Today, domestic ferrets are very popular among pet lovers. They are also called ferrets. The name comes from Polish and translates as "little thief."
These are very pleasant-looking and playful animals. But before bringing one into your home, you need to become thoroughly familiar with its habits.
Should you get a pet?
A ferret lives up to 9 years. It sleeps for 14 hours a day. The rest of the time is in an active state of wakefulnessFerrets can't be kept in a cage for long periods of time; they need to be active. Therefore, you'll need to give them a lot of attention.
Children should not be left alone with a ferret. They might get carried away playing, and the ferret might bite the child. After all, ferrets are naturally... playing with each other, they bite each other's skinBut they have thick skin, so they don't feel pain. The photo shows a domestic ferret able to grab a child with its teeth.
If you already have a dog in the house, it's best not to get a ferret. When playing, the animal often stands erect, as can be clearly seen in the photo. This is a danger signal for the dog, which will begin to take defensive measures.
But if the decision has been made, then you need to study the rules for caring for a ferret.
Where to buy a ferret?
It's best to do this at a pet store. You can get immediate information about the animal's health there. You can also buy a ferret from a breeder.He will even show you the parents of the pet you choose.
After purchasing a ferret, you should immediately take it to the veterinarian. This will ensure that the ferret is healthy and well-developed. The vet will administer the necessary vaccinations to protect it from disease.
What to feed a ferret?
Dry food is the main nutrition of the animal. Food specifically recommended for feeding cats and ferrets is suitable.It is not recommended to offer food intended for other animals to ferrets.
And even not all cat food is suitable for ferrets. It comes in four classes:
- Economy.
- Average.
- Premium.
- Professional.
To keep your pet healthy and strong, introduce it to premium or professional-grade food right away. It is preferable to give dry food.He will clean your teeth and remove tartar.
The animal must have constant access to water. Food must also be available in the bowl at all times. The animal should be able to relieve itself when hungry. Leftover food should be removed daily, the bowl washed, and a new portion of food added.
Natural food
Ferrets are carnivores. Therefore, their diet should include meat, offal, eggs, and fish. They should be fed twice a day. Fish should be offered to the animal, but rarely.Ferrets love cod, flounder, trout, and mackerel. Chicken eggs should be boiled. Ferrets enjoy cottage cheese and cheese.
You should also buy your pet vitamin supplements. These are especially necessary when the animal is actively gaining weight or shedding.
Housing for an animal
You need to buy a cage that's at least 1 meter long and at least 60 cm high. You should put a house in it and hang a hammock. The photo shows how much the ferret enjoys swinging in the hammock.
A cat litter box can be used for toileting. Another litter box should be placed in the room where the cat will walk and play. If space allows, you can separate part of the room and create an enclosure. There should be no electrical cords on the walls, holes in the floor, or other items.
To play with them, you need to buy a rattle or a furry squeaker. They really love things that rustle. But they shouldn't be left alone with these items. They'll chew the toys and choke on the parts.
Ferret hygiene
The photo shows how much pleasure a ferret is having while bathing. Ferrets are often thought to have an unpleasant odor. This is not true. Their fur smells of honey and musk. Their urine doesn't smell at all, unlike cat urine.Wild ferrets emit a strong odor when threatened. Domestic ferrets, however, do not. If necessary, these glands can be easily removed at a veterinary clinic.
There will be no unpleasant smell in the apartment at all if:
- Change the bedding in the ferret's house frequently.
- Wash no more than 2 times a month.
- Use shampoos from pet stores when bathing.
Ferrets love to swim. The photo shows just how much fun it is for your pet. Don't forget to create a small island in the bathroom for relaxation.You can simply place an upside-down basin. The temperature for water treatments is 39 degrees Celsius.
After shampooing, rinse thoroughly. Dry your pet with a soft towel and place the ferret in the box. There, it will dry its fur completely on its own. Make sure there are no drafts in the apartment during this time.
After bathing, always inspect your ferret's ears. If wax has accumulated, remove it with a soft cotton swab lubricated with Vaseline. Ears are cleaned only from the outside.. You can't get inside. You could damage the eardrum.
Toenails should be trimmed once a month.You can use nail clippers or cat nail trimmers. If your cat resists, do this while he's sleeping. Trim the tips of his claws at an angle.
During shedding season, you should give your pet a special hair removal paste. Otherwise, hair will get into the stomach and cause a blockage.
Walking the animal
An adult ferret can be taken outside. The ferret really enjoys walks. The photo confirms how much the animal enjoys walks. In winter they really like to dig holes in the snow.Don't deprive your pet of this pleasure. In wet weather, walks should be postponed.
If all recommendations are followed a domestic ferret will delight its owner for many years, giving him joyful emotions.
