Getting Ready to Adopt Your Ferret, Bunny and Kitten
The moment we think of adopting a pet, the mindset should be of welcoming a new member in the family. A pet is not a substitute for a toy; it’s rather a very important inclusion in the family. So, we must welcome it like one. It’s very important to be sensitive towards their needs and requirements. No matter which pet you are planning to bring home, preliminary preparations are necessary, for them to feel at home. Your choice of pet would depend upon your degree of commitment, what are the infrastructural facilities at your disposal and finally how much money you are actually prepared to shell out.
If it’s a ferret you’re looking at, there are some serious pre requisites. First, you need to find out whether ferrets are legal in your area. You must be aware that the life span of a ferret ranges between 8 to 10 years, and your interest in it should last that long. Ferrets need a huge cage, with separate eating, sleeping and toilet areas. You need have enough space for that. You must also be ready to shower ample time and energy on them.
Ferrets are highly energetic animals that need at least two hours of human play time everyday. If you plan to leave them free to roam about in the house, make your house ferret proof. All potential holes and cracks should be sealed and litter pans should be scattered everywhere in the house so that they do not poop around the house. A lot of patience is required to give them toilet training.
Another important thing to remember about the ferret is that, they are extremely curious and inquisitive animals and they can also get very destructive when bored. So, you need to invest in some toys etc, along with their basic accessories (cage, feeding bowls, water bottles, shampoos, hair brushes), to keep them engaged.
If you are preparing for a bunny, you need time, space, commitment, responsibility and money. Bunnies too have a life span of almost ten years, so you need to be committed and responsible towards it for a long time. They also require at least two hours of simple running around daily, so you need to provide due company. Also, you need to provide them with fresh water, fresh food and veggies and clean feeding bowls every single day. Without these, they might eventually fall sick.
You need to have a large empty space to house a huge cage and also arrange for plenty of hay. Initially taking care of your bunny could prove to be a daunting task, but with due commitment you will slowly but surely master it.
If you’re adopting a kitten, be prepared for a commitment of at least 15 to 20 years. Though cats are mostly independent animals, you need to bond with them over weekend play sessions and long walks. That keeps them secure. You also need to spend some money on their vital accessories, like feeding trays, scratching poles, clippers for the claws, brushes and shampoos for the coat, premium quality cat food etc.
The best way is to take care of your pet like you would nurture your baby.
How to Conduct Ferret Bite Training with your Pet
Ferrets are very playful animals. When they get excited they tend to nip and bite into their owners or any one who plays with them. They also have a habit of biting into furniture. Long time ferret owners often complain of their pets biting into sofas or chairs. The animals find furniture very attractive and bite into them with their sharp teeth. This may be a cause of concern and if this behavior is not corrected it will become a nuisance.
Training ferrets to stop biting furniture and people is not a difficult task. The pet owners can train their pets however they need to be patient with the animal. This could be a long process especially if the ferret has been indulging in this sort of behavior for a long time.
If your house pet is constantly nibbling into things around the house then you need to distract its attention. You can place a small toy in the ferret’s cage and let him nibble on it. Let him know that this is the only thing that he can bite on. If you notice the ferret nibbling on other things in the house even after it has its own toy then you need to change your technique. Place the animal in the cage as a punishment for a few minutes. This action will help the ferret to understand what he has done. If you continue this action every time the animal bites something you will be able to stop this behavior in a few days.
Playing with the ferret will also help to reduce nipping and biting behavior. In some cases the ferrets bite as they are seeking attention. This can be prevented by spending a few minutes of the day with your pet. However if it continues to bite then you can use a stern voice and call it by its name. The change in your behavior and voice will teach the animal what is not supposed to be done.
Flicking the ferret on the nose lightly when it bites something will help it to understand and learn not to repeat its actions. This is a good way to reinforce positive behavior.
If you notice a positive behavior then you can offer the ferret a treat. All animals learn through positive reinforcement. The ferret will appreciate the treat and will avoid biting in order to get treats.
This training may take time and may lead to a lot of frustration. However owners need to be aware of the fact that the animals will learn eventually and hence they need to be persistent when training their pets. The animals take time to learn and owners need to reinforce positive behavior. Ferrets are extremely sensitive and fragile animals and hence owners and trainers must refrain from hurting them physically. Using verbal warnings will help to get your point across however shouting and yelling at the animal too often is not going to help and hence it must be avoided.
