Also, ferrets can both catch and transmit the flu. and that’s why here we have listed 30 Interesting and Fun Facts about Ferrets that you will love. ... rabbits, gerbils, chinchillas, ferrets, and other small animals are confined to severely crowded plastic bins ... We never considered the impact of these actions on the animals involved. Also, an animal that has been abused or neglected may bite very hard. If you scruff a ferret, this puts them into a mode of submission. There are many good cages on the market made especially for ferrets, but minimum measures you can choose are 70 cm long, 60 cm wide … Ferrets that have not been de-scented retain the ability to “spray” when angry or frightened. As we entered her living room and saw the two little ferrets in a cage, the first thing she said to us was, “How can you stand their smell?” This story illustrates that you can become accustomed to one odor, but an unusual one may strike you as strong and foul. Since they can't absorb nutrients from plants, these animals need a diet of animal proteins and fat. For those who have learned that they love and want ferrets in their lives, a three-ferret household allows you to break up your pets’ ages so you are less likely to be facing age-related vet expenses all at once. There are two large cities where ferrets are not legal, Washington, DC, and New York City (including the five boroughs). Besides the obvious necessities of food, water, housing and veterinary care, ferrets need several hours of out-of-cage time and interaction with their owners daily. © 2001-2021  Because they produce little noise, they are convenient for apartment-dwellers, and the fact that their fur sheds less dander than a cat or dog causes less reactions for people with allergies. To protect yourself, you may wish to make the adoption conditional on a vet-check to be sure the ferret is in good health. The following is all about some cool things that you probably didn't know about the common ferret. Some humane societies have begun to adopt out ferrets, or you can visit the Ferrets Shelters Directory website for a list of ferret shelters across the country. Dr. Laurie Hess DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice). Several years ago a nice lady who performed cat rescue found a pair of ferrets in a park. Ferrets typically cost about … They burrow, dig and chew on everything — especially when they’re young — and they often steal and hide items in stockpiles in closets, under beds or in any secret place they can find. © If you value a spotless home, a ferret is not the pet for you. They are also delicate and require attentive care. If you arethinking of getting a ferret, plan to supervise him whenever he is out of his cage; make sure you ferret-proof an area in your home where he can safely run around; and put away all shoes, socks and other interesting items he might find loose on the floor. Ferrets themselves are usually delighted to meet any cat or dog, so save them from their own curiosity. Ferrets are weasels and, as such, they are obligate carnivores. In many of the states in which ferrets are legal, the law requires that they be vaccinated for rabies. Ferret, like all pets, need sufficient love and attention. His owners have inadvertently taught the ferret to continue nipping. Young ferrets love to chase toys, nibble on toes and generally get underfoot. Kits also smell more than adults, but that baby smell departs with age. to know more about this topic check: Best ferret food and some food are toxic for the ferret. 7. 6. Kits purchased from a breeder may cost far more, and you must factor in the cost of altering. Black-footed ferrets aren’t nearly as colorful. Most importantly, you need to know how to take care of a ferret. Several reports have shown that pet ferret attack babies in the absence of parents. Ferrets Need Three Hours Of Playtime Daily. Ferret actually need a high-quality diet. Regularly check for holes or tears that may develop, because these could cause injury if a ferret’s nail, toe or other body part gets caught. Baby ferrets, already altered and de-scented, are available in pet stores that sell animals. Ferrets are best for older children. This behavior lets them feel sure they’ll have … or young rabbits, because these animals are a ferret’s natural prey. Here are the facts on ferrets that you need to know. Foreign objects that are swallowed can lodge in their gastrointestinal (GI) tracts,potentiallyleading to obstructions. If you want an active, playful, mischievous pet that will bring endless fun, then a ferret may be the right pet for you. Meat, eggs, and coldwater fish are excellent foods for ferrets; avoid foods that are high in sugar or fiber. Spay/neuter