Ferret Clothes – Ideas to Transform Your Ferret’s Personality
Men and women display their creativity now by dressing up their pets much in the mold of a fashion designer! Dressing ferrets, cats and dogs are mistaken by many as an act of showmanship. But in reality, more often the animal enthusiasts resort to such acts as a genuine sign of love and affection for their pets. Dressing animals like ferrets are not a costly exercise. But the ferret owners have to keep in mind that the attires they choose for their pets, keep them comfortable and happy.
Clothing ferrets fulfill a functional role too. They help you protect your ferret from rain, extreme cold and high temperatures. So when you take out the ferret for a stroll, you could put on a raincoat for him, just as you wear one in anticipation of the rain. Similarly a cap for the ferret guards him against the sun and the sweater helps him to stay warm during the cold winters.
Ferret owners relish dressing up their cute little ferrets with fashion wear. Casual dresses like T-shirts, sweaters, jackets and bandannas make the ferrets look chirpy and gorgeous. The ferret owners look to dress their cute pets even better on special occasions like birthdays, Christmas and even for the Halloween days. Ferret owners take great delight in dressing up their ferret in the Santa garb. Reflective clothes are now another viable option that ferret owners have while taking their pet for a walk at night.
Safety and comfort of the ferret are given prime importance by the ferret owners when they choose the ferret dresses. As the playful ferrets tend to chew loose long accessories in their dresses, owners ensure that no part of the dress is in a suspended state and protruding out. At the same time clothing should be easy on the ferrets without arresting their free movements. Ferret apparel is available in wide variety of fabrics and you may choose the type of fabric depending upon the season, to make your ferret stay comfortable and cozy.
To make the ferret apparel look very original, simple and even cheaper, the best option is to design clothes yourself for your pets. By sparing sometime and giving expression to your creativity, you could make colorful bandannas and capes for your ferret pets. With handy sewing machines and easily available Velcro it is now becoming easier to design clothes at home for the ferrets. Adequate care must be taken in choosing materials that are safe and easy on your ferrets.
With the trend to dressing up ferrets and other pets catching up fast, pet lovers vie with each other to dress up their ferrets in the most dazzling style possible. Whether they choose long clothing to cover the ferret from head to toe or just tie around a vest, owners ensure that the clothing are in bright attractive colors and designs to make heads turn in appreciation. Ferret owners are now able to easily source the net for great new styles and ideas to dress their favorite ferret, prettily.
Ferrets Breeders and Reasons to Opt for One
Ferrets are exotic pets and behave the way we train them to be. It is important to ensure that we bring home a quality ferret. Ferrets breeders make an ideal choice in such circumstances. The first question to ask before getting a ferret is if the home and its inmates make a good habitat for the pet. The characteristics of this animal differ vastly from that of a domesticated cat or dog and hence sufficient care and attention must be offered to it. Ferrets are inherently very inquisitive and investigative and take the first opportunity to explore things or objects.
They are very active and possess some basic quirks. The undesired behaviors can be eliminated or minimized by training them. Bringing home a ferret and maintaining them is quite a task. It is important to get a good one and also be well aware of what must and must not be done while having a ferret around. This is when ferret breeders prove beneficial to interested parties. Also, there are plenty of others reasons why you should opt for a ferret breeder.
First and foremost, ferret breeders are quite passionate about the animal they rear and hence would have ensured the best of conditions for the ferret to survive. A ferret breeder ensures the quality of the animal; that means the animal you intend to bring home is free from any sort of disease or illness. The health and temperament of the ferret is most likely to be assured. For this reason, purchasing from a breeder could be a more expensive option than buying a ferret from a pet store but it may be a more worthwhile thing to do.
Also, since breeders are trained to breed and raise healthy ferrets, the possibilities of genetic disorders in such ferrets are almost zilch. Therefore, the number of visits to the vet can be substantially reduced. Most of the breeders are very choosy about the kind of animal they deal with when it comes to bloodline. These breeders occasionally sell to other breeders and do so only when they are confident of the conditions that the prospective home will provide to the ferret. Although most ferret breeders breed ferrets for shows, it could be possible for you to purchase a ferret when some amount of confidence is instilled in them.
