FERRET Care - How to Care for Your Pet Ferret

Ferret (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you have decided to get yourself a pet ferret there are several places that you can go to obtain one. The following are the most accessible places for getting your hands on a pet ferret:

1. A Pet store

2. A Breeder

3. An animal shelter

Ferrets have fairly long life spans compared to other animals of a similar size. Ferrets tend to live an average of about 8-9 years, which means that you should make absolutely sure that you want a ferret and have done all of the necessary research before purchasing one. Please note that ferrets do take a lot of care and attention and that you must take this into consideration before buying one. This article is intended to give you some basic information about ferret care and how best to look after your little ferret friend.

One of the most important things to note about ferrets is that they are a predominantly nocturnal species; this basically means that they are asleep for the majority of the day and they wake up during the night. The first few weeks of owning a ferret tend to be quite tiring for the new owner. Ferrets have lots of energy when they first wake up and they need lots of entertainment and exercise to keep them healthy, this means that when your ferret wakes up you will need to let him out to play. If left in its cage a ferret can become bored and restless and can get quite stressed and unhappy and this can lead to a ferret becoming quite ill and unhealthy.

Ferrets are naturally curious creatures and they enjoy crawling into small dark spaces. They also have a tendency to eat anything small enough to fit into their mouths, obviously, this is not always good for them because it can cause them digestive problems and stomach aches. Another problem with a ferret's curiosity is that they like to chew cables; again this can be very bad for your ferret as getting several thousand volts through their delicate little bodies can cause them some serious problems. To avoid your ferret getting injured, sick, or electrocuted you should make sure that your home is ferret proofed before allowing your little friend to wander around the place. Keep any rooms that you are allowing the ferret into clean and tidy, make sure that there are no small objects lying around, keep cables secure and out of your ferrets reach, and try to block up any small spaces that your ferret may try to squeeze into. Blocking up small spaces will not only keep your ferret from injuring himself but it will also mean that he is easy to find at all times.

Ferrets are small mammals and are carnivorous so you will have to feed them meat. The thing about ferrets is that they have quite specific dietary needs and you will have to meet these needs in order to keep your pet ferret healthy. Ferrets have very high metabolisms and require food that is high in protein such as is contained in meat and poultry. Most pet shops will stock ferret specific food and they are also available on the internet at very competitive prices so getting hold of ferret food is very easy indeed. Some people suggest feeding a ferret cat food, this is not a good idea as cat food does not contain all of the nutrients that a ferret requires so prolonged feeding of cat food can have adverse effects on your ferret's health. It is important to avoid feeding your ferret anything that is high in fat or that contains high amounts of carbohydrates and sugar as this will make your ferret sick.

As with the vast majority of household pets, your pet ferret will require water (I know this is an obvious fact but I figured I might as well mention it incise anybody forgot about it). Tap water should be fine for your pet ferret and you can dispense it into either a bowl or a bottle. A lot of people tend to put the water into a pet bottle that attaches to the side of the ferret cage, similar to the type you put on a gerbil cage. The advantages of using a bottle instead of a bowl are that they do tend to be less messy. Whether you use a bowl or a bottle for your ferret's water you must ensure that you clean it regularly to avoid making your ferret ill.

Due to the fact that ferrets are curious and adventurous, not to mention occasionally a little bit destructive, it is not advised that you leave your ferret unsupervised. Cats and dogs are fine to leave in the house on their own unsupervised for periods of time and they, if trained properly, do not get into much trouble, this cannot happen with a ferret. If you leave a ferret on its own it could get stuck, injured or even poison itself by eating something that it shouldn't. If the ferret has to be left on its own for a period of time it is a good idea to put the ferret in a ferret cage. There is a huge range of ferret cages available on the market that cater to all sorts of ferret needs and the prices vary widely. The average cage size tends to be around 18" x 18" x 30" a cage of this size should have enough room for your ferret to move around in whilst being small enough to easily fit into the average house.

Caring for your ferret will involve spending time playing with your pet ferret. If you wish to keep your furry little friend entertained it is a good idea to pick up a few ferret friendly toys. There are literally hundreds of different toys available for ferrets in the market; some of them are great fun for the owner to play with. When choosing toys for your pet ferret it will be a good idea to choose something that is hard-wearing and durable. Ferrets, like cats, can play quite rough and if they are playing with a flimsy toy it will end up being destroyed within five minutes. The ferret is equipped with very sharp teeth and claws and they often use these when playing so any toy that cannot withstand being pounced on by a fast-moving ball of fur with teeth and claws is just a waste of money.

Ferrets are very intelligent creatures and are capable of being trained to carry out simple tasks. One thing that you can train them to do is to use a litter tray to do their business in. You will not have to buy a ferret specific litter tray as a basic cat litter tray will do the job. Teaching your ferret to use a litter tray will mean that you don't end up finding ferret droppings all over your house; it will also help to keep your ferret nice and clean too. There are various websites out there that can offer advice on ferret training and can give you some great tips about how to train your ferret to use a litter tray. When training your ferret to use the litter tray, it is a good idea to reward your ferret every time he does this will mean that your ferret will associate going to the toilet with getting praise and a treat. I used this method of rewarding a pet for good behavior on my cat when I first got it. 

Every time my cat used the litter tray I would reward him with a catnip chocolate drop. Unfortunately, he realized that when he wanted a treat all he had to do was do his business so when he wanted a treat he would sit in the tray and would strain until the smallest amount of pee came out, then he would meow at me to fetch him his treats, I had to stop using this method because he was peeing every five minutes and I thought he would end up injuring himself. Luckily even though I stopped giving him the treats for every successful toilet trip he still learned that he must do his business in the litter tray. You can use the reward method to teach your ferret other tricks as well; my best friend taught his ferret to beg like a dog using treats. A popular belief is that getting ferret whilst it is young means that it will be easier to train than one that is older, whatever the age of the ferret you choose is up to you and training your ferret will be much easier the more time you spend with it.

Ferrets, like cats and dogs, require regular check-ups at the vets so that they can have their vaccinations to prevent them from getting ill. Also, the vet can keep an eye on your ferret's state of health and often the vet is a massive resource of animal care advice. If you have questions about caring for your ferret a vet would be an excellent person to talk to.

Ferrets each have their own personalities so your ferret may act differently to another person's ferret. Some ferrets will be mischievous some will be pig-headed and stubborn so every experience is different, if you are lucky you will end up with a ferret that will have a personality that compliments yours.

