Help and advice for Ferrets

The ferret, once used for flushing rabbits from underground burrows, (and delving into the occasional pair of trousers), has been finding another enjoyable role in life - as a family pet.
The ferret is a playful, intelligent, friendly creature that likes the company of others - both human and animal. Scientists would describe the behaviour of ferrets as juvenile but this is to be expected with most domesticated animals. (Yes, ferrets are domesticated!) Ferrets are being introduced as pets to many UK homes, and although this may seem a new phenomenon, the ferret's pet status is long established in the USA. In America ferrets are the third most popular pet after dogs and cats.
The ferret's growth in popularity can be attributed to the benefits of enlightenment. Greater veterinary knowledge, better understanding of ferret management, and the validating response of manufacturers in creating special ferret feeds, has effectively transformed the ferret into a feasible family friend.
Ferrets can be kept by all ages of people and from various backgrounds: ferrets are equally as suited to flats as they are to country homes. Do be warned: these animals delight in creating chaos but they compensate for it; they are immensely entertaining, energetic and curious pets.

Accommodation

Ferrets can live either indoors or out but their environment should not be interchangeable. If they are kept outdoors then they require a dry, warm, draught free enclosure, raised above ground level in the colder weather.
If living indoors then the ferret should be supplied with a wire mesh cage in which they can sleep. The cage should be comfortable and spacious, and the floor lined with bedding or linoleum. Do not use wood shavings as bedding as these are treated with oils which cause respiratory problems in ferrets. Do not leave the floor of the cage uncovered as the wire is too harsh for a ferret's sensitive paws. Cages can also be completed with hammocks, play tubes and litter trays.

Litter

A ferret will need a litter tray much like a cat, and luckily ferrets are simple to house-train. Their litter trays are placed in the corner of the cage and before long ferrets pick up from your reactions what they are supposed to do. Ferrets have a fast metabolism which means they must frequently go to the toilet but they will not use their sleeping or feeding area as a latrine. If you see your ferret wiping its bottom on the ground after elimination, it is perfectly normal and does not indicate worms as in dogs. In fact ferrets don't have worms.
If ferrets fail to use their litter tray it could be due to an unclean litter tray, or an attention seeking method. Never punish your ferret in such instances. Litter substrate is an important consideration for ferrets because they need an absorbent, lightweight material. It is best to use dust-free cat because ferrets can be sensitive to dust. Also avoid clumping, scoopable litter because ferrets will burrow through it, causing it to stick its coat, nose or eyes. It's also possible for ferrets to swallow the litter while grooming so for this reason compressed recycled newspapers are recommended.

Aroma-therapy!

Ferrets are clean animals and do regularly groom themselves but don't mistake all movements around the face as cleaning rituals. Ferrets will wipe their paws from behind their ears towards the face, but what they are actually doing is spreading scent from glands located behind the ears, all over the body. This makes a ferret content and secure.

Ferret-proofing

Ferrets are insatiably curious creatures - the more forbidden an object the more they will want it; they will eat any manner of object and climb the most unlikely furniture. One habit is particularly pronounced in ferrets - thieving. In fact the word "ferret" is derived from the Latin 'Ferritus' meaning 'little thief.' These animals steal things from around the home and hide them. Often a pattern of hiding will emerge with leather and old socks mysteriously vanishing.

Chewing

They also have a tendency to chew the most random of household objects so it is vital that small items are out of reach - especially rubber, sponge and paper are out of reach. If swallowed these can cause blocked intestines - one of the top causes of death in ferrets. Owners can direct the ferret's chewing to safe items such as chew toys.
The most dangerous area in the home is the kitchen or utility room, especially tumble dryers or dishwashers so keep the doors of these appliances closed. Ferrets are mischievous animals and if there is an opening they will gain entry by sheer endeavour. For example, ferrets will and do chew electrical cords. To prevent this wrap cords in aluminium foil or attach a special plastic moulding. Cleaning detergents should be kept out of reach.
Owners should also double check that the animal cannot escape. Ensure windows are firmly shut when the animal is out of its cage. A ferret once lost is lost forever - they have no homing instinct if they escape from the home.

