by Sandra Krug
Ferrets are often considered a unique pet to own. Many ferret owners turn to the ferret for its curious, playful, and social qualities. Ferrets love to play and explore with others and their owners and on their own. So, you need to know a few things about taking care of a ferret.
First, you must ferret proof your home before you establish them as pets. They will crawl around the house, on furnishings, and any place they can fit their tiny bodies. It is much the same as childproofing a home for a baby. You will want to ensure that you remove all dangers when you let them out of their enclosures for free time.
Ferrets can also bite. Kits, or baby ferrets, tend to bite more. You may eliminate or lessen the biting with regular handling. It is as natural a part of their behavior as pretend fighting or sparring. The younger ferrets are inclined to bite more if they are teething and do not intend any harm. For this reason, you will need to pet the ferret or ferrets as often as possible to help decrease the biting behavior.
Frequently, if the time is not taken to train their ferret new owners end up leaving the poor animal in its cage, and thus it has a shorter life expectancy. Please be sure you are up to the task of training a ferret before bringing one into your home. Appropriately trained, ferrets can be as wonderful a pet as a cat or dog.
A ferret’s lifespan is typically six to ten years. Though, proper care and feeding can lead to a slightly longer life cycle. Ferrets are carnivores who require a high protein diet. Most owners choose to feed their ferret’s mice, rats, rabbits, and other raw meats such as chicken. Stores carried different types of ferret food that many owners choose over live food. Thoroughly reading the label will tell you if it has the proper high protein diet. For example, most kitten food is usable because it is high in protein and fat for growing cats.
While playtime is an essential element of your ferret’s life, so is sleep. Most ferrets spend fourteen to eighteen hours sleeping every day. Part of sleeping is to restore them from their active play life. Ferrets love exploring and playing with toys. Many pet stores have toys designed for ferrets, or you might have something around the house that your ferret will find appealing.
The type of enclosure is essential. Ferrets are very smart, so you will need a pen made to get lots of air, but with small enough spacing between bars so they cannot slip out. You will also be required to clean the cage twice a week or more, dependent upon the number of ferrets you have and how dirty the enclosure gets.
Ferrets are small balls of fur that love to play and interact with people and each other. While there are some specific adjustments you need to make to have a ferret, the results are well worth it.
Reference: Ferrets a Friendly Playful Pet – so-pett.com