As you can see from this article caring for a ferret can be quite difficult but as long as you spend time with your ferret and feed it properly everything should work out fine. The internet is full of information about ferrets and there are a lot of helpful people on the net who can give you great advice about ferret care, so do not worry if your ferret is acting odd and you don't know why you can probably find out the answer on the internet.

By Dave A Loftus - Article Source: EzineArticles

---

---

Can I Give My FERRET Raw Chicken?

Domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo)
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If one of your new pets is a ferret and you would like it to grow up active and strong like other pets in your home, you are probably asking yourself this question: "Can I give my ferret raw chicken?" Well, the answer to that question is a big yes. The fact is that ferrets are carnivores by nature and therefore, they should eat meat in order to survive.

Since they are carnivores, most ferrets will definitely enjoy chicken meat comfortably, whether cooked or raw. However, if your ferret has never been fed on any raw meat before, he might experience stomach upset. Therefore, it is very advisable to start feeding your ferret on raw meat as early as possible so that he can get used to it.

Compared to other types of meat, chicken is probably ferreted' favorite. This means that your ferret wouldn't mind eating a huge chunk of chicken meat and chewing all the available soft bones. Apart from helping in cleaning your pet's teeth, raw chicken bones also play a major role in providing the much-needed dietary calcium.

Due to the fact that ferrets have highly acidic stomachs, you do need to worry that the bones may choke your pet or that he may get intestinal damage. As a matter of fact, ferrets are known to have quite high metabolisms, explaining why they are slender and active at all times.

While feeding your ferret raw chicken, you need to be very careful. Do not offer him meat straight chilled from the fridge as he may not find it appetizing. You should also avoid giving him processed foods such as pre-cooked cold chicken because it will contain too much salt.

To create a balanced diet and avoid monotony, do not feed your ferret on raw chicken alone. Try including other types of quality pet foods such as kibbles, eggs, bacon, cat food, and dry pellets. If you wish to feed your ferret on raw meat alone for a long time, it is very advisable to add a number of vital supplements such as taurine to avoid cardiomyopathy and calcium to avoid osteodystrophy.

Most importantly, do not forget to give your ferret enough water daily. Since ferrets like drinking water from a bowl better than they do from a water bottle, make sure you change the water on a regular basis for him to drink fresh and clean water whenever he needs it.

By Faith Kaltenbach - Article Source: EzineArticles

---

---

Raising Baby Ferrets

Photo: Pixabay

Ferrets can be purchased from a breeder or adopted from a shelter even when they are young. Baby ferrets are better known as kits and if you choose to get a male, it is called a hob while a female is called a Jill. 

When you acquire them, they have already been weaned and they now need adult nourishment. Since their teeth are not yet sharp enough to chew anything, it is best to soak the food in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes before this is given. You must never give them cat food because studies have shown that this causes health problems. 

Kits need more fat and protein than kittens. This is because they have a short gastrointestinal tract and a rapid intestinal transit time which means it takes some time for the food to pass through the stomach and into the intestines. When you are looking for the right food product to buy, look at the label and see to it that this contains 35% protein and 20% of fat. 

The baby ferrets need a balance of meat and poultry products as this will decrease the risk later of urinary tract obstructions later on in life. Aside from that, they must also be given water constantly either in a dish or bottle. 

As the baby ferrets grow older, you can give them occasional snacks such as bananas, crackers and raisins but only in small amounts.

Aside from food, baby ferrets should be housed in a cage. This should be big enough to let them move around and be easy for you to clean. There should also be sufficient bar spacing so they are not able to escape. It must also have a large door so the kit will not have a hard time getting in or out. 

The bottom of the cage should have a plastic bottom so you can easily clean it. This will allow you to change the bedding or simply wash it. If buying one is expensive, you can make one by sewing a few scraps together and putting it inside. 

When the ferrets are still young, you should already begin toilet training them. This will enable them to put their waste in a litter box instead on your carpet. The best way to do this is by putting a small amount of waste in the box and when they do this correctly, you give them a snack as a reward. You should be careful not to punish or hurt them when they are still learning because these creatures do bite back.  

Eventually, they will get a hang of it and to protect your home and your pet, it is best to ferret-proof your home to prevent any untoward incidents. 

One of the things that a baby ferret needs are a toy to play with. There are plenty of these in the market. Just make sure that they can withstand the ferret’s sharp teeth. In fact, some baby toys and rattlers are fun for them to play with so you should supervise how they use it because they will eventually eat their way through it.  

Baby ferrets need constant love and attention. Don’t forget to also bring them to the vet for vaccinations and anti-rabies shots so they will be able to stay with you for a long period of time. 

---

---

What to Do When FERRETS Bite Hard

A picture of a ferret's teeth, very white and in good condition
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ferrets bite hard. That’s not an option, but it’s a sad risk ferret owners have to consider. It can happen to anybody at any time with a nearby ferret. But there’s no need to panic. Most bites are not as harmful but still, precautionary measures must be taken properly. 

A Quick Look on Ferret’s Teeth Structure

Ferrets’ teeth are in many ways synonymous to human teeth. But the lethal part in the ferret’s dentures would have to be the tip of their canines. That is the sharp part that some owners decide to cut off at the outset of its growth to avoid ferret bits from plaguing the whole ferret experience.

The good thing is that ferrets’ canine tips can naturally break off from excessive biting of objects. Giving them hard toys they can chew, for example, can help eliminate the threat of its sharp canines.  

Ferret Bite Quick Tip 1: Assess the extent of the damage. If bitten, the very first thing to do would be to assess the depth of the bite. If it is just a minor scratch, clean the wounds but do not make any dismissive presumptions. In the case where you are confronted with a major bite, you need to have it checked immediately. 

Ferret Bite Quick Tip 2: Clean the wound immediately with your first aid kit. Cover it afterward. Having a first aid kit would be very beneficial for both you and your pet ferret. Wash with soap and water, clean it with peroxide, cover it with gauze and if all else fails to proceed to the next step. Note the color of the wound and make sure that the blood flows for a considerable amount of time before cleaning it up. 

Ferret Bite Quick Tip 3: Go to the nearest doctor. Seeking the help of a medical professional will help you have the objective assessment of the wound. It will also ensure that you did not acquire any infections from the ferret bite.  

Ferret Bite Quick Tip 4: Have the ferret checked by the veterinarian. It is not just you who needs to be checked but you also need the help of your veterinarian to have your ferret checked. You also have to have the dentures of your ferret checked to see if there are any remnants of the skin or anything unusual that came from the bite. This is to ensure that both your health and the ferret’s health remain uncompromised.     

