Caring for Pet Ferrets

Intelligent, friendly and playful, ferrets have been domesticated by humans for hundreds of years and can be great pets for the right owners. Like dogs and cats, they enjoy human companionship and can be effectively house-trained. In order to stay happy in your home, however, a ferret will need lots of exercise and company. Before you make the decision to take one home, consider whether or not you'll have the energy to keep it occupied and give it the attention that it craves.

Some areas of the U.S. have laws against keeping ferrets as pets, so it's a good idea to check with a local breeder, veterinarian, or pet store before you get one. You should also consider whether you could insure your prospective pet or otherwise provide for its health care needs. Ferrets need regular vaccinations and health checks; sometimes they may also have to be treated for illnesses.

Ferrets are very active animals - more so than most domestic pets. Their prime motivation in life is to explore. For this reason, a ferret will likely be happier with a companion of its own kind. Adult ferrets have to gradually grow comfortable with each other; it's best, if you buy two ferrets, to get neutered kits (young). Even with two kits entertaining each other, though, you should anticipate exercising and playing with your ferrets for at least two hours a day.

You will also need a strong cage (which will serve as their main home) and a secure play area (where they can get their exercise). Because ferrets are so active, they need a roomy cage. Rabbit hutches are of comparable size, but they will need to be reinforced with extra strong wire and door latches to make them ferret-proof (these are strong animals). Cages with wire-mesh floors can be uncomfortable for a ferret's soft feet. A two-story cage is ideal; it allows for a sleeping area that's separate from the feeding, play, and toilet areas. Food bowls should be heavy, so they can't overturn them. Don't be surprised, also, if they consider their water bowl to be a swimming pool.

Ferrets can't be left unattended in the house for long because they can get stuck inside cabinets and behind refrigerators. They're liable to knock over plants, too, and scratch at carpets. If you want to let them exercise on their own, consider building an outdoor run for them (six feet by three feet is sufficient size) out of strong steel mesh on a wooden frame. The floor should be meshed, too, so that they can't tunnel underneath, but cover it with sawdust, peat or soil to protect their feet. An outdoor run should be outfitted like their cage: with bedding, food, and water.

Setting up a ferret's home can be somewhat expensive; the cage will also need to be cleaned daily. But if you're willing to make the extra effort - not just in the initial setup but also with the time and energy required to interact with your ferrets every day - then these naturally clean, playful and entertaining creatures can reward you with seven years or more of joyful companionship.