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Care of Ferrets
Ferrets were first tamed by the Ancient Egyptians for food and clothing. Today, they are playful weasel-like companions that depend on us for love! This category contains questions about ferret health, history, and needs.
1,047 Questions
Can a 10 and 11 year old take care of a ferret?
with adult supervision.... Of course food and vet and misc. bills will require the parent. One thing is that people don't understand ferrets need shots as well. If they are caged (which i suggest for any first time owners or with younger kids) they need to be out for at LEAST 1-2 hours a day. their cages need to be cleaned daily, new food and water daily....
I got my first ferret when I was 11. We breed dogs and a lot of other animals- so my parents were very strict and at that age -with the help of my parents- WE were able to make it a great experience- and still own ferrets now that I have my own place 14 years later. Please research this before making a decision. You need to know what the kids can handle- and what you are also willing to handle.
*check into adopting first*
Can you keep ferrets in a flat?
We do - we have four of them in our flat. There are a variety of multi-level cages on offer these days which will fit easily into your flat, taking up little floorspace while still offering plenty of space for the ferrets to play. Of course, you'll still need to let them out of the cage for a minimum of six hours a day and you'll need to be there while they're out because they get themselves into all sorts of mischief. You'll also need to take very great care to ensure the windows are shut, because open windows are just too much temptation for an animal as inquisitive as a ferret. It would be a very great pity if your ferrets were confined to being indoors their entire lives, so get some ferret harnesses - they cost about five pounds - a cat carrier - from about ten pounds up. That way, you can take them outdoors and let them explore without them escaping.
Can your Ferret sleep through your TV or Computer game noise?
It depends on the personality of your ferret. If you have a hyperactive ferret, or your ferret does not sit still much, then most likely, no. But if your ferret is calm, like mine, than it can fall asleep if it is tired.
Can your ferret cage be outside during the winter?
Yes, your cage can be outside during the winter as long as your ferret is NOT kept in it. Ferrets are domesticated animals and need to be indoors. By keeping an animal outside, you can easily cut its life span down tremendously.
Are German Ferrets the largest of the ferret breeds?
largest type of ferret - Bulldog. They have a very stocky build compared to the typical ferret. Shorter legs and tail and a bulldog type gate to their walk complete the package.
What PH water level should ferrets drink?
The same as any other animal, including humans. PH 7 or as close to 7 as you can get it, but I'm sure tap water would be fine. People often forget that pets are animals not science experiments, they lived in nature once.
No. Ferrets are obligate carnivores meaning they should only be fed meat or meat based products. Their bodies are not designed to digest any other forms of food such as fruit, vegetables, dairy or grains. Feeding theese to the ferret can cause digestive upsets or in severe cases lead to intestinal blockage which may require surgical treatment.
What to do when your ferret rips out a nail?
If your ferret rips out a nail, stop the bleeding with a styptic pencil (or cornstarch) and contact your veterinarian. To avoid such problems, keep your ferrets nail trimmed as their nails do tend split and catch on cloths.
Where can you get marshall ferrets?
You can get Marshall bred ferrets from most Petco stores. You can identify a Marshall ferret by the two dots in the ear. This is a tattoo that identifies the ferret as fixed and descented.
Marshall farms also breeds ferrets for lab research but Path Valley Farms does not. I would not recommend buying a Triple F ferret, they are being investigated for cruelty to animals.
Do ferrets stink or is it the cage?
Ferrets have an odor that comes from their sebaceous glands in the skin that secretes an oily/waxy matter, which is a musk odor (which some people find offensive). Ferret that have not been altered will have a more pronounced odor during mating season (especially males - hobs), altered ferrets have less of a smell. The odor will accumulate on their bedding and must be kept clean and washed. The litter box must be cleaned daily and avoid feeding any ferret food that has fish ingredients, which makes their feces smell more.
Advice from another contributor:
Ferrets have a very strong smell, that comes from their body, and from their cage. The smell of the body of a ferret isn't a bad smell, although some people think it is. The cage is what smells the most though, because of their "droppings". There are products that help to lessen the smell, although it does still linger in the air. The individual ferret has a smell but it isn't quite as strong or bad, and some people even love that smell. It all depends on the nose.