Pre-Requisites for Keeping a Ferret as Pet
A pet normally is an interesting addition to the family. It gels with our lifestyles and behaviours, slowly transforming itself to suit our mannerisms and habits. But, in order to have a successful pet caring experience, you need to choose your pet wisely. Try to analyze your actual need for wanting to have a pet. Ask yourself if you would have a sustainable interest in your pet, or is it just a momentary craving?
A pet is not a toy, and it needs to be taken care of, so having a committed mindset is most essential. If you are planning to bring a ferret home, for example, you need be well prepared in advance.
At the outset, check if keeping ferrets is legal in your area. Some states may allow you to bring in one, if you are coming from another state, but may not allow you to adopt another one.
Next, you should be ready for a long term commitment, because ferrets normally have a life span of about 8-10 years. You would have to take care of it, for that long.
You need to understand that ferrets are usually very lovable, relatively clean and intelligent animals needing a lot of attention and playtime. When bored, they can get really destructive; this means spending at least a couple of hours each day, to play with them. A regular playing activity will be fun, and it will help them lead a blissful life. You can also consider getting two instead of one, because they are likely to get less bored in pairs. If you get a pair, check if the ferret home you have provided is suitable to house an extra ferret or not.
A ferret would normally require a huge cage with separate sleeping, toilet and playing area, for a healthy living. Such cages would consume lots of the available empty space that you might have.
Some families leave their ferrets free to roam around in their house. But, the condition is that your home should be ferret-proofed, because these creatures are very curious by nature; I will not be surprised if you find them scampering around the house, trying to get into all possible holes and crevices. So all such openings and cracks need to be sealed, and plants shifted from their reach.
Another pitfall of giving him free access to roam around your house is that he might poop all over the place, gleefully. Ferrets generally have very high frequency of pooping, and peeing because the storage space in their intestine is too less. So you need have adequate patience when litter training them.
Litter pans can be placed all over the house, especially in their favourite corners which they could use as toilets. When litter training your ferret pet, remember that ferrets—as smart as they are—are also very strong-willed animals with very short attention span. This means, you may need a lot of time and patience to be able to train them successfully.
How to Get Things Right for a New Ferret
Ferret parents know that it helps to have a few things in place before bringing their new ferret home.
To start with, you’d probably find yourself crawling around your home, looking for spots that could are potentially dangerous for the little guy. That’s because ferrets are predominantly rodent hunters; they love to get into holes and crevices. It is good to inspect your home, check corners, and probably holes, where the ferret might get trapped. It would be a good idea to tape them shut if required, with cardboard.
Ferrets must also be kept away from dryer tubes and other electrical appliances like refrigerators and ovens. Ferrets, as cute and tiny as they are, might also get inside the springs or gears of sofas and couches—so look out for those.
You also might want to consider giving your ferret pet proper vaccination as they are vulnerable to bacterial attacks. You want Mr. Energy to be healthy, not sickly.
Be ready with nail clippers, proper bedding, cage and litter area for the new guy. Cozy bedding with soft pads will keep the ferret happy, especially since it spends almost 18 hours a day sleeping. It is good to inculcate good habits, by attaching a litter pan to the cage and rewarding the ferret when you find it using the pan.
Speaking of littering, it is good to remember that ferrets usually drag their hindquarters over the floor after littering; hence it would be a good idea to have the cage in a place where the floor can be cleaned easily.
If one already has ferrets in their home, bringing in a new ferret would need additional attention. In such a scenario, introducing a pair of new ferrets is easier than introducing one, as the former strategy would help distract the attention. Some pet owners carry their older ferret to the shop to let it choose a new ferret to ensure, they don’t have a power struggle. Ferrets should be given some time to adapt, so be very observant. Common strategies like applying bitter apple on their necks or using Ferretone on their faces can help prevent them from fighting. The first introductions could be at some place that is “unclaimed” to both the new and the old ferret. When they grow accustomed to each other ferrets will be a great pleasure to watch as they now have a playmate.
Before bringing your ferret home, you should be well aware of their habits so you do not get surprised by their antiques—for instance, ferrets sleep so soundly, they are often mistaken for being dead. They really are something else!
Finally, remember that ferrets are smart and can be trained, and that regular interaction with them will earn their lifelong trust.
Design A Cozy Ferret Home
Taking your new ferret home requires advance preparation. Besides possibly ferret-proofing your house and researching all you need to know about your ferret’s behavioral patterns and diet, you also need ensure there is a comfortable ferret home waiting for the little guy.
Ferrets are very active and, at the first chance, would run all around the house, and squeeze into the narrowest of burrows or holes, if there are any. It is then a good idea to keep your ferret pet inside his cage, especially when there is no one watching him.
