Ferrets Toys: The Best Companion for Your Fluffy Pet
Ferrets and their ceaseless entertaining antics can be enjoyed even more if you provide them with a few special ferret toys. The pet market today is teeming with an infinite number of ferret toys. The wide collection of exciting, interesting and safe ferret toys is a great way to keep your little pets active and happy.
Unlike other domesticated pets, ferrets are loved for their fun-loving, jovial and curious nature. These hyper little creatures have a habit of running into anything or everything that comes their way, which is simply playtime for them. They generally love to play with almost anything, but playing with typical ferret toys are always more enjoyable.
When selecting the perfect ferret toy, choose those that are durable and safe. Keep in mind that the most common hazard accompanying ferret toys is choking, so make sure your ferret doesn’t accidentally swallow his toy (or a part of it) during playtime. Keep an eye on the possible hazards of playthings for ferrets. It is always good to get some hard sturdy plastic toys for your ferrets, which can also be used as cat toys.
One common toy for ferrets is the hard plastic ball containing noisemakers. Ferrets just love to carry them all around and play with it all day long. They also love those soft balls made from fleece. There is yet another option to buy those large ferret balls with holes, through which these tiny creatures can climb in and out. The commercial ferret tubes and PVC pipes are also loved by ferrets.
Your ferret would also enjoy the hanging parrot toys that are usually made of wood, heavy ropes and bells. However, whenever you buy ferret toys that have ropes or other long hanging accessories, try and keep a watch on your pet when he’s playing with the object.
Your ferret may also prefer playing with toys meant for your child like teething rings, rattles, and other small hard plastic toys. Be creative. For total entertainment, you can provide playtents or houses, soft cloth bags for hiding, and even sleeping inns!
Before heading out to shop for new toys, it is important for you to know the kind of toys that should not be given to your mischievous ferrets. All kinds of soft rubber or latex toys should be kept at bay, because they can easily be chewed up or swallowed by your pets. Also, you want to avoid such accessories that come with small parts and can break off easily. Before buying clothtoys for your ferret, look out for signs of breakage or loose threads as these can potentially hurt the little guy. Always discard any toy that can possibly cause any kind of harm to the ferret.
Ferret homes, decked with an assortment of ferret toys and accessories will undoubtedly let the tiny, frizzy kids spend some quality time. Additionally, keeping them well-engaged with enough of fun things to do within their cages will minimize chances of ferret accidents arising out of home décors or drawers or house warming plants.
Ferret Life Span: Know the Ways to Increase it!
Ferret, the cute, fuzzy little creatures are sure to capture your heart and make you fall in love with them at the very first sight. As members of the Mustelidae family, these cute little creatures have minks, skunks, otters, weasels and the European polecat as their cousins. The good news is that you can easily domesticate ferrets, unlike their cousins. The disappointing facts about these lovely creatures are that their survival instincts are extremely minimal. If left uncared for, they will surely die within few days.
Responding to every minute needs and requirements of a ferret is extremely vital to keep them alive in good health. The normal life span of ferrets ranges from 6-8 years. Beginning at the age of 2-3 they are susceptible to two most widespread ferret syndromes – Insulinoma and Adrenal Disease. These necessarily require medical and surgical intervention, which in turn may affect the ferret longevity.
In order to ensure sound health of your ferrets and make them live a longer life, these cute and fuzzy little pets should be taken to the vet clinic at least once a year for a complete check-up and make them take the required vaccinations like rabies (IMRAB3) and distemper (Purevax-D). Galaxy-D is a well known medication for ferrets that has been used safely for years and provides general protection.
As a responsible ferret owner you can certainly make your ferrets to live long, and there are certain measures to ensure the same. Knowing the active and playful nature of ferrets, make sure you keep them in cages spacious enough to let them move and play around on their own. There should also be a litter box, food bowl, water bottle, and various hammocks to allow them to relax. However, the following measures can certainly help you extend the life span of your ferret.
1. Keep your pet ferret under close supervision. Try and understand their behavior; interpret their needs and requirements, provide them the best diet, give them their preferred snacks and keep all required ferret accessories in stock. No need to spend hundreds of your dollars to get the perfect things, just try and understand the need of your own ferret and buy accordingly.