Once a particular ferret is decided upon, it is suggested to visit several ferret breeders and ask them many questions relating to the ferret. This does not just help in obtaining pertinent information but also to do a comparison on the prices. Prices of ferrets taken from breeders may vary considerably. A ferret that has been rescued by a breeder and raised could cost lesser. A ferret can be purchased from $50 to $75 and also up to many hundred dollars for an animal.
Ferret breeding is an expensive business and is told only for those who are passionate about ferrets. A well trained kit is a pleasure to watch and maintenance of one is extremely important.
Ferrets’ Biting Behavior and How to stop it
Biting or nipping is generally considered as a ferret’s typical behavior. Nipping or biting can be avoided by training a ferret appropriately. Nipping is a natural behavior in ferrets especially when they are young just like the way other domestic animals are. Those ferrets that have been either abused or not properly raised bite. This is more because of fear or as a defense mechanism. Ferrets do bite but not as much as dogs or cats. Effective training from early years makes them gentle and docile. Such ferrets rarely bite.
The reason why training should begin from the first day is because baby ferrets are quite nippy and do not understand the implications they could create when they bite. They nip or bite during play and hence training them to be gentle is important. It is also important to understand that some ferrets become severe biters owing to the lack of care, trust and / or human contact. Hence biting becomes a defensive tactic.
Sometimes ferrets also bite when they need attention. This could be when they are hungry or terrified or when they are in pain. Ferrets do not understand their jaw strength and the incisors could go right through the thumb or finger flesh. Hence this habit must be discouraged and there are several options one can go for to distract them from biting. Feet are more prone to receiving bites since these are in close proximity to a ferret that wanders. Stinky feet invite bites all the more. Some wear socks to discourage biting or nipping. Some apply bitter apple which tastes terrible and is detested by ferrets.
Ferret chew toys could also do the trick in many instances. It is very important to say ‘NO” loudly (but not in a high pitch as in yelling) every time one receives a bite. Any kind of negative reinforcement like spanking or yelling etc may not prove beneficial. On the contrary, positive reinforcement like treats or praises go a long way in completing the training successfully.
The most recommended technique to train a ferret not to bite is to scruff them every time they bite. Scruffing refers to gently holding the skin on the back of neck until the time the ferret is relaxed. The ferret should be held in this position for a few minutes before putting it down. If the ferret is put down immediately, they will relate biting with being laid down. A firm and loud “NO” should also be coupled with this act.
Scruffing is the most natural way to deal with this behavior since this is how a parent or another ferret does. Some ferrets could also react strongly to any kind of physical restraint. In such cases, withdrawal of attention or time out in the cage or walking away could help. The basic logic is that the ferret must understand that its habit of nipping or biting is not liked by the person. Once the ferret stays away from biting, it is suggested to encourage them with a treat. In due course of time, the objective will be achieved.
Facts on Ferret Teeth & Dentistry of Ferrets
The Ferret (Mustela putorious furo) is a pet animal of the mammal group. It is an obligate or true carnivore, as it depends on animal flesh for survival. Adult ferrets have 34 teeth (both upper and lower) of four categories namely:
o Canines (Four in numbers) to kill its prey and cut flesh so that the chunks are digestible
o Incisors for grooming itself
o Premolar (Twelve) for chewing food
o Molars (Six) in the far interior of the mouth for crushing food
In ferrets, the dentition (the kind, number and arrangement of teeth in a person or animal) is of two types – the Baby or Deciduous & Permanent. The dental formula of the former (when the ferret is 4-3 weeks old) is 2(i3-4/3 c1/1 p3/3) i.e. 30-28 teeth and the latter (at an age of 51-75 days) is 2(I3/3 C1/1 P3/3 M1/2) i.e. 34 teeth.
