petcarefun.info

January 17th, 2010 by KittyKitty

If you have or you are thinking about purchasing a ferret, you must consider how much time it requires to care for them. Ferrets are exotic animals that belong to the mustelid family. This means they do tend to have an odor when they reach maturity.

De-scenting and neutering your ferret would be a good choice if you are not breeding them. De-scenting your ferret will help with the smell and neutering them is recommended when you buy two or more
Ferrets should also see the veterinarian for their vaccinations; it is always a good idea to bring any newly purchased animals in for a check up.

Ferrets need a balanced diet and high-quality ferret food can be purchased in any local pet store. Just make sure any brand of food you choose has at least 20% fat and 35% protein. Ferrets require higher levels of fat than cats. Balanced fats like poultry fat are better for ferrets because they have a healthier blend of essential fatty acids.

Your ferret should always have fresh water available. Ferrets will drink less water from bottles than bowls. Using a water bottle is a better choice if you are unable to change the water in the water bowl at least once a day. Your new pet will also need a ferret-proofed house.

You should buy a cage that is safe, easy to clean, and roomy. Spacing of the cage is very important. Your ferret is in danger if it can force its head through any part of the cage. Make sure the cage you purchase has no place where your ferret’s feet will get trapped.

Ferrets just love to run around and play. If they are not in the right kind of cage, ferrets can get hurt. Ferrets sleep 15-20 hours a day and they love to hide in dark padded areas. Hammocks and sleeping sacks are great for both play and sleep.  You can also try covering one part of their cage with a sheet in order to give them a nice, quiet and private place to play or to sleep.

Ferrets love to chew things; anything within a ferret’s reach can become a hazard to your ferret. You should check your ferret’s cage often for anything that it is chewing on that is becoming damaged.

If a ferret eats the wrong thing it will cause obstruction in the intestines, and will need to be surgically removed. Ferrets are very social animals. You must wait until they are at least thirty days old before you introduce ferrets to humans.

Your ferret should be let out of its cage at least twice a day, in a ferret proof room. Never leave your ferret outside their cage unattended. There is a risk of them getting hurt. It will help with training if you can handle your ferret more often.

This will help them interact with you. Ferrets love to cuddle and it really feels nice when they do it with you. Ferrets can be trained to use a litter box. The earlier you start litter box training the better the success rate.

Ferrets are a fun and loving pet, remember the more you interact and care for them the longer & healthier life they will have.

For more information about all aspects of caring for ferrets visit Ferret-Care-Center.com