A Quick Guide to Ferrets

Ferrets have been used for hunting and pet control since ancient times, but have gained popularity recently for being energetic, inquisitive and fun loving. Things to Consider

• They sleep for around 18-20 hours a day and are usually active around dawn and dusk.
• They usually live for around 8 to 10 years.
• They usually come in around five colours, fitch, dew, sandy, silver and albino.
• The produce a strong distinctive smell.
• Can be kept on their own, though should be played with regularly.
• Usually prefer to be kept in small groups all of the same sex or neutered males and females.
• It’s important to handle your ferret a lot so that they become more used to it and less bitey.

Housing Usually ferrets are kept outside in a hutch due to their strong smell, however they can be kept as indoor pets if you wish. You should always buy the biggest enclosure you have money and space for so they have maximum room to exercise and play. The enclosure also needs an insulated sleeping area as ferrets are very vulnerable to extreme weather conditions. Bedding should be a good quality hay or shredded paper. The flooring should be lined with old newspapers and wood shavings to soak up mess. A lot of ferret owners recommend using fleece blankets for bedding as it makes less mess than bedding such as shredded paper that can get everywhere. Ferrets also love tunneling and so any tubes like drainpipes that you can provide will be welcomed. Feeding Ferrets are carnivores much like cats and dogs and so need high meat content in their diets. You can buy specially formulated ferret food or feed them a raw meat diet, or a mixture of the two. Whole eggs can occasionally be given as a treat and they’ll love breaking through the shell. As with most pets fresh clean drinking water must always be available. This can be dispensed from a drinker bottle or put into a heavy bowl.]]>