How do you find a lost Ferret?

Answer 1

Check through your house carefully, including places where your ferret couldn't possibly go. If a ferrets head can fit inside something rest of the body will follow. Ferrets are very sound sleepers. They maybe sleeping where they haven't slept before. (this has happened to me, after looking and becoming hysterical, I found a ferret sleeping soundly in a place he hasn't slept before) Look inside drawers (ferrets like to sleep in drawers), under dressers, in hampers, clothes piles, etc. Be sure to check all appliances in and out - refrigerator, dishwasher, washer, dryer (dryer vent outlet), stove. Get down on the floor and look for places they might have gotten into. In the bedroom, check inside and out of the mattress. Squeaking or jingling a favorite toy or rattle a box of treats and listen for rustling. Most lost ferrets never make it outside. If you determine it's not in the house, enlist the help of friends and check with your neighbors (I had one that unknowingly went out an unused dryer vent and the neighbor found her on their back porch, luckily there where no dogs around). Check your backyard, bushes, sheds and in the garage. Ferrets when exploring will cling to the side of a building before venturing out into an open area. Put food and water out, preferably in a familiar cage or carrier with a blanket or shirt that has your scent on it. Place food on the front and back porch. You may also want to sprinkle the area with flour to make it easier to identify tracks left by any animal coming up to eat and drink.

Put out postures or flyers, contact your local animal control or shelter. Contact local veterinarians. If you do find your ferret, make sure to ferret-proof. Seal off any potential hiding areas.

Ferrets are unable to survive on their own, they have lost all instincts to find food and will starve to death, or will become prey of other animals. They are totally dependent on humans. Please try to find your ferret to prevent him from suffering an unnecessary and horrible death.

Answer 2

What Is a Ferret?A ferret (mustela putorius furo) is a small carnivorous mammal, belonging to the weasel family, or mustelidae and is related to the otter, badger, mink and weasel, usually weighing less than 5 pounds. The females (jills) are much smaller than the males (hobs). They were domesticated from the European polecat ferret (mustela putorius) even before the cat, probably by the Egyptians. They have been used for centuries for rodent extermination and rabbit hunting.

Because ferrets have been domesticated for so long, they have lost all natural instincts and cannot survive on their own in the wild and totally depend on humans for food and care. They have no inherent fear of humans or other animals. Ferrets are not rodents and are not even related to rodents. They are used in biomedical research as an animal model. In some European countries, they are bred on fur farms for use in clothing called fitch fur. In fact, many ferrets are bred by mink farmers for their fur, because they are easier to handle than minks.

Ferrets are energetic, curious, playful, and very interested in their surroundings and environment. They have a repertoire of behaviors both endearing and sometimes difficult for some human owners. Ferret tend to form a strong bond with their owner, craving human interaction, and also form strong bonds with their cage mates.

As kits, they tend to nip, biting in a playful manner; are more prone to chewing and teething, and a tendency to bite hard. Ferrets that have been abused (fear biters) or are in extreme pain or with an illness may bite a human, and are capable of strong bites which break through the skin.

Ferrets are easily entertained and will actively seek humans for play. They are naturally inquisitive, and because of their natural burrowing instinct will tunnel into or under anything. With patience and practice, they can be taught commands and will respond to discipline. Ferrets use a variety of body language. Some of these behaviors are dancing (Dance of Joy), Wrestling, hiding, chasing and stalking.

They will often sleep 15-19 hours per day. They are naturally crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dusk and dawn. They have an instinct to habitually urinate and defecate in the same place and can be trained to use a litter box. They have a strong nesting instinct and will repeatedly carry small objects to hidden locations.

(Source: Wikipedia)

Are ferrets rodents?

• Contrary to popular belief, ferrets are not rodents. They are members of the mustelid family, which includes weasels, badgers, stoats, and otters.

• Ferrets are not rodents, not even being close to rodents. They are members of the Mustela family, which is a family of animals that have strong musk glands.