surgery halts about 90 percent of a ferret’s natural odor. Though the popularity of domesticating Ferrets came from America, but now it is popular all over the world. Ask for copies of medical records and try to obtain a commitment from the previous owner to take the ferret back if it does not work out. The oil from a ferret’s fur rubs off on any porous surface she regularly touches. The expense — and the heartbreak — of losing them will occasionally deter previous owners from getting another. Avoid these if possible. Regions heavily dependent upon agricultural revenues (California, Hawaii and Puerto Rico) have regular checkpoints where officials search for any import — plant or animal — that has been ruled dangerous to local species. A group of ferrets is called a “Business”. Their inquisitive nature often leads them into trouble, so you must anticipate and constantly protect them from themselves. Individual towns or counties may also ban ferrets. you got your first ferret. A “good” pet is the one that’s right for you and whose needs you can meet. Many people also take similar precautions when someone in the household has a cold. DIS IS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW! Check out our collection of more than 250 videos about pet training, animal behavior, dog and cat breeds and more. Ferret World discloses potentially personally-identifying and personally-identifying information only to those of its employees, contractors and affiliated organizations that (i) need to know that information in order to process it on Ferret World's behalf or to provide services available at Ferret World's … Walking constantly on wire is uncomfortable and will eventually damage a ferret’s feet. It smells bad, but dissipates in minutes and does not cling like the spray of a skunk. A bite will most likely occur if a ferret is frightened or hurt. You would type in the Google: All about ferret facts! 2. No formal studies have been done, but various cancers seem to lead the list of ferret health problems (adrenal disease, insulinoma, lymphoma). Have a question about your pet parrotlet? Therefore, if you live in one of these areas, you need to consider another type of pet. As you know ferrets are the carnivores. You may find an owner willing to give their ferret free to a good home, but be sure to anticipate the cost of a vet checkup, also. Their name says it all. Ferrets live an average of 5 to 7 years. Your indoor pet can also come in contact with wildlife, like bats, which can carry the rabies virus. "Ferrets are the most expensive small pet to own," says Johnson. A child who wants a pet that cuddles will be frustrated by an active ferret. Here we will discuss about 10 such facts about ferrets that you have never heard before. [6] Bathing a ferret often results in a smellier pet. Watch out for that ferret oil. A tiny bit of sweets will not be harmful, but encourage healthier snacks. They need attention and can be pesky when they set their minds to something. Hounds, terriers and guard dogs may kill or injure with one snap. Powered by Brightspot. Powered by Brightspot. All rights reserved. Ferrets are inquisitive, smart, and playful animals. Place litter boxes and papers in any free-roam areas of your home to reinforce the habit when your ferret is out of the cage. Just like puppies, baby ferrets should get a series of three distemper vaccines three weeks apart starting at 2 months old; they should get their first rabies shot at approximately 4 months old. Ferrets should be groomed on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. If you decide to get more than one ferret, you’ll need to watch them closely together over several days for progressively longer periods before leaving them alone. They can be tamed and trained. Ferret pairs may bond very closely and if one passes away, the survivor often becomes depressed. Ferrets, being clever rascals, may use nipping to train their owners. Ferrets are playful, mischievous, entertaining little animals who can bring endless enjoyment to a family. Their joy in life is infectious. Take the cage outside to clean, hose and disinfect it on a regular basis. Low sodium chicken broth or the drainings from a can of tuna are also fine. Shaman Durek Verrett: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know Share on ... “And to those of you who feel the need to criticize: Hold your horses. It makes cleaning up after them so much easier. Several good-quality, ferret-specific diets are now available. They need their nails trimmed, their ears cleaned and a little pet toothpaste on a cotton swab to head off future dental problems. Always supervise any interactions between different species. You are aware that you need to