How to care for your ferrets in cold or freezing weather

Ferrets do not like quick changes in temperature because it confuses their internal thermometer. If you’re going to keep your ferrets outside during winter there are plenty of ways to keep them warm instead of bringing them in just at night and putting them out again in the day. This can be in fact, quite dangerous. Only bring them inside if they look poorly and need to see a vet.

Here are some top tips

• You may want to consider covering the outside of your ferrets’ run and roof with Perspex/clear plastic sheets to keep the wind out, while ensuring good ventilation.
• Provide them with extra blankets for them to snuggle up in.
• Make sure their enclosure has plenty of warm and dry hiding places such as boxes, tunnels, cat carriers and hammocks. Fill all hides with some cosy blankets for your ferrets to retreat to when it’s a bit too nippy.
• During freezing weather, you can use pet safe snuggle pads wrapped in a towel to keep them warm. We wouldn’t recommend filling containers with warm water or hot water bottles as the water inside can freeze quickly.
• Check their drinking water regularly to make sure it has not frozen over.
• Your ferrets may like to play in the snow, but ensure you dry them off well with a towel afterwards.
• Winter usually arrives with nasty colds for pets and people. If you or anyone in your household has one, make sure they keep away from the ferrets, as they can catch it from you.

Companionship

If you have a lone ferret at home, consider finding them a ferret companion (or two).