You've seen them in movies and on TV shows, and the local pet store usually has some for sale. They seem to be intelligent and cuddly. But what do you really know about owning a ferret?
Ferrets live an average of 6-8 years, although some can be as old as 10. They tend to sleep a lot (about 18 hours a day!), but when they are awake they are very playful and fun to watch.
The domestic ferret is not to be confused with their wild cousins, the Black Footed Ferret, which is an endangered species. Never take a ferret from the wild to keep as a house pet.
Many people have the misconception that ferrets stink! Although they do have a slightly musky odor, it is not an offensive scent, and occasional bathing helps with this. Most ferrets sold in North America for pets have also been descented and neutered before sale, and this aids in cutting any odor they might otherwise have.
The name ferret is derived from the latin furonem, which means "thief." If you've ever owned a ferret, as I have, you know the name is well deserved. They will steal and hide anything that appeals to them, especially if it is shiny and easy to carry off.
There are many good quality commercial ferret foods on the market. It used to be a common misconception that you could feed ferrets a quality cat food, but research has shown that a quality ferret food is recommended. Ferrets require a diet high in protein (34 -36%) and one that contains about 20% fat. The source of the protein should be animal protein?vegetable protein is not adequate for a ferret's metabolism, as it is indigestible to them.. Be sure to read the labels at your pet food supply store to ensure adequate nutrition. You can give your ferret treats such as apples, raisins and bananas or there are commercial treats available at your pet food supply store. Treats should be given sparingly, and are a great incentive for training purposes.
A ferret should have a cage that is large enough for them to move around in. They are very active animals when awake, and it is likely you will want to confine them to a cage when you are not home.
Ferrets can be trained to use a litter box. Here are a few suggestions: 1. Initially, keep the litter box in the ferret's cage. Generally a ferret will use the box, and can be rewarded with a small treat when they do so. 2. After the ferret is used to using the litter box in the cage, you can gradually move the litter box further from the cage if you wish. 3. When you ferret is out of the cage, take them to the litter box frequently and reward them when they use the box with lots of praise and perhaps a small treat. 4. Ferrets back up to defecate or urinate, so if you notice your ferret backing into a corner when out of the cage, take them to the litter box.
Ferrets love to play! They will play with almost anything, so it's very important that the toys they have available to them are safe. Things that are sharp or have small parts that can be swallowed should be avoided. Soft rubber toys are not a good choice as ferrets have sharp teeth and will destroy them quickly. Most of what a ferret plays with ends up in it's mouth, so it's much like "babyproofing" your house. Suggestions for ferret toys:
1. hard plastic balls
2. hard rubber balls
3. things they can crawl into?commercial ferret "tubes", or a section of PVC pipe at least 3" in diameter
4. paper bags and cardboard boxes
5. rattles, teething rings, etc (toys made safe for human babies)
6. small stuffed animals
Remember?they will steal anything, so make sure you "ferret proof" your house. Oh?I forgot?.When I bought my first ferret, I was told they do not climb. They are very good climbers, as I found out.
After reading all this, if you have decided you still want to own a ferret, Good For You! They are delightful, entertaining pets. I will never regret having a ferret as a FurrKid at one point in my life.
Cait Isaacs
executive chauffeured services Bradford .. Madison to Airport carMany different skin problems can arise in the aquarium. thankfully,... Read More
My son and I have a cat. Her name is... Read More
We all know how special interest groups can blow things... Read More
One of the most common causes of Feline Urinary Tract... Read More
Behavior can be a huge iisue with our pets. If... Read More
If the "tweet, tweet" of little beaks is in your... Read More
==========The Scoop on Premium Dog Food========If you're interested in premium... Read More
You've made up your mind, it's the American Pit Bull... Read More
Why use a crate:When used properly and not abused, crates... Read More
Let's say you've made up your mind on the breed... Read More
Having a cat allergy came as something of a surprise... Read More
For thousands of years, dogs have been "man's best friend."... Read More
Anyone wanting a new kitten should be a cat lover.... Read More
Attention breeders, livestock owners and pet lovers! *Pets looking for... Read More
Taurine, a water-soluble amino acid, has recently become the topic... Read More
If there is an art to getting horses to load... Read More
A well-train dog usually leads a happier and healthier life... Read More
My two therapy dogs, Nikki and Benny, bring joy to... Read More
Fleas have plagued dogs, cats, and their owners since time... Read More
Most parrot people are aware of some of the basic... Read More
Every year, many cat owners decide to get their cat... Read More
There are three important litter box considerations to account for... Read More
"Doggy breath" ? that unpleasant odor emanating from the mouths... Read More
Are you thinking about getting some discus then and want... Read More
An essential to your dog's health is his/her regular annual... Read More
O'Hare Chicago prom limo ..June is Disaster Preparedness for Pets month ? but if... Read More
Occasionally watching Animal Planet does have its advantage. You can... Read More
As our horses enjoy a longer life and many live... Read More
Do you want to save money, anxiety for your kitty,... Read More
What is Canine Infectious Hepatitis?The word hepatitis refers to an... Read More
Cats need only be provided with decent shelter, food and... Read More
Every year, hundreds of thousands of cats and kittens are... Read More
Once though of as a mere harmless but annoying pest,... Read More
Among the most well known cat lover gifts are photo... Read More
The main ways a puppy will play with another dog... Read More
Have you ever wondered what a dog thinks, or if... Read More
Clone a Cat, Go To Jail ...or at least... Read More
Dog TrainingSo, we've got a new best friend that needs... Read More
Out of all the pet animals, the cat is most... Read More
The holidays are a wonderful time of year, full of... Read More
Newer doesn't always mean better.Adopting an older dog may be... Read More
Rabbits are one of the most popular pets, apart from... Read More
You want your dog to swim?We're going to try to... Read More
Mum, dad, can we get a puppy? Its a plea... Read More
Why The Food You Give Your Dog Matters!If you're like... Read More
Carl Icahn, the hostile takeover master who was THE original... Read More
Beaks, Bills, Face Knives, Beakers - whatever we want to... Read More
Puppies have a natural instinct inside that causes them to... Read More
There are three important litter box considerations to account for... Read More
Is your dog up to dirty no good again? Did... Read More
Pet |