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 PLAY- Ferrets are quite intelligent. They do not like routine and get bored easily. The good ferret owner will try to rotate toys to make every day new and exciting. Toys don't have to be high-priced. Some excellent and cheap toys are plastic Easter Eggs, paper bags, clear tubes, and a box filled with either potting soil or biodegradable packing peanuts. Fur kids love to dig, tunnel, and explore but should always be supervised. Their natural curiosity can easily get them into sticky situations. Don't forget, a ferret's favorite toy is YOU.
FERRET PROOFING - These curious critters have been known to squeeze behind, under, and in between appliances, climbing into sofas and chairs, and even inside walls or under closed doors. "Furts" have wiry little bodies, just perfect for going exactly where you don't want them to go. Again, CONSTANT supervision is the only way to keep your fuzzy safe. Think like a ferret, get down on the ground and look for "stepping stones" (things they can climb up and jump off of to get to a different previously unreachable point) as well as other potential safety issues like buckets, cleaners, toilets, and wastepaper baskets.
FERRETS AND OTHER PETS - Fuzzies are naturally fearless which can be especially dangerous. Fuzzies don't believe in personal space and truly believe that everyone - cats and dogs included, wants to play with them. They will not think twice about trying to wrestle and play nip a family pet, no matter how big or small. It is best to keep a close watch (and leash) on pets when introducing them to the new fuzzy, if you decide they should meet at all.
HEALTH RISKS AND OTHER DISASTERS - There is nothing more heartbreaking than a ferret who no longer has the energy to play. Ferrets, unfortunately, only live five years on the average, are prone to diseases and cancers, and quickly run up large vet bills. They have a completely different physiology than cats and dogs. DO NOT take a sick ferret, or even a healthy fuzzy, to a vet that does not specialize in "exotic" animals. If there are no such vets in your area, do NOT purchase a ferret. Ferrets need "well-ferret" checkups each year as well as various immunizations. Proper vet care is very important for the well-being of your little friend.
The bottom line? Ferrets are very expensive critters to own. Everything from the food they eat to the litter they use to the cage, bedding, and vet care is all very pricey. Many people start saving money specifically for future ferret vet bills shortly after purchase. Remember that ferrets need human interaction and will become stressed out and frustrated if left to sit in a cage all the time. Consider the way you live and if you can handle making some very big life changes. Ferrets are entertaining and humorous little animals and in the right household make the perfect family pet.
For more ferret insight:
http://www.helium.com/items/1083145-adventur es-in-ferret-ownership-true-life-story-of-ferret-own ership
For ferret Odor Control tips:
http://www.helium.com/items/1080886-ferret-odor s-ferret-smells-ferret-litter-cleaning-a-ferret-cage
Ferret Proofing guidelines:
http://www.helium.com/items/1081022-ferre t-proofing-ferret-safety-precautions-ferret-safe-roo ms