A ferret is a mammal belonging to the weasel family. It is considered a pet because it is basically friendly and playful. It has a very curious nature and can go around exploring a large place. Since most people like to keep ferrets as pets, there are certain procedures to follow in taking care of them.

Get a big cage preferably made of strong wire where the ferret has enough space to run and play around. Always keep the space clean to keep the ferret healthy. There should be a corner litter box for the ferret to use. Put in some toys for playing. Provide a comfortable soft pet bed for the ferret to sleep in since it can sleep up to about 18 hours a day. Make sure that the clean water is always provided; you can use distilled water as well to prevent infections caused by bacteria which may be present in the water.

Ferrets are carnivorous, so they need meat in their diet. They can be fed some chicken liver and boiled eggs. There are available ferret foods in pet stores. Always make sure that you give the best quality of food to your ferret to keep it free from any illness. Don’t feed ferrets foods containing corn meal or mineral oil because it is not good for their digestion. Remember to take out unconsumed food from its cage because bacteria may already have set in that would be harmful to the ferret’s health. Don’t over feed the ferrets because being overweight may cause health problems.

The ferret can be a delicate pet to care for so vaccinations are necessary to keep it healthy. The ferret has to have some vaccinations while still young but as it grows older, vaccination can be done once a year for precaution purposes.

Try to give the ferret a bath at least once a month. Take particular ferret care in cleaning its ears and feet. The nails have to be trimmed if needed. Check the teeth for some damage and check on the gums too. A vet may be needed to do this if you want to ensure the ferret’s complete health. Also check for fleas on its fur because fleas may cause health problems to your ferret.

Remember to set aside some playtime with your ferret. You can let it out of the cage and have it go around your place. Just make sure that before you let it out, make your place ferret proof as much as possible. Lock all cabinets and doors as your ferret likes getting into them. Take everything off the floor which the ferret can grab its hands on; these things especially the smaller ones can be eaten or swallowed by the ferret. Cover nooks, corners or holes because your ferret would go into these kinds of places. Take out your plants because the ferret likes to play and eat plants which are not good for its health. Close and secure all your appliances so that the ferret will not be able to scratch or open them.

Always keep in mind that your ferret has a very curious nature and is not afraid to do all these things even if doing so poses a danger to itself.

Anthony Jorgensen

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