Removing ferret scent glands-How and why it is done

Ferrets have scent glands near their anus that produce oils and pheromones that help them communicate with each other. Some ferret owners choose to have their ferrets’ scent glands surgically removed, as the scent produced by these glands can be strong and unpleasant for some people.

The surgery to remove ferret scent glands is called a adrenalectomy, and it is typically performed by a veterinarian who specializes in ferret care. The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia and is considered to be a relatively simple and straightforward procedure.

After the surgery, ferrets typically recover quickly and are able to resume their normal activities within a few days. However, it’s important to monitor your ferret closely and to keep them quiet and calm while they are recovering from the surgery.

It’s also important to note that removing a ferret’s scent glands will not completely eliminate the musky odor associated with ferrets. While removing the scent glands may reduce the strength of the odor, other factors such as diet, living environment, and overall health can also affect the ferret’s scent.

It’s also worth noting that removing a ferret’s scent glands can have potential health risks, so it’s important to carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks of the procedure before making a decision. Some of the potential risks associated with adrenalectomy include:

  • Anesthesia risk: As with any surgery, there is a risk of complications from the anesthesia used during the procedure. Your ferret may experience adverse reactions to the anesthesia or may have difficulty waking up from the procedure.
  • Infection: The surgical site may become infected, which can lead to additional health problems for your ferret.
  • Hormonal imbalances: Ferrets have a delicate hormonal balance, and removing their scent glands can disrupt this balance. This can lead to a variety of health problems, including adrenal disease and other hormonal imbalances.
  • Loss of scent marking ability: Ferrets use their scent glands to communicate and mark their territory, and removing these glands can affect their ability to do so. This can lead to changes in behavior and can impact the ferret’s overall well being.

It’s important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of removing a ferret’s scent glands with your veterinarian, and to make an informed decision based on your individual circumstances and the health of your pet. If you are considering having your ferret’s scent glands removed, it’s also important to follow your veterinarian’s instructions and recommendations carefully to ensure a safe and successful outcome.

Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind that removing a ferret’s scent glands does not guarantee that the ferret will have no odor. Ferrets have other sources of odor, such as their skin, fur, and breath, which can also contribute to their overall scent. Therefore, even after the removal of scent glands, it may still be necessary to regularly clean and groom your ferret to reduce their overall odor.

Some ferret owners find that using ferret-specific shampoos, deodorizing sprays, and other grooming products can help to minimize their pet’s odor. It’s also important to maintain good hygiene in your ferret’s living area, including regularly cleaning their cage, bedding, and toys to reduce the buildup of ferret odor.

In summary, the decision to remove a ferret’s scent glands is a personal one, and it is up to each ferret owner to weigh the pros and cons and to determine what is best for their pet. If you are considering having your ferret’s scent glands removed, it’s important to discuss the procedure with your veterinarian and to follow their advice and recommendations closely.

 

Ferret kisses- How they show affection ?

Ferrets are affectionate animals and can show their love and affection through various means, including kisses. Ferrets use their mouths and tongues to explore their environment and to communicate with other ferrets. When ferrets are playing or cuddling with their owners, they may lick or nibble on their owners as a way of expressing affection.

Ferret kisses can be adorable and entertaining, but it’s important to supervise ferrets closely when they are playing or interacting with their owners. Ferrets have sharp teeth and strong jaws, and they may accidentally nip or bite while they are playing or expressing affection.

If you receive a ferret kiss, it’s important to understand that it’s a sign of affection from your pet. Ferrets are social animals and enjoy spending time with their owners, and their kisses are a way of expressing their love and affection.

Ferrets are known for their playful and energetic personalities, and they are often described as being like little clowns due to their mischievous behavior. They are also very social animals and enjoy spending time with their owners and other ferrets.