How long before you separate a baby ferret from its mother?
Baby ferrets are weaned from six to eight weeks. It is best to leave them as long as possible with the mother The female ferret called a "Dam" does all the rearing of the babies that are called "kits". She has a litter of 6-8 young (kits), 42 days after mating. The female nurses and cares for the young, the male has no role in raising the kits. The young are born blind, deaf and helpless and covered with a fine white fur, totally dependent on their mother for about three weeks. Kits weight at birth five to fifteen grams. About 3 weeks of age, the kits will began to eat solid food, while continuing to nurse. Their hearing develops and eyes are opened at about 4 weeks. Kits are mature enough to be weaned at about 6 - 8 weeks and leave the mother. Most Dam's (mom ferret) are very good mothers and will train their babies when it's time to start eating solid food, she will drag them to the food bowl, and will litter train them as well.
Can a hedgehog live with a ferret?
Of course it's possible, but it all just depends on the nature, behavior, and tolerance of each of the two animals.
What diseases can cats and ferrets share?
Rabies - All mammals are susceptible to rabies if not vaccinated.
Protozoan parasites especially Giardia, Cryptosporidium and Coccidia, can cause intestinal disease among ferrets
Ringworm a fungal disease of the skin has been reported in young ferrets and may be transmitted by infected cats. Tapeworms and Roundworms common in puppies and kittens, but rare in ferrets.
Leptospirosis is a disease is caused by spiral shaped bacteria called leptospires. It occurs worldwide and can affect humans as well as many wild and domestic animals, including dogs and cats. All animals can potentially become infected with leptospires, although cases of leptospirosis in cats are rare.
Campylobacter Infection (campylobacteriosis) is a bacterial disease associated with cats, dogs, and farm animals.
Toxoplasmosis is a disease which is sometimes spread through animal feces, especially cats, rare in ferrets
Feline leukemia virus - In a small number of cases, ferrets have tested positive for.
Feline distemper, also a small number of cases in ferrets, which a vaccine is available.
A disease seen in ferrets called Ferret-FIP that is similar to Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) The virus that causes this disease is found in many cats and normally only occasionally causes a transient diarrhea. The virus is carried in the cats saliva and feces. The virus does not seem to be as infectious as was first thought and will not survive long outside the host, is killed with disinfection agents.
A disease in ferrets is called Ferret enteric coronavirus (epizootic catarrhal enteritis virus) is similar Feline Infectious Enteritis - This disease is also known as feline panleukopaenia and feline parvovirus
External parasites - Fleas, ear mites, etc
Yes, it is possible that cats and ferrets can pass disease between them. There has been reports of some isolated cases. But as disease and viruses have the ability to mutate, new illnesses can emerge at any time. Ferrets are vaccinated against rabies and canine distemper.
Do ferrets depend on each other?
In the wild, ferrets live in colonies. Domesticated ferrets that are cage mates can develop a very close bond and can be dependent of one another.
from another contributor:
Sometimes. Ferrets depend on each other when they are trying to climb something or when they are playing a game.
Why do some ferrets bite and some don't?
Some ferrets bite because they were not properly trained and socialized. Or as my ferret is attracted to hand lotion, he will lick me then try chomp down on my hand.
Are pet ferrets a big responsibility for kids under 13?
Ferrets are not good pets for any child, as they require a lot of care and time.
Can you use bird seed for your ferrets litter box?
Bird seed is not appropriate to use for a ferrets litter box. Use litter made specifically for ferrets
Can you have a ferret in Oregon?
4 states require that you have a permit to own ferrets. These are: Kentucky, New Jersey, New York (the parts of New York where they are legal) and Rhode Island.
Some of the above places have regulations that you must fulfill in order to own a ferret legally so make sure you check with local animal rescue centers and veterinarians before you get a ferret.
Are ferrets illegal to keep as pets in Bakersfield?
Ferrets are illegal in the state of California and Hawaii
