How to keep care of a ferret?

cat food is fine, get a good one with high protein. They love for treats bananas, and raisins… and on rare occasion a miniature marshmallow

Well, first off you should know they smell really bad. You really shouldn't give them cat food unless you add omega fatty acids to their diet. They are fun little animals but, need a lot of attention. If you think you could provide them with everything they need they'd probably be a perfect pet for you. Just know they are a lot of work.

there is soooo much to learns dear! they aren't eh easiest critter to care for and can be prone to many illnesses!

treat it like a cat, cat shampoo, cat food, brushing, toys, ect…. make shure you clean the cage regularly ferrets get stinky fast.

They aren't a cage animal. They need atleast 3-4 hrs. out of their cage a day. You will have to "ferret proof" your house so that they don't get into anything. They are prone to many diseases and can get intestinal blockages from eating things they aren't supposed to. This will call for a lot of expensive veterinary care. They need high protein diets that are meat based and low fiber. Only a high quality cat food should be fed (like Innova Evo). Sugary treats such as raisins and banannas are not healthy. Veggies have too much fiber for them also. They are meat eaters.This too can be expensive. They also live for 6-8 years on average. Do your homework if you want this animal. The shelters are already crowded.

A Ferret is a really cute and fun critter to share your home with but you should not get one until you do your research and find out what kind of a commitment you will be making. They are not quite like a dog or a cat but considered an exotic pet. That means they have very specialized diets and health care issues. Cat food is OK if the quality is really high. You must look at the ingredients and understand what they mean. Ferrets are carnivores not rodents, they lack a part of the intestine that provides enzymes for digesting plant matter. They cannot convert plant matter to digestible energy so it is a waste for them to eat fruits and vegetables. Plus the fiber content can damage their intestines. Fruits especially should be avoided due to the high sugar content and the ferrets inclination to get tumors on their pancreas and then develop insulinoma.

Ferrets have very short digestive tracts, so they need a food that contains easily digestible meat protein. Foods that list grain or corn as the first ingredient or meat by products should not be used. Grocery store kitten or cat foods are not adequate. Many now feel that supplementing your ferret's regular chow diet with natural meat is the best way to provide proper nutrition. You can do this by either giving your ferret some cooked chicken ( this can include skin, fat, chicken livers, chicken hearts), or some raw chicken that has been frozen and thawed (the freezing process can kill some bacteria and parasites). Some people even recommend allowing ferrets to chew on the soft ends of bones as well.

Their diets should be comprised of a chow with high fat and meat and low in fiber and grains

Protein: 35-45%; avg. 385%
Fat: 18-25%; avg 20%
Fiber: Less than 3%, avg 2%
Carbs: complex or simple preferred, no sweets in the food
Starch: Well-cooked, extruded
Ash: less than 7%
Moisture: Less than 12%; avg. 10%

A good cat or ferret food is Innova, Evo.

You should also understand the health issues and diseases ferrets are prone to and what kind of expenses are involved. Ferret behavior and how to live with a ferret is very important. They sleep about 20 hours a day but they need to be out of their cage and exploring and interracting with you for about 4 hours a day and you must keep the litter boxes clean daily and wash their bedding at least 2 times a week. It is a lot of work.

I love my kids and can't imagine what my life would be without them but everyday when I am cleaning up after them, I think about all the time I have to spend cleaning. You should not get one but find two that love each other. They are very playful and sociable animals and love to have a sleeping mate. Ferret proofing your home is a big must and if you live with anyone else, make sure they understand what a ferret is like so they won't get angry when their things are destroyed or hidden.

Here is a very extensive site for your reading pleasure. Good Luck with your new little friends. They are really wild and fun.

Ferrets are a ton of fun, I have two, and watch a whole lost less Tv since!

I would recomend a Ferret diet, not cat food. Its specially formulated for them with their dietary needs. When selecting a diet, look for a diet with out fish (fish diets will make them stink a bit) and chicken diet gets the job done. Also look for a diet that is BHA, BHT and Ethoxyquine free (these are carsinegenic preservatives) and ferrets are known for getting cancer!

Also, when doing a nail trim, I use this trick - put some "Ferret Vit" gel on their belly and they will be so into the gel they (most) will not even pay any attention to what your doing to them.

I also recommend finding a Veterinarian who is familiar with Ferrets. Ferrets are supposed to get vaccinations, however (like both of my boy) they can have severe and almost fatal allergic reactions to the vaccinations. Luckily my vet knows Ferrets and she recognized the symptoms and treated him and saved their lives. Now they both can't get vaccinations.

Ferrets are really fun and playful, they will get into everything, so make sure you "Ferret Proof" your play area for your ferrets. Young ferrets tend to nip alot, but usually they aren't doing it to be mean, they are just trying to figure things out…. Most grow out of it (one of my boys has a nipping toe fettish, so we make sure to wear house shoes when they are out and about)!

There are plenty of great Ferret book and they will have a tons more tips and info in all aspects of ferrets and their care. Its good reading and my books have helped me out in certain questionable situations!

Best of luck and have fun with them.
=)

Check around where you live for any ferret shelters. Ask if you can volunteer first to see how they live, act, play, etc. Please, please, please do not feed a ferret cat food, even though it might be premium. Cat food doesn't have the nutritional requirements a ferret needs and will have to eat a lot more than normal. There are many ferret foods out there specifically formulated for ferrets. Also, there are ferret treats which are good for them. Remember, since a ferret is so small, they need to have access to fresh food and water every day and night. After they eat, their digestive time is about 2 to 3 hours, and they'll get hungry again.

Another thing is finding a vet - not all vets take care of ferrets. Plus the cost of surgery in the future is another factor besides food, toys, bedding, etc. Please get a book on Ferrets, preferably like "Ferrets for Dummies". It is a great book and easy to read.