The ferret is a very mobile and curious pet that requires quite specific care. These pets sleep up to 18 hours a day, but spend the rest of the time being very active. Although it is often said that ferrets are a bit like dogs, and a bit like cats, in reality this animal is very different from the most popular pets, and its care requires some knowledge. So, what is the most important thing to know about keeping ferrets?
The ferret cage
Although some ferret keepers keep their ferrets loose, this can be very risky: the ferret may scratch or injure itself while you are away from home, so it is advisable to buy a cage. It should be at least 80x60x60, but the more spacious the better. The cage can be equipped with a hammock, which the ferret will love, or a bed for the pet to crawl into for shelter. You can also add a corner toilet, a drinking fountain (preferably for rodents) and a food bowl. You can choose cat litter, but it should not be bouncy (sooner or later the ferret may try it). You cannot keep a ferret in a cage alone – give it at least 2-3 hours of free exercise every day.
Room temperature
Ferrets are very sensitive to heat, but can tolerate cold easily. These pets do not tolerate temperatures above 32 degrees Celsius, so it is very important to monitor the air temperature in the house during the warmer months. It is best to place the cage in a room where the air is at its coolest.
The diet of the hedgehog
The ferret is a predator and should therefore be fed a diet based on animal protein.The digestive system of these animals is very short, so the ferret is unable to assimilate plant products.You can choose a high quality dry food for small kittens, or one that is designed for ferrets.The ferret is very accustomed to being fed, and prefers starvation to unusual foods. It is recommended to introduce your pet to different types of food at an early age, as this can help to overcome the problem of malnutrition. ferrets can be treated to cat treats or quail eggs.
games
ferrets love to explore their surroundings and are interested in all things in the house. a wide variety of toys can interest these pets, but it is important to know that ferrets are not suitable for cat toys. When a ferret gets tired, it looks for a warm place to take a nap (this could be its cage, bedding box, etc.) Make sure that the pet’s “bedroom” is free of objects that the ferret could crush. Beginner ferret keepers often wonder how to wean their pet from digging, but this is simply not possible: ferrets are naturally gardeners and it is very difficult for them to refrain.
Cleptomania
If a ferret had a motto, it would undoubtedly be „Not a thief!” these animals are constantly dragging various objects found in the house into their hiding places, and are particularly fond of their owners’ socks. In the ferret’s hiding places it is often possible to find even very unusual items, the disappearance of which has not been noticed or suspected by the ferret (silicone moulds, rubber baits used by fishermen, etc.).
To keep curiosity at bay.
ferrets are not inferior to cats in terms of curiosity, they can easily squeeze through even relatively small cracks, and they like to set up hiding places where they hide various things they find in the house. ferret breeders say that this kind of pet teaches owners to be tidy – a ferret may be interested by various things left out of place which it can gnaw. It is particularly important to hide from the ferret chemical products, medicines and other items that are too dangerous for the ferret.