Ferrets use their mouths and tongues to explore their environment and to communicate with other ferrets. When ferrets are playing or cuddling with their owners, they may lick or nibble on their owners as a way of expressing affection. Some ferret owners even report that their ferrets will give them “ferret kisses” on the nose or cheeks.

It’s important to note that ferrets have sharp teeth and strong jaws, and they may accidentally nip or bite while they are playing or expressing affection. To prevent accidental nips or bites, it’s important to supervise ferrets closely when they are playing or interacting with their owners.

In addition to supervising ferrets during playtime, it’s also important to provide them with plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Ferrets are naturally active and playful animals, and they need plenty of opportunities to run, play, and explore their environment. Providing your ferret with toys, tunnels, and other play items can help keep them happy and entertained.

It’s also important to note that ferrets have a unique odor that can be strong and musky. This is due to their scent glands, which produce oils and pheromones that help ferrets communicate with each other. While some people find the scent of ferrets appealing, others may find it unpleasant.

If you are considering getting a ferret, it’s important to research the breed and understand the responsibilities of pet ownership. Ferrets require regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced and nutritious diet, and plenty of opportunities for exercise and play. They also need a safe and secure living environment, and regular grooming and cleaning to keep them healthy and comfortable.

Ferrets can make wonderful pets for the right person. They are playful, affectionate, and entertaining animals that bring joy and laughter to their owners’ lives. If you are interested in getting a ferret, it’s important to do your research and make sure that you are ready for the responsibilities of pet ownership.

In summary, ferrets are playful and affectionate animals that can make wonderful pets for the right person. They require a lot of attention and care, including regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced and nutritious diet, plenty of opportunities for exercise and play, and a safe and secure living environment. Understanding the responsibilities of pet ownership and researching ferrets before getting one can help ensure that you are prepared for the joys and challenges of ferret ownership.

Why do ferrets sleep so much ?

Ferrets are naturally prone to sleep a lot because they are crepuscular animals, which means they are most active during dawn and dusk. They tend to sleep for long periods during the day and night. Ferrets sleep for about 15-20 hours per day, with the majority of their sleep occurring during the day.

Additionally, ferrets have a unique metabolism and a high amount of energy, which requires them to sleep more to conserve their energy. They also have a fast metabolism, which means they burn through their energy stores quickly and need to sleep to replenish their energy levels.

Overall, ferrets need a lot of sleep to stay healthy and energetic. Providing them with a comfortable and secure place to sleep, such as a soft bed or blanket, can help them get the rest they need.

Ferrets have a unique sleep pattern that is different from other domesticated pets, such as dogs and cats. In addition to sleeping for long periods of time, ferrets also tend to sleep deeply and soundly. This deep sleep allows them to recharge their energy levels and helps their bodies to conserve energy.

It’s important to provide your ferret with a comfortable and secure place to sleep. Ferrets love to curl up in soft beds or blankets and snuggle up in cozy hiding spots. They also like to sleep in small, enclosed spaces, such as a hammock or a tent, which can help them feel more secure.

In addition to providing a comfortable place to sleep, it’s also important to make sure your ferret gets enough physical exercise and mental stimulation. Ferrets are naturally active and playful animals, and they need plenty of opportunities to run, play, and explore their environment.

If you notice that your ferret is sleeping more than usual or is experiencing any changes in their sleep patterns, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian. In some cases, changes in sleep patterns can be a sign of an underlying health issue, and a veterinarian can help diagnose and treat any underlying problems.

It’s important to keep in mind that ferrets have a unique metabolism and energy levels, which can affect their sleep patterns. Ferrets have a fast metabolism, which means they burn through their energy stores quickly and need to sleep more to conserve their energy levels.

In addition to physical exercise and mental stimulation, providing your ferret with a healthy diet can also help them get the rest they need. A diet that is balanced and nutritious can help keep your ferret’s energy levels stable and support their overall health.

It’s also important to create a safe and secure sleeping environment for your ferret. Ferrets are naturally curious and playful animals, and they need a safe space to sleep and rest. A secure sleeping area can also help prevent your ferret from getting injured or lost.

