How to sit for pet ferrets.

Are you a pet sitter or an owner of a ferret and are looking for tips on taking care and looking after ferrets? Read along to know and understand more about ferrets and what is expected of you as you take care of them. 

Just like other pets, ferrets need to be looked after to live long lives. If you do not know what they eat and feed them what they are not supposed to, they will fall ill.   

Basic facts you need to know about ferrets.

Ferrets are domestic social beings that belong in the family of weasels. They have a lifespan of between 5 and 10 years. They often love to live in pairs as they are very playful and active, hence need playmates and companions. 

On average, ferrets weigh up to about 2kgs; they are very fragile because of this and need great care. As concerns gestation, the gestation period of a ferret is 42 days. 

Did you know female ferrets are called jills, male ferrets are called hobs, and young ferrets are called kittens?

How to clean up after ferrets.

Ferrets just like cats, clean and groom themselves most times, and you, therefore, do not have to worry about cleaning them (often). You can bathe your ferrets once or twice a month at most to remove fleas and ticks that may have infested their fur. 

On the flip side, ferret skin produces a naturally musky odor. This odor is often worse when your ferret is not neutered or spayed.

It is therefore advisable to neuter or spay your ferret when it is done weaning. Besides neutering, do not give your ferret any type of fish to eat as fish increases the musky smell. 

Do not use shampoos that are too harsh on your ferret’s skin and fur as it can lead to shedding. Always use pet-friendly shampoos purchased from pet stores. 

What do ferrets eat?

Knowing what your ferret should eat is important in looking after them, as you do not want a sick ferret. 

Ferrets are carnivores and their diet is mostly meat-based, comprising meats such as beef and poultry like chicken and turkey. They also love to eat rats and mice. Ferret foods can be found at pet stores and you can also but kitten foods as they eat the same type of food as kittens. Basically, ferret food should be high in protein, moderate in fat, and very low in carbohydrates. 

Never give your ferret sugar, human snacks such as biscuits, crisps, or vegetable proteins as their digestive system doesn’t digest them well thus can lead to complications such as constipation. 

Always provide water 24/7 to your ferret. Water is life, and all living organisms need water for survival!

Where do ferrets sleep?

Because of their playful nature, ferrets get tired quickly and hence can sleep for up to 20 hours a day accumulated. 

Provide a big, dark, cool shaded cage with a litter box for your ferret to sleep in. During cold seasons, it is crucial that you provide blankets and/or towels to keep them warm. As ferrets have short gastrointestinal tracts and this can cause them to mess the blankets. The blankets should be often washed. 

Do ferrets love to play?

Yes, ferrets are active and spend most of their time, if not sleeping, playing. Studies show that ferrets play for 2-3 hours a day. 

 You should therefore give ferrets toys to play with. The toys should not be made of rubber. This is because they can chew the rubber toys and choke on them. It is recommended that ferrets toys should be made of plastic. 

When playing outside, keep a keen eye on them to ensure that they do not come into contact with electrical appliances such as electric wire and cables. 

Important health tips for ferrets.

Learning ferrets body language is important, as then you will monitor for reactions that will save your ferret, health wise. 

Always take ferrets for annual vet check-ups and vaccinations. Ferrets should be vaccinated against rabies and distemper. The first vaccination should be between 6-8 weeks, the next vaccination should be between 11-14 weeks and afterward, annual vaccinations should be done. 

Deworm your ferret often to prevent internal parasites from damaging their internal organs like livers, lungs and kidneys. 

Neutering and spaying ferrets is very important. Female ferrets once on heat remain so until they mate and failure to mate can lead to other illnesses such as ovarian cancer and anemia. Let your ferret enjoy a long life by doing what is best for them.  

Ferrets’ relationship with other pets. 

When looking after ferrets, ensure that they do not come into contact with rodents such as rats, mice, gerbils, and birds; this is because ferrets may see the rodents and birds as prey and not pets, and there are high chances that your ferret may kill them. 

Always watch over ferrets’ interactions with other pets like dogs and cats to avoid them attacking and hurting each other. 

Other Questions

Will my dog kill my ferret?

Dogs are natural predators and ferrets being small may end up being victims of being preyed on, especially by dogs such as terriers, which are hunter dogs. 

You should be on the lookout for certain signs to know that your dog might just kill your ferret. Some signs are: stalking, growling, nipping, drooling, panting, scratching, teeth grinding. When your dog displays these signs next to your ferret, then worry about your ferret’s life. 

Dogs, especially domesticated dogs, can be trained on how to relate with ferrets by introducing them slowly to the ferrets by using leashes on both. With no time, they will be play buddies as they are both active and playful beings!

Note- Always ensures that you supervise them on the first days of training them to live together, as some dogs may attack ferrets when they are alone. 

Do ferrets get attached to their owners?

Ferrets are intelligent beings and also social beings. They are intelligent as they easily remember and recognize their owners. They love cuddles especially belly rubs as they display affection to them hence get attached to their owners.

You should therefore spend quality time with your ferret, feeding it, playing with it, giving treats and you will be guaranteed attachment of your ferret to you. Ferrets bond quickly. 

How do you discipline a ferret?

It reaches a time where ferrets can misbehave. Their playful nature can sometimes cause more harm, destruction, and disruption than good. Imagine working on your laptop, and your ferrets spill milk your laptop! It can be devastating, but the good thing is you can discipline your ferrets as a way of training them to behave well. 

The two major ways of disciplining ferrets are the reward style and the punishment style. 

Reward involves giving treats and playing with them to show what they have done is good. This is a psychological way of training them to behave well.

As for punishments, there are many ways you can punish your ferret but the main ways that have been proven to work are: spraying water on it when it does the wrong act, scuffing it by grabbing through the skin on the back of the neck and saying a firm “NO!”

NOTE- Do not hit, spank, nose flick, yell, or harm your ferret as it is considered a form of animal abuse.