Bookmark and Share
Did you see the movie Fantastic Mr. Fox?
Yes, it was terrific!
Yes, it was OK.
Yes, but I didn’t like it.
No, I haven’t seen it and don’t plan to.
No, I haven’t seen it but hope to soon.
I’ve never heard of Fantastic Mr. Fox.


Printer Friendly Bookmark and Share

Ferret Digs Food Out Of Bowl Sometimes

Is it normal for a ferret to dig food out of its bowl?

By Ailigh Vanderbush
Posted: November 1, 2009, 5 a.m. EST

Q: Our pet ferret, Peanut, has an unusual behavior. Sometimes when I put fresh food in her bowl, she goes to her bowl and digs most of the food out and into the bottom of her cage. I feed her the food she was raised on. Why does she dig at her food?

A: Wild animals that are “cousins” to pet ferrets hunt animals that live underground, such as rabbits and prairie dogs. Because of this, these animals are designed for the dark, and to tunnel and dig. This is also why they are so flexible.

So, the behavior you describe is not all that unusual for a ferret. It is probably an instinctive behavior that is being used in the wrong circumstances.

Try giving your ferret a digging pit where she can dig to her heart’s content. This might stop or minimize her digging in her food dish.

See all Ferret FAQ questions and answers>>

 Give us your opinion on
Ferret Digs Food Out Of Bowl Sometimes
Submit a Comment
Reader Comments
I have 2 ferrets- one male one female. My female likes to dig a little food out of her bowl and find the particular piece she wants and carries each kibble one at a time to another part of the room to eat lol. My boy will hang his head in the bowl and eat just like that, never moving.

Even tho they have a place to dig, i think she it just quirky with how she likes to eat. I used to have a cage where the food would fall right thru to the bottom and be wasted. So i took the top of a shoe box and shoved it under the bowl so when she dug it would fall on the cardboard instead of on the floor to waste.
Jennifer, Hillside, NJ
Posted: 11/9/2009 4:16:23 PM
I use an inverted plastic food container lid as a tray to place the food and water bowl on, because my ferret likes to have a little water mixed with his food. He digs his food and water from the bowls onto the tray to eat.
Susie, Fort Worth, TX
Posted: 11/2/2009 7:19:23 AM
View Current Comments

Critters USA
Critters USA
Rabbits USA
Rabbits USA
Ferrets USA
Ferrets USA
Featured Products
SlippyPad and SlippyMat Ferret Potty Pads are your Potty Solution. Highly absorbent pads trap liquids and odors while the waterproof backing protects walls and floors. www.slippypad.com (832) 260-5355
HEY! Is your ferret having enough fun? Ensure your ferret’s fun-time with this 3 ft. high Ferret Tower of Fun. 25 ft. of Heavy Duty Commercial Tubing swirls throughout the Tower. Remember - Exercise & Fun are just a click away.
Ferrets: Complete Care Made Easy - Filled with accurate, up-to-date information, these complete care guides help new pet owners build lasting and loving relationships with their animal companions. Only $9.95
 
>


Hi my name's Oreo~SINGLE BOY!

Visit the Photo Gallery to
cast your vote!