Bringing Your Ferret Home
Before bringing your ferret you should know about a few things. You need to first choose a home for your ferret. Your ferret will spend most of its time in this place and it should be a safe place.
There are different types of ferret cages available. Make sure you choose a cage that has plenty of room for your ferret to run around in. Watch out for any gaps in the levels. Your ferret can get caught up in these gaps and get hurt.
You should always have soft bedding in your cage to ensure your ferret is comfortable and does not hurt itself. Cages with plastic bottom are easy to clean. Cages with metal bottom can rust and look dingy after multiple washings. If you buy plastic coated metal it is important to make sure your ferret is not chewing the coating off. Chewing off the coating can cause intestinal blockages.
Choose a cage that has multi layers, and large doors. Large door would mean your ferret would not be in danger of getting stuck when it is trying to get out. Also get sleeping sacks and hammocks. The more space your ferret has to sleep the more comfortable and happy it will feel.
On average ferrets sleep 15 to 20 hours per day. Your ferret needs to spend two hours outside their cage. So to make sure your ferret doesn’t get hurt think about ferret proofing the room it will play around in.
You can also buy toys for your ferret. Just be careful with the toys you get for your ferret. Some toys can put your ferret’s life in danger. Make sure you get durable toys against your ferret’s sharp teeth. Cat toys are good choice for ferrets.
Foam or plastic toys can be easily destroyed. Make sure not to leave any toys in your ferret’s cage. If your ferret damages any toy and eats any pieces it can in an obstruction and may have to be removed surgically.
Ferrets have an odor to them since they are part of Mustelid family. It is better to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to get your ferret de-scented and neutered. Often both procedures can be done at the same time. After your ferret is back home from veterinarian follow the aftercare instructions to ensure its health.
Your ferret also needs regular exams and vaccinations. Most kits have only had their first series of shots. You should be aware of when they received their shots and continue the series. Ferrets will only need their shot annually once the first series of distemper shots are finished. Ferrets also need their booster vaccination.
Make sure you feed yout ferret either high quality cat food or a ferret food not made from frozen meat. Try to find out the brand of food your ferret was eating before bringing it home. If you switch the brand then make sure you wean the ferret off the old brand.
Mix a small amount of new brand food with old food and then gradually increase the portion if the new brand daily. Do this till your ferret becomes used to the new taste. Snacks are not necessary for your ferret and may cause health problems in future. If you decide to feed a snack to your ferret then healthy options are cook eggs and meat. Feeding sugary treats to you ferret will only cause harm to them.
There is lot of preparation involved in bringing your pet ferret home. But being prepared will ensure the safety and health of your furry little friend.