Ferret Bite Quick Tip 5: In the case where one ferret bites another, have them both checked and keep them in separate cages until the tension dissipates. In the case of a ferret to ferret bites, you will have to have both of them checked with a veterinarian. If at all possible, analyze the causes of hostile behavior. Eventually, you may have to combine them in a single place again but make sure that this is done with utmost care and in a gradual manner.  

Ferret Bite Quick Tip 6: Furnish your first aid kit immediately for both humans and ferrets. 

Your ferrets must also have their own first aid kit, furnished with pretty much the same thing that the human first aid kit has except that all the objects are downsized to suit your furry creatures.

Exert caution in treating wounds of your ferrets, otherwise, they will see it as an attack and bite you as you treat it.  

---

---

What To Expect And Prepare For When Keeping FERRETS As Pets

A picture of a ferret's teeth, very white and in good condition
 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you are going to keep a ferret as a pet, then there are a few things you need to keep in mind so that you and your new friend can both lead healthy and happy lives.

First of all, know what you are getting into. Yes, ferrets are quite cuddly and cute, but they have certain needs that must be met and they have personalities that can get them into trouble and possibly hurt. You need to be one hundred percent sure that you are capable of meeting these needs so to provide for a happy and healthy environment for your ferret and you need to also be sure that you can have the patience that may be needed when they become mischievous.

So let's take a look at all of the needs of your new ferret, and what you will have to do to provide these needs for them.

It is an absolute necessity that you take the proper measures to make your home a safe environment for your new pet ferret. By this, you will need to take appropriate action to "ferret proof" your home to the greatest extent possible. You will need to ensure that even the smallest opening that you would think be impossible for your ferret to squeeze into, be sealed. You will actually be very surprised and even shocked at times, the small places they tend to find themselves getting into. After all, you wouldn't want to lose your new ferret in the wall of your home, or in your kitchen stove and other appliances would you? Make sure to seal or attach some type of barrier that will not allow them access to places like under your refrigerator, the kitchen stove, your laundry washing machine, and dryer. In the case of the clothes dryer, make sure that the vent hose is securely attached to the wall properly so to not allow them access to inside the vent. Just remember, think small and seal it all. All of these little precautions taken before you bring your ferret to its new home, will be well worth the effort and keep your ferret safe and out of harm's way.

Ferret Cages

Though many people let their ferrets have run of the house, there will almost assuredly come a time when you may have to leave your home even if it is just for a short period of time. It is this situation where having a ferret kennel or ferret cage will not only come in handy but also provide protection for your ferret if from nothing else; themselves.

When you choose a ferret habitat, it does not necessarily have to be a ferret McMansion but it should be sizable enough to offer enough room for bursts of playful energy that will most certainly erupt when they are not sleeping. The ferret cage should also be made comfortable and an enjoyable place for them to call home when you are not.

There should be small and dark places for them to squeeze into since this is one of their favorite things to do. You can provide for this need in several ways. An old box of cereal can make for days upon days of comfortable "hiding" places for your little ferret buddy. An old backpack that you may not be using will also make a good ferret hiding place just so long as it is presented in a way that will allow easy entry and escape, and also made so that there is no way for them to suffocate. You can also make a tube for your ferret to hide and crawl in out of old PVC pipe material or even an old clothes dryer vent hose.

Many ferret cages already come equipped with everything your ferret needs to be comfortable and happy. With tubes, ladders, and little ferret hammocks there will not be too much else that you will need to provide for entertainment. Save some toys. One of the best things you can get to add to your ferret's habitat is people baby toy sets. You know, those sets that have rattles and shiny big bells that make noise. Just be sure that the bells are large enough so that your ferret does not run the risk of ingesting it. That will be another topic covered later in this reading, the ingesting of objects topic.

Once you have their new habitat all set up and they seemed pleased with it, you will need to make sure that you provide a litter box for your ferret and you will also need to make sure that you keep the litter box away from where their food and water are kept in their cage. Just like us humans, they don't want to eat where they do. You will also need to keep the litter box cleaned on a regular basis, preferably at least once a day, since they can be pretty picky about this topic. It is also advisable to use the pelleted type of ferret litter over the clumping kind, as the clumping kind can cause the ferret's nasal passageways to become irritated.

Once you take all of these steps, you will be well on your way to providing your ferret with a decent and healthy environment they will be glad to call home.

Food and Water

Now we can move on to the topic of your new ferret's diet and nutritional needs. Overall it is pretty simple as far as their diet goes, but I will expound on the subject to include other nutritional factors and some sources to help you find them.

Water, of course, is an absolute must and it must be clean. Rather than just a regular water dish (though that will do), it might be advisable to get your ferret used to taking water from a small animal water bottle. The same style used for both rabbits and guinea pigs. This will allow for easy access to clean fresh water at all times and will also provide a spill free way for your ferret to drink without having to worry about messes and "extra" play time that they might engage in.

A ferrets diet is relatively simple, protein and fat. The ferret's digestive tract is not made to handle the fiber of fruits and vegetables, it is specifically designed for the consumption and digestion of meat. Your little cute ferret buddy is a ravenous carnivore and will always be. So even if you are a stark vegetarian, there is no converting your ferret to your lifestyle. Otherwise, you may have a very uncomfortable and sick ferret on your hands and you would not want that. Once you understand that, providing a food source is easy.

So let's examine some good sources of protein-rich high-fat food sources. As a rule of thumb, the ratio between protein content and fat content for your ferret should be about thirty-five (35) to thirty-eight (38) percent protein and about twenty-two (22) to twenty five(25) percent fat. Both of these need to be from high-quality sources as some ferret foods contain proteins made from vegetable matter which will cause your ferret to have some digestive problems.

You should take great care and the time to actually read the ingredients on any container of ferret food you are considering purchasing. It is also important to note that while it may be tempting to purchase a cheaper brand of ferret food, the protein content of these items is generally much less than those that are higher in price. So you would be basically spending the same or even more in the long run as your ferret would require more food intake from these inferior products. This too would lead to the necessity of cleaning the litter box more often than if you feed them the proper protein ratios, to begin with since they cannot digest it, they get rid of it. This will lead to using more litter adding to your expense.

Always look for food that has a meat product listed as the number one ingredient. This should be poultry or some other type of poultry protein variant. Fish meal based products are ok, but they are going to have a strong fish smell to them, so it is advisable to stick with poultry proteins and poultry by-products.

Ferrets require at a minimum, thirty(30) percent protein intake every day, just to lead a healthy life. If you are feeding your ferret the properly balanced diet of protein and fat, then there should be no need for any type of dietary supplement. However; that said, some ferret owners give their ferrets fatty acid supplements like ferretone or linatone. These two products should be used in strict moderation as it can lead to your ferret becoming obese. With the proper diet, these types of products should only be used for rewards and special treats.

