by Nune Travels

Created on: June 15, 2008   Last Updated: March 06, 2009

Ferrets have a zest for life, perhaps explaining in part why they are continually rated the third most popular domestic animal in the USA. While it is easy to be lured in by their playful attitude and cute little faces it is important to take a step back and consider if a ferret is the right pet for you. Ferrets; what you should know:

CAGES - DO NOT purchase a tiny little cage, leave the ferret in it, and expect a ferret to be happy. Ferrets are not like hamsters or gerbils they MUST be let out of the cage for quality playtime. The ideal cage focuses on length rather than height. Ferrets are long animals and need to be able to stretch out. Always get a cage MUCH larger than the ferret, it gives some extra exploring room and leaves plenty of space in case you decide to add another ferret to the family.

BEDDING - Ferrets LOVE to sleep, a healthy adult can sleep up to 18 hours. Make sure to include a dark sleeping area in the cage. This could be a shoebox with "entrance" and "exit" holes cut out with soft bedding inside or a purchased sleep sack (basically a big cushy pillowcase) just perfect for sleeping and wrestling! Fuzzies love to sleep suspended in hammocks, "saucers, " and "cubes." No matter how many sleeping areas you have, ferrets are sure to all sleep in one big impossible pile. Change up the bedding often to give the fur kids something new to explore.

FOOD AND WATER - Ferrets are snackers. Be sure that there is always plenty of high quality ferret food in the bowl. High quality ferret food contains chicken or chicken by product as the first ingredients, NOT corn. Marshalls and Totally Ferret are two brands that I used and trust. "Furts" enjoy treats like raisins, dried papaya, and banana chips. Don't ever give them soft drinks or chocolate. Plan on having at least three water bottles in the cage and be sure there is one per level, refilling daily.

POO HAPPENS - These smart animals can be trained to use the litter box with a little time and patience. Ferrets prefer to back into corners to relieve themselves and generally choose the same spot to do their business. Use a mixture of corner ferret litter pans as well as small cat boxes, several per room. Place a Puppy Training Pad underneath for the equivalent of fuzzy toilet paper. Your carpet will thank you. Dusty clay litters can be irritating so make the choice to use ferret litter pellets. They absorb odors, are really easy to scoop, and last for a very long time, much longer than cat litters.

TOYS AND

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