Quick Ferret Care Primer

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 pick 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.