Proteins and fats are essential for your ferrets well being and health. The high protein part of their diet aids in strong muscle growth and development while the fat portion of the diet gives them the energy they need to be the rambunctious critters that they are.

Though fiber, as a rule, is a substance that should be avoided, some fiber is necessary for proper intestinal function. Carbohydrates, like those found in the binders of their food(rice, soy, and corn), can be sources of energy for your ferret but not as good a source as that of fat.

Speaking of the binders that make up part of your ferret's food, it is rice that is perhaps the best and most tolerable of all as it is easily digested and has enough fiber to aid your ferret's bowel movements. Some veterinarians recommend that you limit your ferret's intake of soy, another filler used, as it may cause hormonal problems later in your ferret's life. Though that has neither been formally proven or dis-proven, soy is still tolerated very well by the ferret's digestive system. Corn, on the other hand, is one filler that you have to watch out for as some ferrets can develop a food allergy to it.

Some of the signs that your ferret may be allergic to the corn bound food it may be eating are irregular or soft stools, stools with a mucus, gas and bloating, and pawing at the mouth because of stomach upset. If you suspect that your ferret is having an allergic reaction to the food it is eating, then it is highly advisable to get them to your veterinarian as quickly as possible. The long-term effects of this food allergy can lead to the hardening of the bowels and ulcerations.

Vitamins are essential for ferret health as well, but it would be advisable to consult with a veterinarian or other ferret specialist before starting some regime of vitamin supplementation as they can develop a toxicity when given too much or too often.

Minerals are important for ferret health as well, there again, as stated above it would do your ferret best to consult an expert before starting a mineral supplement program on your own as this too could become life-threatening to your ferret if the doses are not administered properly.

If you are using a high-quality ferret food, to begin with, almost every vitamin and mineral needed by your ferret is provided in the food they eat.

Grooming

Grooming your ferret is also important. Though it is not a good idea to bathe them often, they will need a bath, a brushing, and claw clipping on occasion. Let's take a look at the best practices for these chores.

Bathing your ferret will become a ritual, to say the least. Some ferrets take to the water pretty well and actually enjoy swimming around and having fun, while others will need your absolute patience and assistance in the bathing ritual.

(Not too often.)

You should only give your ferret a bath a maximum of one bath each month. The reason being that frequent bathing washes away the essential oils needed for healthy ferret skin and coat. Some say that a bath every two to three months is best, but that's up to you just as long as you are aware that bathing too often is bad for your ferret.

The water temperature should be should be warm to touch but definitely not too hot. You should use a very gentle shampoo like baby shampoo and lather the fuzzy up real good. You need to take great care as to not get any soap into the eyes or ears of your ferret. If you do, try to rinse it out as quickly as possible. Also, make sure that when you are rinsing off your ferret to not leave any soap residue on them because it will dry out their skin and also try to not let them get chilled.

When drying, try to get it done as soon as possible.

Keeping your ferret brushed and well groomed also helps prevent the hairball problem and is good for their coat. You can do this as often as you like, but be gentle of course when doing so.

Claw trimming will also be necessary from time to time. It is very important that great care and caution is taken when doing so. Be extra careful not to trim too close to the nail quick, because just like for us humans, it will hurt them as well. You can pick up the tools you need for this at almost any pet store and it would be a good idea, especially if you are completely new to ferrets, to have a professional groomer show you the ropes in the beginning.

Ferrets and disease

Ferrets are susceptible to a number of diseases and other health problems. Knowing this beforehand can prepare you for what is inevitable at some point in your ferret's life.

Here are some of the diseases that your ferret may encounter. Not saying that it is a guarantee that your that your ferret will get a disease, it is just that they have become predisposed to certain illnesses and diseases over the years. So the chance for some type of illness is somewhat greater. Below is a partial list of common ferret diseases that you can use for reference to investigate on your own further. This list is by no means all of the diseases they can get.

Pyogenic Infections:

1. Subcutaneous Abscesses

2. Pyometra and Vaginitis/Vulvar Cellulitis

3. Proliferative Colitis

4. Helicobacter Infections

5. Mastitis

6. Dermatophytosis

7. Salmonellosis

8. Tuberculosis

9. Botulism

Metabolic:

1. Hyperadrenocorticism

2. Hypoglycemia

3. Diabetes Mellitus

4. Hyperestrogenism

5. Eclamptogenic Toxemia and Nursing Sickness

Other Types Of Disease:

1. Gastrointestinal Foreign Body

2. Urolithiasis

3. Posterior Paralysis

4. Gastric Ulcers

5. Congestive Heart Disease

6. Dental Disease

7. Heat Stroke

8. Nutritional Diseases

Cancers:

1. Adrenal tumors

2. Insulinoma

3. Lymphosarcoma

4. Chordomas

5. Mast cell tumors, basal cell tumors and sebaceous cell tumors

As you can see, there are quite a few diseases that you will have to stay on the lookout for. This is not even a complete list. They are even prone to catch the human flu virus, so if you ever find yourself with the flu, it might do your ferret well to stay away from you. For more information on that and all of the other diseases they can get, I would suggest doing a search online yourself for all of the different diseases ferrets are prone to. There is no need to constantly be afraid for your ferret's health, but it is a good idea as always to get educated.

Well, we have certainly covered a lot of ground concerning being prepared and what it takes to have a ferret as a pet. It is a responsibility just the same as a dog, a cat, or even a child. There is no one or nothing else to look out for and take care of your ferret but you.

In recap, we talked about ferret-proofing your home so that your new ferret can live safe and sound. We talked about your ferret's diet, grooming, diseases, and habitat.

Ferret Habits

Now let's wrap this up with ferret habits. This should be interesting.

The word ferret partly originated from the Latin word for thief. So that should speak volumes for you. Be prepared for things to come up missing. Especially shiny pretty things. If your car keys come up missing, they probably are not under the couch cushion.

Ferrets are very inquisitive, this, of course, can lead to some serious trouble for them so that is why that it is imperative that you pay attention to what they are doing and what they are getting into.

Ferrets also tend to like to chew on soft rubber objects so it is wise to keep an eye out for chewable electric cords and cables, tennis shoe soles, sponges, and anything else chewable. This habit can cause all sorts of issues, especially if the material is ingested. This can cause intestinal blockage and will most likely require a trip to the animal ER, so make sure to do a walk around of your home a few times a day all the while on the lookout for rubber bands and other chewable things they might swallow.