In the above formula, i/I represent Incisor, c/C & p/P stand for Canine and Premolar, and M indicates Molar ( Small letters for Deciduous and Capital Letters for Permanent; first figure indicates the number of teeth in the upper jaw and the second figure corresponds to the number of teeth in the lower jaw). Incisors are either less or more in number.
Dental Problem in Ferrets:
Like in cats and in dogs, Orthodontic Conditions i.e. problems concerning teeth also exist in ferrets. However they rarely suffer from cavities. Being a carnivore, the ferret feeds on soft food and that leads to periodontal conditions. This is quite common in mammals.
Organisms responsible for periodontal disease are bacteria and plaque. In such diseases, the gums (comprising of soft tissues) are affected. The initial or the common/notable phase of this disease is called Gingivitis. At the onset of this stage, the bacteria mixes with saliva to from plaque. The plaque binds with the teeth and hardens to form Calculus & Tartar. The tartar causes irritation to the tissues of the gum and causes infection and swelling.
Early signs of Gingivitis include bad breath (doggy breath), bleeding from gums difficulty in eating and chewing, increased sensitivity of the gum tissues, etc. This initial phase is quite notable and if proper treatment is initiated immediately then Gingivitis can be healed completely.
Indications of Dental Problems in Ferrets:
1) Inflammation and Bleeding from gums.
2) Brown or Yellow deposits on the teeth.
3) Bad breath
4) Loss of weight.
5) Discomfort and pain in the mouth while eating / chewing.
6) Depressed or Lethargic behavior.
7) Oral Discharge.
Loss of appetite
9) Tooth fall.
10) Swelling of the facial region.
Caring & Cleaning Techniques:
Cleaning a ferret’s teeth requires utmost care since it has to be anesthetized. In Western Australia, three of these animals were killed while trying to clean their teeth. This could have happened either because the anesthetization wasn’t correct or maybe the ferrets had other problems which along with the anesthesia became fatal.
For brushing its teeth, any soft baby brush and baby toothpaste will do (in case ferret’s toothpaste is not available). Cleaning the teeth once or twice in a month is just enough. Brushing its teeth too often will damage the gums of the animal. Also, the ferret may swallow the paste which again will lead to other problems. Slowly rubbing over the ferret’s teeth is the trick. Make sure the pet is in the mood to get its teeth cleaned. Brushing should not be more than a minute or two. After that, wash the mouth with water properly.
Cleaning the teeth not only prevents rare chances of cavity since bits of food won’t get stuck but it also eradicates bacteria from its mouth. Simply following the above steps will ensure the pet remains trouble-free from oral defects or diseases.
Ferret Sneezing – Some Facts
Ferrets have been domesticated from time immemorial and are usually funny animals. They display many kinds of quirks and this could vary from one ferret to another. However, there are certain common behaviors a ferret owner can watch out for. Sneezing for one is a common phenomenon in every ferret. These animals have a tendency to sneeze. This is largely because they are closer to the ground and tend to smell almost everything that they sight upon. They are inquisitive by nature that makes them investigate everything.
Sources of dust are plenty. Cat litter is an archetypal example. Dust could also emanate from products that one uses to clean the cage or litter box or items like carpets or cigarette smoke. Second hand smoke is unhealthy for ferrets.
When they sniff some object or some surface that is dirty, the natural tendency is to sneeze but if this sneezing is coupled with lethargy or a running nose, those are signs to watch out for. The ferret is then likely to be sick. The condition should improve in some time. If there is a prolonged problem and the ferret develops a cough with a mucus discharge that is thick, it becomes imperative to contact a vet for a check-up.
On the contrary, not every bout of sneezing calls for a visit to the vet. It is considered normal if the ferret sneezes occasionally. It is an interesting fact that ferrets actually have their nose held in order to force a sneeze and then wash face for the purpose of spreading a certain scent, that emanates from below and behind their ears, over their faces. These glands are not prominent in baby ferrets or kits until they become more mature.