• Ferrets are in the same family as weasels, Mustelidae. Badgers, polecats and otters are also in this family, as well, they are carnivorous. Rodents tend to be vegetarians, or at least omnivorous, and their two front teeth on the top and bottom continuously grow.

Ferret Care First thing you need to do is educate and learn all you can on the proper care of ferrets to insure a long and healthy life. It's important to handle and play with your ferret daily to insure proper socialization and to avoid aggressive behaviors. Ferrets are not caged animals but you "cage them for their protection". By nature, they are very inquisitive and love to explore their surroundings, make sure that they are provided with a safe environment by "ferret proofing" and allow them time out of their cage at least four hours a day. Ferrets need to be placed in a quiet area to avoid shock - caused by loud sudden noise, being chased by a predator or any similar sudden movement. Shock may not be instant and a delayed from the time of the incident to the time of the reaction may occur. SYMPTOMS: Can vary from panting and lethargy to a catatonic state of rigidity, depending on the depth of the shock. If your ferret suffers from shock, place it in a warm quiet spot, speak softly and stroke it very gently, recovery is normally fast.

Ferrets need quite a bit of care and attention, as well as a lot of knowledge before acquiring one as an owner. They are not a good pets for small children, ferrets don't like to be restrained, and could easily be injured. They live for an average of 8 years and one really has to be able to commit to being the primary caretaker for that length of time. They do make good pets in families of older children as long as the children have full support their parents in caring for the them. Properly caring for a ferret can be expensive, there are many illnesses they can acquire. Many owners have had to relinquish them to shelters when they could not afford veterinarian care. Learning all about ferret behavior and their care can be found in the very thorough book, "Ferrets for Dummies."

Cost of getting a ferretWhen purchasing a pet ferret, it's not the cost of obtaining one, there is more to it than the animal itself. The financial responsibility can be costly to ensure the health of your ferret. Ferrets need to be provided with a good quality ferret food, necessary vaccinations, and annual veterinarian visits for well care. You need to commit to being a responsible ferret owner by providing a loving, safe environment and provide necessary proper care. Are you aware of what is necessary to keep a ferret happy and healthy? Do you have a sufficient large cage suitable for ferrets? What about vaccinations? When you buy a ferret, they have had only one distemper vaccination and will need 3 more distemper vaccinations that are required at 9, 12, and 16 weeks of age. Rabies Vaccinations are required between 13 - 16 weeks from an exotic animal veterinarian. Do you have the money for four separate veterinarian visits?

Ferrets cost anywhere from $100 to $200 in the pet store. The initial cost of supplies can total upwards of $500. You will need to plan to buy supplies on a monthly basis throughout the rest of the ferret's life. You can expect to spend up to $200 on food a year, $200 on litter, $70 to $80 on treats and toys, and more money on other supplies. Veterinary costs vary widely, but you can expect to spend anywhere from around $100 for necessary vaccinations, if there are no health issues. Even when your ferret is healthy, veterinary care can cost you $250 to $500 a year. Illness/Disease - Ferrets are prone to illness and disease if not properly taken care of and also most ferrets are from Marshall Farms (pet stores) are also prone to illness from improper breeding (inbreeding and genetics) and early neutering, therefore it is suggested to set aside an "emergency fund" of about $800 for veterinarian care. Ferrets can come down with an illness or disease within the first year. Anytime a ferret has an illness or disease it is not usually recognized in early stages, because ferrets tend to hide their pain and illness. If you ferret starts acting different from their usual behavior, suspect illness. Contact a veterinarian as illness in ferrets can progress rapidly with a possibility of death in a matter of days. A fund set aside for emergency medical care is highly recommended of at least $800 - $1000 per ferret.

Recommended supplies - Large, multi-tiered cage - habitat should also include a hammock and/or sleep sack, tubes, litter box, and toys, high quality ferret food, food bowl, water bowl and/or bottle, book about ferrets, bedding, soft brush, collar, harness and leash, litter box/litter, ferret shampoo, nail clippers/kwik stop, ear-cleaning solution, hairball preventative, flea comb, flea preventative.