Be sure that your ferret does not have any access to any of your household cleaning products as common sense should tell you that it will be fatal for your ferret.

If you have other pets, be aware that while ferrets can get along with and live with other animals; however, if you have a pet bird it would do you well to keep your bird out of the reach of your ferret. Can you say free lunch!

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, ferrets love to tunnel and explore. It's in their very nature. That is why you must make sure that every small hole is sealed. That includes where pipes and plumbing come out of walls and electrical outlets too. Give them an inch and they will take a mile. Seriously, all the opening they need is about an inch and they can squeeze themselves through.

Don't be alarmed when your ferret does a war dance in front of you. It is just a sign that they are excited and in a playful mood and that's what you call all that jumping and twisting about. So entertain them just like they entertain you.

I do hope you have found some insight into what to expect if you ever decide to bring a ferret into your home and have taken away some knowledge that you may not have known before otherwise.

Just know that this is by far not all the information to know about ferrets and how to take good care of them. There is still plenty of useful information for you to find for yourself online or at your local library, pet store, and most importantly from other ferret keepers.

By CS David - Article Source: EzineArticles

---

---

Caring for Your MARSHALL FERRETS

Caring for your Marshall ferrets is extremely important since it will ensure that you will have a very rewarding experience with your pet ferret. There are many aspects to consider when you are taking care of your Marshall ferrets.   

Photo: Wikimedia

Ferret Health and Maintenance

Ferret health needs to be checked regularly. They tend to swallow things and that they are not able to filter what they get their paws on. This danger will require you lots of vaccinations and treatment options. You may even have to consider having the number of the veterinarian on speed dial in case there will be emergencies.  

Ferret Diet

Ferrets are carnivores and they like a healthy dose of rodents and other tiny mammals that they can eat. But you also have to watch out for what the ferrets eat because if it were a dirty mouse, they might get infected with a lot of viruses. Processed ferret food is also an option but it is expensive and may contain less of the required nutrients.  

Training 

Training your wild Marshall ferrets can be very challenging, and you might need the help of an expert in training ferrets to ensure the best results. But if you have enough passion and drive to train your pet ferret, you can do so. You can start by having a specific time and place to train your Marshall ferret. You might also need to outline specific tasks that you want your ferret to do or things that you expect them to be able to perform after you train them.      

Teething 

Teething can be a very challenging for your Marshall ferrets. But you need not be scared when this occurs. The thing with teething is that your pet ferret will constantly need to grind and move its teeth as its molars and other types of teeth come out.   

Taking them On Field Trips

The thing with Marshall ferrets is that they really need a lot of variety, especially with their surroundings. They always like to be excited and they need to be taken on frequent or regular field trips. As a pet owner, you can get creative and not have to go past your backyard by having the right props to mix and match for your pet ferret. But in case things get stale, they like open spaces and then some holes with which they can move their way in. You may even play fetch with your pet ferret and put certain colorful objects underneath the holes for them to pick. 

Letting Them Socialize with Other Ferrets

Socializing is also an important facet of caring for your Marshall ferrets. They will get very lonely if they are left to fend for themselves. You only need to monitor their activities with other ferrets to avoid injuries. There may be some injuries but they are minor and part of the whole socialization thing they have to undergo as ferrets.     

Ferret Proof Your House

Your house must also be friendly to Marshall ferrets. You must not leave objects that are hazardous lying around. Also, avoid enticing them with food that can be detrimental to their health like chocolates that can cause stomach aches.

Be very careful with holes that lead to electrical wiring or pipes as the ferrets may get too adventurous and head off to that area and endanger themselves. Make sure that the areas where they are not supposed to roam free are closed shut. 

---

---

FERRET - Mustela putorius furo

Ferret - Photo: Pixabay

---

---

What Do FERRETS Eat

Ferrets have a unique diet compared to other animals. This is because they need one that is rich in protein and low in fat. Aside from that, it must also not be rich in carbs and sugar. 

Domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo), lots of Ferrets, who sleep, male
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Perhaps the best one to buy in the market is Totally Ferret. The problem is that it is not always available in the market. As a result, owners have to switch to something else like cat food and some examples of these include Iams, Science Diet and Pro Plan. 

The products mentioned are not soft cat food which does not contain less protein that has the tendency to lead to tooth decay. Although these are quite expensive, buying an 8 pound bag of any of the brands mentioned will last up to 2months. 

But ferrets in general are carnivores so when you feed them, make sure that you are using two types of food at all times ideally meat and poultry. This will prevent them from being stuck on only one type of food so they won’t have a hard time adjusting later on. 

Aside from food, you should also give your ferret supplements. Examples of these include Ferretvite and Ferretone but only in moderation. 

Using the right food will prove to be worth it when you notice that your ferret is very energetic and their coat are in excellent condition. Of course, you will still need to groom it by combing the hair and giving it a bath every so often because they tend too smell when they get dirty. 

Once in a while, it wouldn’t hurt to feed your ferret some small pieces of fruit and vegetable. The same goes with sugar free cereal. This must never be given in large quantities as this causes gastrointestinal upset, a possible blockage and even malnutrition. 

As your ferret grows older, you should change their diet to kitten food because studies have shown that these too much protein may cause kidney problems. This should only be given if ever your ferret is recovering from an illness or has undergone surgery.  

Some ferret owners believe that a raw food diet may also work. One good example is raw meaty bones which, helps prevent tartar from forming on the teeth and also provides calcium in their diet.   Because of this diet, you will have a more active ferret around the house that has excellent coat condition. You don’t have to clean up that much after your pet because it also decreases the stool volume as the food ingested is absorbed by the body and their natural scent is greatly decreased. 

Those who want to try the raw food diet should not be worried if ferret’s stool turns white to a grayish color because this is only temporary and will soon return to normal.  Since it takes time for the pet to adjust, you can mix it with ferret food that can be purchased from the store then gradually decrease this with raw bones from either meat or poultry. 

Knowing what do ferrets each is just one of the many steps for those that want them to live for a long period of time. Proper care, attention and love are also needed because these creatures are great to have when you need a friend to take your worries away. 

Article on FERRETS

First domesticated by the Egyptians in 3000 BC From the tenth to twelfth centuries the historians believe that Crusaders brought the working ferret to Europe. Romans used ferrets to drive away rats and to find rabbits, which they used food in 300 BC They took ferrets to other parts of Europe. More recently ferrets were used by contractors and utilities to run wire through conduit and pipes, in places to small for people to fit. Ferrets have flexible ribs, as a result they can squeeze through little holes and can flatten their bodies to crawl through the smallest spaces.