A good ferret cage should be spacious, safe and easily accessible. Do not provide a cage that is made of metal that can rust or injure the ferret. It shouldn’t also be made of plastic that the ferret can chew upon. If the cage is made up of multiple layers to give the ferret the freedom to climb and jump up and down, make sure there are no sharp edges and that the little guy doesn’t get trapped between the layers.
Ferrets spend a lot of time sleeping, that’s why giving them a warm, cozy place is very important. A comfortable home for them would always include a hammock, preferable a fleece hammock or a hanging tube. There can also be a sleeping sack or pouch, into which the ferret can snuggle in, when he wants to rest peacefully. These beddings should be soft and remember to clean them regularly.
Litter-training your ferret is also recommended. Attaching a litter pan on one side of the cage opposite the bedding and leaving a very small amount of litter in it would indicate to them, where they should go for littering. There is a good chance they would overshoot the pan, so it would be better if one of the edges towards the walls of the cage is higher. Ferrets should be initially treated for using the litter pan encouraging them to do so all the time.
Ferrets like to dig out their food; therefore the cage should have a deeper, heavier dish to avoid spillage. Ferrets eat lesser amounts, so it is better to not fill up the dish completely and have the ferret dig into it. And because ferrets eat every 3-4 hours, you should always make sure there is sufficient food in the dish.
Ferrets drink better from dishes than water bottles, but the chance of playing with the water and littering is also greater. Ensure the cage has a dish with clean water all the time as lack of water can cause diarrhea and dehydration.
If the cage is spacious, ferrets can be given toys to play around with. Make sure the toys you provide are not made of latex as that would be dangerous for the little guy if chewed. Hard toys, specially-made ferret balls or stuffed toys can also keep your ferret busy and active while she is awake.
Your ferret’s cage should get regular sunshine and open air, as darkness could cause it to grow smelly and expose your ferret to bacteria.
Buying The Right Ferret Hammock
Although ferrets are very playful and active, ferret owners must know they sleep as much as 18 hours a day. This is why providing them with the right bedding that is comfortable, cozy and soft should be of the highest priority.
Ferrets love hammocks, something that can double up as a bed and a play thing for them. You can buy good ferret hammocks online or from pet shops, where you have thousands of choices in color, size, and type of hammock. Some ferret hammock sites even donate for ferret care!
Ferret hammocks can be made at home, too. You can try this: Cut out an old pair of jeans, and make sure the size can accommodate your ferret comfortably. It is also good to consider where you plan to place the hammock (i.e. inside the little guy’s cage, under the table, etc.). Put holes in it and, using a few bathroom shower curtain hoops, hang the homemade hammock for your ferret to enjoy. This can be kept inside the house, in the sun or in the shade, as long as your ferret can play with it.
Providing a hammock for your ferret doesn’t have to be expensive at all. You can even use a soft napkin or towel and fasten it on four ends to make a comfortable hammock.
Ferret hammocks can also be netted. You want to make sure, however, that the nets are small enough so that the little guy doesn’t slip through it. The clips that come with the hammock should be checked for proper functioning as well. Again, if you are hanging them inside a cage make sure there is sufficient space and also, that the metal of the cage is not rusted.
Now, fleece hammocks are usually very soft and comfortable and most ferrets take a special liking to them. These, at retail, can cost anywhere from $5 to $20, depending on how cozy and comfortable they are.
The most common and popular ferrets include the cubed, hanging tube and fleece pool hammocks.
The cubed hammock has holes to its side, giving the ferret the feel of hiding inside a hole in a tree. The little guy can enter from one hole and move out of the other, giving them the feeling of navigating a burrow and leaving through its exit.
The hanging tube hammock provides some sort of an adventure for the ferret. This will give you ferret a feel of a dark tunnel where he can burrow and sleep.
Now remember—your ferret’s hammock should ideally be not too delicate to be destroyed by your ferret’s litter. It is also good to ensure that it is not made of a material that the he can chew on. It should be rather strong and easy to clean.
Hammocks are really good for ferrets as they help them stay agile. Ferrets love climbing up and down and jumping around and only a good a hammock can give them that experience even when inside their cage.
How To Care For A Baby Ferret
Ferrets belong to the weasel family and their biological name is Mustela Furo. Baby ferrets are known as kits and are extremely small, with pink skin when they are born. These babies mature quite rapidly and in 4 months, they grow up to their normal size. One must not handle the ferret mothers during the birth as it may harm the babies. Their eyes open up in about 3 weeks time and by 6 weeks, they usually can live without their mothers. This period is usually spent eating and growing up.