Finally, it’s essential to keep your ferret’s sleeping area clean and well-ventilated. Ferrets have a strong sense of smell and are sensitive to odors, so it’s important to regularly clean their sleeping area and replace any bedding or litter as needed.

In summary, providing your ferret with plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation, a healthy diet, a safe and secure sleeping area, and good hygiene practices can all help support their overall health and well-being, and help them get the rest they need.

Polecat ferret hybrid-Differences and Should I get One

A polecat is a mammal species, also known as the European polecat or fitch. It is a member of the weasel family and is native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia. Polecats have a distinctive appearance, with a brownish-yellow fur, black markings on the face, and a bushy tail. They are known for their strong, musky odor and are often kept as pets. In the wild, polecats are solitary animals that hunt small mammals and birds, and are considered to be valuable predators in agricultural landscapes because they help control pests.

Polecat ferret hybrids

Polecat ferret hybrids, also known as crossbreeds, are created by breeding a domestic ferret with a wild polecat. The hybridization of these two species occurs because ferrets and polecats belong to the same family (Mustelidae) and are therefore capable of interbreeding.

In some cases, ferrets and polecats may breed accidentally in the wild, especially if ferrets escape from captivity. In other cases, hybridization may be intentional, with breeders looking to create new and unique pets that possess traits from both species.

It’s important to note that the creation of polecat ferret hybrids is controversial, as some experts argue that hybridization can lead to the genetic erosion of both wild and captive populations. Additionally, hybrid animals may not always be well adapted to the captive environment and may be prone to health problems.

Differences

Polecats and ferrets are two distinct species that belong to the same family (Mustelidae), but have some important differences between them.

  1. Appearance: Polecats are smaller and more slender than ferrets, with a brownish-yellow fur and black markings on the face. Ferrets are larger and more robust, with a more diverse range of fur colors and patterns.
  2. Odor: Polecats have a strong, musky odor that is a natural defense mechanism. Ferrets, on the other hand, have a much milder odor that is not as noticeable.
  3. Behavior: Polecats are solitary animals that are primarily active at night, while ferrets are social animals that are active during the day. Polecats are also more aggressive and less friendly than ferrets, making them less suitable as pets.
  4. Habitat: Polecats are native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia, and are found in a variety of habitats including forests, fields, and wetlands. Ferrets are domesticated animals that are kept as pets and have no natural habitat.
  5. Diet: Polecats are predators that feed on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Ferrets, as domesticated animals, are typically fed a diet of commercial ferret food or a combination of high-protein meat and animal by-products.

It’s worth noting that polecat ferret hybrids are also possible, but the creation of these hybrid animals is controversial, and the offspring may not always be well-adapted to the captive environment.

Should I Get one

Whether or not you should get a polecat or a ferret is a personal decision that depends on your lifestyle, resources, and expectations. Here are a few things to consider:

  1. Responsibility: Both polecats and ferrets require a significant amount of care and attention. They need daily exercise, a proper diet, and regular veterinary check-ups. Before getting either species, it’s important to consider if you have the time and resources to provide for their needs.
  2. Odor: Polecats have a strong, musky odor that can be off-putting to some people. Ferrets have a milder odor, but may still produce a noticeable scent. It’s important to consider your tolerance for pet odor before getting either species.
  3. Behavior: Polecats are wild animals that are not as friendly or docile as ferrets. They may be more aggressive and less suitable as pets. Ferrets, on the other hand, are social animals that are often kept as pets and can be trained to be friendly and affectionate.
  4. Habitat: Polecats are not well adapted to life in captivity and may not do well in a domestic environment. Ferrets, as domesticated animals, are well-suited to life in a captive environment, but still need plenty of space and stimulation to thrive.
  5. Laws and Regulations: In some areas, polecats may be protected or regulated, making it illegal to keep them as pets. Ferrets are commonly kept as pets, but some localities may have specific regulations regarding their ownership, so it’s important to research the laws in your area.