know as much as you can about it. It should not be a significant part of a pet’s daily diet. My ferrets enjoy a bit of watermelon, cantaloupe or the fresh juice from either. A well-handled, happy and trusting ferret can be a delightful companion. Take Our Quiz, Cat Rescuer Sterling “TrapKing” Davis Wants You to Rethink Your Stereotypes About Cat Parents, A Literal Lifesaver: Debra Jo Chiapuzio Donates Pet Oxygen Masks to First Responders, These Carob-Mint Cookies for Dogs Are Inspired By One of Your Favorite Treats, This Instant Pot Dog-Friendly Stew Is All Kinds of Cozy, 8 Reasons Why Adopting a Senior Dog Is the Best, 10 Dog Breeds that Do Not Get Along Well with Cats, New Puppy Checklist: 9 Things You Need Before Bringing Home a New Puppy. A sudden change in diet might cause a hunger strike, which can be a problem if a type of food suddenly becomes unavailable. When we arrived, there were cats on the lawn. Wash your hands before and after handling your pets and prevent interaction with anyone suffering from the flu to limit potential infection. Make sure your wash your hands and change your clothes after you handle the new ferret and before you play with the ones already in your home. Vetstreet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While ferrets certainly love to take naps, in between their snoozes, they’re generally running, tumbling and skidding across the floor. Some ferrets object to sharing a litter box, so that could be another cause of trouble. Whether they live alone or in a large group, they remain very playful and active for most of their lives, which usually last 6 to 10 years. One at least 6 inches across and 3 inches high is sufficient for one or two ferrets. Also ensure that each ferret has equal access to food, toys, and hiding and sleeping places, so that they don’t fight over resources. We’ve got the skinny on which foods are OK to feed him. If you're willing to adopt a ferret as a pet, you need to know that it has a series of basic requirements and that it's your responsibility to fulfill all of them, keeping your pet in the best environment and in … A treat is a treat. This can be useful if, for example, there is a dangerous situation in which you need your ferret to come to you immediately. Baby ferrets are called “kits”. This means they need meat in their diet. What would you do? Interact with your pet daily. Keep at least two of each bedding item so you can switch off while one is in the wash. Quarantine your ferret if there are other ferrets in the house. Ferrets are growing in popularity and make wonderful pets. Keep sweets to a minimum and avoid caffeine. You need to understand ferrets just need to be bathed occasionally limiting the activity to about a few times every year. You get out of a pet in equal proportion to what you give it. Vetstreet. Breeders usually sell their kits unaltered and unde-scented. Even though your ferret lives indoors, you can track the canine distemper virus in from outside on your shoes and clothes. Ferrets also like to steal things and hide them, … Vetstreet. Young ferrets should have an annual physical exam and annual canine distemper and rabies vaccinations. Therefore, when their plate is full, the first thing they do is hide part of the food around the house. Carrier: A small pet carrier for trips to the vet or elsewhere is essential. "Ferrets are the most expensive small pet to own," says Johnson. please install the latest version of Flash. Your Guide to the Best Dog Brushes to Groom Your Pet. This common family pet will sing his heart out in your home. A ferret plays throughout his life, offering you an endlessly amusing companion with a distinct personality and all sorts of individual quirks and odd habits. For the safety of your animal, do not bring ferrets into areas where they are prohibited. There were cats on the front porch. With these simple dental care tips, you can help keep your canine’s adorable smile shiny and healthy for life. Most children under age 5 do not have the physical coordination to safely handle this fragile animal. 16. For an owner with some knowledge, this is also a great way to help an animal in need. While ferrets certainly love to take naps, in between their snoozes, they’re generally running, tumbling and skidding across the floor. They usuall… Constantly replenish the bowl. All rights reserved. Ceramic bowls are easy to clean and you can inspect them for cracks or chips in the glaze. They are cuddly, interactive, spunky pets who can be great for owners who have time to take them out of their cages every day and play with them. Take our breed quiz to find your next pet. Many people like the basic scent of a ferret, which strikes them as appealingly woodsy, but others find it appalling. Ferrets have a friendly, playful nature, enjoy being around people and love attention. Cage: A cage should be made of wire with no more than a 1- by 2-inch space between bars (1 by 1 inch is preferable). Though ferret owners tend to adore their pets, and many can’t stop at having just one, ferrets aren’t right for everyone. Linatone or Ferratone are sold and used as treats, also, and they are invaluable as grooming bribes. A ferret will not romp with you in a field or play catch with a flying disk. But yes! They can co-exist with other animals provided that you know certain boundaries and limits. 