After around 6 to 7 weeks, ferrets can be adopted. Not desexing the kits results in complications in their behavior when they reach the breeding age. So, baby ferrets are neutered or spayed when they are about 6 to 7 weeks old to take care of this issue. The ferrets start giving out a distinctive odor when they are matured. Hence they undergo de-scenting around the same period, where the anal glands are removed through operation. The incision should be treated with a bit of peroxide for the purpose of cleaning when necessary. This would be a cut on the stomach for the female from where the ovary has been removed.
The kits needed a vaccination against distemper as they are vulnerable to it as much as any other pets. This includes a series of 3 injections with a gap of 3 weeks between them, starting when the ferrets are 6-7 weeks old. So most of the ferrets in the pet shop would have received the first of the injections and hence one must take care to vaccinate it couple of more times.
|The ferrets must be weaned when they are adopted. The food given to them shouldn’t be changed abruptly. If one wishes to change the diet of the ferret, the change should be slowly incorporated with the old food, instead of completely substituting it. Although ferrets are carnivores and can consume meat products, high protein content or high calorie food will be good for them too. Ferrets can usually be given high protein cat food. The food bought at the pet stores should be usually soaked in warm water for around 5 – 10 minutes to be on the safe side. Sugary treats to ferrets could cause pancreatic problems at a later stage. Although the kits like dairy products like ice cream and milk, they tend to suffer from diarrhea when they consume them. One must be mindful of these facts before choosing the diet for their kits.
Ferrets easily contract respiratory problems and hence they shouldn’t be handled b members of the family suffering with cold. These problems in ferrets could be treated by a veterinarian by administering oral antibiotics. Ferrets should be taken good care of and one must constantly check for signs of viral or bacterial attacks. The bacteria could cause diarrhea, which could be detected by the greenish color of the feces. Antibiotics are given to the ferret to treat it. Diarrhea can be caused due to lack of proper water content in the diet as well and hence one must be mindful of the diet of the kit.
What Is The Best Ferret Diet?
The diet you give your ferret is very important if you want to maintain his healthy, playful nature.
Your ferret’s diet, as recommended by most veterinarians, should have at least 30% protein, 30% fat, and as low as 3% fiber and carbohydrate content. His food must be stored in a dry place to avoid formation of mold that will cause health problems for the little guy.
Another thing you need to remember is that ferrets have a small intestinal tract, which means they can only consume a little amount of food at a time. And because they generally eat in short cycles of 3 to 4 hours, the amount of food they consume needs to be concentrated rather than being plenty in quantity.
As your ferret grows older, around 4 years, you may start giving him adult food, gradually changing from the cat food by mixing both old and new diets. Dog food should be avoided because it lacks some of the content that is required for ferrets. On top of that, ferrets do not really have the ability to digest the high carbohydrate content of the dog food.
Can ferrets go vegan? No, sorry. Ferrets cannot get the nutritional value of plants, so high protein food is best for them to avoid nutritional imbalance.
The cute little animals like to also feed on fish. Cold water fish like salmon are very good for their protein content. Poultry fat is usually a good source of fatty acids required for the ferrets. Grains, sugar and fiber are best avoided in the ferret diet.
Ferrets love water, which is good because water is a very important part of their daily diet. As a matter of fact, ferrets love water so much they actually stop eating if they haven’t had water for 24 hours.
Always make sure your ferret is properly hydrated, as he is very susceptible to Diarrhea. Ferrets drink more from dishes rather than bottles, but then again if there is water kept in the dishes all the time, they are likely to play in it and litter it.
Ferrets may be fed in the form of dry pellets. Moisture in the food causes it to sour in warm conditions after a few hours which might not be healthy for the ferret. Additionally, the moisture content can cause ferrets to develop a plaque on their teeth, so keeping their food dry helps maintain your ferret’s sparkly teeth.
You may use deeper bowls when feeding ferrets as they love digging out their food. If you have more than one ferret, separate bowls should be used rather than overfilling one.
Ferrets love the idea of treats and can be trained using them. Eggs, dried frozen liver, cooked meat are all excellent treats for your ferret. Vegetables, raisins and fruits, on the other hand, should be avoided at all costs.
Things You Need To Know About Ferret Care
Ferrets are cute, cuddly pets that can reward their owners with lots of fun and laughter. They should be taken good care of and trained well, in order to turn them into well-behaved pets.
