Ferrets

Where to get a Ferret

There are many options available to the prospective ferret owner when the decision has been made to purchase one of these loveable creatures. Ferrets can be purchased at a local pet shop or from a private seller. If...

The B.A.R.F. Diet for Ferrets

Many experienced ferret owners adhere to what is known as BARF — the bones and raw food diet. Proponents believe that because ferrets are natural carnivores, they should be fed only uncooked meats and bones, as these...

Proper Cleaning of Ferret Housing

Ferrets are meticulously clean animals, and are the most content in well-kept cages or enclosures. Properly housing ferrets — whether indoor or out — requires fastidious maintenance to ensure health and happiness...

Nip training for Ferrets

Young ferrets that have yet to be socialized have a tendency to nip. While this behaviour is perfectly acceptable between thick-skinned ferrets, even a tiny nip from the smallest kit can be very painful for humans...

Meeting a Ferrets Unique Nutritional Needs

Ferrets are strict carnivores, and require a diet rich in animal protein, fats and quality ingredients. Ferrets have a very short digestive tract, and do not have a cecum, the portion of the digestive tract responsible...

Litter Training a Ferret

Ferrets generally prefer to use one or two areas for relieving themselves. While this can make housebreaking considerably easier than with a dog or cat, it does require patience and persistence to fully litter train a...

Identifying a Responsible Ferret Breeder

Ferrets were originally bred centuries ago to hunt rodents and other pests. While modern breeders do still raise these working ferrets, most are engaged in the practice of breeding the animals for use as household pets...

Housing a Pet Ferret Indoors

Indoor cages for ferrets should be large enough to allow the ferret to play and move freely. Sturdy metal or plastic-coated wire cages are ideal, so long as the bars are securely welded to the frame. The cage slats...

Housing a Ferret Outdoors

Ferrets are highly social creatures and desire to live in groups. Thus, creating an outdoor housing area allows for easier ownership of multiple ferrets, and requires much less indoor ferret proofing. Outdoor ferret...

Finding a Veteran for your Ferret

Ferrets have very unique health concerns, so it is very important to find a reputable, trustworthy veterinarian. As ferrets become more popular as pets, many vets are welcoming the creatures into their practices...

Ferret Rescues

Ferret rescue organizations are non-profit groups that take in lost, abandoned, unwanted and ill ferrets. These groups and individuals are dedicated to providing care and sanctuary for ferrets in distress, while...

Ferret Health Spaying and Neutering

Ferret breeding is best left to experienced professionals, and it is advisable that anyone considering keeping a ferret as a pet have the animal spayed or neutered to prevent unwanted pregnancy. It is best to neuter...

Ferret Health Proper Grooming

Ferrets are generally clean animals and require little day-to-day maintenance, but there are a few important grooming procedures that should be done on a fairly regular basis. Keeping the ferret’s nails trimmed is...

Ferret Health Common Diseases and Disorders

Adrenal disease is one of the most common ferret maladies, characterized by tumours that grow on the adrenal glands. Symptoms of adrenal disease in ferrets include hair loss, weight loss, skin irritation, sores...

Feeding Baby Ferrets

Baby ferrets, called kits, are generally weaned from their mother’s milk between six and eight weeks after birth. Once they begin to eat solid foods, it is important that kits receive proper nutrition in order to grow...

Breeding Ferrets

Male ferrets, or hobs, begin to come in season for breeding around December of their first year. This early maturation period is characterized by the hob’s aggressive play, intolerance of other males, and a distinct...

Baby Ferrets

Baby ferrets, called kits, gestate between 40 and 44 days. A typical litter has between six and eight kits. They are born hairless and with their eyes closed, and the eyes will remain closed for several more weeks...