The Beauty of Owning a Ferret

If you love pets that are quiet and cute, then ferrets will be the right choice. Because by their very appearance, many people tend to mistake them for rodents but they are actually a cross between a cat and a dog.  

During earlier times ferrets were used to hunt down, or dig out rabbits from their burrows. But nowadays they are mostly kept as pets. If you are thinking of buying a ferret, you should buy one from reputable shelters or breeders or from the Humane Society.
   

When it comes to getting ourselves or our children a pet, most of us think of a playful puppy or fuzzy kitty, but chances are few of us think about “adopting” a ferret. Yet, according to experts these curious creatures are quite fun-loving and lovable. Not to mention that they adapt fairly well to apartment living making them “ideal” if you’re looking for a pet that’s easy to take care of.  

Furthermore, the domestic ferret is adorned by opulent fur, which varies in colour from off-white to dark brown. There are also albino ferrets whose white fur fades to yellow over time and with age. And, some recent cross breeding offers a “new” breed of silver-furred ferrets.  

Before taking your ferret home, make sure that your ferret has been given the necessary vaccinations. It is also a good idea to consult a local veterinarian for information on common ferret diseases and their cure. Ferrets live roughly for about 7 to 10 years. A ferret costs around $75 to $120, depending on its age and from where you buy. Read more about Ferret Care 

However, experts note that taking care of a ferret does require a bit more understanding and work than with your “average” pet. Unlike a cat or dog, a ferret cannot be left unsupervised and requires a substantially sized cage (allowing the animal to roam around comfortable while you are at work).  

Contrary to common belief, ferrets can be trained effectively though it may not be as easy as training cats or dogs. Training ferrets to learn the rules of the house will be a gradual process. The best way to reward a ferret for positive behaviour is by giving it food. For behaviours that are not acceptable, paying no attention to the ferret or confining it in the cage will work wonders. As ferrets move around a lot, they tend to mess up the rooms. Nipping is also a major problem associated with ferrets. Nevertheless they can be trained to use the litter and not to nip. 

Experts also suggest ensuring that the litter box is solid and securely attached to the floor of the cage so that it doesn’t accidentally get knocked over while the ferret is “exploring” and playing. 

Ferrets do also need time to roam free. In fact, experts recommend at least one hour of supervised exercise daily. But, they suggest airing on the side of caution, since their curious nature can cause them to go exploring or to wander off and potentially getting hurt. Also, because they are relatively small and lightweight they can easily burrow into small spaces, urging experts to suggest keeping a keen eye out on your pet’s activities, as well as covering up any holes, cracks, or other crevices and small spaces.  

Good ferret care is important for raising a healthy and happy ferret. Frequent interaction with their owners help ferrets get used to their new homes. It is also a good idea to spend a lot of time with your new pet ferret especially during the early days of domesticating. Ferrets that are used to playing with people since their baby days tend to be more friendly and playful. Though ferrets sleep almost 15 to 16 hours a day, they are very active the rest of the time and love to play with toys and frolic around. 

Ferrets, under the proper care and supervision can live to be 10 years old. Ferrets are carnivores by nature and require a diet rich in animal protein and low in fibre. Ferrets were generally given cat or dog dry foods before, but nowadays specially packed ferret foods are available in pet shops. Totally Ferret, Ferrotone and Zupreem are the most common ferret food brands among ferret owners. Also, they should occasionally be offered small chunks of veggies or fruit, and bathed once a week using a mild shampoo. And, don’t forget to clip the claws periodically.  

A variety of ferret accessories are now also available on the market, which include toys, cages and other innovative items. Large cages should be bought complete with floors, stairs and tunnels. If you have enough space in your backyard, you can also make a natural abode for your pet, including hammocks, hanging bunks, cosy beds and custom litters. A good ferret bed costs around $20 . You can try Biddie Buddies Ferret Bed Blue

Finally, find a good vet and remember to keep up with regular visits and annual check-ups.