Every time a ferret sneezes, one can notice an immediate increase in smell near their ears. The sneeze of a ferret is generally loud and sounds as if it is combination of a sneeze and a cough. When the ferret looks healthy and shows no sign of fatigue, then there is likely to be less or no cause for worry. When bouts of sneezing or coughing happen twice or thrice a day, it is considered normal but when the occurrence is frequent, it may be better to have a check-up done. Ferrets can very easily contact infections or catch viruses from humans. So it is better to stay away from a ferret if one has flu or a cold. Respiratory infections are quite common in ferrets.
Kits are vulnerable and more susceptible to these infections during transportation, from overcrowding, weaning or poor housing or even from a different habitat. Upper respiratory infections could be treated in a few days once the prescribed antibiotics are given to the ferret. It could be quite a chore for the ferret to eat pills because of a blocked nose. To make sure that the ferret is healthy, a periodic check with the vet is necessary and any kind of unusual signs must be watched out for.
The Sensitive Ferret Nose
The energetic and lively ferrets are prone to communicable diseases like flu. The worst part is that the virus is easily transmitted to the ferrets from humans. Luckily however ferrets show early symptoms of getting afflicted to diseases, helping the owners to promptly diagnose the ferret ailments. The ferrets are less active and reduce intake of food when they are sick. The nose of the ferret is a major indicator of the ferret illness. Thus the ferret owners keep an eye on its nose to read the symptoms of diseases in ferrets.
The ferrets normally have a pink nose. When the nose becomes pale and dry, it is an indication that the ferret is not well. Similarly when there is a green or yellow discharge from the nose of the ferret it is an indication of infection. Ferrets also start sneezing, coughing and have running nose and watery eyes much like human beings when they get cold. The ferrets should be made to drink lots of fluids to avoid dehydration, when they have loss of appetite on contracting diseases.
Ferrets are susceptible to allergies and it is advisable to keep the environment clean when ferrets are around. They show signs of allergy to any scented products including detergents and insecticides that are used at home. Ferret clothing and beddings are thus to be totally free from traces of chemicals. Even a stinking litter-box left behind for couple of days affect a ferret.
Ferrets suffer from blockages easily of many fine materials including hairballs, rubber, plastic and even litter. Symptoms like coughing, vomiting and pawing at the mouth indicate that the ferrets are suffering from blockages. As more serious secondary infections are caused by the common cold and fever, ferret owners should keep a careful watch on the health of their pet.
All precautions have to be taken to ensure that ferrets do not get worse by contracting your viruses, if you are also not well. Either you get someone else who is healthy to take care of the ferret or you should take preventive steps like covering your nose and mouth and washing your hands well before going near the ferret. When simple antidotes do not cure the ferrets of their ailments, they have to be referred without any further delay to the vet with good knowledge on the ferret diseases. Vets suggest even surgical options in cases where the blockages caused by hairballs are severe.
As the fragile ferrets deteriorates in their condition very quickly, it is mandatory for the ferret owners to keep a strict vigil on the health of their pets. They tend to get infection from human beings and again transmit the disease back to the humans, making it a vicious cycle of ill-health to both the owner and the pet. Ferrets those are young, old and pregnant show more susceptibility to diseases. Hence periodic visits to the vets, administration of prescription diets and maintenance of clean environment, help ferrets to stay healthy and active.
Ferret Noises – Comprehending the Different Noises Your Ferret Makes
For people who really want a pet and one that isn’t too big like a dog or too agile like a cat, can just go for a ferret. Ferrets are domestic mammals that make a great pet. They are small and easy to manage as they like to spend most of the day sleeping and are active only at the time of dawn or dusk.
Ferrets have been known to make various noises when they experience different emotions. Like a cat purring or a dog barking, ferrets are known to dook, hiss, squeak and screech, whine and whimper and scream. All these noises or sounds are peculiar to their different emotions.
“Dooking” also called clucking (like a chicken’s) is a sound a ferret makes when it is expressing itself to be happy, playful or excited. Dooking is a mix of a chuckling noise and chatter. Ferrets dook when they want to play with you; they either dook very softly or in some cases appear to be very excited and jumpy.
