Advice For the New Ferret Owners?

[Spontaneous Smile]

We caved. We got a ferret. We've had him now for...4 days now and he's a good little boy. We named his Rhody and he's almost 3 months old.

But I'm just asking if there's anything important we should know. We know what to feed him, that we need to change his litter (He was easy to potty train) and that we have to play with him ever so often.

He got irritated with us a little bit ago because he was chewing on my blanket and we were trying to get him to stop and he started growling and barking. (Or squeaking. ) So do ferrets need things to chew on?

Here's another question. How many times should you feed your ferret a day? The guy who gave him to us said that you only needed to feed them maybe once a day or so.

But I want advice from fellow ferret owners.

[Cougar's Kitty]

As for food: Always make sure they have fresh food and water. They usually wont over-eat. They have a very short digestive system, so it will seem like they are eating allot, but really are not.

As for chewing: He is probably just bored. My oldest ferret does this and has chewed holes through blankets. You might wanna get some ferretlax(just in case) and maybe a rubber chew toy, or a cloth one. Both made for puppies. I think they even have a ferret kong some where's out there. But I have only ever seen it for sale online.
Or...you can just take him out and play with him, lol.

[Nenya]

All I know about ferrets is you should handle them regularly so they become tame. I assume they do need things to chew on though since their teeth probably grow like rodents teeth do.

Google is your friend and I'm sure you can find lots of information out on there

[Spontaneous Smile]

Thanks guys. ^^ We've been playing with him a few times a day. We let him out and let him crawl around and stuff. I think we probably do need to get him a toy or something.

[FunnyBunny]

I personally don't own any ferrets but a friend of mine does and I know you might want to keep him in a place where people don't go often. Maybe a bathroom no one uses. BECAUSE let me tell you. After a while those little critters will STINK up a room. Oh and make sure it's cozy, or at least not cold. Once me and my friend were outside with one, (it was fairly cool) and the little guy started shivering. It was kinda cute actually. 8] Wow, long advice. I gonna shut up now. ;]

[Tsuki_Hana]

Yes ferrets only need to be feed once a day. Just fill up the bowl in the morning and he'll be alright. [Make sure you have the type of bowl that attaches to the side of the cage.] Fresh water should be always available as they are similar to cats and can get a bladder / urinary tract infection if they don't drink enough water.

Since your lil' fuzzy is young he should be growing his adult teeth...so like babies he needs to chew things. I do not recommend those rubber tube dog toys as their jaw can get stuck in the opening. There is a special chew toy for ferrets that is flavored, usually in chicken, raisin, and beef. They are "star" shaped and can be hung in his cage for extra play time. :3 You get all three flavors for about 5-8 dollars USD (including tax).

The "rumble" or "dooking" noises means he's happy and not angry with you. You made him excited when you pulled the blanket from him. They like that. You can also play peek-a-boo with him by covering him with a blanket then removing it quickly, and repeat. He'll go crazy with dooking and bouncing. It's hilarious. Your fuzzy is too young for tug or war but when he's about 1- 1 1/2 you can play that with a soft towel or rope. Ferrets like balls (no pun intended). So a tennis ball would be perfect, or a rubber one. They also like dark tight places, such as under couches, behind furniture, and tunnels.

*you might also want to consider getting him a companion, when you are ready of course. Maybe you could adopt one, there are many adoptable ferrets who need a new home. :3~

[Quarab58]

Ferrets love to play, they always make silly noises when they do. They also jump around like crazy. It can be intimidating, but don't worry about it. [: You'll want to play with him a LOT or get him a friend, since ferrets are extremely social. You also might want to consider getting him a harness and leash if you haven't already, since ferrets love to play outside. Just make sure to keep a close eye on him and make sure the harness is tight enough, but not too tight.

[eunoia]

Originally Posted by FunnyBunny

After a while those little critters will STINK up a room.

When taken proper care of this really shouldn't be an issue. You can get stuff to put in food or water that will cause a ferret to smell less, but with regular baths (remember not to wash above the neck) your ferret really shouldn't smell any worse than any other pet would.