What is a Ferret?                                                                                

First, a ferret is NOT a rodent. A ferret is NOT a wild animal and therefore cannot survive outside for more than a few days. A ferret is a member of the weasel family (mink, ermine, polecat, otter, badger, to name a few). The technical name for the domestic European ferret that we keep as pets is Mustela putorius furo. Ferrets were first domesticated by the Egyptians, and are depicted in their artwork dating as far back as 5000 BC. Ferrets were used as pets before the cat. There are no known wild populations of ferrets in North American Black-footed Ferret is a distant and separate species from the domestic ferret; it is also an endangered animal and only recently reintroduced to the wild of Wyoming. The European ferret was probably brought to the United States over 300 years ago.

What will my ferret   need?                                                                          

Human interaction is as important as proper housing, food and plenty of water. the personality of a ferret varies; in general they are happy, inquisitive, bouncy, fearless, active, quiet, clean, humorous, charming, playful and generally entertaining to watch. A ferret needs several hours of free time a day and thrive on a lot of human interaction. This includes praise, cuddling, love and a dash of discipline. Ferrets live to play and prefer simple toys such as ping pong and golf balls, old socks, paper bags, 4" PVC or dryer tubing, cardboard boxes with holes cut in them, baby save rattles, etc. They will enjoy a game of chase and invite you to play by jumping on your leg and doing the weasel war dance in front of you. This is done by the ferret bouncing up and down and twisting at the same time, often making verbal sounds. (The weasel war dance is often confused as some sort of fit by new ferret owners.)

Children

Can be good playmates for ferrets if they have shown responsibility and have been instructed on how to handle a ferret. Infants and children under the age of five should never be left alone with any animal.

Other Animals

Ferrets will usually get along with other ferrets and are happy living in a group of ferrets, which is called a business. Ferrets often get along with cats and most dogs but should be introduced slowly and supervised until you are comfortable they are safe together. As a rule it is not wise to allow ferrets to interact with rodents, rabbits, birds or reptiles.

Diet

A ferret is a carnivore--therefore they should be fed a meat based or animal by-product food with at least 30-32% protein and 20% fat (the higher the better). Try to avoid grain-based foods. Because of a ferret's short digestive system (3-4 hours) and the lack of secum, they are unable to digest the fiber and amino acids in vegetable protein. Low ash and magnesium are equally important. Do not feed food that is high in fish or shaped like pellets. Totally Ferret and Eight-in-One Ultra Blend are two of the ferret foods on the market that we recommend at this time. High quality kitten foods available in feed pet sores such as IAMS and Science Diet have been successfully used by ferret breeders and owners for years. Do not use grocery store cat foods, moist, or canned food, as they are inappropriate and can contribute to dental problems.

FOOD AND WATER MUST BE AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY

Fresh water must be available at all times. Water should be changed at least once a day; more often is better. Some ferrets prefer water dishes to water bottles. Dishes are easier to clean and allow the ferret to lap up water easier, but are easy to tip. Water bottles are neater but more difficult to keep clean on the inside of the bottle and the tube. Many people have both for their pets.

Treats

Ferrets, like people, love treats. However, the wrong treats will do more harm than good. Many foods will tell you that fruit, vegetables, popcorn and peanut butter are all right to give your ferret in small amounts, and, yes, they love them and will even beg for them. Avoid dairy products as they can cause diarrhea. Chocolate and caffeine products could kill your pet.

Remember that ferrets are carnivores and their digestive system doesn't tolerate them well. Good alternatives are Nutri-Cal, a vitamin supplement available from your vet or pet stores, cooked chicken or beef cut up into small pieces, Ferretone in small quantities, and even chicken or turkey baby food.

Housing

Due to the ferret's natural curiosity, fearlessness, and their ability to get into small places, for their own protection ferrets should be caged when you are not around to keep a watchful eye on them. However, ferrets should never be kept in a cage 24 hours a day and never put your ferret in a glass aquarium. Cages should be made of wire and not wood, as wood is hard to sanitize. Ideally, a cage should be two levels, with food, water and a litter pan on the bottom level. Wire bottom floors are harmful to the feet of ferrets so these should be covered with vinyl flooring or  carpeting. Ramps should be left uncovered. Wood chips are a definite no-no-- not only are they harmful to the respiratory system, but they will discourage use of the litter pan.