Cage for a ferret - A large, well designed cage is a necessity. Some features to look for are solid floors and shelves / balconies (wire mesh is hard on the feet), and ideally solid ladders, too. Multi-level cages are nice, but depending on the arrangement of the levels, falls are possible. Get extra shelves or use hammocks to make cages safer if necessary.

What to feed a ferret - Food made specifically for ferrets - must be high in animal protein (chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, etc) and fat. Protein should be about 35% to 40% minimum, and fat should be around 18% to 20% minimum. They do not have the ability to digest fiber, so their food must be low in fiber. Look for a food that has quality sources of animal protein and fat as at least three of the first five ingredients. Kitten food does not have the proper nutrition that ferrets need for their main food. Dog food also lacks the nutrients needed to properly maintain ferret health.

Advice from other contributors:

• I love "Ferrets for dummies" book - ISBN 0470139439 I've actually talked to Kim Schilling on the phone. I wouldn't even let a person THINK about getting a ferret if they had to ask someone how to take care of it. That shows they don't know how and the ferret most likely won't get taken care of properly

• This book from the library first "Your First Ferret" it is a small paper back, it has everything you need to know to care for your ferret properly and keep both of you happy

• Educate yourself first on how to take care of a ferret before you acquire one, make sure it's the right pet for you. Ferrets are not rodents or pocket pets.

• Ferrets crave human interaction and loved to be played with, they need to have proper socialization and training.Plenty of time out of the cage "ferrets are not caged animals, you cage them for their protection. Prolonged caging can lead to aggressive behaviors. A good quality ferret food - the food it eats is a reflection of its health

• "Ferret-Proofing" it's environment. Keeping things out of reach that are dangerous to ferrets. Ferret have been know to crawl into large appliances, reclining chairs, sofas due to their burrowing nature and have died as a result. Anything their head can fit into, the body will follow. Even under doorways. Ferrets love to chew on soft rubber, foam like pencil erasers, rubber bands, fabric etc. which will cause blockage in the stomach and a painful death unless surgery if performed.

• Proper veterinarian care - Ferrets need immunizations against rabies and canine (dog) distemper. Distemper is an airborne disease that can be brought in from the outside on clothing and shoes and is always fatal in ferrets.

• Ferrets can be prone to various illnesses and sickness. Ferrets are know to hide their pain from sickness or illness, before you even realize that there is problem and can easily die in a matter of a few days without proper medical treatment. They can be easily stressed from sudden loud noises, or even a trip to the veterinarians office. They can suffer from depression in the event of a cage mates death, some will even stop eating and without human intervention, will die.

• There is a lot to learn about caring for a ferret properly, to much to list here. Please see related links below and educate yourself to understand these lovable animals

• Research in how to look after it and work out your cost etc.. like you would with any other pet, also check out how to house a ferret! then go and find a nearest rescue shelter and ask questions and they will sort things all out with you! Normally rescue shelters are very helpful and will tell you everything you want to know. you can get a ferret from a breeder or sometimes pet shops but rescue shelters are very full and ferrets there need new homes!

• Ferrets require human interaction (lots of play time) and about 4 hours out of their cage daily. Ferrets like to have a lot of attention and require a lot of time.

• a ferret needs a lot of attention, they sleep 18-20 hours a day, they are usually active at dawn and dusk, they can be taught tricks and respond to discipline, tunnel under anything, they use a variety of body language like dancing stalking or wrestling, they are related to the otter and the weasel,THEY ARE NOT RODENT THEY ARE NOT EVEN RELATED TO RODENTS AT ALL

• As babies they nip, if sick or abused they may bite, they have strong bite that puncture the skin

• Ferrets can catch Influenza illness from humans

• In some parts of the world they are used in rabbit hunting called "ferreting"

• Most all ferrets are as pets now, only one species are in the wild and they are extremely rare - The black footed ferret.

