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Ferrets are an animal that has been kept in captivity for centuries. Country folk kept them for rabbit hunting. The countries of Whales, Scotland and northern England are where ferrets were most popular. Ferrets where taken aboard ship to come to the South America after a rabbit disease called myxomatosis. Nearly all the rabbits had dies from this disease.
A ferret was considered a poor man's hound. It was easy to house and made pouching of rabbits rather simple in the New World. The reputation of a ferret is rather uninviting. They were considered to be savage, smelly, bad tempered and untrustworthy. A ferret is not something that can be trained like a dog nor let out doors for freedom thinking it will come back after they roam.
Ferrets as a pet are not dangerous or smelly and it is important for all family members to know this about the new pet of family. They make little noise but are quite playful and mischievous. A ferret is house trained much the same as a cat. They eat the same food as a dog or cat. It is important to remember that ferrets like to find an article and hide it. The remote for the TV, socks, paper etc. so remember to look everywhere for missing items before accusing someone in the house. The culprit might your pet ferret.
Ferrets will hide in cupboards, open drawers or anywhere that is open that they can fit into. Ferrets like to be stroked just like a cat and may even sit up on your lap while doing so. You are able to buy a harness and leash for your ferret and you are able to take it for walks if you would like.
The fear of a ferret biting is not something of concern unless the animal is mistreated. It is best to think of biting similar to a cat. Generally biting is not a problem when it comes to ferrets.
When buying a ferret it is wise to pick one that is healthy. Ways to check is if their eyes are round and clear, the nose is moist but not runny, the ferrets body is nimble. It should have smooth fur and no sores or signs of parasites. Just like a dog, a ferret needs distemper shot. It is best to ask the seller if this has been administered to the animal.
Housing a ferret requires very little room. Enough for the ferret to sleep in with clean linen to sleep on and its food and water dishes. A wire mess cage will work fine for your ferret and can also be taken outside in sunshine for the ferret to enjoy some sun. IT is best to have three areas for the ferret in its cage. Sleep area, play area and waste area.
Toys for your ferret is a thing that moves easily or things they can hide in. Ball on a string or a cardboard box. The plastic tubes for them to crawl through are a nice touch. The toys recommended are ones that can not be destroyed or swallowed. A rubber ball is a bad choice because of the pieces of rubber that may be bitten off the ball and swallowed by the ferret. Dog chew toys are a fine choice.
Grooming of a ferret is not a huge chore. Normally ferrets are a very clean animal. But from time to time you can brush the ferret. If your ferret has an accident and soils itself just simply sprinkle some cornflower, talcum or chalk powder on its coat and brush it off. An occasional bath can be given if that is something you would like to do. Normally a ferret that is a house pet has its scent glands removed. These scent glands are used for a defense for the animal and can have a strong odor.
Proper handling of a ferret is important. To lift a ferret you place your hand over its shoulders and thumb under the elbow of leg and a finger under the other. And with the other hand put your finger under its chin. You support the body with this hold and there is no need to support its rear legs. If you own a pregnant ferret it is necessary to hold the rear legs also. Talking to your ferret is reassurance to your ferret and calms him/her down.
Feeding your ferret requires ferret food and can be supplemented with canned cat food. Quantity of food is a hard decision. Many things factor into this decision; size, exercise and temperature. The warmer the weather the less they eat. You may be tempted in saving on your ferret's food but in the long run it is best to spend a few extra cents to ensure a healthy ferret. Some people want to feed a ferret scraps of meat from the table. As long as it is fully cooked and not made, a habit of' it will be fine. A ferret likes a small variety in its diet and sampling of different foods and meats is good to do. Fish that is non-oily, vegetables, fruit and cereal. Vitamins or mineral supplements are not necessary for your ferret if they are getting a well round diet. One thing to remember about ferret is they have a fast metabolism which means they can eat several times in a day. A fat ferret is usually a big problem for owners to worry about. Water needs to be kept fresh and readily available. A rabbit water works well for a ferret. A ferrets diet reflects the appearance of him/her.
General care of your ferret is a weekly check. Checking the ferret's teeth for soft food partials and sore along the gums. The ferret will get use to you checking its teeth and will make it easily to administer a pill if needed. If you feel it is necessary to clean its teeth, use canine toothpaste. Ears of a ferret can attract the same sort of parasites that dogs and cats. A sign of this is excessive scratching of one side of the ear. The outside of the ear may attract debris. A cotton swab and a very mild antiseptic will take care of this problem. Never probe into the ear with the cotton swab. Nails must be trimmed when they start to curl. Dogs clippers work well for this task. Be sure to only cut to tip that is curled. Skin should be inspected for sores and parasites. If the ferret is outside much, spikes of grass and straw can lodge into there skin. If there are any bald spots, it is important to contact your vet. Bottoms of their feet should be checked for sores.
Vaccinations are necessary for your ferret because they are subject to the same diseases as a dog. Contact your vet to get the necessary shots. Parasites are a problem with ferrets which can be handle by getting necessary shampoos to bath your ferret with from the local pet shop.
A ferret can be a wonderful pet that fills a day with fun, excitement, conversation and challenges. If a ferret is your choice of a pet, remember as any pet. It takes time, care, attention and love to keep them a great pet.
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