HOUSING
One or two ferrets can be kept together (indoors only) in
a basic wire rabbit cage at least 24"x24"x18" high with a wire or
solid floor. Wood cages can be used but may be difficult to
clean when soiled. Aquariums are not suitable cages for
ferrets because the ventilation is quite poor.
Ferrets can withstand very cold
temperatures if they have a draft-free, insulated nest and a
companion to curl up with, but they are very sensitive to heat and
will die in minutes if left in a closed vehicle in
summer. Ferrets cannot tolerate temperatures above
90F. You pet should be provided with a minimum of 2 hours of
play time daily outside of its cage in a supervised area.
Ferrets can be trained to use a
litter box and one should be provided in the cage. A small,
low-sided box such as one for small cats or rabbits should be used,
with about 1 inch of kitty litter or a pelleted paper or wood
product. Ferrets do not cover up their waste like a cat, so
the litter box will have to be changed frequently to minimize
odor.
A sleeping area is a necessity in
any cage, or the ferret will be extremely frustrated and try to dug
up everything in order to create a sleeping place. An old
towel, or a small cardboard or wooden box will make an adequate bed
for your ferret.
Ferrets are very playful and curious
animals and they love to puck up objects and hide them. They
also enjoy getting themselves into small places and going through
small holes. It important to ferret-proof their play area in
your home by blocking off all openings that the animals can squeeze
through.
DIET
Ferrets are carnivorous and have a high protein requirement.
The should be fed meat-based commercially available ferret food or
a high quality dry cat food. Ferrets are like
cats in that they can prefer one flavor and will starve rather than
switch to a new food. Consequently, changes in diet should be
made gradually by mixing the old and new food together.
Fresh water should always be available and can be provided
either in a water bottle or a heavy weighted bow. The
bowl may have to be secured to the side of the cage since ferrets
like to play in their water and can easily overturn it.
HANDLING
Ferrets are quite gentle and affectionate. Young ferrets
under 4 months of age can be boisterous and may nip at fingers or
feet in an effort to play. To break this habit, pick up your
pet by the skin at the scruff of the neck. This is how a
mother ferret disciplines her young. Give it a quick shake
and say "no". Repeat this if the behavior
recurs.
PREVENTIVE MEDICINE
All ferrets should be vaccinated for rabies and canine
distemper. Distemper is 100% fatal, and vaccination is the
only way of avoiding it. This virus can be brought into your
home on shoes or clothing, so no ferret is safe unless
vaccinated. Ferret kits should be given s series of three
vaccinations, then an annual booster.
BODY ODOR
The odor of the ferret comes from oily secretions produced in the
skin. The odor is very strong in an animal that has not been
neutered. Ferrets also produce an odor by the anal scent
glands. They are expressed in response to extreme fear or
excitement. This odor only lasts for a few
minutes. Removal of the anal sacs is not recommended, unless
an infection or impaction is present. To reduce ferret odor,
bathe the ferret on a monthly basis with a gentle pet
shampoo. Bathing tends to strip the skin of essential oils
and can lead to a dry, itchy condition if it is done too
often.
MEDICAL
PROBLEMS
Fatal Anemia of Intact Females
Female ferrets should be spayed at 6 months of age
to avoid anemia caused by estrogen.
Ear Mites
Ear mites are a common parasite of ferrets. They are easily
diagnosed and treated by a veterinarian.
Fleas
Ferrets get fleas the same as other animals. Generally any
flea product that is safe for kittens can be used on a
ferret. Check with your veterinarian. New products are
now available that really work.
Heartworm Disease
Ferrets can take the same preventive medications
available for dogs. Check with your veterinarian for dosage
and schedule.
Colds and Flu
Ferrets are highly susceptible to some human colds and flu
viruses. They pick up the virus from humans and can transmit
them back to humans. Because ferrets will not eat when they
can't breath through their noses. It is important to keep the
nasal passages open by cleaning the nostrils several times
daily. Your veterinarian can recommend the best treatment for
colds and flu.
Cancer
Malignancies are very common in ferrets, especially those over 3
years old. It is important to have your pet examined at least
annually by your veterinarian. There are several different
types of cancer that affect ferrets. Most notably are
lymphosarcoma (cancer of the lymphocytes), insulinoma (a tumor in
the cells of the pancreas), adrenal neoplasm, and skin
tumors.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea can be caused by bacteria, viruses, poisonings, spoiled
food, milk, or too much fiber. Severe diarrhea can lead to
fatal dehydration very quickly, especially in kits and
juveniles. Take your pet to the veterinarian as soon as signs
occur.
Vomiting
Vomiting is not common in ferrets. When it occurs it is a
serious sign and should not be neglected. Take away all food
and water, and have your pet examined by a veterinarian as soon as
possible.
Ringworm
Ringworm occurs mostly in kits. It causes patches of hair
loss. The skin may appear inflamed, or crusty. The
treatment is a topical antifungal preparation with daily washing of
the areas . The environment needs to be thoroughly cleaned,
since infected hairs can remain infectious for a year.
Mange
Ferrets are susceptible to sarcoptic mange. This mite can
infect other animals and humans. It causes very itchy skin
inflammation and hair loss. It can also cause lesions
of the feet and toes. These are swollen and crusty. If
untreated, the nails may be lost. Older ferret books refer to
this as foot rot. Mange is diagnosed by finding the
mites with a microscope in a skin scraping. The treatment is
relatively simple. Your veterinarian can prescribe the
correct medication.
