|
Ferrets are fun playful creatures. When first introducing a ferret to your home, it's important to "ferret proof" the place. Ferrets are very curious by nature and will get into about anything that is available including the motor of an appliance. Using duct tape to seal up all openings is strongly recommended. You will also want to put poisons out for reach because some poisons have smells that will attract your ferret. Put latches on cabinets that are within their reach. Ferrets have a knack for opening things.
Your ferret will also need a cage to call home. A good roomy cage is one that is designed for ferrets. They usually have more than one level for the ferret to wander around in, relax and call home. His cage is his safe space. Supply food water and a soft cloth or towel for your ferret to sleep on. Because they use a litter box, there is no need for litter on the bottom of the cage, but if you find your pet likes it better, and you don't mind sweeping up the mess, then you may want to use recycled newspaper for bedding, or corn cob.
Ferrets are easily box trained and will use a litter box as long as it's kept clean. There are special boxes just for ferrets. Ask your local pet store if they carry them and ask them what your needs are and they will recommend which box is right for you and your pet.
When feeding your ferret it's important to know that ferrets are not rodents. Ferrets will eat rodents. They need a high protein diet. Most high quality cat foods like "Iams" will give a ferret the nutrition they need. You also can give them "Linatone" as a vitamin supplement. They also find it a treat. It's fun to feed them the Linatone using a pet nursing bottle. Ferrets can be adventurous at times when trying new foods. Pretty much anything can be a treat for a ferret. Banana slices, unsweetened cereal, egg or whatever your ferret likes is ok as long as it is given just as a treat and not as their main diet. Chocolate is off limits because it's toxic and can result in death. They are also lactose-intolerant, so do not feed them dairy products.
Bathing your ferret is very important because if you don't bathe them, they begin to smell very bad. Even de-scented ferrets have a naturally strong odor. To bathe your ferret, you can use the sink, or the bathtub. Be sure to put just enough water so the ferret can still touch the bottom. Get a good grip on the ferret and talk calmly so the ferret doesn't get scared. Wet the ferret down with water and then add shampoo. A good mild baby shampoo will work just fine. Make sure to keep water out of the ferrets ears and eyes. After rinsing thoroughly towel dry the ferret and keep him warm. However bathing should not be done more than once a month as bathing strips the ferrets natural oils. Constant bathing would cause the ferret's oil glands to overproduce, making the animal smell worse.
To keep your ferret healthy it's highly recommended that you have your pet vaccinated against distemper and rabies. Ferrets are highly susceptible to distemper so vaccines are a must for all ferrets. Ferrets do get sick from time to time so it's good to have a reliable vet
| 
