How often do Ferrets sleep?

Ferrets are small, active, and very playful, that alone makes them need spaces to sleep and stay.

Because of their long sleep durations, then a good cage is a valuable investment you need to make for them.

Read along to know more about where ferrets should sleep and more about their sleeping patterns.

Where should you put your ferret to sleep?

Ferrets often sleep in cages because cages are dark and free from light. Too much light, whether artificial or natural, causes ferrets to suffer from adrenal diseases so, therefore keep your ferret away from too much light.

These social beings should play and interact with others from indoors during the day where the sun is hot. 

 Cages should have specific features to keep ferrets safe.  

Top 5 Features a ferrets cage should have. 

1. It should have a large floor space. 

The cage should be approximately 10 square meters to give enough space for your ferret to play. If you have over one ferret, then you should have more space. 

2. It should be raised and away from strong weather conditions.

Raised cages prevent rain from entering during rainy seasons. The cage should also be away from direct sunlight and strong winds to protect your ferret. Ferrets cannot survive in places where the temperatures are above 32℃ therefore when it is summer ferrets will need cooler air.

3. It should be secure.

This is to prevent it from escaping or being attacked when you keep other pets, which are predators such as hunter dogs. 

4. It should have a firm base.

Ferrets chew and dig on things, and if your ferret’s cage does not have a sturdy base, in no time, your ferret will demolish it. 

5. It should be far from electric appliances. 

This is because ferrets may get electrocuted while curiously chewing or playing around electric cables and wires. 

Note- Clean your ferret’s cage daily to remove any unfinished food. Food that is not fresh and catches mold quickly, which if consumed by your ferret, will lead to digestive illnesses like diarrhea. 

Never put ferrets in aquariums. Aquariums are small, and your ferret will lack proper ventilation leading to respiratory diseases. 

Are ferrets diurnal?

Ferrets are neither diurnal nor nocturnal. They are crepuscular, meaning they are active both day and night, especially at dusk and dawn.

They can very flexible and can easily adapt their schedule to yours and so if you want your children to play with them after school, then you do not have to worry about messing their sleep pattern. 

How long do pet ferrets sleep?

On average, ferrets sleep for between 18-20 hours a day. Not at once, but accumulated hours per day.

They have intervals of playing and sleeping during the day with about 1 hour of eating. 

Kittens, which are baby ferrets, sleep more because they get tired quickly from playing; they are not as active as adult ferrets. 

How do ferrets sleep?

Ferrets sleep anywhere and everywhere in all positions. They can sleep on their back, belly, sides, or even curled up having no health complications related to joints. They can sleep in one position for many hours; you should not worry about that. 

They are very flexible, and that is why they also love to sleep in hammocks. You can keep several hammocks with blankets inside the cage or outside the cage, within the room, as ferrets love to snuggle. 

Do ferrets need blankets?

Yes, ferrets need beddings like blankets in their cages when they sleep. They love furry blankets to feel cuddly when they sleep. Blankets also provide warmth during cold seasons such as winter. Ferrets are highly susceptible to respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia and influenza; hence be mindful to keep them warm always and indoors if the outside is extremely cold. 

 You can alternatively use a high-quality towel with soft material as you look to invest in good beddings for them. 

Always ensure that you wash the bedding as often as possible because ferrets have a short Gastrointestinal tract that may cause them to accidentally mess on the bedding. Failure to wash the beddings may lead to other diseases. 

Precautions with ferrets sleeping habits. 

As mentioned earlier, ferrets often sleep everywhere because of their playful nature, they get tired and sleep wherever they are. You should therefore be very cautious in everything you do. Check your wardrobe before closing; check your drawers as well before closing and that last, that washing machine before you start it. They love it where there are clothes; therefore, be very careful about that. 

Other Questions

Can I leave my ferret alone for a week?

Yes! You can leave your ferret alone for a week as long as it is healthy and not weaning. It is best if you leave more than one ferret for companionship, either in an enormous cage with stories. A sizeable room free from harmful things that they may consume. You don’t want to go on vacation or on a work or school trip and come back to a dead ferret. 

Ensure you live enough food, water, toys for playing, warm bedding, and litter boxes.

If possible, you can have someone check in on them in between the one week, once or twice to ensure that they are fine.  

Can a ferret sleep with you?

Because of ferrets’ playful nature, they get tired and may end up dozing off anywhere. This can be next to you either in bed, the chair, or even your hammock. There is no harm in ferrets sleeping with you. They love cuddles, especially during the cold seasons.

You need to be very careful because as soon as they wake up; they are in active mode and may end up scratching you with their claws or biting with their sharp carnivorous teeth to get your attention.

Do ferret’s bites hurt?

Ferrets are carnivores and this makes them naturally have strong and sharp teeth; so, yes! Ferrets’ bites do hurt and in extreme cases. They can cause bleeding. If you are looking for a pet for your child, then ferrets are not the best because of the biting factor. Your child cannot pet your ferret for a long time, or play with them, or with their toys without being bitten. 

Ferrets often bite as an action to display fear, pain, discomfort, threats, being mishandled, and self-defense. The intense the trigger, the more painful the bite from ferrets, therefore learn and understand your ferret’s body language to know how to deal with the bites. 

The good news is that ferrets can be trained on how to stop biting. One of the most recommended ways is by the use of the bitter spray. If your ferret loves to bite, for instance, a specific wooden chair, you can spray the bitter spray on the chair and the next time it tries to bite, it will dislike the taste and stop completely. This technique has been proven to work. You can either buy the bitter spray from a pet store or make your own at home using apple cider vinegar.