Ultimately, the decision to get a polecat or a ferret should be based on careful consideration of these factors and an understanding of the needs and characteristics of each species.

Ferret games

Ferrets love playing games! It’s a fact. Sure they can can be sleepy animals, but when they’re up and about they can be great fun and you’ll need to be creative to keep them entertained. So today I want to share with you a few fun ferret games you can play to keep them playful and happy.

So Let’s dive in and look at ferret games that you and your ferret can have great fun with…

Ferret hand hunt

Thisis one of those cute little ferret games that you can play with the minimum of fuss. Grab a treat, let your ferret get interested in it, and put both hands behind your back. Hold it behind your back in one hand and quickly bring both back in front. Let your ferret sniff and play to work out which hand it is in. Give them a pat and a tickle when they get it right.

Ferret Lucky Dip

Grab a large box of ping pong balls, tightly screwed up paper balls, or old rolled up socks. Now fill a bid tub (like a baby bath or garden bin up with them and hide some treats inside the tub. Let your ferret dive in and dig around and find his rewards!p!

 

Ferret fishing for treats

Grab a stick like a piece of cane or bamboo. Tie a string to it and tie a treat to the other end (Like a ferret chew stick). Now you can dangle it in front your ferret, lead them around, and watch as they enjoy chasing after their favorite treat.

Hide and Go treat

Grab a load of hidey hole type of ferret friendly objects. This can include loo rolls, plastic tubing, roll nest, cardboard boxes and so on. Layout them to form a cluster of possible hidey holes, nooks and crannies to create a little ferret village. Now hide treats and watch as your ferret explores and searches for their playtime snack.

Ferret-ferret bounce-bounce

Ping-pong jump attack. This is one of those ferret games that some ferrets will absolutely love while others will take it or leave it. Grab a ping pong ball and get your ferret interested in it. Now bounce it up and down on a hard surface (wooden or tiled floor) and see your ferret jump, hop, and grab after the ball. Loads of fun.

Tuggy

This is the simple game of tuggy, you grab your ferrets favorite toy and then shake it in front of them, they will then grab onto it and start to try and pull it off of you, the game has begun! You can now play tug of war with your ferret, being gentle of course as they are only little!

Hide and Seek

Usually this is a game that just happens because your ferret is being mischievous! They love hiding and tunneling where ever they can, remember to be careful and not let them get where they shouldn’t!

Fetch

The idea with fetch is to start off with playing tuggy, then move onto throwing their toy, this helps a lot if their favorite toy is slightly smelly as ferrets do not have the best eye sight in the animal world, throw it slightly away from them and they will usually come back and start to try and play tuggy again!

Reverse Fetch

This game is a strange one, most ferrets do it, but if you give your ferret tiny little toys, sometimes they will take it off you then go and hide it, if you keep giving them little treats they could do the same as well, this game is great as you can find our their little hiding place which they think is oh so secretive!

Tummy Rubs

I love this game, if you have a really gentle docile ferret then you can slightly push them over on their back and rub their tummy, they love this, if you don’t have a gentle but playful ferret, you can pick them up and lie them on your arm like a baby, whilst keeping a good eye on the mouth area, then you can tickle there tummy whilst maintaining more control as the alpha ferret!

Chase!

Ferrets love chasing mom or dad, if you nudge them away a little using a toy then run off ferrets will mostly start to chase you out of curiosity!

The ferret facts sheet

A male ferret is called a hob.

Young ferrets are called kittens or kits.

Fuzzies are pure carnivores!

A female ferret is called a jill.

Ferrets need vaccinations against canine distemper.

Ferrets have relatively poor eyesight.

The Latin name for ferret is Mustela Putorius Furo.

Fuzzies have a keen sense of smell and hearing.