Ferrets are a latrine animal and will naturally train to a litter pan. Some ferrets need a little more patience than others. The proper litter pan will help. Litter pans should be higher on three sides and lower in the front so the ferret can easily climb into the pan. If you have the pan in one corner of the cage, and the ferret uses another, move the pan to the corner the ferret prefers. Pelleted, compressed newspaper works best, but some people prefer wood stove pellets. Avoid clay and scoopable litters, as they are not good for health of your ferret. Litter pans should be scooped daily and completely washed and changed every 3-4 days.

To make the cage a home use soft and cushy things like hammocks, old T-shirts, sweatshirts, or blankets. Do not use anything loopy such as sweaters or towels-- a ferret's nails can catch on the loops and tear a nail or even rip it out. As ferrets can be rough with cage items be sure litter pans, food and water dishes are durable and easy to keep clean. You want to clean the cage daily.

The cage should be kept in a well-ventilated room with as much natural lighting as possible, but not directly in front of a window, direct sun light, or heat ducts. Ferrets have poorly developed sweat glands and deal better with cooler temperatures than warmer and should never be exposed to temperatures above 80 degrees.  A ferret can suffer heat stroke and dehydration in a very short period of time.

Ferret Resisting

Before you bring your ferret home you need to ferret resist your house. We use there term ferret resisting as opposed to ferret proofing. The word proof means "proven impenetrability." With ferrets, there is no such thing. Resistant-yes. Keep in mind that if a ferret can get his head through a space or opening his body will follow and will lead to danger. You must protect the ferret from the back of the refrigerator, under the stove, and dishwasher. Dryers are also great escape routes for ferrets. Although ferrets do not climb as well as cats, they can climb and pull themselves up onto things and are able to jump shorter distances to get on to things, i.e. tables, sofas, chairs. From these they can achieve greater heights where they can knock down your prized items to the floor. You must remove plants from the reach of little paws as ferrets love to dig in dirt. They love to knock over trash cans, steal pillows, socks and most anything that isn't secured down.

You must always be aware where your ferret is before you sit down or step on a pile of things on the floor. Be sure you know where he is before you open a door, they can scoot out before you even know it. Do not close a drawer before checking for your pet. And carefully go through wash before you put it in the washer and dryer. Many ferrets have met an early death due to carelessness and inattention.

Be sure to keep the floor and areas the ferret has access to free of things so can chew on like elastics, erasers, Styrofoam, foam used in cushions and pillows, sponges, and anything latex or rubber. Some ferrets will chew fabric and have a fondness for shoes. All of these items can cause an intestinal blockage and result in an expensive surgery for removal (if discovered in time).

Grooming

Many people think that ferrets stink. They do have a musky odor that is caused by scent and oil glands located in their skin. With proper grooming, ferrets can be kept odor-free. Ferrets should be bathed no more than every 10 days. Bath water should be on the warm side (105 degrees); use a tear-free baby shampoo of is using a ferret shampoo be sure it is tear-free. Be sure to rinse well. Ferrets are an itchy animal and leftover soap will only add to the problem.

Bath time is the best time to clean ears and cut nails, as they are already nice and soft. Nails must be kept short, as nails are too long can cause discomfort to the ferret and deform the foot. Nail cutting is easily accomplished by distracting ferrets with Nutrical or Ferretone. Nails should be cut to about 1/8" of the pink quick. People nail clippers or cat nail clippers will do well on ferret nails.

Ear was can be very smelly and hazardous to your ferret; it can also be a sign of ear mites. Cotton swabs can be used in the ears to remove earwax. Be careful not to push the wax in further, use a backward "C" motion, as if scooping it out. Never use a hair dryer on a ferret. Simply towel dry and put on the floor with extra towels for the ferret to finish drying. (Be prepared to laugh at this sight).

Odor can also be kept at a minimum by washing the bedding every few days.