7. Ferrets are very intelligent and can be trained to come when called, use a litter box and even perform a few tricks, according to the AFA. Because of this, many ferret owners feed a mixture of two or three kinds of ferret food to allow time for gradual introduction of a new food if an old one becomes unavailable. Experts recommend that the best number to have is three. However, ferrets require a lot of work, including regular grooming and habitat cleaning. If you’re going to have a ferret, plan for lots of playtime. Both situations should be treated by a veterinarian to make sure there is no infection. While most people use cages, keeping a ferret caged 20-plus hours a day is unhealthy for her physically and emotionally. Generally, ferrets are social creatures who usually seek out the company of their human family or other ferrets. It is standard practice to both alter (spay or neuter) and remove a ferret’s anal scent glands (de-scent) before offering her for sale. They require constant supervision when outside their cage, however, and are not recommended for children under six years old as they can bite. Some owners choose to feed premium kitten formulas of quality foods. If necessary, discard the toy and get a replacement. By: Chewy EditorialPublished: September 5, 2015, By: Chewy EditorialPublished: September 1, 2016, By: Chewy EditorialPublished: December 21, 2016, By: Chewy EditorialPublished: January 1, 1970, By: Chewy EditorialPublished: October 11, 2016, By: Somyr PerryPublished: November 14, 2018. Replace the litter spots daily. They need attention and can be pesky when they set their minds to something. However, moderation is important here, too. Ferrets are carnivores and cannot metabolize the protein found in vegetables, such as cornmeal. However, be wary of bathing too frequently, because this can stimulate oil production and cause more odor. Just like people, ferrets are better learners at some times than others, and like us, they are easily distracted. Anything with teeth can, and will, bite if given a reason. You can also use ping-pong balls, cat toys that hang from strings, and of course, ferret toys. Ferret Facts! Ferrets Need Lots of Exercise. Her home was clean and tidy, but the sheer volume of animals gave off an eau du chat that could knock your socks off. Always make fresh water available. However, ferrets require a lot of work, including regular grooming and habitat cleaning. Ferrets may not be brought into Puerto Rico, a territory, either. Electrical cords are also a potential hazard. Never feed a ferret dog food. Shelters vary from $40 to $100, but may reduce their prices for a pair that must stay together or animals that are older or with special needs. If a nip on the ankle gets him the attention he seeks or a nip on the hand gets him put down, a ferret will continue this behavior. All animals have a distinctive smell, including humans, and people react differently to scents. 2. The bottled version of Fursty Ferret is vegan-friendly, but the cask version is not. I have no idea where to begin with making this post about ferret facts. The domesticated ferret can be born with a wide range of fur colors, including dark-eyed white, sable, black sable, silver, albino, cinnamon and chocolate. Interesting Facts that you don’t know about Ferrets… For this reason, many ferret owners end up getting more than one. With this said, one ferret can survive alone with lots of human company. While those sharp little canine teeth may seem dangerous, they are far less likely to inflict damage than a dog or cat bite. Ferrets do not live a long time and are susceptible to serious illnesses as they age. Having gone through the ferret facts provided in this article you should be in a better frame of mind to determine whether you should be having a ferret or two as pets in your home or not. However, there are always older animals that have been given up by their owners for various reasons. A ferret’s ears may smell if they’re dirty. discover more about your pet. Some authorities state to avoid dairy products. Why Ferrets Need Rescue. Learn