Ferrets are very playful, and are very entertaining to watch.

Ferrets have an average length of roughly 20 inches.

An average ferret litter is 6 – 8 but can be up to 12!

Ferrets can live up to 8 years, sometimes longer!

Little Fuzzies will attempt to get through any gaps, anywhere!

Hobs (Male) Can be twice as big as Jills (Female).

Ferrets are one of the most curious pets!

Fuzzies have been domesticated for over 2,000 years!

Bathing a ferret too much actually makes them smell worse!

Ferret as pet care guide

What is a Ferret? It is a very close and silly relative of the weasel, polecat and the mink. Ferrets are also related to otters, skunks and badgers. They are all part of the Mustelidae family. The scientific name for a ferret is Mustela furo. Furo is Latin for thief. Also See-What’s the science behind mink and coronavirus?Ferrets are not related to rodents. They are carnivores. In fact, wild ferrets enjoy a tasty mouse. All Mustelidae have various scent glands for marking and protection. Most reknown is the skunk. While the ferret cannot spray, it can mark its territory or emit a smell when frightened. Today, most pet stores sell ferrets that have been descented. The anal scent gland is surgically removed when they are neutered or spayed. While ferrets have various scent glands throughout the body, the anal scent gland seems to be the main culprit. Both male and female ferrets are also surgically altered so that they cannot reproduce. This has the added benefit of reducing certain hormones in ferrets and in turn leads to a further reduction in their scent. Therefore, the descented animal’s smell is no more an issue with a ferret than it is with a hamster, dog or cat.

There are both wild ferrets and domesticated ferrets just as there are wild cats and domesticated cats, wild dogs and domesticated dogs. In North America, the wild Black- footed ferret is an endangered species. However, while it is a ferret, it is biologically and genetically different from your run of the mill pet ferret. The ferrets you see in your local pet store are domesticated and have been especially bred so for perhaps two thousand years or longer. Your pet ferret is not wild and would most certainly die if let loose in the the wild. A pet ferret may kill a mouse if it comes across one, but it not longer possesses the instinct to eat it.

The pet-store domesticated ferrets are most closely related to the European polecats which have the same number of chromosomes and similar colorings. Ferrets can be cross-bred with the European polecat and have fertile offspring. This lends credence to the theory that they are indeed very closely related. One common theory is that the pet ferret is really just a domesticated European polecat. Sort of like a German Shepherd being a domesticated version of a wolf. It is the fact of domestication which makes all the difference, not the difference in appearance of the animal.

HISTORY

Ferrets were thought to be first domesticated by the Egyptians to control rodents around 1300 B.C. However, they were probably displaced by cats which were domesticated shortly thereafter. While hieroglyphic records depict a ferret-type animal, some argue that this animal was actually a mongoose. Also, ferrets are not really hot or warm weather animals and can easily get heat stroke. So unless the weather in ancient Egypt was much more temperate than it is today, ferrets probably did not come from the pharaohs.

  1. Today’s domesticated pet ferrets, the lineage that you will find in todays pet stores, probably came from the Romans and later Europeans who used the ferret in hunting. “Ferreting” meant the chasing of small game from their holes. The painting on the right is from a French book know as The Book of the Hunt written by Gaston Pheobus, around 1389 a.d. It demonstrates the hunting of rabbits with ferrets. The man in the green sleeves is placing a muzzled ferret into a rabbit hole. The rabbit’s exits have been covered with nets. Ferrets are most adept at tunnel-hunting but are susceptible to larger carnivores above ground. They are knowm to kill game twice their size. They were also used by farmers to rid barns of rodents and mariners to control rodents on ships. What rodents weren’t killed by ferrets were frightened from the barn for months due to the ferrets’ scent. Rodents are deathly fearful of the ferret’s scent. Queen Victoria had ferrets in 1875. Ferrets also appearing in the Arnold Schwarzenegger movie “Kindergarten Cop.” Ferrets were used in rodent control in the U.S.A. until they were displaced by chemical poisons and traps. Ferrets were even used by Boeing to run wires through tight spaces in aircraft assemblies. Strangely, in 1999 Lt. Co. Blaisdell came to the U.S. Space Commands rescue when it was having trouble wiring its new missile warning center. The good Lt. Col. recalled the aircraft exploits of ferrets long ago and volunteered his ferret named Misty. Misty ran wires for computers in conduits at the the Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado in areas that no humans could access. The ferret apparently worked for strawberry Pop Tarts.

