whoever said that there are no stupid questions | | | | Recommended is cloth bedding. Some choose |
| must be a smart man. As a new ferret owner (or if | | | | paper-based bedding, wood pellet type, straw but |
| you’re still planning to purchase one), it is good | | | | please, never cedar shavings. 8 |
| to know that there are also other people asking the | | | | 10. Is nipping normal? |
| very questions you have in mind right now. So, stop | | | | Yes especially when they’re still kits. However, |
| asking about the why’s and the how’s and | | | | you can train your ferret not to nip or bite. |
| start reading below. | | | | 11. How can I stop them from digging my carpet or |
| | | | plants? |
| 1. What are ferrets? | | | | Just like nipping, it’s a natural behavior. But you |
| A ferret is “a mammal, small in size, with an | | | | can stop this by using plastic runner materials or |
| average weight of 1-5 pounds. They were believed | | | | provide an appropriate place for them to dig. 9 |
| to be domesticated over 2000 years ago, with an | | | | 12. How can I make my house ferret-friendly? |
| average lifespan of 5-9 years. “1 | | | | Make sure that there aren’t holes in the walls. |
| 2. Do they make good pets? | | | | Block it up immediately if you find one. Use recliners, |
| Yes. They are one of the most popular pets in the | | | | fold-out beds and rockers with caution. 10 |
| US next to dogs and cats. They are curious, | | | | 13. What toys will my ferret like? |
| intelligent and cuddly 2. | | | | They will play with almost anything. Just make sure |
| 3. Is owning them legal? | | | | that they are durable and safe. 11 |
| Yes. However, in some other places, ferret owners | | | | 14. Why do they smell? |
| are required to have licenses or permits. States, | | | | “The distinctive ferret odor comes from musk |
| counties, and municipalities outlaw or restrict ferrets | | | | glands in the skin and from hormonal activities. The |
| for a variety of reasons which are pretty much | | | | best way to reduce the odor is to spray or neuter |
| invalid. 3 | | | | your pet.” 12 |
| 4. What should I feed my pet? | | | | 15. Do they get along with other animals? |
| Look for a ferret food that is a “minimum of | | | | With dogs and cats, yes. With birds, no. |
| 32% protein and 18% fat, and a maximum of 3% | | | | 16. Can I teach them tricks? |
| fiber. The first ingredient should be a high quality | | | | Of course! Ferrets are intelligent and highly trainable |
| meat and the other ingredients should not include too | | | | animals. Patience is the key. |
| many grains.”4 | | | | 17. What are these noises they’re making? |
| 5. How often should I feed my ferret? | | | | They call it dooking. It is the clucking sound they |
| Ferrets have a very fast metabolism and need to | | | | make when they’re having fun. |
| eat every after few hours to keep their bodies | | | | |
| properly fueled. Do not feed your pet just once or | | | | |
| twice a day, as you would a dog or cat. 5 | | | | |
| 6. Are treats good for my ferret? | | | | 18. Do I need to worry about any diseases? |
| Be careful in giving too much treats. Feeding your pet | | | | Yes. Watch out for symptoms. If the conditions |
| too many or the wrong kind of treats can be | | | | persist after giving fluids, consult the vet. 13 |
| detrimental to their health. 6 | | | | 19. Why does my ferret keep on scratching? |
| 7. Will my ferret use a litter box? | | | | Ferrets scratch all the time but check for fleas, |
| Yes. Train your ferret to use a litter box so it will | | | | shampoo irritations, allergies and poor diet. 14 |
| know where exactly it should do its business. | | | | 20. How do I find a lost ferret? |
| | | | Check your house, backyard, bushes and garage |
| 8. What cages are appropriate? | | | | thoroughly. Ask your neighbors. Post pictures of your |
| When it comes to cages, the bigger, the better. No | | | | pet wherever possible or put up an ad in a local |
| to wire floors, yes to mats. 7 | | | | newspaper. |
| 9. What kind of bedding should I use? | | | | |