Ferrets

Ferrets make great pets. They can be suitable for children to handle and can be lots of fun. However, they require plenty of attention to be cared for properly, and keep in mind that they can live for up to seven years. Please note that ferrets are banned in Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Housing

Ferrets require a large hutch to live in that is safe and secure, has an area that protects them from the weather and provides enough space for exercise. A suitable hutch design includes a dark, dry area for the ferrets to rest and hide, which has a bedding of soft hay or shredded paper and is water proof. The other section of the hutch should be light and large enough to allow for a separate exercise and toileting area. The hutch must be well ventilated. It is best to have a hutch made out of wood as metal hutches tend to heat up more quickly. Ferrets enjoy climbing and are very inquisitive. It is recommended that ferrets hutches have multiple levels connected by gently sloping ramps so they have more space to explore. Ferrets benefit from access to different stimuli such as toys and tunnels.

It is important to clean the hutch at least ever second day by removing soiled bedding and ensuring ferrets have a dry area to sleep. Ferrets that do not have access to clean bedding can suffer from respiratory infections, skin ailments and pest infestation such as fleas and mites.

Diet

Ferrets are carnivores, which means they eat only meat. Their diet should consist of cat or dog biscuits, which are high in protein and fat and low in carbohydrates and fibre. They should also be provided with raw bones to keep their teeth healthy. Do not feed your ferret cooked bones or bones that are small enough to swallow as they may get stuck in their throat. If you prefer to feed home prepared food ensure you check with your vet that it meets the dietary needs of your ferret. Fresh, cool water must be provided at all times.

Companionship

Ferrets are social species and prefer to live in groups. In keeping ferrets, always have at least two. To avoid unwanted pregnancies separate males and females or have your veterinarian desex them. Males will be less likely to fight each other if introduced at a young age. Females and males can be prone to fighting amongst each other so make sure you accustom new ferrets with each other in a supervised environment or through a mesh fence before they co-habit.

It is best to separate ferrets from other animals. Ferrets are hunting animals and if mixed with guinea pigs, rabbits or even kittens they may attack or kill them.

Health problems

Health care for ferrets should include regular worming, vaccinations, heart worm prevention and flea control. Ferrets should be vaccinated against distemper at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age then again at one year.

Ferrets should be desexed around 6 months of age. Ferrets that are desexed will not produce unwanted litters, are less aggressive and have a milder scent. If you are breeding from your ferrets ensure they have been vet checked and are fit and healthy. Any health issues that develop require advice from your local veterinarian.

Heat stress

Ferrets can suffer from heat stress. Once the temperature exceeds 30ºC it is necessary to regularly monitor your ferrets. It is important not place the hutch in direct sunlight during warmer months. Keep it in the shade even on warm to cool days. It does not take long for heat to build up in small areas. On hot days it may be necessary to provide a frozen drink bottle or ice brick in the nesting area of the hutch to reduce the temperature.

Exercise

Ferrets require daily exercise. If your ferret is living in a hutch of minimum size make sure it has an exercise area that is safe and can be left in for at least two hours each day. If ferrets are let go in the house or back yard they must be supervised as they can chew and swallow hazardous objects.

Handling

Ferrets make great pets for children. However, they must be handled appropriately so they do not scratch or bite and can develop a positive relationship with humans. It is important to handle ferrets regularly, especially when they are young. The best way to handle ferrets is to pick them up with two hands and to hold them close to the chest or on your lap so they can rest their feet and feel secure.

Scent

Ferrets do have a strong scent. This is not to do with their anal glands, as some people believe, so having the anal glands removed will not affect their scent. There are three ways of reducing the scent:

Have your ferret desexed.
Wash its bedding often.
Wash the ferret once a month (any more and the oil sacks under the skin will increase in production).