Ferrets are a completely domesticated animal that does not exist in the wild. The domesticated ferret is in actuality only very distantly related to the wild black-footed ferret. These animals grow fairly large with an adult weighing anywhere from 2-4 lb. Ferrets come in a variety of colors and markings and are very social animals so it recommended that you purchase two if you do not have the time to play with your pet daily. A ferret’s average life span is upwards of 8 years so be prepared to care for animal for at least this long.

Housing

Ferrets have a very high activity level when they are not sleeping so they require a cage that gives the space in which to exercise and play. A cage that is multi-leveled with plenty of tubes and toys to play with is best. Remember that when you get your pet he is probably not full grown so be sure to take his adult size into account when finding a cage. His enclosure also needs space for a litter box, as ferrets are quick to litter train with a little extra effort. Your ferret will also need a soft object to make a bed out of, either a hanging hammock or a soft towel.

Roaming your House

Many people chose to allow their ferret free run of their house or a few rooms in their house or apartment. This is fine, although it is recommended that your ferret be confined to a cage while you are not home for his safety. Throughout your home your ferret will never run out of things to find and explore. It is very important that you are always available to keep a close eye on your ferret because they are excellent at getting themselves into spaces they can’t get out of. It is a good idea to get your ferret a collar with a bell on it so that if you can’t see him you will still be able to find him. It is also recommended to purchase several litter boxes to place in the corners of the rooms he is allowed into as ferrets, unlike cats, will not necessarily return to their cage to find their box. Often, ferrets will pick the nearest corner so have those extra boxes set up and ready for use!

As ferrets run around a room, or even in their own cage they often suck little particles of dust up into their nose and airways. As a result of this they often will sneeze and cough, but this is not a cause for alarm unless your animal begins to sneeze more than is usual for him or he becomes lethargic.

Litter Training

Litter training can be helpful for you and your ferret. Offer him a litter box with a high walled back in a corner of his cage. Be sure to use only dust-free litter made for ferrets, Yesterday's News is a good choice, so his airway does not become blocked. A great way top start the litter training process is to place some of your ferret’s own feces in the litter box for the first couple of weeks the box is offered to him. Ferrets will return to the same spot repeatedly to eliminate, so if your ferret has an accident (inside the cage or out) be sure to clean it with an enzyme cleaner, such as nature’s miracle for ferrets, to remove any odor. Adding a few drops of Bio-Odor into your ferrets water on a daily basis will greatly reduce the odor of your ferret’s droppings.

Food

Ferrets need a diet that is high in protein. Your ferret should be allowed to free feed on a diet of ferret pellets that should be moistened until your pet is 9 weeks old. Be sure that you offer your ferret his pellets in a ceramic dish that has a wide base and is weighted so that he can not tip it over. You may offer your pet treats of raisins, melon, grapes, or apple pieces in moderation. Also, any commercial ferret treat is fine to offer him in small amounts. Be sure to never feed your ferret chocolate because it is toxic for him and could be lethal.

Grooming

Your ferret has essential oils in his skin and will be irritated if over bathed. It is safe to bathe your ferret in the sink using warm water and a ferret shampoo. Never use “people” shampoo to bathe your ferret, as the pH level in human shampoo can burn the skin of your ferret. After a bath be sure to wrap your pet in a terry cloth towel and hold him until he is dry so that he does not get sick from a chill or draft while his fur is wet. A great idea is get a quick absorbing towel, or an after bag to place your ferret in. Ferrets also will get hair balls during shedding season so in addition to proper grooming of your pet you should apply a hair ball remedy, such as Petromalt, 3 to 4 times a week.

Vacation

You can board your ferret and other pets with The Animal Store to ensure he is properly cared for while you are away. [5/6]