2. Typical ferret diet comprises of high meat protein and fat. Give them the food that is exactly needed. Be on the look out for both new and traditional dietary systems such as the Marshall Ferret Diet. Ferrets don’t eat much. So in terms of diet, never go beyond their line of necessity. All kinds of non-essential treats and sweet foods should be avoided as far as possible.
3. Knowing the active, playful and mischievous nature of ferrets, having a ferret proof home is very much essential. Very often these little creatures tend to slip under the cabinets and sofa beds. Plants, drawers and holes are the possible sources of ferret accidents and should be taken care of, or else these may bring across severe consequences for these small creatures.
Owning a pet is a lifetime commitment, and when it comes to a ferret, responsibilities are even more. Ferrets are social creatures demanding a fair amount of care and attention with a relatively shorter span of life, and this is perhaps what makes them all the more lovable. But with the right kind of care and attention bestowed upon these little creatures, you can surely increase their life span.
How Important are Ferret Houses
As a ferret owner, your first and foremost responsibility is to ensure the safety of these little tiny creatures. Ferrets are small creatures with high levels of energy. Never will you see your pet ferrets sitting idly in their cages. These active little pets love to play around and are always up to some kind of mischief or the other. No wonder, these frisky little pets are more vulnerable to accidents.
There’s a wrong notion among ferret pet owners that they can let these tiny little creatures move around freely in their living space or around the house. The truth is, this can be allowed for more than a few minutes, but ferrets necessarily need proper homes. Ferrets are sociable and it is better to keep more than one ferret. When kept in pairs, ferrets live together harmoniously and play with each other cheerfully.
A proper shelter for your pet ferret is an essential requirement. Buying your ferret a deluxe multi-level cage does not draw a line to your responsibilities as an owner. Ferrets are by nature, clean animals and as such it is important that their homes be kept neat and tidy and proper hygiene be maintained strictly.
As active little creatures, your risky, fuzzy kids will demand for plenty of space to play and exercise. This call for large, room, weather-proof and comfortable ferret homes. These houses should feature an enclosed sleeping area that is free from draughts. Ferrets are maestros when it comes to digging holes, and as such it is important to ensure that their homes have a solid floor that is difficult to dig and easy to clean.
A plastic bottom is a great instance of a good floor for your ferret home. The plastic coated metal gives a better look, but the sharp-toothed ferret will keep on ‘eating’ these plastics over time, which in turn will lead to digestive problems.
Ferret houses should be sheltered from heat. These delicate creatures are vulnerable to hot weather and extreme heat can lead to serious health problems. As such always keep ferrets in a cool and dry place – away from direct sunlight.
Padded sleep sacks for bedding is recommended for the ferrets. These have to be fitted well into the house. Old blankets and other material can also be used only if it provides enough of warmth and protection. Never use hay or straw for ferret beddings.
In case of multi-level ferret homes, it is important to note that there are no gaps in between the levels, or else the little one may get trapped when moving around. Buy a ferret house that has multiple levels and large doors.
Remember to keep abundance of toys in the ferret house. While buying accessories for your ferret’s house, keep a close eye on each item’s manufacturing details. It is advisable to stack your pet house with toys that are durable. Cat toys are usually the best for them.
Ferrets need constant supply of fresh water. So it is important that you keep small water bottles or water troughs inside the ferret houses, and the same should be changed a number of times per day. Try to keep the ferret houses clean at its best possible extent. This will not only keep your pet healthy, but it will also keep your living space free of odor, stinks and other related problems.
Ferret Prices For Having The Most Adorable Ferret On The Block!
Ferrets make great pets, if you’re willing to put up with some of their adorable little quirks. Intelligent and highly energetic, these furry charmers express their love for life in ways that are simply endearing.
Considered as the third most popular household pet in the United States, ferrets may be purchased from a pet shop or a private breeder, or adopted from the shelter. Keep in mind, however, that ferrets are not legal to be kept as pets in all cities and states, so before you get one, check with your local police first.
Now keeping a ferret for a pet will cost you about the same as it would to own a cat or a dog. And yes, you guessed that right—it’s not as inexpensive as you think it is.
Pet Stores and Private Breeders
The purchase price of ferrets varies, depending on two factors: the type of ferret you want (breed) and the area where you want to buy it.