Sleep

Ferrets play with intensity and expend a lot of energy, so when they sleep they do it with enthusiasm. Ferrets do everything to the extreme - they fall into a deep sleep and will spend approximately 16 -18 hours per day dozing. Having recharged its batteries it's ready for another day's activity.

Feeding

Ferrets are strict carnivores, which mean they must have meat in their daily diet. Until very recently ferrets were fed successfully on kitten food which is higher in protein than other pet foods. Kitten food, unlike dog food, also contains another essential ingredient for a ferret - taurine. Ferrets, like cats, need this amino acid for healthy eyes, heart and reproductive system. Specially formulated ferret foods are now available which offer complete, balanced feeding for the ferret. A typical diet consists of basic nutritional blocks: fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Protein is needed for growth while fat gives the ferret energy. If a ferret's diet is lacking in fat then it will be reflected in the animal's overall appearance; the animal's coat will be rough, and its skin dry. Extra fat should be added to the diet.
Don't feed a ferret sugars as they cannot digest them. Avoid chocolate, daily products, and nuts which can cause blockages if caught in the windpipe or intestine. As a treat ferrets will love natural sugars found in apples, pears, bananas, oranges, and raisins. Ferrets can be given a raw egg once per month as a source of protein.
Ferrets are very sociable graceful animals and are not in the least bit territorial. They like being fed together and will happily eat from the same bowl, however, a boss or alpha ferret may emerge. This is usually the oldest or biggest animal in the group.
It is also common to see ferrets nose-diving into their feeding bowls, and their litter trays - it's a natural tendency as opposed to any deliberate 'misbehaving.'

Grooming

Ferrets should be washed only when necessary because over washing strips natural oils from the coat leaving it coarse and dry. When washing ferrets it is recommended that a ferret shampoo is used or a mild baby product. Ferrets are just as susceptible to fleas as cats and dogs so they should be treated as required. Be sure to use a flea product that is safe for kittens. Ferrets can die from continued mite infestations in their ears so it is important to clean their ears on a weekly basis.

Health

Ferrets suffer from colds and flu's which can even pass to humans and vice versa. Watch for sniffles, coughs, sneezes, temperatures and a lack of appetite. A common problem can also be blocked intestine. The symptoms are vomiting, lethargy, decreased appetite, constipation or irregular faeces.
Ferrets can also contract canine distemper which can be combated by vaccination. Some breeders will vaccinate young ferrets before twelve weeks of age but always check when buying the ferret.

Neutering

Pet Ferrets must be neutered if they are to lead healthy, long lives. Neutering of males and females is recommended at 6 - 7 months when the ferret has reached physical maturity. Female ferrets, (also known as jills), stay in season until they are mated and this can be stressful for them - resulting in hormonal imbalances and illness. Male ferrets benefit from neutering; six weeks after neutering the pungent odour associated with male ferrets reduces dramatically. Neutering also stops dominant behaviour during the mating season.

Where to buy ferrets

Local vets or retailers may be able to put you in contact with ferret rescue centres. The RSPCA/ SSPCA/ USPCA/ISPCA also re-home ferrets so they may be useful. There are also private breeders of ferrets. Ferrets can be expensive - Retailers charge £325 for a young ferret.

Ferret Facts

Ferrets can live for 12 years. Once four years old they are classed as geriatric!
Ferrets weigh around 3 -5 lbs in weight.
Ferrets come in a wide range of colours: albino ferret with white coat and pink eyes, polecat with dark hair at the tip of the coat, siamese sandy, silver, and panda (black eyed white ferret).
If purchasing a baby ferret they should be 6-8 weeks of age and be used to handling. Socialisation is an important part of a ferret's development within its new home and encourages a sound temperament.
Ferret's closest relatives are the polecat, weasel and mink.
The ferret has scent glands located all over its body much like a skunk. These scents are used as a defence mechanism.

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