Ferrets have an inquisitive nature and display a variety of playful behaviours. If well handled by people from a young age, ferrets can become socialized and learn to see humans as companions. They can form a strong bond with their owners.
Your duty to care
Owning and caring for a ferret can be great fun and very rewarding, but it can also be quite challenging and is a big responsibility and long-term commitment. If you own or are responsible for a ferret, even on a temporary basis, you are required under the Animal Welfare Act to care for him/her properly.
Understanding ferrets’ needs
Ferrets are domesticated animals. Their most likely wild ancestors are the European polecat and the Steppe polecat. Since no wild counterpart exists, we are still learning about the ferret’s natural needs, habitat and behaviours.
There is no one “perfect” way to care for ferrets because every ferret and every situation is different. It is up to you how you look after your ferret, but you must take reasonable steps to ensure that you meet all of their needs.
Do ferrets make good pets?
Ferrets are funny, entertaining, smart little animals.
They are mustelids not rodents and are cousins to otters, badgers, stoats and weasels. They sleep a lot, up to 20 hours per day, but when they are awake need lots of stimulation and exercise and company of their own kind.
They are quite high maintenance, can cost quite a lot to feed and house properly and you will need to find a vet who has specific ferret experience if they become ill.
They can live for 6-10 years so are a long term commitment.
What sort of housing is suitable?
Ferrets can be kept outdoors in a large hutch and run, converted shed or purpose built ferret court. They will need a warm draught free nest box and lots of tubes and toys to keep them occupied.
They are equally at home indoors in a large cage as long as they have plenty of time out playing and exploring.
Security is a key factor for ferret accommodation as they are experts in the art of escaping.
What do ferrets eat?
Like cats, ferrets are obligate carnivores which means that they are meat eaters. There are commercially prepared dry kibble and wet tinned foods made specifically for ferrets, but many people feed a raw diet or whole prey eg. chicks and rodents.
A beaten raw egg is a good occasional treat for a ferret.
Do ferrets bite?
Like a lot of animals ferrets can bite if they are upset or frightened and not used to being handled.
Young ferrets (kits) test everything with their teeth and play quite roughly with one another so need to be handled correctly from the start and nip trained.
First time ferret owners are better off getting slightly older ferrets from a knowledgeable rescue where their temperament is known.
Do ferrets smell?
Ferrets do have a musky odour which is much stronger if they are not neutered or implanted to bring them out of breeding condition. They will also use glands under their tail to create a strong scent if upset or frightened. Bathing a ferret is not necessary and can actually make their scent stronger. If they are kept in a clean environment and their litter tray and bedding is cleaned regularly it is barely noticeable.
Boys or Girls?
Male ferrets are called Hobs and female ferrets are called Jills. They all have their own personalities and most will live in pairs or groups once neutered. It is better to start with an established pair and seek advice from an experienced owner when introducing new ferrets. As with all new pets doing plenty of research is key for making the right choices.
