Ferrets As Pets

The ferret, a small mammal related to the weasel, is a very common pet not kept in a cage, third after dogs and cats. They are playful and loving pets. They require as much care as dogs and cats, and are not a low-maintenance pet. You will also need to take your ferret to a veterinarian familiar with the animal a few times per year with yearly inoculations.

The most common colours include browns and greys, though there are also "albino" ferrets that are white with pink eyes, and the animal's average life-span is about 8 to 10 years.

It's important to spray or neuter ferrets before they reach maturity. (For females, it is imperative, as they will develop aplastic anaemia and die if not spayed.) Also, descenting a ferret reduces the animal's odour and extends its life.

In addition to dry ferret or kitten food, ferrets may also eat fruit and vegetables. Do not feed them dairy products, breads or nuts.

Ferrets should not be caged the majority of the time. Offering a cage as a place to rest or hide is a good idea, but you should not keep your ferret locked up inside. Let it come and go as it pleases to ensure happiness for the animal. Ferrets tend to sleep an average of 18 hours per day, waking often to eat, explore and play.

Ferrets do well in pairs or groups, though it's not necessary to keep more than one. They are generally inquisitive and active, so keep an eye out for them to be sure they remain safe and out of trouble.

Looking for reliable advice and information to help care for YOUR pet ferret? Click here for that up to date information and wide choice of ferret accessories

Ferrets can act similar to cats in that they find many objects extremely interesting, and they'll drag their treasures off to pore over them.

As with any pet, it's best to do your research before purchasing one. Read about the animal, its habits and requirements. Be prepared for a rambunctious pet! If you know someone who has a ferret, you may want to spend some time with it to acquaint yourself with the species. If you have a busy lifestyle that requires you to be away from home a great deal, this may not be the right pet for you. Ferrets require a lot of attention and supervision. Visit your local, reputable rescue shelter or pet store, and if a ferret is the right pet for you, you'll soon have a loving and fulfilling new member of your family!

About the Author:

This article has been written by Tonia Jordan and submitted in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com/ which is a site for Pets.

Back to General Ferret Articles Main Page

Click here for the definitive collection of QUALITY Pet Ebooks