Where did ferrets come from?
Contrary to popular
belief ferrets are not wild animals. It is believed that ferrets were
domesticated by the Egyptians thousands of years ago to help control the rodent
population. The domesticated ferret, Mustela Furo, is a member of the weasel
family. Other animals in this family include the skunk, the otter, and the
polecat in England. Many people confuse domesticated ferrets with the wild North
American Black-Footed Ferret, which is not only wild but also endangered.
Ferrets no longer have an killer instinct like many people think.
Ferret Terminology
Male ferret are called hobs and can weigh from
2 to 5 pounds. Female ferrets are called jills and are generally only half as
big as males. Young ferrets are called kits up until they are 6 months old. A
group of ferrets is called a "business of ferrets".Ferrets also come in a variety of
colors. Sables (raccoon mask), chocolate (brown), albino, cinnamon, silver, and
many other mixed colors are just a few of the more popular colors.
Is ferret right for you?
Ferrets require a
lot of love, attention, time, and patience at times. Unlike cats ferrets are
dependent upon their owners to take care of them. And like dogs they require
lots of attention. Your ferret can be the most loving animal imaginable if you
take time to play with and train the little guy. If you don't have at least an
hour a day to spend with your ferret then you probably should not get one. Like
any other pet, ferrets can become mean if they are neglected. I suggest that you
visit your local pet store and spend some time with ferrets: play with them,
feed them, and see what it is like to take care of one.
Where do I get a
ferret? How much should I pay?
There are a couple of things you should consider here. First you could go the conventional route and buy a ferret from a pet store. A couple of concerns here .... 1st - you need to pay close attention to the health of the animal...especially ear mites .... 2nd - realize that it is highly likely that a ferret from a pet store has not had the amount of attention it needs due to the number of animals in the store that must be cared for....therefore the ferret may not be as well behaved or trained as you might like.
Another option (and probably the more noble option) is to
adopt a ferret from a shelter. Usually there is only a minimal charge to adopt a
ferret. These are loving animals that have lost their homes for any number of
reasons. A lot of times people move and can't take their ferrets with them so
they take them to a shelter. I would strongly consider this option since there
are so many loving ferrets out there looking for a home. How much should
you pay if you do decide to buy one? I would recommend no more than $110. I have
seen them as cheap as $70. Malls are likely to be a lot more expensive.
How do I choose my ferret?
Getting a new ferret
is just like getting a new dog or cat....you don't always get the first one you
see. Ferrets like all other pets have their own personalities. Some are more
independent than others and some like to be held more. I recommend visiting as
many pet stores and breeders as possible before making a choice. Spend time with
your ferret in the store and make sure it is the right one for you. Many people
not familiar with ferrets are mislead by their rambunctious behavior in the pet
stores. You have to remember these are babies, between eight and twenty weeks
usually, and they like to play. They are locked up in cages all day so when you
take them out to play with them they are extremely hyper. That brings me to the
question of age. I recommend getting a ferret (especially if you are a first
time owner) under twenty weeks of age. Older ferrets usually have bad habits
because no one spends enough time with them in the store. However that is not
always the case. I in no way discourage people from "rescuing" older ferrets; it
just takes a little more time and patience to train them.
When you get your ferret it is a good idea to throughly inspect it to make
sure it in good condition. Check the ears for black waxy deposits which are
signs of ear mites. Check to see if there is a blue dot on the ferrets ear. If
it has a blue dot it is from Marshall Farms. There is a lot of controversy among
ferret lovers as to wether or not you should support Marshall Farms. Basically
it has to do with the fact that MF also sells ferrets to companies that use them
for testing. To me that is a reason not to support them, but you have to make
that decision for yourself. Also, check the ferret for dry, flaky skin. This can
be a sign of medical problems. Look at the eyes to make sure they are clear and
not hazy. It is also a good idea to take your ferret straight to the vet after
you get it for a thorough check up.
What do I need to prepare before I bring my
ferret home?
Before you bring your ferret home you need to have a cage and supplies set up for your new friend. Many people
think that a ferret needs a huge cage to play in. This is simply not true. While
ferrets are in their cage they do five things: eat, drink, sleep, go to the
bathroom, and make noise to get your attention. The later is their way of saying
it is time to play. Ferrets normally sleep if you're not playing with them so it
isn't like they are terriblely bored. They tend to entertain themselves. I
personally have a big cage 3 ft wide X 2.5 ft deep X 3 ft tall. But my cage is
actually big enough for about five or six ferrets. You also need to "ferret
proof" your home for your little buddies. Ferrets like to get into small places
so you have to go through your house and make sure there are no places your
ferret can get stuck or hurt. For instance make sure he can't get behind the
refrigerator, the stove , or any other dangerous place. You also want to make
sure there are no plants in your house that your ferret can get into. Did I
mention ferrets like to dig? Enough said. Some people also get collars for their
ferrets with bells so that you can easily find the little guy when he is busy
hiding and exploring. And that is their favorite activity.