ferret body language. Keep in mind the small size of a ferret whenever you hand out snacks. Ferret breeders in various states are another option, but carefully check the breeder’s reputation and experience before you purchase a ferret. Ferrets love raisins, but dried fruit has a lot of sugar. Powered by Brightspot. In all cases, the entire family should be committed to caring for a ferret. They also have very high metabolisms, so they need a large amount of animal fat in their diets. Only people with a sensitive nose can tell the difference between a de-scented and unde-scented ferret under normal circumstances. The natural instinct of a ferret when eliminating is to back into a corner. You have … Get the ferret into your home only if have the required patience, commitment and financial comfort for the same, to avoid regrets later on. A bad tooth or gingivitis will produce foul mouth odor. Bartonella is a type bacteria that can be transmitted to cats, dogs and humans from exposure to infected fleas and…. Even though ferrets are great pets for adults; they need to be kept away from babies. A kit in a pet store usually costs between $100 and $150. Yes, Please! Check with the town hall or county seat to make sure. All rights reserved. Ferrets can also be taught (with a bit of perseverance) to use a litter box. Although it may look like a prelude to a ferocious attack, a ferret that bares his teeth and dances about is actually extending an invitation to play. Valentine’s Day Quiz: What’s the Perfect Gift for Your Pet? This is also a good time to give your ferret a “mini-physical” and check for any unusual bumps, scrapes or discharges that may indicate a more serious medical problem. A ferret with lots of out-of-cage time to play and explore can sleep in a cage only a few feet wide and high. They are a pale color with white foreheads, muzzles and throats and black feet.Ferrets are around the size and shape of a zucchini. Exercise is also important. They also need time and social interaction that's more on par with a dog. This doesn’t mean you need to set up a ferret classroom and schedule, and no, ferrets don’t like uniforms either. 1. In this article, I will take an in-depth look at Fursty Ferret, and attempt to fully answer the questions raised above. Let us know! Toys: Toys are an important part of your ferret’s layette. Expect the average ferret to use his litter spot about 90 percent of the time. Exercise Ferret Facts to know. Place a litter box or a couple sheets of newspaper in corners of your pet’s living quarters. A ferret’s oil glands will over produce in an attempt to replace the oils that have been washed down the drain. Accidents or cancers can cut their lives much shorter. Each shelter has its own adoption policies and most require an interview. If something isn’t nailed down — particularly if it’s made of rubber or foam — it will likely end up in your ferret’s mouth. A piece of cooked chicken or turkey is a great treat. Ferrets are known as obligate carnivores and must eat nearly constantly. We all know that ferrets are perfect as domestic pets. My ferrets come and go as they please (just in one room of the house), so I just put down puppy pads and scoop them up. Look for a protein percentage of 35 percent or more, with the first ingredient being some form of meat, for example, chicken or a chicken by-product meal. Larger bunnies may tolerate ferrets, but they must be supervised together. Even if there is no shelter in your area, you may see ads for ferrets seeking a new home in local newspapers or on pet store or vet office bulletin boards. Have a point of view to share? Now that we have covered preparation and veterinarian, let’s talk about equipment and things you need for a ferret. It might help you with getting to know your ferret and understand it … Of course, like other types of pets, not all ferrets like all other ferrets. Dry kibble is the most popular choice. One important note about feeding ferrets — they can be finicky. Also, since ferrets are very susceptible to the deadly canine distemper virus that commonly affects dogs, they should receive vaccinations against this virus as well. His lively curiosity, love of adventure, and unconcerned, comic clumsiness contribute to his considerable charm. 