While commercial and hunting uses for ferrets have disappeared, ferrets seemed to explode in popularity as pets once someone figured out how to descent them back in the 1970’s. Once the odor of the ferret was controlled, the ferret became a pet you could keep in you house without stinking it up.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Female ferrets weigh from 1.5 pounds to 2.5 pounds. Males are much larger in comparison, weighing from 3 to 5 pounds. Male ferrets are said to be more “lap ferrets” while females are notorious for being fidgety. Ferrets come in a variety of colors such as sable, albino white, cinnamon, silvermit and black. There are also many color permutations such as white paws, bibs around the neck, stripes on the head or back and colored tips of the tail. In the old days, albino ferrets were bred because they were particularly easy to spot and retrieve when used in hunting.

Ferrets reach adulthood rapidly in around six months and live an average of 6 to 8 years. The age rule for ferrets is 1 year of a ferrets life = 12 years of a human’s life. Ferrets retain their playfulness throughout their lives. But the older a ferret gets, the more likely it is that he will like to sit in your lap. Young ferrets are very fidgety, old ones are more likely to be cuddled.

Adult ferrets sleep around 15 hours a day. They usually coordinate their sleeping habits to conform to their owner’s schedule. They will awaken when you’re ready for breakfast and go back to sleep while you’re out at work. They will awake and be ready to play when you get home again.

Ferrets love to play. They will play with you, another ferret and usually another pet. They love to be chased and to chase you. They enjoy playing tug-of-war, running in tubes of pvc piping, jumping on blankets, hiding behind throw pillows, chasing small fuzzy balls, attacking squeaky little cat toys and in general, being very silly. They are also somewhat uncoordinated. When a ferrets gets excited and begins to dance and jump in little circles of joy, don’t be surprised if he jumps himself off of a sofa or runs zig-zaggedly into a wall. Fortunately, they usually aren’t phased by this.

All ferrets seem to like to steal whatever they can drag away, either in their teeth or by dragging something like a shoe with their paws. Even things as big as a boot. They like to hide whatever they steal. They usually just put things they find interesting in a place that they consider safe and convenient for themselves. They usually have one or two stashes in your home. Once you find them, you can find anything that turns up missing.

Ferrets are also relatively intelligent for having such silly small brains. They are able to solve problems which interest them. For example, how to get into the cabinet to drag away all the rolls of paper towels. However, this ability to get into and open things can be a problem, so see the section on ferret-proofing. Ferrets have good memory and know where they put things, like a squirrel remembers where he buries a nut. If you move a ferret’s “possession,” it won’t be long until they are back where your ferrets thinks they belong. Ferrets can also develop special attachments to certain toys. Female Ferrets can develop attachment to toys and goes crazy over her squeaky sound of  toy as a panicky mother of the toy. Males do not seem to care for squeaky noises.

FERRET TUNNEL

 

One of the great things about ferrets is that they love to explore and are so curious, they especially love a ferret tunnel because they will want to know what is at the end of them, even if it is just the same room or another level in their cage they still love the journey through the tunnel.

If you are looking to create your own ferret tunnel or ramp then one of the best things to use will be plastic drain pipe/guttering it is perfect size for your ferret, if you do use this make sure the edges are not sharp, sand them down and also because they are slightly slippery you will need to make sure the angle of the pipe is not very steep or your ferret will not be able to climb up it! The great thing about a ferret tunnel you build yourself is that no one else will have them, but also you can build them around your ferret, no one knows more about your ferret than you!

