Ferrets Run Wild

Having a ferret is so much fun. It’s perfect for an animal lover like me who does not have the time and space to own a cat or a dog. Ferrets are loveable, friendly animals. I love how my ferret can be so playful.

Although ferrets can be active a large part of the day, ferrets like sleeping a lot. So I purchased a ferret cozy igloo where my pet can snuggle anytime she wants. The igloo is warm and soft enough for my ferret to be comfortable.

I’m a new ferret owner. The moment I learned about this fuzzy animal, I decided it would be the perfect pet for me. However, being a new ferret owner, I am totally clueless on how to care for it.

Joining the ferrets run wild club has given me access to a great bunch of ferret owners. I’m learning a lot about how to care for my new pet. I’m also discovering lots of cool stuff I can purchase for my warm, fuzzy ferret.

Many people have different ideas about what ferrets should eat. If you asked an Australian farmer they would probably tell you “bread and milk”. But if you asked another ferret owner they may say soft cat food, and another person may tell you to give the furry creatures chicken wings. Ferrets are actually carnivores, and in the wild their diets consist of baby birds and other small animals.

Ferret owners should know that their ferret may need various foods in his diet to get proper nutrition. Eggs, raw white meat, fruits, and vegetables are all recommended. Ferret treats may include cat treats and bites of fruit. Under no circumstances should a ferret be fed chocolate or dairy products.

Ferrets are fun and lovable pets, but like any animal, they have a list of diseases to which they are especially susceptible. If you are a ferret owner, be aware of what can go wrong with your pet so that you know what to do should he ever get sick.In particular, ferrets can suffer from heart disease, adrenal gland disease, pancreatic tumors, and other conditions. If you suspect any of these serious illnesses, take your pet to the vet immediately.

One unusual thing about ferrets, however, is that they can catch the human strain of the common cold. While it is not a serious condition for humans, ferrets have a weak immune system and can become extremely sick with this strain. As a rule of thumb, if you are sick, do not handle your ferret.

Ferrets are also unusually sensitive to temperature changes. They do not like to be too hot or too cold. For that reason, carefully pick where you want to put your ferret bed. Make sure the temperature is and stays relatively constant.

Also keep in mind they need a high protein diet, which means mostly meat, fruit, and grains. Absolutely never feed a ferret sugary treats, chocolate, or milk.

If you’ve thought about purchasing a ferret as a family pet, be aware that these fuzzy little friends are extremely active. They love to play and be played with, so make sure that this temperament will suit your family.

If you’ve given it thought, though, and a ferret seems like a good fit for your family, there are a few important tips to keep in mind.

Before you actually bring the ferret home, make sure you house is ferret-ready. Have the bed, food, carrier, and other necessities purchased. While these items are imperative to have, it is just as important to make sure you’re stocked with ferret toys.

Again, these animals are playful and need lots of activity to be happy. It’s especially good to purchase toys that will allow you and your ferret to play together such as a ferret sports ball.

But don’t forget to also invest in toys that the ferret can use alone. This way, he can amuse himself when you’re away.

Ferrets are pretty specific in their dietary choices.  They are by nature carnivores.  Anything with a high protein and fat content will suit their needs.  There was a problem with ferret food having too much carbohydrate concentrations and people have sought to resolve this by giving their ferrets real meat directly instead. There was a time when ferrets were being fed cat food, but people found that cat food was insufficient in keeping up with the ferret’s high metabolism.  Ferret foods and ferret grooming products were then introduce into the market to account for the ferrets unique behavior.

Ferrets are an animal that has been domesticated for nearly 2500 years.  The original purpose for their domestication is currently unknown, which can go the same for most domesticated animals.  Ferrets weigh approximately 2-4 pounds and are generally around 20 inches in length.  There are other long mammals that have the same genetic associations, for example, the black footed ferret. 
 
 Ferrets are connected with the European polecat and they can hybridize with them fairly easily.  This hybridization has been a problem for the local fauna in places like New Zealand, which is why keeping ferrets as pets are restricted in certain countries. When ferrets run wild, they can cause harm to the local ecosystem.