Black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes), pups (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ferrets are like cats and dogs. They are not rodents. They belong to the family called mustelids, which includes skunks, badgers, weasels, otters, and polecats. The ferret's life span, generally is between eight and eleven years, sometimes up to fifteen.

Male ferrets are called hobs. Female ferrets are called jills. Young ferrets are called kits. Ferrets are curious animals. They love to dig and be around people.

Deciding on an addition to the family requires responsible thinking. Your decision shouldn't be based impulsively on how cute or adorable the kits (babies) look. You must prepare yourself to dedicate quality time to a new pet. Ferrets are playful and entertaining to watch. They have poor eye sight and a keen sense of smell and hearing. Ferrets have a musky odor, comes from their skin glands. For the sake of the ferret observe the following: Make sure the ferret has fresh food and clean water. The cage must be regularly clean. You must get to know the ferret. See if your lease or local law permits ferret ownership. When going on vacation, what do you do? To be good, healthy pets, ferrets must be spayed or neutered. Before purchasing, or on the way home have your ferret de-scented to prevent the risk of infected or blocked scent glands. Your ferret will require special foods. Are you prepared to commit to eight to eleven years, to your new friend? It's unwise to leave your ferret alone with other pets.

After deciding on a ferret as a pet, you now need to ask yourself if you want a hob (male) or a jill (female)? One or more? Kit or an adult?

When choosing the variety and sex of a ferret, it is strictly a matter of personal choice. Hobs and jills require about the same amount of time spent with them. Both are equally strong and healthy. Each ferret will have a unique personality. Sex or color will not determine its behavior.

Kits start out about the same size. However, the hob is three to five pounds and a jill is one in a half to three pounds. Neutered and de-scented hobs have very little odor, but a spayed jill has the least odor of all.

Ferrets come in numerous colors. The most common colors are sable, albino, butterscotch, white-footed butterscotch, silver-mitt, sterling silver, white-footed sable, cinnamon and black eye white.

Raising and training a kit can be a joyful experience. Kits are far less daunting. Although, it takes more time to train them. Consistence rewards and discipline for rough play and for housebreaking must be applied. As well, they can be mischievous adolescents.

If well handled in their reering, adult ferrets are completely through theses stages. But, adults that haven't been handled with love and good training are best left for experts to choose. A grown ferret is capable of adapting quickly to a new loving family. You may be amazed how quickly and easily an adult becomes a family member.

When choosing a ferret be certain that the pet shop is clean and odor free. After the ferret is roused, it should be alert and attentive. A ferret's coat should be shiny, soft and covering the body, no bald spots, and it should have clear, bright eyes. Also examine it for any sores or scaly spots.

When choosing a ferret from a breeder check for the following: bright, clear eyes, long full whiskers, no large lumps on the body, a soft full coat, firm and even distribution of muscle, clean genital areas, good temperament and attitude, and curiosity. When bringing home a ferret from the pet shop or breeder, put it in its new cage and allow it to rest.

There are a wide variety of cages that you can buy for your pet ferret. The most popular habitats are wire cages. The cage must be at least fourteen inches wide by twenty-four inches long and ten inches high about (35 x 60 x 24 cm). Any cage design must provide a litter area, a feeding area, and a sleeping area.

When bathing a ferret, put about six inches of water in a sink and gently lower the ferret into the water. Use baby shampoo or ferret shampoo. The water should be no less than ninety degrees and no more than a hundred and five degrees. Rinse the ferret two or three times to get rid of all soap.

When cleaning the ears of the ferret, use a cotton swob. You will either find dirt or wax in the ferret's ears.

As you trim the nails put a drop of tasty supplement on their belly. While the ferret's busy licking, cut their nails.

Most ferrets are affected by fleas, first time when treating fleas, treat the ferret. Second time treat the ferret's environment.

Ferrets are omnivorous, however their diet requires mostly animal protein. It is recommended be fed specialize formulated foods. If unavailable, then premium dry cat food from pet shops or the vets. Most ferrets tend to like snacks of fresh fruits and vegetables.

The first estrus usually occurs at four or five months of age and will occur twice a year. The jill is most fertile by the tenth day of estrus cycle. At this time place the jill and the hob together. During breeding, the hob will bite the back of the jill's neck and drag her. The female will usually scream and fight.

Gestation period is forty-two days. Prior to birth isolate the mother. Put her in a nest box lined with small towel. When kits are born they are blind, hairless and deaf and a pinkish red at birth. The eyes open on the twenty-seventh day. At four weeks old weaning can be started by teaching the kits to drink from a dish. Kits canine teeth grow in when they're seven weeks old. Once weaning is complete, kits can be placed for adoption.

There are several infectious diseases, ferrets can contract. They include colds and flu, pneumonia, feline distemper, canine distemper, rabies, and aplastic anemia and septicemia. Intestinal disorders ferrets can get are diarrhea, Black Tarry stools, Lack of stool, vomiting, and Blocked scent glands. Parasitic infestations ferrets can get which are eye problems, mites, ticks and fleas. Physical injuries ferrets can have are back injuries, broken teeth, and bite wounds.

Author: Johanna McDaniel

The Laws On FERRETS

Ferrets are considered to be exotic pets and it is only legal to own one in 48 states. This is because some people are concerned about their unpredictable behavior, which in some cases have led to unprovoked attacks against humans.

But in general, local authorities meaning the city or the county government can decide to follow these guidelines, make stricter rules or not agree with it. Two states that prohibit ferrets as pets are California and Hawaii.

Rat bolting with a muzzled ferret (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

So you know if you can own a ferret where you reside, you should get in touch with your wildlife and game department to obtain a current copy of the ordinances. In some places, you will be required to get a license.  Remember, that ignorance of the law is no excuse when you get caught.

In states that allow you to have ferrets as a pet, you have to comply with some general laws as well. First, your ferret must be vaccinated against rabies by six months of age using the USDA licensed rabies vaccine. A copy of the vaccination certificate must be filed with the clerk of the city or town within 30 days where the ferret resides. Lastly, rabies vaccination must be administered annually.

People who want to own a ferret may do so as long as it is neutered or spayed at the time this was purchased. It should have also been given inoculation against distemper and a copy of this should also be kept when this is asked for by the authorities.

For breeders, the person can only do so by obtaining a license from the local gaming and wildlife department. This has to be renewed annually and when the offspring are sold to the public, they also have to be neutered or spayed before the sale is made.

Schools or research institutions may acquire a ferret for scientific study provided breeding shall not be offered for sale or trade.