MALE AND FEMALE FERRET

THE BOTTLE-BRUSH TAIL

When ferrets are nervous, scared, upset, or exploring new territory, they often exhibit a characteristic known as the “bottle-brush tail.” When this occurs, ferret tails get really big and puffy and the hair sticks straight out in a most silly fashion. But fear not. This is a normal ferret reaction to environmental stimuli and does not mean your ferret is sick. It usually lasts only a few minutes and then the tail will return to normal. It’s probably good for a ferret to get excited once in a while like this. It makes them feel all wild and silly.

FEEDING REQUIREMENTS

LITTER TRAINING

FREE ROAM

TEETHING

FERRET-PROOFING

ONE OR TWO FERRETS?

FERRETS AND OTHER PETS

Ferrets will kill your birds, hamsters, mice and insects if they can get to them.  However, ferrets can easily coexist with cats and some dogs.  The most important factor is whether the other pet has a friendly disposition.  New ferrets and other young pets have the best chance to bond over time but that is not the necessarily the rule.  An established pet may accept a ferret into your home, but it is rare they will really bond with your ferret. Very territorial animals and ferrets should not be placed together.  A ferret can handle its own with a declawed cat, but a dog must be friendly and trustworthy to have around ferrets. Ferrets learn their place in most instances and if a cat does not like your ferret, the ferret will not harass the cat, usually.

You should not allow ferrets and cats to share the same litterbox.  Cats may use a ferret litter box from time to time so the box should have a lid and holes in it so only a ferret can get in and out easily.

RAISING FERRETS

What kind of ferret you end up with will largely depend on how you raise your ferret. One that is neglected and kept in a cage in the garage will never develop bonds with humans nor show affection to his captor. You hear stories about someone’s ferret that would always bite and had to be kept in a cage. Well, if you were kept in a dirty cage, beat all the time and kept sticky because no one want to bathe you or clean your cage, wouldn’t you be a little unfriendly? Just remember, in the year 1997, there were over 320,000 reported dog bites in the United States.

A ferret that is raised with love, shown plenty of affection, kept clean and healthy, played with and allowed adequate time out of his cage will return your efforts. You must start young with your ferret in your raising and training. Young ferrets are easier to train than older ones. You would do the same for a dog or cat, so why wouldn’t you do it with a ferret? Ferrets are very intelligent and learn quickly. Just because they are small, do not assume you should treat them like hamsters. Ferrets can be taught to do simple tricks like this one that understands “up” for a raisin.

Young ferrets should be discouraged to nip at human hands. They do not know that if they bite us too hard it hurts. Ferrets have very thick skin and bite the living tar out of each other without much fuss. This is part of their sibling play behavior. By biting you, they are really just playing. Young ferrets do not have the aggressive instincts that an adult may have. When handling a ferrets that is nipping, it is useful to firmly pat his head or hind quarters while saying “NO!.” Scruffing, or the holding of a ferret by the loose skin behind the neck, has also been shown to be effective. Do not beat the ferret. After a few times, the ferret usually gets the hint that biting your hand has its repercussions and will stop. If you allow your ferret to nip as a youngster, it will probably do it when he is an adult. Put an end to it once and for all. Another alternate option you may want to try is putting a little ferretone or lanotone on your finger and letting the ferret lick your finger. You may find that you ferret finds that licking your finger is more enjoyable than nipping it.

The difficult part with ferret biting is that you must remain determined and focused, always be alert to how your ferret is reacting and make sure they do not get the chance to bite, if they do bite then use the two techniques above. Ferrets are extremely curious creatures and one of the times they will bite is when they want to be put down to explore, this will be countered with shrugging or showing dominance.

Just remember after some weeks of training you will have your ferret friendly loveable and no longer nipping at your hands, some ferrets will take longer to train out of the biting, but eventually if you persevere they will love you as much as you love them !!

