Keeping Ferrets As Pets - An Introduction

FERRETS - General Information

Ferrets in the United States today are usually raised for personal pets; however, this is not the historical use of this lively and curious creature. Domesticated more than 2,000 years ago from the European polecat the common ferret has been used for hunting rabbits in Britain for centuries. This small creature is still used today for hunting and showing and to a lesser extent for fur ranching as they are far more docile then their relative the mink. The most common use for today's ferret, however, is as a domestic pet.

Ferrets have a reputation of unpredictability; however, this is often unwarranted and they make wonderful companions when properly raised and handled.

HOUSING:

• Any secure cage with a mesh size of approximately 1" X 2" (maximum) for adult ferrets.
• Floor Size: 3ft X 2ft X 2ft is adequate, more is better
• Nest or Hiding area of 25% of the cage
• Larger exercise area available
• Emphasis should be placed on secure construction as ferrets are resourceful
• Acceptable bedding types:      Straw      Wood Shavings

Ferrets may be housed in groups if the cage is of adequate size. They get along very well especially when all parties are reproductively fixed.

FEED:

Ferrets are true carnivores and can eat any high quality cat food. It should have 30% protein and a high percent fat (~30%) Commercial ferret diets are available, but unless raised on that diet from weaning most ferrets will not eat them.

Give water free choice, fresh daily.

HANDLING:

When handled often ferrets are very tame and easily picked up. Support the body completely as you lift them or they will squirm. Do not drop ferrets as with any animal they can be injured by the fall.

Young ferrets may try to nip you. If this is the case, wear gloves when handling them and do not pull away when they nip. If you do then they have learned how to keep from doing what you want and they will continue to bite. A few days of gloved hands will protect your fingers and quickly teach your ferret not to bite as it does it no good.

CHOOSING A FERRET:

When choosing a ferret for a pet you should always analyze the animal's personality and health. You should look for a ferret that is friendly and does not seem to be to nervous around people. Understand that this animal has never seen you before and will understandably be a bit concerned by your presence until it gets used to your smell.

The ferret that you pick should also appear healthy. It should be bright eyed and alert. There should not be patches of missing skin or fur on its body. The animal should breath easily with no nasal discharge. You should always buy from a reputable retailer or breeder. The person selling the animal should be able to tell you it's past health history as well as the history of the animals living with and around it. He or she should also be willing to guarantee that it is healthy. If you plan to breed your ferrets you should also ask about genetic defects in parents or litter mates as well as being sure that the male and female that you have picked out are not related. You should also check to see if your chosen ferret has been fixed. Most pet ferrets for sale today have been fixed as female ferrets will die if not bred once they come into heat. Unfixed male ferrets have a strong odor upon reaching sexual maturity.

REPRODUCTION

Female ferrets will not go out of oestrus until bred and depleted bone marrow will result from the prolonged bleeding. This will eventually kill the jill (female ferret). For this reason ALL pet female ferrets should be spayed as early as possible. Most of these surgeries are completed before the sale of female ferrets to prevent future problems.

Young are born underdeveloped and are nearly impossible to hand raise prior to 1 week old. Disturbances during this initial week may cause cannibalism in some jills.

COMMON DISEASES

Canine Distemper (CD) - Dog is usually the source, incubation period is 7-9 days, Some vaccines may induce this disease in ferrets so a veterinarian familiar with ferret treatment should be consulted regarding proper vaccination for this disease.
Human Influenza - Several strains cause mild upper respiratory disease in ferrets. This may be fatal for young kits.
Aleutian Disease - caused by a parvovirus, results in immunodepression and susceptibility to secondary infections
Rabies - Not always lethal, not proven to be transmittable through saliva, live virus utilized for immunizing dogs can induce rabies in ferrets. No vaccine is licensed at this time for use in ferrets.

Bacterial Diseases (common to PET ferrets)

Abscesses - Common in the upper mandibular area, normally caused by Staphylococcus spp. or
Streptococcus spp. Treatment is drainage under anesthetic followed by antibiotic treatment.
Enteritis - This is common in young ferrets and may be a cause of sudden death. It is noted by bloody diarrhea. A fecal culture should be examined if enteritis is suspected and the treatment based on the bacterial findings.
Botulism - Ferrets are susceptible to Clostridium botulinum type C. Paralysis is normally quickly followed by death. An annual toxoid vaccination can be given if deemed necessary for your area.

Skin Conditions

Fleas - are commonly picked up from dogs, cats and wild animals. Treatments accepted for dogs and cats are safe for ferrets.
Ear Mites - These parasites are common in ferrets and can be treated with ear drops containing gamma BHC or by two injections of Ivermec two weeks apart.

Dental diseases can be a problem with ferrets but are usually a result of improper diet. Diets of soft foods are not beneficial for ferrets. Hard diets help to clean teeth reducing dental problems. Broken teeth should be removed as soon as possible.