These exotic little pets are highly inquisitive and are usually very playful and mischievous. In fact, their name is a derivation of the word thief.
They occasionally nip at the fingers, and must be trained to give up that habit. They don’t need stern punishment of any sort to learn good pet habits; giving them treats in the form of their favorite snacks, can do the trick.
Caring for ferrets include a variety of things. Their diet should be well taken care of. They usually need a nutritional value that’s high in protein and calorie content to balance their activities. Lack of water content in their diet can cause Diarrhea, so you want to ensure your ferret is properly hydrated at all times.
Ferrets usually sleep for 18 hours a day, but this is gradually adjusted to their caregivers’ schedules. During those “bouncy, energy-filled hours”, it is good to bond with your pet by gently cuddling him, while softly speaking to him, for 5 to 10 minutes, at least a few times a day.
Vaccination, de-scenting and neutering should be done at the appropriate time. De-scenting is done by removing the anal glands that supposedly give out a distinctive odor, although there are arguments about the need for this procedure. Vaccination is highly recommended as ferrets tend to contract Canine Distemper, which can be a terminal illness for ferrets. They are also vulnerable to Coccidia, which are single celled parasites that cause Diarrhea in ferrets.
Take your ferret for a regular check-up to ensure he is healthy. This can be inferred by looking at their walk, the color of their feces and the general activity. They don’t usually tend to be lethargic, hence lesser activities can something signal a bacterial infection.
Providing playthings and toys to your pet is also an excellent idea. They are very playful, curious, and hyper in nature, and require regular mental stimulation. When choosing the right toy, pick the ones that can appeal to your ferret’s inquisitive nature. Make sure these toys are neither plastic nor latex, as your ferret can chew on them, possibly harming themselves in the process. Cardboard boxes, ferret balls, sturdy toys used for cats, bells, tubes and rings for hanging make great toys to keep the ferret busy and active. Avoid smaller objects that the ferrets can swallow as such objects can choke them.
Ferrets shouldn’t be punished for not doing the proper things e.g. nipping or not using the litter box. As your pet matures, start rewarding him with his favorite treats whenever he does what you want him to. This is a great training tool, especially when you really want to see results.
The Behavioral Analysis of Frisky Ferrets
Frisky ferrets with a true zest for life are continually rated as the third most popular domestic animal in America. You are sure to get easily lured by their mischievous attitude and cute little faces.
When considering getting a ferret for a pet, it is also important to take into consideration the host of responsibilities also come along with owning one.
Ferrets are unique pets and their personalities are wonderfully diverse. Before getting a ferret for your pet, you must first learn about their different behaviors and traits that will definitely save you many visits to the vet.
Ferrets are sound sleepers, so don’t panic if your ferret doesn’t seem to wake from his deep slumber. They sleep for almost 18 hours in a 24-hour cycle, so if you’re worried (because the little guy doesn’t seem to be breathing), you may position your head close to his body to detect shallow breathing and body temperature. The adorable thing is, once the little rascal gets in his playful mood, you won’t be able to even spot him in one area!
When you let your ferret out of his cage for the first time, he might scare you a bit as he runs amok your house, bumping into furniture and nipping at your heels. Don’t worry this is normal behavior for your ferret.
Because ferrets generally have poor vision, you can expect your little pet to occasionally bump into objects; although they don’t necessarily hurt themselves when that happens, it is still good to keep the jumpy little one safe. Once you hold your excited little ferret, he might shake a little. This is his way of showing affection and excitement. A biting or nipping ferret is also quite normal, but if this is the case for your ferret, it is recommended to nip or bite train the little guy. This is needed especially when you have young children at home who will most likely play with the little guy. Never ever hit your ferret to simply punish him. This will make him unnecessarily aggressive, which can result to harder nips and bites.
Ferrets are playful in nature. They love to be constantly stimulated and entertained. This jovial attitude is very endearing and can bring a positive vibe in your home. Just as bouncy and energetic as they are, they are also curious, fearless and mischievous creatures who love hiding in dark places. With a daring sense of adventure, they may tend to move outdoors, but try to keep them indoors and make sure they are provided a safe environment.
The reciprocating angelic creature knows how to impress anyone with his antics. You can make him sit in the palm of your hand, and his charm goes unsurpassed.
Ferrets are frolicsome, sprightly and high-spirited creatures, and incredibly stubborn at times. And as a responsible ferret parent, it is important for you to interpret their nature and bear with their habits. In turn, you’ll find these lovely creatures to be the most supportive friend and the best companion!