Pet stores and private breeders would typically charge around $50 to $250, depending on the type of ferret you want: the White Albino is tagged at around $50 to $130, while the Black Sables with dark eyes and nose are priced from $75 to $20; ferrets available in other mixes including silver tips, chocolates, sables and blacks, all range from $130 to $165.
Additionally, ferrets sold at the pet stores are already spayed, neutered and de-scented, which saves you about $250 to $270 in veterinarian costs.
Ferret Adoption Shelter
Adopting a ferret from a recue shelter is a great way to give wonderful ferrets a loving home. These ferrets are sometimes already littler trained and have been thoroughly checked by a vet. Some of these ferrets, however, have history of abuse and neglect, so be sure to give them enough love and affection as soon as they move in.
Now adopting a ferret isn’t free; there is often a small fee for administrative paperwork and a larger fee for the ferret adoption. These fees, however, are still cheaper than buying a ferret online or from a pet shop, and are there to discourage people who may not treat the ferret well.
A few other responsibilities to consider. . .
In buying ferrets, you need to have an additional provision for the ferret cage, feeding supplies, and other accessories; all of which will cost you around $100 to $250. The trick here is to base your purchases on quality rather than style, keeping your expenses at a minimum.
You would also need to allot about $75 for the vaccinations. Other veterinarian costs include: neutering, which runs from $100 to $240; spaying and de-scenting your ferrets are tagged at around $125 to $270, and $74 -$100 for simple spaying. The cost for canine distemper and rabies vaccinations runs at $20, per ferret.
Are ferrets worth all the expense?
Absolutely! Owning a ferret does require a bit of spending, but you can’t really put a price tag on friendship and company, can you?
If you think that a ferret is the right pet for you, then be prepared to be amused, entertained, and be loved unconditionally.
Ferret Hunting Tips
Ferrets are natural hunters of rabbits, mice, and other pests living in burrows. For centuries, farmers have used these sleek and frisky critters to eliminate rabbits and rodents destroying their crops. Although it is difficult to say when the ferrets began to be used as hunting animals, but there are accounts to suggest that as early as 2500 years ago the ancient Greeks were coming up with ferret hunting ideas. About 2000 years ago when rabbits caused an epidemic in Balearic Islands in Mediterranean, people used ferrets to get rid of rabbits. In the thirteenth century England, a ferreter was appointed to Royal Court.
Using ferrets for hunting is also known as ferreting. It involves identifying the burrows in the field, positioning trapping nets on all the holes of the burrow except one, and then sending the ferret down this hole to drive out pests hiding there. When these rodents come out from the holes they either get trapped in the nets or are killed by the people waiting there. In an ideal situation, ferrets merely drive out the pests from their underground warrens.
If your ferret is hungry when it goes into the burrow, the chances are high that it will kill some prey, feed on it, and happily go to sleep right there – and your hunting expedition is finished. So feed your pet properly before leaving for the field, but not so much that would make it sleepy soon.
The success of your hunting mission primarily depends upon on how accurately you know about the burrows in the hunting field. An important part is the pre-hunting observation of the field; ideally you should be able to spot all the holes leading to the burrows and position your trapping nets there. The holes that you miss out provide escape routes to the rodents when the hunting begins.
It is best if you position yourself at some strategic location somewhat away from the field and use binoculars to trace the movements of the rabbits. This will give you a fair idea about possible number of holes, and hence the number of nets needed to be arranged. There is another danger of leaving some holes undiscovered. These holes will not only allow the rodents to escape, but your ferret can also go far away chasing the preys and it may never come back to you again.
The best way to track the movements of your ferret is to use an electronic tracking device that can be mounted as a collar on the critter. This is of great help in monitoring the movements of the ferret particularly when it goes into the burrows; there may be situations when you have to dig the ground and bring the ferret out.
The natural hunting instincts of ferrets provides a more humane way to control pests, as opposed to the practice of using harmful gasses and poisonous chemicals to eradicate them, which cause agonizing and long drawn deaths. Just last year, the city of Helsinki in Finland used ferrets to bring down rabbits population in the city.
