If you have or you are considering buying ferret, you must keep in mind that a lot of time is needed to care for them. Ferrets are exotic animals and because they originate from the mustelid family they usually have an odor when they become adults.

If your not planning on breeding them, de-scenting and neutering your ferret would be good solutions. De-scenting will assist with their odor and fixing them is way to insure that you will not end up with a litter, when you purchase two or more. Newly purchased ferrets should be taken into the veterinarian for a checkup and vaccinations.

Ferrets also require a well balanced diet, high quality cat foods or ferret food are available for purchase in any local pet store. Just be sure, that whatever brand of food you chose, that it contains at least 35% protein and 20% fat. Ferrets need higher levels of fat than cats.

Balanced fats like poultry fat are better for ferrets because they contain a nice combination of essential fatty acids. Fresh water needs to be available to your ferret at all times. Ferrets tend to drink less water from bottles than bowls. Although if you are not able to change the water in the bowl at least once every day, then using a water bottle is the better option.

Safe housing must also be provided for your ferret. The cage should be roomy, safe and easy to clean. The spacing of the cage is important. It can be dangerous if the ferret can force its head through any part of the cage. Make sure the cage has no areas, within it, where your ferret’s feet can get caught.

Ferrets enjoy running around and playing. They must be placed in an appropriate cage or they will get hurt. Ferrets sleep about 15-20 hours a day, they also love to hide in dark softly padded areas. Therefore, hammocks and sleeping sacks are wonderful for both playing and sleeping. You may also consider placing a sheet over one portion of their cage to give them a nice and quiet place to sleep or play.

Ferrets love to chew things, therefore, anything that within a ferret’s grasp can become a hazard. You should always check your ferret’s cage for anything that may be chewed on and damaged. If a ferret ends up eating the wrong thing it will lead to an intestinal obstruction and will then need to be surgically removed.

Ferrets can be easily socialized, you should start to introduce ferrets to people when they reach 30 days old. You should allow your ferret to come out of their cage at least twice a day, preferably in a ferret proof room. Always watch your ferret when they outside of their cage, if left unattended they are at risk for getting hurt.

Hold them often, ferrets love cuddling and it will help them interact with you. It also assists in training them, ferrets can be litter trained. The sooner you you begin litter box training, the higher success rate. Ferrets are fun and loving pets. Keep in mind, the more you interact with them and care for them the longer healthier life they will have.