If you are on the lookout for your next or first small pet, and might be considering a ferret, there are certain things that you need to know before deciding which kind of ferret you would rather have. You will also need to have prepared a ferret habitat that will become your soon-to-be pet’s new home.
Fast Facts About Ferrets
- Ferrets can be found in several countries around the world. However, its species vary according to location.
The European ferret (Mustela putorius). This ferret species is found throughout Europe, and also in northern and western Asia and northern Africa. They inhabit forests, meadows, parks, villages, farms and barns, or in any place where their food for ferret. These ferrets live on mice, rats, small mammals, birds, reptiles as well as amphibians.
Black-Footed Ferret (Mustela nigripes). These ferrets are found in North America. They are highly specialized predators and live on prairie dogs for both food and shelter.
Domestic Ferrets. Domestic ferrets were domesticated for thousands of years. These ferrets were once used to help eradicate rodents from barns, as well as in hunting or chasing rabbits. Today, many pet lovers have kept these ferrets as house pets instead.
- Ferrets are categorized under the weasel (Mustelidae) family. Minks, otters, badgers, polecats, and sables also belong to this group of animals.
- These furballs love to sleep. They usually doze for about 14-18 hours per day. That means providing an appropriate bedding to them so that they will feel comfortable throughout those snoozing hours.
- Ferrets are quite docile. You can easily be trained, so you won’t have any problem teachig them howto use a litter box.
- These genius of a pet know how to follow a schedule. That means you can adjust your training to their regular schedule. For instance when you need to train them how to use a litter box. Since they normally relieve themselves about 15-30 minutes after waking up, you can go with this schedule as they are being toilet trained.
- Ferrets love to chew. To allow your pet to enjoy this natural characteristic, you will need to add some chew toys or objects inside its cage. Gnawing on these items can also help remove some of the tartar that has accumulated in between and behind its teeth.
- Frequent bathing of a ferret usually cause it to become a lot smellier. This is due to the fact that a ferret’s oil gland overproduces to replace the oils that have been washed down the drain. So if you do not want your pet’s cage to really stink, you will need to bathe your ferret only a few times a year.
Creating A Ferret Habitat
Before you even decide to bring a ferret, or any pet for that matter, you will need to have your pet’s new home ready. Since every animal species has different basic needs, you need to make sure that all that you are going to place inside your ferret’s home will benefit him throughout his existence. Remember that a ferret’s lifespan can be up to about 15 years. Most live from 6 to 10 years, however. That only means that whatever you plan to have inside your pet’s cage, even the dimension of the cage, should be enough to fit your pet comfortably until you can replace or upgrade its cage.
Ferrets love to play. When finding or building a cage for your ferret, you need to make sure that there will be enough space for your pet to get busy throughout its waking hours. A multi-level cage is necessary as this will allow you to place accessories, such as a hammock, a separate space for his bedding, food and water bowl, play area, and so on.
Your pet will need to play outside as well. Let them out about three to four times a day, but never leave them to play on their own, especially if it will be its first time to explore a particular space.
Consider a well-ventilated wire ferret cage new home as this allows your pet to run, climb, and burrow comfortably.
Make sure that your pet’s cage is ferret proof. Make sure that there are no holes bigger than around 1-2 centimeters as this could just be your pet’s scape route. Remember that this animal has a very flexible backbone that allows them to pass through narrow spaces. You will also need to make sure that there won’t be anything unsafe inside your pet’s cage. Check for any loose cords and fragile items that your pet may step on or chew on.
Your ferret will also need some good beddings. A towel will work as a good substitute as well. When choosing the best bedding for your pet, make sure that it’s always safe, and not a choking-hazard, is absorbent (so that your pet’s cage won’t smell), and one that can also be easily replaced.
Keep everything in place (toys and accessories), beddings, food items kept properly in their places. Finally, you will need to make sure that a vet’s emergency number is stored for immediate access on your mobile device or on your landline’s directory.
Keep all these in mind, and your pet will remain healthy and happy while it is under your care.