You also might want to protect your carpet if you are
going to let your ferret have the run of the house. Ferrets like to dig at the
carpet in front of any closed doors. I guess they are trying to dig under the
door....I don't know, but they sure can tear up your carpet fast. I suggest
either linoleum or hard plastic from Lowe's that you can lay on the carpet under
the door. Trust me, ferrets are very persistent animals. You can't expect to
scold them and have them change their behavior. That's what makes it fun....you
have to be creative with your ferret. If there is one thing I have learned it is
that rewarding them for good behavior is much more effective than punishing them
for bad behavior. It just takes more patience, afterall they don't know they are
doing something wrong. There are just doing what comes
natural.
How do I train my ferret not to bite?
Contrary to popular belief ferrets aren't mean animals. In fact they are one of the sweetest animals you can own if you take up time with them. When ferrets 'nip' at you they aren't trying to hurt you. They are only playing....they don't realize your not just another big ferret. Believe me ferrets play rough with each other so you have to let them know how rough is too rough with you. My ferret, Ferret, licks me instead of nipping. Even when we are really playing rough he just puts his teeth on my finger....never hard enough to hurt me. But if you pet does bite harder or you simply don't want him to nip at all there are a couple of solutions a would recommend. First try Bitter Apple, it is a product made for dogs but it works well on ferrets too. Just simply spray it on your hands before you handle your ferret. When he nips he will get an awful taste in his mouth and eventually he'll associate that taste with hands and the behavior will stop. However be warned that some ferrets (mine in particular) like bitter apple so it may be counterproductive. Bitter apple can also be applied to cords or furniture that you don't want your ferret to chew on. Another option is to teach ferrets to lick humans and not bite. This is actually pretty easy. Just rub Ferretone (or any other liquid your ferret
likes) on your hands and eventually your ferret will associate this good taste
with licking not biting. Another option is too simply scold the ferret: either
say no loudly or put him back in his cage. Never hit a ferret...this only makes
the behavior worse. Some people recommend thumping their noses but I discourage
any sort of physical punishment. Ferret love attention so usually putting them
in their cage for a 'timeout' works well.
How do I litter box
train my ferret?
Ferrets, like cats, are
fairly easy to litter box train. Actually the ferret trains you. Any ferret will
tell you that the corner is the only place to use the bathroom. So the simple
solution is to wait until your ferret picks a corner and then place a litter box
there. Usually they catch on pretty quick. You might want to put some dirty
litter in the box so it smells like the bathroom and they get the hint. You
might need more than one litter box if your ferret likes more than one corner.
But even if they make a mistake the messes are small and extremely easy to clean
up. The best way to train a stubborn ferret is to simply keep putting him in the
litter box when he wakes up. Don't let him out until he goes to the bathroom in
the litter box. They usually go about five minutes after waking up so this is a
good tactic. Make sure you keep the litter box fairly clean since some ferrets
are picky and refuse to use a dirty litter box. They will simply go right next
to the litter box in protest. So keep it clean. Keep in mind that some ferrets
might not like the triangular "ferret litter boxes" that most stores sell. They
can't always back all the way into the box which some ferret don't appreciate.
Can I teach my ferret tricks?
Ferrets are
definitely smart enough to learn tricks. However unlike some pets ferrets will
not do a trick for no reason, there has to be a treat offered or some sort of
reward. Many people teach their ferrets to roll over, stay on the shoulder, sit
up and walk on a leash. It just takes patience, persistence, and lots of treats.
One thing to remember is that ferrets have an extremely short attention span
that maxs out at about five minutes. Be sure to make the training sessions short
so your ferret will stay interested. Also remeber that a ferret favorite
activity is to explore new territory, so if your ferret is in a new place there
is no sense in trying to have a training session. He will be to busy exploring
to pay attention to you.
Will a ferret come when his name is
called?
Ferrets can be taught to come to their name or some
particular sound. To teach your ferret to come to a sound simply make that sound
whenever your give your ferret a treat. Soon enough your ferret will associate
the treat with the sound and they will come running. This is an important trick
to teach your ferret in case they ever escape or you can't find them.
What games do ferrets
like?