In the past, ferrets were used to assist hunters go after other wild animals. Another provision states that it is unlawful to do so through the use of a ferret.

If ever the owner does not want to keep the ferret anymore, the person is not allowed to release it into the wild. It is also prohibited to sell these to the pet shop. The best thing to do will be to turn this over to an animal shelter so this can be given a better home.

But on a lighter side, what should you do if ever you have a ferret? Owners should always give them the right food consisting of those rich in protein and low in fats to make them healthy. Water should be given using a bottle or a bowl so they do not get dehydrated.

The owners should also be sure that the ferret leaves in a safe environment. This can be done by letting the ferret stay in a cage and making the place ferret proof so they do not injure themselves or cause damage to your house.

Ferrets will sometimes get carried away and do some bad things. When this happens, you must never hit them and instead find a more constructive way of telling them that they should not do it again. Most importantly, love your ferret because when you do, they will also love you back.

FERRETS - A Friendly Playful Pet

Ferrets, often considered a rare pet to own. Most individuals choose dogs, cats, birds, or fish to complete their family, however a select few turn to the ferret for its social, playful, curious qualities. Ferrets love to play and explore not only with others and their owners, but also on their own. For this reason, you need to know a few things on how to take care of a ferret.

This is my ferret at 1 year. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

First, you will want to ferret proof your home before you introduce them as pets. They will crawl into walls, furniture, and anywhere they can get their little bodies. It is much like childproofing a home for a baby. You will want to make sure all of the dangers are eliminated when you allow them out of their cages for playtime.

Ferrets are also biters. The kits, baby ferrets, tend to bite more. You can eliminate the problem or tone it down with frequent handling. It is a sign of their behavior as mock fighting or sparring. The younger ferrets tend to bite more when they are teething and do not mean any harm. For this reason, you will want to handle the ferret or ferrets as often as possible to help reduce the biting behavior. Often those who do not take the time or patience to train their ferret end up leaving the animal in its cage and thus it has a shorter lifespan. Please make sure you are up to the task of training a ferret before brining one into your home. Trained properly they can be as great a pet as cats or dogs.

A ferret’s lifespan is usually six to ten years, however proper care and feeding can lead to a little longer life. Ferrets are carnivores so they require a high protein diet. Most owners decide to feed their ferret’s mice, rats, rabbit, and other raw meats such as chicken. Stores carried other types of ferret food that many owners choose over the live food. Carefully reading the label will tell you if it has the proper high protein diet. Most kitten food can be used for example because it is designed to be high protein and fat for growing cats.

While play is an important part of your ferret’s life so is sleep. Most ferrets spend fourteen to eighteen hours a day sleeping. Part of sleeping is to rejuvenate them from the active play life they have. They love to explore and to play with toys. Many pet stores have toys for ferrets, or you might have something around the house that your ferret will find appealing. 

The type of cage is important. Ferrets tend to be very smart so you will need a cage they can get plenty of air, but small enough bars they cannot break away. You will also want to clean the cage once or twice a week depending upon the number of ferrets you have, how dirty the cage looks. They are also burrows so some type of bedding is required.

Ferrets are little balls of fur that love to play and interact with humans and each other.  While there are some special concessions you need to make to have a ferret the results are worth it. Proper training as a kit will give you even more joy when they reach adulthood.

---

---

Is A FERRET the Right Pet For You?

1) Specialized diets. Ferrets are obligate carnivores, which means that they require a special diet high in meat based protein in order to be healthy (34% meat protein and 22% fat is recommended). Some irresponsible pet owners feed low quality cat/kitten food to their ferrets because it is cheaper and can be picked up at the local grocery store; however this can lead to dangerous health problems for the ferret further down the road.

One of my Ferrets, his name is Cincin
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Most commercial cat/kitten foods use grain-based fillers such as corn, wheat or rice as their primary ingredient. Ferrets have very short gastrointestinal tracts which are unable to easily digest grains, fruits or vegetables; this type of food passes mostly undigested through their system, therefore they receive little to no nutritional value from the food, and eventually become ill and malnourished. High quality ferret food is available at pet stores and online, but can be pricier than standard dog or cat food; whether or not you can afford to purchase expensive food for your pet is one of the key factors to consider about ferret ownership.

2) Exotic pets. Although ferret ownership is legal in 48 states (it is illegal to own ferrets in California and Hawaii), many cities and counties can enact their own laws restricting ferret ownership. Verify that the city or county you live in does not have bans or restrictions requiring permits for your ferrets. If you rent or lease property, even if cats and dogs are allowed, do not automatically assume that ferrets are also included on the list of allowed pets. Violations of city or county laws can lead to fines, confiscation of your pet, and possibly euthanization. Violation of rental or lease agreements can also lead to fines and the possible eviction of you and your pets.

3) Children. Ferrets are NOT good pets for children. This is not to say that ferrets shouldn't be kept in homes with children, as long as both children and ferrets are supervised while playing together. Rather, ferrets are very high maintenance pets, which require a great deal of time, commitment and energy. Most children are unable to do the necessary work required to maintain a healthy and safe environment for a ferret, which can be considerably more intensive than the care needed for a dog or cat. Ferrets are not like gerbils or rabbits which can be left alone in small cages for long periods of time. Ferrets are - in fact - considered "exotic pets," and should not be purchased on a whim for a child because of how cute they look bouncing around in their cage at the pet store. For parents who think their seven-year-old is a prodigy and ready to learn about the heavy responsibilities of pet ownership; start with a goldfish, not a ferret. For one: a goldfish is much cheaper (ferrets can be anywhere from $80 to $140 not counting food, supplies and housing) and for another: when the inevitable happens and your child becomes bored of their cute new pet, which one do you want to end up taking care of for the rest of its natural lifespan? A goldfish that typically lives two to three weeks? Or a ferret that may live up to ten years?

4) Other Pets. Ferrets can be compatible with some household pets, but not others. As carnivores, ferrets will be guided by their natural instincts to hunt smaller animals like birds, rodents and lizards. If they can be kept safely apart from one another, it's possible for ferrets and small animals to coexist peacefully, but keep in mind that all it takes is forgetting to latch the iguana tank once, and then no more iguana! Larger animals like dogs and cats can be trained to accept a ferret into the home and will sometimes even play together, although some dog species (like terriers, who were bred to hunt small mammals) might be more prone to attack or seriously injure a ferret. It is best to consider the temperament of your currents pets and how they have reacted to new people/pets in the past; they will likely react in a similar fashion to a new ferret. Younger animals that are raised together will naturally have the easiest time cohabiting; older animals are typically more territorial and resistant to change.

