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Ferret Care Basics

What are the basics of caring for a pet ferret?

By Ailigh Vanderbush
Posted: August 1, 2009, 10:15 p.m. EDT

Q: My nephew just went away to college, and I have been given custody of his ferret. How often do I bathe her? Do you recommend any household objects she could play with? My nephew kept her in her cage almost always, but I believe she likes to be free. Any suggestions are welcome!
 
A: Congratulations on your new pet! Ferrets can be a blast, but they do require attention and care. There are some great resources out there for new ferret owners, and I always recommend doing a little research into your new pet.

Ferrets need access to clean water and a high-quality food. They also need quality playtime out of their cage daily so that they can exercise, explore and interact with you.

Generally speaking, ferrets don’t need a bath unless they get into something specific that requires washing them. You shouldn’t notice a strong odor if you keep a ferret’s bedding and litter boxes clean.

Some ferrets love toys, while others take some time to get used to the idea of playing with something. It may take a while to find the right toy for your ferret. Household items can be used, but ferrets tend to destroy almost anything, so don’t offer any item that your ferret could ingest.

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Reader Comments
Bathing: Ferrets shouldn't be bathed more then several times a year (once every 3-4 months) unless they get into something that requires a bath. Otherwise, you can dry out their skin. Ferrets are very neat and groom themselves often (like cats).
Toys: Do not use anything that a ferret can chew through (which is a lot). They love bouncy balls but be sure to take them away before they can bite a piece off. Ferrets can die fairly quickly from intestinal blockages. Ferrets love anything that moves or makes noise, so a simply plastic bag (monitored) a box with a lose lid or flappy lids. The biggest thing is ferrets love to interact with you! They are very social and love play time. They will chase you around and hide periodically. Be sure to have a squeeky toy to draw them out. Ferret proof your house before letting them lose. If their head can fit through, so can their body. They also love to chew on everything, so watch phone cords, cables, etc. Using Bitter Apple spray or plain rubbing alcohol should deter them. Don't put it in their mouths, just what they are chewing on.

Rule of thumb for ferret free time - they are like 2 yr olds so they require constant attention to prevent any dangerous settings for them. Otherwise, have fun! Oh, and be sure to take him/her to the vet for yearly checkups and shots.
Ali, Fayetteville, PA
Posted: 11/11/2010 4:53:21 PM
If it helps, I tend to bathe my 3 darlings about once a month. Unless they did something that requires me to bathe them a bit more. A book that I strongly recommend is 'Ferrets for Dummies' by Kim Schilling. I don't know how much I have referred to it!
Jasmine, Newcastle, Australia
Posted: 10/19/2009 8:18:51 AM
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