Pet Owner Guide to Caring for a Ferret

Live Animals

Pet Owner Guide to Caring for a Ferret

Ferret Facts & Tips

15” (without tail)
Size
15” (without tail)
Up to 5 - 10 years
Lifespan
Up to 5 - 10 years
Ferrets are crepuscular  (more active at dawn and at dusk. They will usually sleep 18 - 20 hours a day.)
Activity
Ferrets are crepuscular (more active at dawn and at dusk. They will usually sleep 18 - 20 hours a day.)
While they do vocalize, ferrets tend to be quiet
Noise Factor
While they do vocalize, ferrets tend to be quiet
Not suited for young children
Good with Children
Not suited for young children
Behavior

Behavior

  • Ferrets love to be held, don’t get too large and have an overall great temperament.
  • Ferrets ideally should be kept in pairs since they are very smart, social and playful.
  • Always pick up a ferret by supporting its entire body. Squirming is normal at first, but make sure the entire body is supported – dropping a ferret can cause severe injury.
  • Ferrets are notorious for stealing and stashing certain items, and it varies among individuals. Some ferrets will try to steal plush items (slippers, stuffed animals), or rubber items (shoe soles), or plastic (bags), etc.
  • When a ferret is startled, scared or excited, their tail will get very puffy - this is called "bottlebrush". Happy ferrets will also exhibit a "happy dance" of sorts. This includes them jumping around from side to side, flipping on the floor, bouncing and may include sounds as well.

Diet

Diet

  • Ferrets are carnivores and should only be fed a diet specifically made for ferrets. A minimum of 30% protein content is recommended.
  • We do not recommend using commercial kitten food (this was common long before commercial ferret diets were available).
  • Avoid these foods: chocolate and other candy, onions, fruits, raisins, and peanut butter– although many ferret treats are flavored as such, they rarely contain these ingredients. A ferret’s digestive system cannot process these food items correctly.
  • They should always have access to fresh, clean water.

Caging & Environment

Caging & Environment

  • Ferrets need a solid bottom cage (not wire) that is at least four feet long and two feet wide.
  • Ferrets enjoy a large, spacious cage with multiple levels. The cage should also have a door that latches tightly to prevent escape.
  • Hammocks they can burrow in or tunnels they can hide in and run through are great enrichment items.
  • Recycled paper litter.
  • Cage should include a ceramic food bowl, water bottle, hammock, and litter pan.

Ferret Odor

Ferret Odor

  • Ferrets have a scent gland like skunks but are descented (scent gland is removed) before they are sold commercially.
  • Many people consider their ferret to “stink” because they have a high concentration of oils in their skin and therefore emit a “ferret odor”.
  • Bathing a ferret too frequently can actually increase the odor. Once a month baths are ideal, using a ferret deodorizing spray in between baths.

Ferret Shop

Ferret Shop

Everything you need to create a cozy and stimulating environment for your furry friend