9 Facts You Need to Know Before Considering a ‘Pet’ Hamster. The vet can also teach you how to keep these important areas clean. So, we have established that ferrets love to sleep but did you know that ferrets can give … Also of concern are dental disease, hairballs, gastric ulcers, ferret coronavirus (epizootic catarrhal enteritis) and Aleutian disease. Nature inclines ferrets to be most active at dawn and dusk, but they can adjust their schedule to suit yours. I will also talk about beers that are similar to Fursty Ferret, in case you want something a little different. Ferrets also require quality cages, which can range anywhere between $60.00 and $500.00 per cage. Perform these tasks during commercial breaks of a regularly watched TV show. Don’t let their sleepy nature fool you – ferrets are active animals needing 3-4 hours of exercise outside of their cage everyday. Ferrets are fun! Dead Sleep. A ferret’s thick skin allows him to play rather roughly with other ferrets, but a well-handled, gently disciplined kit (baby ferret) learns that human skin must be mouthed. well, who doesn’t those furry animal are so cute! I like human baby toys, which are manufactured to high standards and are washable. Brush your ferret’s teeth, offer hairball remedy, reduce stress and limit both you and your ferret’s exposure to possible contagion to minimize the risks of your ferret suffering these noncancerous ailments. You need to house your new ferret in a separate room and cage from the other ferrets for two weeks. Currently, the only states where ferrets are illegal to own are California and Hawaii. Want to give your pup yummy, low-calorie treats? Every time you wash toys, look them over for any signs of chewing or wear. Be cautious. Ferrets are pretty different from other types of pets. Ferret Facts: What You Should Know About Owning Ferrets as ... Posted: (6 days ago) At a pet store, you'll see ferrets in the cages next to other relatively easy-to-care-for small mammals like guinea pigs and hamsters, but don't be fooled. Ferrets should never be allowed access to birds, small reptiles, rodents (mice, hamsters, etc.) They can learn tricks and be walked on a leash. Never use latex toys, which are easily chewed and swallowed. Ferrets are intelligent, social animals. Read on to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of owning a ferret. If you have a mixed breed with an unknown background, carefully supervise all early interactions to make sure the dog is comfortable with the ferret. New Pet / 19 Ferret Facts You Need To Know. However, previous to the 1980s, ferrets were not regularly sold altered and de-scented, which lead to a pervasive opinion that ferrets “smell bad.” Males, in particular, give off a strong scent when they become sexually active. Food and Water. With any treat, moderation is always the key. If floors are wire, cover them with linoleum. However, a couple of licks of ice cream or a tiny cube of cheese as a very rare treat should not cause diarrhea. It is not up to you to choose for me or to judge me. Food Dish: Weighted crock-style dishes are the best because ferrets may play with them. With work, a ferret can be trained to use a litter box, but he won’t cover his feces and the box is often an irresistible toy. (Playing is just so much more fun when you’re with your buddies.) However, I have never handled a ferret that did not almost completely stop biting once he learned to trust. I think it is the best to start from the biggest and that would be the cage. Good care can help extend their lives up to 8 or 9 years. Many veterinarians in these areas will still treat sick ferrets, but finding a ferret-savvy vet in these locations can sometimes be difficult. You’ll find a cage of ferrets in almost every Petco nowadays! Your ferret may develop some significant illness by the time it reaches late middle age, at 4 to 5 years, so put aside money for veterinary expenses or consider obtaining veterinary insurance. We agreed to pick them up at her home. That puts both you and the animal in a routine. If you live in California, Hawaii or New York City, for instance, you’ll find that these fuzzy fellows are banned. If you like storable treats, consider unsweetened cereal. Like this article? Never feed sweets to ferrets with certain medical conditions, such as insulinoma. Baby ferrets (kits) use their mouths when playing and as a way to explore the world. One alert look from the intelligent, little bandit face of a ferret can entrance you. Water Bottle/Bowl: The only water bottle I approve of for long-term use is glass and has a wide mouth, so it can be properly sanitized. For a detailed review of your ferrets dietary needs check out our article Ferret Food: A Recipe for Success.There are many high-grade ferret foods on the market, however, be sure to read the ingredients to make sure t… As a ferret ages, continue vaccinations and increase checkup frequency to semi-annually to catch any potential health problems at an early stage. Both are loaded with vitamins and if your pet is already receiving sufficient vitamins through quality food, extra should not be necessary and too much could be dangerous.