Most ferrets love to play fight with one another and you
if you will let them. If you ever watch a cage full of ferrets that all they do
is chase eachother around and tackle each other. When you play with your ferret
keep in mind he isn't trying to hurt you he's just pretending to fight you.They
don't actually bite you it is just sort of a mock fight. Many ferrets love to
chase you around on your hands and knees. Some like to be drug around on towels
or play tug of war. My ferret loves to run up and down the stairs (or maybe I
just like watching him). Some ferrets love to swim in a tub, and nearly all
ferrets love to dig in dirt or sand. You have to be creative and let your ferret
tell you what he likes.
Is it normal for my ferret to shake or
shiver?
Many new
ferret owners express concern over their ferrets trembling when they wake up.
However this is totally normal behavior. A ferrets body temperature drops while
he sleeps so when he wakes up he trembles to raise his body temperature to an
acceptable level. Another reason that some ferrets tremble is because they are
scared or nervous. Sometimes a new environment or situation can trigger it.
Young ferrets tremble more than older ferrets so don't be alarmed.
What kind of sounds do ferrets
make?
In general ferrets don't make many noises. The most common noise is clucking or dooking. They usually 'dook' when they are playing or really excited. When they get really happy they just hop around bouncing off the walls and 'dooking'. Sometimes when ferrets are mock fighting (even with you) the hiss. It isn't a warning or anything like that it is just their way of play fighting with you. In fact it is a rather pathetic hiss. If a ferret is in pain they let out a loud unmistakable shriek. If you hear a shriek you need to find your ferret immediately and rectify the problem.
Will my ferret shed?
Don't be two alarmed if your ferret is shedding its coat. Ferrets normally shed their coat twice a year in the Fall and the Spring. When they shed don't be alarmed if large clumps fall out at once. It is totally normal. However if it doesn't appear to be normal or if only the tail goes bald you should consult your vet.
Why do ferrets sleep so
much?
Ferrets normally sleep quite a lot...up to 18 hours a day! Many ferrets will sleep for hours after you play with them for a couple of hours. Also keep in mind that ferrets, especially kits, are very heavy sleepers. Some ferrets can be picked up or have their nails clipped while they are asleep.
Why do my ferrets scratch so
often? Do they have fleas?
Many people are alarmed when
they see their ferrets itching and scratching all the time. By nature ferrets
are itchy, jerky animals. Many times they will start jumping or itching for no
apparent reasons. Chances are that unless it is excessive that it is not fleas.
However it is possible especially if you keep your ferret outside or if you have
other pets in the house. There are many flea treatments available on the market.
NEVER use any flea treatment designed for dogs or even cats, as they can be
deadly. Only use flea treatments for kittens or ferrets and there are several
flea treatments available specifically for ferrets.
What kind
of supplies should I buy for my ferret?
Eventhough some things should be obvious I will list everything you should have for your ferret.
Also,
Jeffers is a mail order company that has all of the supplies I will mention
below. They can be reached at 1-800-JEFFERS.
Cage - The bigger the better
(for the ferret) although they don't need much space
Litter Box - Not necessarily the corner litter boxes
designed for ferrets, some ferrets won't use those
Water Bottle - I suggest a fairly large water bottle
since your ferret should always have a fresh supply of water; also change the
water daily
Food Bowl - You probably want
something that you can anchor down since most ferrets love to rearrange their
cage and knock things over
Food - Either a
specially designed ferret food (ie. Totally Ferret) or a high protein kitten
food (38%). You can call 1-800-JEFFERS to order Totally Ferret ferret food.
JEFFERS sells a wide array of ferret products in their catalogue.
Treats - You have to find out what your ferret likes but most like Bandits by Marshall Farms
Hammock/Bed - Ferrets need
something to sleep in. Most ferrets love hammocks, but some like something that
they can hide in like a shoe box
Toys - Be creative
Nail Clippers - I would not
recommend human nail clippers, but any dog or cat nail clippers should do
Ear Cleaner - Ferret ear cleaners are widely available but any small pet ear
cleaner will do
Ferret Shampoo - Tearless baby shampoo will do - NEVER use shampoo with flea treatment for
dogs
Ferretone - This isn't required but your ferret will love it
and it will make his coat shine. Just be careful about the dosage - three drops
a day should be more than enough
Hair ball remover - As I
mentioned earlier ferrets shed twice a year. And unlike cats they don't have the
ability to cough up hairballs which can cause an intestinal blockage and be
deadly
Deodorizing spray - It really just depends on
whether you think the ferret's odor is to strong....personally I don't even
notice it
I do not claim that this is an all inclusive FAQ on ferrets. However if you need more information please visit Ferret Central for the best ferret FAQ anywhere. Pam
Greene did an excellent job and put a lot of time and effort into this FAQ. It
is a must see for anyone thinking about getting a ferret. I checked it out
before I got my ferret, and it really helped prepare me for what I was getting
into.