Also see-Ferret Biting

When a ferret is young, you should spend as much time with him as possible. Play with him, give him treats, and refrain from beating him for accidents. Remember, ferrets are small, so a spank may seem like a brutal attack to them. If you are going to punish your ferret for misdeeds, only pat lightly on the hind quarters or scruff him. Negative reinforcement has been shown to be a useful technique in training of all animals, including people. A very useful punishment is to grab your ferret immediately and put him back in his cage and lock it up. Ignore him for ten to fifteen minutes. Ferrets do not like to be ignored. Another useful approach may be to encourage good behavior, such as giving a treat when he runs across the room just to use the litter box. You should always remember that ferrets seem to have short attention spans. So if they do get into trouble, punishing them or rewarding them even only a few minutes after the fact will not have much effect. Your ferrets will simply not connect the behavior and your reaction. You must punish or reward immediately. Likewise, an extended stay in jail for your ferret will not have much effect since the ferret will have forgotten why he is in there after a while.

TOYS

Ferrets love toys. Whether it is the furry toy mouse you bought at the store for them or making their own toys (like unrolling a roll of toilet paper all over your house). Ferret toys should be first and foremost safe for them. They should not have small pieces on them that can break off and be swallowed by a ferret.

Do not give a ferret a latex dog toy for a ferret will likely chew small pieces off and swallow them. This runs a very serious risk of intestinal obstruction. Latex toys are not durable enough for ferrets. Also, do not give your ferrets toys filed with catnip. While it does not make ferrets “high,” it may not be safe for them. Other great toys are fuzzy things on the end of strings, tubes, an old pair of pants, small soft balls, and small toys that squeak and jingle.

FERRET ODOR

BATHING

GROOMING

ILLNESS

ACCOMMODATIONS

Ferrets need a cage and various other areas to nap or relax in outside of the cage. The more ferrets you have, the bigger the cage needs to be. Here you see the  two cages combined into one. Perfect for two ferrets.  Within the cage, you need a food bowl and a water bottle. A two-story cage is a must. The litter box goes in one end of the bottom of the cage, the water and food go at the other end of the bottom of the cage. The second level should have sleeping and play areas with things such as a bag or some sort of soft, partially enclosed area.  The cage should be some sort of wire cage with a wire bottom and a tray. The better ones have epoxy-coated wires which makes the wires feel softer. Ferret feet get sore from too much exposure to wire-bottomed cages. The carpeting really helps make the sleeping quarters more pleasing to them. Why not carpeting on the lower level then you may ask. Well, when ferrets eat, food often falls around the food bowl. Water also drips and spills. If you have carpeting, food and water will just sit on the carpeting and rot instead of falling below the wire bottom of the cage to the tray. The same is true of the litter box area. Litter is tracked out of the litter box and will fall below the wire floor. It’s just not healthy for carpeting in a cage to have litter and food particles laying around where ferrets are exposed to it. As a compromise, you might want to put a small plastic mat next to the food bowl to make feeding a little more comfortable for them. The ferret cage should have at least one door which can be left open or latched open. Ferrets often return on their own to their cages to eat and sleep and need access to it any time they get out of the cage. You may also want to cover the cage with a blanket or big towel on cold nights. Place the cage where the ferrets will get some sun light, but not too much, and it also should not be drafty.

Outside of the cage, ferrets like nap sacks like the one on the right. It’s machine washable and nice and snugly. Bags and tubes with the warm sheepskin-like interiors are very popular with ferrets, as are enclosed cat houses. If you are lucky to find a ferret house, it makes for a better hangout. Ferrets are burrowers, not climbers by nature. Ferrets prefer their private places to be in secluded, out-of-the-way areas, like behind sofas, in the corners of rooms or even inside of drawers. You will likely find a ferret’s own toy collection inside one of these silly ferret hideouts.