Ferrets: your day-to-day guide

Ferrets may not be for first-time pet owners, but they certainly suit many families if cared for properly. You’ll have hours of fun and be rewarded with lots of cuddles from these cheeky little creatures.

 

What to feed your ferrets

Protein, protein, protein

Ferrets are carnivores, so they need a diet that includes plenty of protein to help them stay fit and healthy. A good quality, complete dry ferret food will provide them with all the nutrients they need.

The amount ferrets should be fed will depend on their age, weight and current health. For more guidance, read the feeding guide on the back of your ferret food package.

Some people choose to feed their ferret a raw diet. However, this approach must be thoroughly researched in order to get the nutrient levels correctly balanced. It’s a good idea to speak to a ferret savvy vet if you’re considering changing your ferret’s diet, to make sure they’re getting the nutrients they need.

Top tip: instead of placing their food in a bowl, try putting it in a feed ball or hiding and scattering it around their enclosure for them to search and forage for. This will be lots of fun for your ferret and help to keep their brain active!

Healthy treat ideas (to be fed occasionally)

• Raw egg
• Boiled chicken off the bone
• Lactol milk (a fortified milk supplement, available from supermarkets and pet shops)
• Ferret vitamin and malt paste – a tasty vitamin supplement
• Raw meat that has been safely and correctly obtained, e.g. chicks, pheasant and rabbit. These can be purchased from most raw pet food specialists and will need defrosting safely.

Water

Daily fresh water is extremely important. Ideally, always use heavy ceramic cat or dog bowls, as ferrets can be rather mischievous when it comes to their water bowls!

Ferrets can be prone to dehydration during the summer months. Try providing them with a shallow, children’s paddling pool or fill a cat litter tray with clean water. Your ferrets will enjoy splashing around in it and rehydrating as they play – a win-win!

 

Handling your ferrets

Ferrets are very sociable. As well as the companionship of other ferrets, they also love to socialise with their owners. Your ferret can become very bonded and attached to you, making playtime an eagerly anticipated part of their day.

Regular handling and interactive play sessions will encourage your ferrets to form a lasting bond with you and your family. It’s always better to handle your pets when you are in a relaxed and confident frame of mind as ferrets are very sensitive and will detect tension. Excited, happy ferrets will fluff their tails up like bottle brushes and jump around your feet and legs. This is sometimes called their weasel dance. When they are tired, they’ll enjoy gentle cuddles, and they’ll snuggle up to you.