Choosing a Ferret as a Pet
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Ferrets are intelligent, mischievous members of the”mustilidae” family, which means they are cousins with mink, weasels, skunks and even the European polecat. These little guys capture our hearts with their antics and are a great addition to any home (as long as you don’t live in New York, California, Hawaii or Washington D.C. where ferrets are outlawed). Before you think about purchasing or adopting a ferret, be sure you check your local laws as well as the laws and regulations at local levels (including your home owners association).
If you’ve done your homework and you think you’re ready to add one of these charismatic creatures to your home, we have a host of articles to help you integrate them into your family and keep them healthy. Remember that a ferret’s normal lifespan is 7-9 years, so you need to be sure you’re ready to commit that time to this entertaining and affectionate pet.
 [heading style=”modern-1-light” color=”#339933″ style_color=”#06192e” align=”left”]Feeding Your Ferret[/heading]
Remember that ferrets are carnivores and require a specialized diet. They cannot survive on cat food or other foods that have not been specially formulated for them. Also, ferrets cannot be “released into the wild.” (By the way, no pet should ever be “released into the wild”). Domesticated ferrets have almost no ability to survive on their own and will die within a few days if you let them run wild.
[heading style=”modern-1-light” color=”#339933″ style_color=”#06192e” align=”left”]Vaccinating Your Ferret[/heading]Your ferret will need vaccinations against rabies and distemper. They will also require regular annual checkups. Starting at age two, ferrets can become susceptible to some common illnesses, including adrenal problems. It’s a good idea to pick up some pet insurance if you’re planning on bringing one into your home.
[load_module id=”210″] [heading style=”modern-1-light” color=”#339933″ style_color=”#06192e” align=”left”]Housing Your Ferret[/heading]They will also require a very large cage that allow plenty of room for playing and exploring.They love having hammocks to play in and enjoy exploring – even within their cage. They’ll need plenty of toys to play with while you’re away. You should also plan on picking up a harness and leash so you can take your ferret for a walk. They really enjoy seeing new things and exploring the world.
[heading style=”modern-1-light” color=”#339933″ style_color=”#06192e” align=”left”]Sleep Habits of Your Ferret[/heading]Ferrets will sleep up to 16 hours a day if allowed, but those remaining hours should be spent playing and developing a strong bond with you and other animals. Plan on letting them out of the cage for at least 3-4 hours a day so they can receive proper exercise.
[heading style=”modern-1-light” color=”#339933″ style_color=”#06192e” align=”left”]Ferrets and Kids[/heading]If you have young children, it’s very important you set the ground rules prior to obtaining a ferret. Your children should never be left unsupervised with any animal, including a ferret.
Ferrets are a lot of fun and can provide a lifetime of entertainment for you and your family! Be sure you read our articles about proper care and housing of ferrets – you want your ferret to live a very long and happy life!