• Ferrets require a lot of care, time and attention. Ferrets would be very hard to take care of, if fact it would be impossible to own one for some people that have very busy schedules with kids, jobs, keeping up with the Jones, etc. and are hardly ever at home or travel a lot

• On the other hand, some people who may be retired, their kids are all grown and moved out, may live in a place far away from others, have extra time and maybe could need some company, then a ferret would be perfect and easy for them to take care of.

Refer to the Related Questions and Related Links below for more information.

Answer 3

If you find a ferret and you are in the US, it is a domestic ferret and needs immediate medical attention. Ferrets have lost all ability to survive in the wild, and there have been instances of people putting them out. Contact your local animal shelter, preferably one for ferrets or your local veterinarian

Answer 4

If your ferret has died, I'm very sorry. I know it hurts a lot and it makes you feel really sad.

If your ferret died prematurely and you don't know why, educate yourself on the proper care of ferrets to learn the signs of illness. Through improper care, ferrets can suffer from a number of illnesses and disease, which is preventable. Ferrets also are very good at hiding their pain. When ferrets are ill, not eating or drinking, death can occur rapidly in a couple days.

If your ferret exhibits any signs of illness - lack of motivation, lethargic, hind end weakness, diarrhea or straining to potty, bloated stomach, not eating or drinking, seekimmediate veterinary care. It could mean a difference between life and death.

If your ferret dies suddenly without any noticeable signs of illness, if you would like to know why, a necropsy (autopsy) can be performed by a veterinarian (it has to be done very quickly after death) to find what caused death.

Ferrets have a short life span - average of 8 years, which can be enhanced with proper care and diet. The best place to bury your ferret is in your heart - You can bury your ferret is a favorite spot outdoors, and or have him cremated (you can also contact animal control services in your city for disposal) When a ferret dies, that's when they cross the Rainbow BridgeBy the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill,

Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.

Where the friends of man and woman do run,

When their time on earth is over and done.For here, between this world and the next,

Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.

On this golden land, they wait and they play,

Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness,

For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.

Their limbs are restored, their health renewed,

Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.They romp through the grass, without even a care,

Until one day they start, and sniff at the air.

All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back,

Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.For just at that instant, their eyes have met;

Together again, both person and pet.

So they run to each other, these friends from long past,

The time of their parting is over at last.The sadness they felt while they were apart,

Has turned into joy once more in each heart.

They embrace with a love that will last forever,

And then, side-by-side, they cross over

Answer 5

Nice ferrets

Ferrets should be handled from they are kits to become accustomed to humans. Many pet stores do not handle the kits enough, and they are removed prematurely from their mother. This can cause the ferret to become insecure, timid of humans, prone to biting and difficult to handle.

If you ferret does not bite, just handle it like any pet. Use both hands when lifting and try to support the back. Ferrets love to play with human hands, and will "nip" a bit while playing, this is OK as long as the ferret knows the boundary between a playful nip and an aggressive bite. If you get bitten while playing, don't punish the ferret (or see below for the correct way to punish), but end the playtime. If the ferret bites the hands to much while playing use a toy instead of your hands.

How to handle a biting ferret

If you got your ferret from a pet shop it will probably not have had much human contact, and can bite you. Fortunately for you, it is fairly easy to teach the ferret not to bite (unless the ferret has been severely mistreated before, then it can take some time).

IMPORTANT

Do not use other forms of punishments than those described here. Causing the ferret pain will not make it understand not to bite, and will only work against the goal of getting a bite free ferret.

Getting free phase

Once the ferret has bitten you, it will probably hold on. At this point it's important not to panic :) At first it's scary but after a few bites you will realize there is nothing to it. Once the ferret has bitten on to you (let's assume it's your arm, as this is the most usual). Your ferrets jaw will have "semi locked" around some of your flesh or a finger.

do NOT pull your finger away, or pull the ferret away. Any pulling will only cause you more pain. Imagine if you got a nail in you where the ferrets 4 teeth are, you would never try to remove them by ripping them sideways trough your flesh. Instead they must go upwards the way they came in. using the thumb and index finger of your free arm, form the letter "O", then move the fingertips 2 cm / 1 inch away from each other.