Training a Baby Ferret
An infant ferret – kit – needs a lot of attention like any other baby. Kits are born blind and hairless, take about three weeks to open their eyes, and can safely leave their mother after six weeks. The kits should be ideally fed with high protein diet and any change in their diet should be gradual. If you have no prior experience with kits, it is better to learn about their proper care and training so that you have the satisfaction of giving your best to the infant. It will help a lot to be in constant touch with a veterinarian.
There are various ways to get a baby ferret – right from your local pet store to online purchase. Baby ferrets for sale on local pet stores are normally separated from their mothers, so they generally have difficulty socializing with humans. You can find baby ferrets with breeders; these babies not only grew in the company of their mothers but also had constant interaction with the breeder. So you will find them more social
Another good place is the local shelters to find baby ferrets, waiting to be adopted. Here the babies are likely to be somewhat older than the kits sold by pet stores or breeders, but you can get (adopt) them at much lower cost compared to what you would otherwise pay for a kit, which is usually around $150.
Training the cute tiny kit, particularly if it is too young, is the first thing you will have to undertake after bringing it home. Besides the litter-box training, you will have to educate the kit about its nipping and digging habits. The best way to train them is to reinforce the positive behavior rather than punishing the habitual acts.
Knowing the natural behavior of ferrets will help you understand and train them better. They go into a kind of “potty dance” – spinning and trying to put their rear towards some corner – and need to be taught how to use the litter-box. Nipping (biting) comes natural to them. When it nips, you may try blowing on its face, making a loud “YIP” sound (mimicking it’s “ouch” sound), or spray bitter apple oil on yours hands (it will give an unpleasant taste whenever it will bite you).
Digging is an act of playfulness for ferrets; sometimes it is done out of sheer boredom. They can dig in food, water, their own litter, or in plants. Besides they can rip through the fabric of your bed or couch. You have to both watchful and skillful to handle this funny habit. You can spend time playing with the kit, provide some small toys so that kit is busy, or provide some discarded material like old carpet pieces that are perfect for digging.
You are like a foster mother or father to tiny critter who is totally dependent on you for its well being. So give it the same attention that you would give to your own baby. You can be assured of a great time caring and playing with the young ferret.
How to Get a Good Ferret Hammock
Hammocks provide an ideal resting place for ferrets. As opposed to resting on a cozy stationary coach, a swinging bed in the mid-air has its own attraction – even ferrets enjoy that! It is not that ferrets can’t sleep without a hammock, but it is certainly more pleasurable. Providing your ferret a hammock shows how much you love your furry pet and care for its comfort. If you like making things yourself you can make a hammock at home, or you can select from the wide variety of hammocks available in the market.
Adult ferrets on an average can sleep up to 20 hours a day – and they prefer to rest in a dark and soft place. So you will obviously be concerned about providing a comfortable bed to your favorite pet. Old soft clothing provides ideal bedding for ferrets. How about a discarded sweatshirt, fur jacket, or just a simple blanket; your ferret would love to crawl into the sleeves. You can look for something similar in a thrift store, if you didn’t save one.
An easy way to make a hammock is to take an open basket, hang it with four strings, and spread the clothing in it. Since ferrets sleep for long hours, it is important that they are able to rest comfortably. Hence the hammock should be soft and cozy, besides providing sufficient room for movements. An important thing to remember is that it should not be very deep; else your ferret will have difficulty getting out of it.
If you want to buy a hammock, you have many choices such as the pet stores, thrift stores, news-paper ads, and online resources. No matter where you buy from, you should make sure that it is machine washable and it can not be easily bitten off by the ferret. It is absolutely important that you are able to clean it easily so that your ferret can remain healthy, and if the little critter can chew into the hammock material, it is certainly not safe for it.
While pet stores are good places to buy hammocks, they normally offer limited variety. Your best bet is online shopping; there are various sites that make your shopping experience fun. The best part of shopping online is the availability of a wide range of variety – in quality, design, as well as price. As a general rule, the more you pay the cozier hammock you are likely to get. In just about twenty dollars, you can select from a large range of tempting designs of good quality hammocks.
If this is the first time you are keeping a ferret, online resources can provide you complete education on ferrets. You can learn along with your family members from the online magazines; discuss with other ferret lovers on forums; and buy food, toys, and clothing for your ferret.
Ferrets are wonderfully cute and playful. If you provide them a comfortable hammock and toys to play with, you have created a live source of entertainment right in you home.
