Know Your Ferret Pet Pal

Ferrets have been referred to as 50 pounds of curiosity packed into a two to five pound animal.  Barring disease or accidental death a ferret will live to be between 8 – 12 years old.

Housing: Ferrets like dark, tight spaces for sleeping.  They need space for stretching and moving.  A cage should be a minimum of three feet in length and two feet in height.  They will use a litter box just like a cat.

Feeding: Carnivores (meat eaters).  They need high protein diets.  High grade dry and canned kitten and cat food is best.  Some pet stores have commercial ferret food.  Have fresh water available at all times.

Health: Ferrets need distemper and sometimes rabies shots.  They are susceptible to human colds and a wide range of both canine and feline diseases including distemper, feline leukemia and heartworm, as well as Aleutians (from mink).  Be sure house is “ferret proof” if the animal is allowed to roam free.

Ferrets have scent glands that give off a musky odor.  These can be surgically removed, which is often done at the time of spaying or neutering.

The ferret is a member of the weasel family but has a very different disposition.  Since the domestic ferret has never lived in the wild it is a gentle, social animal with a playful personality when bred and raised as a pet.  Commercially many ferrets are raised for their mink-like fur.

Training: Just like with a puppy or kitten, be consistent teaching them acceptable behavior.

(Source: 4-H Cooperative Curriculum System – Pet Project Activity Guide)

Filed under: Hand Pets • Pets and Everyday Life

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