5) Ferret-proofing. Ferrets are naturally curious creatures that will explore every nook and cranny of your home, and can cram themselves into the smallest and most difficult to reach places. This can include places that are dangerous for the ferret, like between the springs of a mattress or couch, beneath or inside a major appliance like a washing machine or a dishwasher, or inside cabinets containing poisonous cleaners or chemicals. Just like with a toddler or a small child, before getting a ferret one must ensure that the entire house or apartment has safety measures in place to prevent accidents from happening. This can be time consuming and necessitate a lot of hard work as you will need to try to predict all the possible places your ferret might squeeze, dig, climb or claw their way into.

Ferrets share another similarity with toddlers in that they like to pick up small objects off of the floor and chew on or eat them. Ferrets have short intestinal tracts in which objects can easily become lodged. This happens most frequently with small pieces of rubber or foam which expand inside the intestine when ingested and cannot be passed. Without immediate (and costly) surgery, such blockages are usually fatal; this is why the second part of ferret-proofing is combing your home for things a ferret might try to chew on or eat, and making sure they are out of the ferret's reach. Even larger objects like a foam rubber yoga mat or beach sandals can be problematic, since a ferret can gnaw off small chunks and swallow them. If you're not willing to make some changes to your home environment for safety's sake and be constantly vigilant of the whereabouts of your pet, then a ferret might not be the best choice for you.

6) Double (and sometimes triple) trouble. Ferrets are sociable animals, and need several hours a day of activity and social interaction in order to be healthy and happy. Many people recommend getting two ferrets instead of one, as ferrets will form strong pair bonds with their cage-mates. Although this is not a substitute for human/pet interaction, it can be helpful for people who need to leave the house for work during the day, but who still want to make sure their pet has companionship. The downside to having multiple ferrets is that you will need more space to house them, and you will be spending more money on food, litter, vet bills, and so on. However, if you are thinking about adopting a ferret from a shelter, it will often be a requirement that you adopt a pair of ferrets, as they will not wish to separate any of the ferrets from their cage mates. Pair-bonded ferrets that are separated can sometimes become deeply depressed to the point of refusing to eat, or even dying. This brings up another challenge, since if you decide to purchase two ferrets who become pair bonded, and then one dies, you are left with a solitary depressed ferret. For many people, the solution is to start out with three ferrets instead of two, but one must keep in mind the corresponding inverse ratio of more ferrets in your home to less money in your wallet, and plan accordingly.

7) Money. Ferrets can be expensive. Compared to buying a purebred dog or cat, the ferret itself isn't very pricey - usually a single ferret from a pet store (think Petco or Petsmart) will be around $80 to $140. But then you're going to have to buy a large cage (the larger the better - preferably with multiple levels) for your ferret to sleep in and maybe spend time in throughout the day if necessary - this will usually cost from $90 to $150. You'll need food and water bowls, litter pans, bags of ferret litter, ferret food, ferret-tone and ferret-lax (a coat conditioning supplement and a hairball treatment... you'll want both, most pet stores should have them), nail trimmers, a pet carrier, a hammock or sleeping tube for the ferret to lie in, and assorted toys. At this point you've probably spent at least $300 to $400 just for your initial setup.

Then you're going to need to find an exotic pet veterinarian in your area who sees ferrets, as your ferrets will need check-ups and vaccinations like all other pets. If you rent or lease, you may have to pay an extra pet deposit - be sure to check with your landlord. As mentioned previously, ferrets have a specialized diet and the best quality ferret foods tend to be in the pricey range. Ferrets are exotic pets, so even though you see them in the pet store next to the gerbils and across from the Betta fish, don't get the wrong idea; these are not cheap pets. If your ferret eats a piece of foam rubber that gets stuck in its intestine, you're looking at emergency veterinary surgery costing over $1000. Even if the initial cost of a ferret doesn't seem like much, consider whether you would be able to afford to take your ferret to the vet in case of emergency, which can be hundreds of dollars more than you originally planned for.

8) Smell. Ferrets have a musky scent. Some people like it, some people hate it, some people are indifferent. But there's no way to escape the fact that the ferret is a musky, smelly little creature. Generally ferrets sold in pet stores are de-scented, but this does not entirely eliminate the ferret's natural odor. You can buy waterless shampoo spray to put on the ferret's coat which temporarily gives it a fresh, floral scent, but this disappears fairly quickly. It's also possible to bathe ferrets using special shampoo, although supposedly this actually makes ferrets smellier afterwards because the shampoo strips natural oils from their skin, drying it out, which then causes their oil glands to overcompensate; this makes them smell worse than before their bath. There really isn't any way to completely eliminate the ferret's odor, however it can be minimized by making sure its cage/litter is cleaned frequently, and that it is eating high quality food free of fish byproducts. Before purchasing a ferret, go to your local Petco or Petsmart and put your nose over the top of the ferret cage; it will give you a pretty good idea of the type of smell you can expect to face if you bring one home.

9) Poo. Ferrets have a very high metabolism. They eat frequently, they digest their food quickly, and logically that means that they go to the bathroom a lot. When I say a lot, I mean A LOT. And ferret poo is smelly, so you're going to want to clean it up quickly - luckily it's small and easy to clean up. Just keep in mind that there's going to be a lot of it. Ferrets can be litter-box trained to a certain extent - they have a natural instinct to back up into the nearest corner whenever they feel the urge to go, so if a pan filled with litter pellets is placed in the corner, eventually they will make the connection and go to the bathroom in the litter pan. However if the ferret is feeling lazy, it will often just back up into the closest corner even if there's no litter pan there. If you want to be safe rather than sorry, you'll probably end up with litter pans or folded up newspaper in every intersection of two planes in your house, which may or may not clash with the interior design motif of your furniture.

10) Affection. Ferrets are fun, amusing, intelligent, playful, adorable pets. However they're not the same as dogs and cats. They don't particularly like being picked up, or pet, or cuddled; they're not very affectionate, although they do like stealing pieces of your clothing and stashing them in hidden nests throughout the house. Sometimes they seem glad to see you, although they might just be excited for the treats you're bringing over. If you want unconditional love, you should probably get a dog. If you want a furry lap warmer, you should probably get a cat. If you want a fuzzy ball of energy that's a whole lot of trouble, and that may or may not love you as much as you love it, but that will do its best to weasel its cute little way into your heart; then maybe a ferret is the right pet for you.

By Mandy L Maloon For more information on ferrets, go to: http://epicferret.com/oxwall/ Join the community at Epic Ferret and you can share your own epic ferret pictures, videos, blogs, and tips! Article Source: EzineArticles

---

---