Another sound associated with the ferrets is hissing. Just like snakes, ferrets hiss when they are annoyed or angry or frustrated. They also hiss very regularly which is often a sign of that the ferret is trying to communicate.
When playing with its playmates, you might hear your ferret squeak or screech. This is their way of expressing playfulness or it might also screech when it is losing a fight with its fellow ferret. Squeaking can be studied by the owner to know when a ferret gets angry so that you can try and calm it down and control its screeching.
When in pain, fear or excessive discomfort, a ferret will whine or whimper. If found whining or whimpering, the ferret should be looked at carefully and you should try and locate the cause of the ferret’s fear, pain or discomfort. If it continues to whine, you must take it to a veterinarian.
A scream, in all species, is not a good sign. A ferret screams when it is in extreme fear or pain or in some cases extreme anger. The best thing to do is to locate your ferret and find the cause of its scream.
It can be observed that like every other animal, ferrets also have characteristics peculiar to them, like their sleeping position (spiral shaped is the most comfortable position for a ferret). But it is important to see how all the noises that a ferret makes are similar to other animals too. Dooking can be associated with chickens, hissing with cats and snakes, squeaking like a mouse, whine when in pain like a dog or a cat, and scream which again can be associated with the howl of a dog.
Unlike humans, ferrets cannot talk and these peculiar noises that they make are their way of communicating with us. And if you own a ferret, then it is important for you to know what your pet feels so that you are able to take really good care of it. And who says that dog is man’s only best friend? A ferret can be man’s best friend too. All it needs is a little bit of understanding.
Ferret Lifespan and Ways to Extend It
Ferrets are lovable creatures that are a pleasure to own for every pet owner. Unlike dogs and cats, they have a unique personality. Although, it is quite difficult to manage a ferret in the early stages, with appropriate training it can be disciplined and many of the undesired behaviors can be eliminated. Lack of care and attention and non-conducive habitat can make them hostile and undisciplined. Therefore, not all individuals can fancy or maintain a ferret as a pet.
The lifespan expectancy of a ferret has been largely speculative. However, it has been predominantly considered that the average lifespan of a ferret is 8 to 10 years. Having said that, there are ferrets that live for 5 or 6 years and some live for even 12 or 13 years. Ferrets are considered baby ferrets or kits from birth to about 2 years. Interestingly, majority of the life of a ferret is spent in the geriatric phase which means they reach old age when they are three years old.
This also means that they become susceptible to many diseases from the time they turn three. The most common ones include adrenal disease and insulinoma. These diseases will affect the pet’s longevity. Also, unhealthy environment and lack of training for the ferret are also causes that affect the lifespan of the animal. Although it is not possible to extend a ferret’s life beyond a reasonable age, certain parameters can be followed to ensure the quality of life for the pet and a reasonable improvement in the ferret’s lifespan and these are mentioned below:
(1) A ferret’s survival instincts are very minimal, hence substantial care must be offered to them. Ferrets are investigative and playful and have the ability to slip into any corner or creek. This means the home must be made ferret-proof and people should be well educated on what should and should not be done. Also, adequate care and periodic check-ups with the vet is essential to ward off any possible disease or illness.
(2) More importantly, it is recommended that prospective pet owners buy a ferret from a breeder than a pet store. This is because the breeder would have raised the ferret in the most optimal conditions and good health of the pet is assured. Well bred animals will be free of genetic disorders.
(3) Sanitary living conditions are essential. A ferret must be fed fresh food as well as water in clean dishes only. The diet must be well balanced (i.e.) 18% fat, 30% protein and not more than 3% fiber. A ferret’s ability to digest fiber rich food is minimal. Sugar or dairy products are also best avoided.
(4) Proper housing, clean habitat, close supervision and immediate attention to the animal’s needs must be provided. All necessary amenities like cage, litter box, a cozy enclosure to sleep in, and facilities to relax besides others must be ensured.
Ferrets, unlike other pets, demand a lot more care and attention. A passionate ferret lover who can provide a clean and comfortable habitat for the animal can go a long way in improving the lifespan of the pet.