This is the grip you will use to gain your freedom, just use your thumb/index finger on opposite sides of the ferrets mouth, sticking them into the ferrets mouth far back at the mouth's corner. once your fingers are inside the sides of the ferrets mouth, it will instinctively let go and try to push the fingers out with it's tongue. Now you must immediately remove your fingers out of it's mouth and go to the punishment phase.

Punishment phase

Take a good hold of the skin on the back of the ferrets neck (search for "ferret scruffing" for pictures). Note do NOT take a hold around the ferrets neck, you are only supposed to grab it's loose skin on the back of it's neck between your thumb and index finger. Immediately say a "bad word" that you will use consistently when the ferret is misbehaving, "NO!" in a stern voice might be a good choice, just remember to be consistent in tone and what you say.

With the ferret hanging there by it's neck (This does not hurt the ferret), it will just hang there. Keep it securely and hold it until it has yawned once or twice (as a sign of submission). Once it has done so, let it go.

Once released the ferret will either behave, or will bite you again.

It does not bite you out of malice, but to find the natural rank in the pack. If you consistently punish like describe above it will eventually (often it will not take long) accept you as the one with the higher rank.

The ferret might "attack" you 3-10 times in a row if it's particularly stubborn, then there are two other punishments you may try (but only do this if scruffing as described above does not work).

Scruff with drag

You may take a firm hold of the ferrets neck and hold it down, and drag it slowly around on it's back (Just like it's mother used to do with it). Do this until it yawns.

Time out

If your arms can't take any more, and the ferret is being particularly stubborn, keep a pet carrier without any toys ready. When the ferret bites: get free, take a hold of the neck skin and place the ferret in the pet carrier. Leave it in there for 5 minutes (keeping it there much longer will not do any good, as it will forget why it's in there).

A battle of wills

You will win in the end, if you follow the instructions above, just be consistent and never give up, cause the ferret will. And once it recognizes you as the leader you can have a great mutual friendship.

Abused ferrets

You may not believe it, but your ferret is not biting you hard at all :), at least a normal ferret should NEVER do this to you even if it bites you. If a ferret has been abused it may REALLY bite you with a force that will make teeth go trough nails and make you feel the pressure on your bones. If this is the case you should seek out someone with a great deal of ferret experience (try a ferret rescue center).

Tips

• Never use gloves when handling the ferret, it must become used to your hands.
• Don't panic, keep your head calm and just do the "get free" and "punish" methods above
• When socializing with your ferret, DON'T just focus on "bite training". Give it treats when you handle it and it does not bite (even if it's just for a short while). And play games with it.
• Try hand feeding the ferret, by giving it raw meat (no spices, not treated with heat) and keeping it on your lap while it's eating (but watch those fingers) ;)
• Get help. You can find lots of ferret forums, and you can probably find someone close to you that will be glad to help you out a bit.
• You may try and put some oil on your finger (a mild oil like sunflower oil, or ferret paste from a pet shop) and letting the ferret lick it off after a while. That way it will connect your hands with something pleasant

Answer 6

If you find a ferret take it inside and place it somewhere warm and safe. Give it a dish of water and some raw meat. Do not force the ferret to eat or drink. Place the ferret in a pet carrier or cardboard box with a blanket, old t-shirt or towel and take the ferret to a vet as soon as possible. He or she will check the ferret for any injuries as will as a microchip which may make it possible to find the owner.

Be warned that the ferret may have been abused or may not be used to being handled and may bite if it is scared.

Answer 7

Do you mean is your ferret lost and you can't find it, see the related question link below on "how to find a lost ferret"

Answer 8

You call animal control, or bring it inside if it is your pet.