Health

Ferrets, like humans, can catch the common cold, the flu, and pneumonia. Sue signs that your ferrets is not feeling well are reduced activity, change in eating or bowel habits, runny nose, watery eyes, labored breathing. If your ferret is somewhat lethargic for more than 24 hours get him to a ferret-wise veterinarian. If your ferret exhibits staggering, drooling, pawing at the mouth, staring blankly, has a seizure or passes out--get him to a vet immediately. These are some of the signs of insulinoma, a tumor on the pancreas, which is treatable. Balding, excessive itching, aggression to other ferrets, problems urinating, an enlarged vulva on females are signs of an adrenal tumor; call the vet. If you notice your ferret grinding his teeth, this indicates it is in pain. Several things can cause this --ulcers from stress, or discomfort from a bowel obstruction. Call the vet.

ECE-- Epizootic Catarrhal Enteritis

Also known as green slime. ECE is not the end of the world. Symptoms may include vomiting, lethargy and green, very odoriferous, mucous diarrhea. Dehydration is the biggest problem with not eating following close behind. Force fluids like Pedialyte and water into your ferret. Call your vet who will prescribe the currently recommended protocol for treatment.

Veterinary Care

regular veterinary care is paramount for the well being of your pet. Distemper is 100% fatal in ferrets. An annual booster shot is required after the kit has had its series of distemper shots. Rabies vaccines are mandatory for your ferret in the state of Rhode Island. Imrab is the approved rabies vaccine and is recommended for all ferrets over the age of 12 weeks. Ferrets are as susceptible to heart worm as are dogs. Even ferrets kept indoors (you know how mosquitoes always find their way indoors), should receive a heartworm preventative once a month, in a liquid form. After the age of three ferrets should have two biannual check ups.

Picking out a ferret

The most important thing to be concerned about when picking out a ferret is its health and temperament. Ferrets come in many colors from albino to sable and many in-between. Males, called hobs, when full-grown, will weigh an average of 2-4 pounds and females, also known as jills, about half as much. Most ferrets purchased in pet stores have already been spayed or neutered. Ferrets should be altered. A female that is not brought out of heat will die of aplastic anemia or infection. an unaltered male in season has a very strong, unpleasant odor. Descenting is both cruel and unnessary for a ferret. Ferrets only use their scent glands when threatened or scared. The odor is gone in about five minutes. Ferrets can live from 5-7 years' average and sometimes to 10 years.

Rhode Island

In Rhode Island some special rules apply to owning ferrets. According to RIDEM/Division of Fish and Wildlife in accordance with RIGL 20-1-22, a permit is required to own a ferret. In order to obtain a permit a ferret must be spayed or neutered and have a current rabies vaccine. These certificates must be mailed to DEM along with owner's name, address, and phone number. Call DEM/DFW and ask to be sent an application for a permit to own a ferret; their phone number is 401-789-3094. Rhode Island law also prohibits release of ferrets into the wild or to be used for the hunting of game. Ferrets must be kept under control at all times. Ferrets must be harnessed and leashed or caged when out-of-doors. If you buy a ferret in a Rhode Island pet store they must supply you with a permit application. If you adopt a ferret from the Ferret Association of Rhode Island we will put you through the permit process.

A SPECIAL PLEA....

Before you get a ferret, please, please consider all the commitments of time, vet care and money involved in being a ferret owner. You will have complete responsibility for your beloved pet's well-being and health. There are already too many unwanted ferrets in shelters an rescues because someone didn't consider all the facts before purchasing a ferret. You may also consider going to a shelter to adopt a ferret. Be part of the solution--not a contributor to the problem. We at the Ferret Association of Rhode Island always have wonderful ferrets looking for someone special to love them. Ferrets that you adopt form our shelter have already had all of their vaccinations and we are able to tell you something about the individual personality of each ferret in our rescue. If you are from our of state, contact us and we will put you in touch with a shelter close to where you live. Ferret rescues, clubs, and shelters are also a great place to find out the names of ferret knowledgeable vets. People at shelters have had a lot of experience dealing with ferret-related problems, illness, and joy.

Recommended Reading 

The Ferret: An Owners Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet by Mary R. Shefferman

A Practical Guide to Ferret Care by Deborah Jeans

Biology and Diseases of the Ferret by James G. Fox

Modern Ferret Magazine, published bimonthly

 

References