Ferrets As Pets
Ferrets As Pets
If you are looking for a pet that is quiet and cute, than you should check out ferrets. Ferrets as pets are wonderful as they are sociable animal just like dog or cat. They are very playful animals and can be easily trained. Ferrets belong to the weasel family and are closely related to mink, weasels, skunks, otters and badgers. Previously ferrets were used to hunt and dig out the rabbits from their burrows but nowadays there are mainly kept as pets.
Some of the things you should be aware about while keeping ferrets as pets are:
* They are carnivores and have to be fed with meat or with a premium good quality of cat food.
* They have an average life span of 5 to 8 years.
* The young ones of the ferrets are born deaf with their eyes closed until 3 weeks of age.
* They have a distinctive engaging personality and are of very fastidious nature.
* They are extremely curious and investigate everything and anything.
* They are great sleepers and sleep for nearly 18 hours a day.
* Male ferrets have a strong, musky and an unpleasant smell, which come form their anal glands.
Ferrets can be purchased either from a pet shop or through ferret clubs. Polecat ferret is a popular color of the ferret with the buff colored coat along with the black markings on his face, feet and tail. If you are planning to buy ferrets as pets, then here are some tips which will help you:
* Choose a ferret with clear eyes and nose. If there is any discharge then the ferret may have respiratory infection.
* Choose a ferret having a good body condition that is not too thin.
* Having a soft coat with no external parasites such as fleas.
* Choose a ferret that has healthy light pink gums and no broken teeth.
* Nipping is the main problem with ferrets, so observe its behavior.
Proper care should be taken as ferrets can easily escape from any small spaces. If you decide to keep ferrets as pets, keep in mind that they need high maintenance as compared to keeping cats or dogs. Here are some tips to take good care of your ferrets:
* Proper exercising is also very necessary for ferrets.
* They should be kept in large cage.
* You should block all the holes in your house such as the area under the fridge and washing machine and prevent access to cupboards.
* Plants should be kept in such place, which are not easily accessible or are out of reach.
* Keep away all the rubber toys, as they are not safe for ferrets. They chew the rubber toys and swallow the small pieces, which can result into intestinal obstruction.
While playing with ferret make use of hard plastic toys, golf chew, ping-pong balls and cardboard toys. And note that:
* Ferrets should be protected from temperatures above 26 degree C.
* A veterinary examination should be performed on new ferret within 48 hours of purchase.
* Proper vaccination should be given to your ferret. They should be vaccinated at 8th , 12th and 16th week against canine distemper.
* Regular check up and a booster is also necessary for ferrets once a year.