Exotics

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Care of Ferrets

PERSONALITY

Ferrets are full of life and vitality. They are also full of mischief. Keeping a ferret is like having a hyperactive toddler. They get into absolutely everything if you are not careful. Ferrets can learn - and they remember. They see you open a cupboard - they try to figure out a way they can open the cupboard. They will hop into the bin and hide everything that was in it under your bed. If they can get into the pantry they will steal your food. Have care when opening a fridge when a ferret is around it may be often accidentally shut inside. Ferrets also love to burrow into holes so it is a good idea to check under the couch and the chairs and seal any gaps. Your playful ferret might go up under the springs and you will hurt it badly if you sit on it. If it chews the foam in the cushions and swallows some of it your ferret can become very sick.

Basically, they need supervision - but it is worth it. Ferrets will entertain you for hours with their antics. When extremely happy they will war dance for you, they will play chasey and they will curl up in your lap while you are watching TV. They will hop in the bottom of the shower recess while you are washing and dance around in the water.

They are remarkably portable pets - also known as pocket pets. You can take them walking on a ferret harness in the park then when they are tired - just pop them into your jacket for a snooze. They travel well in a cat carry cage and can go on holiday with you. (Check with caravan parks/ motels first.)

The one thing they really need to show their best personality is attention - and lots of it. Two ferrets are always preferable. A solitary ferret will become depressed easily if not given attention all throughout the day. One ferret is only really suitable to people who are home all day - or can take them to work with them!

f course ferrets can have their bad points. A ferret can have a very hard bite. They have a "lock jaw" bite - and can clench their sharp teeth into a bite until they feel like letting go. If a ferret ever bites like this the only humane way of getting them unlock their grip is to pour water onto them. The shock makes them let go. Naturally not all ferrets bite, and only for reasons, such as fear, pain, etc.

A badly raised ferret will of course bite. A ferret raised with love, affection and some discipline will, generally speaking, not bite. If a ferret is hurt it may bite out of fear, but this is to be expected of all animals. Pet ferrets generally still play bite - like an excited puppy will. This usually doesn't hurt, but as soon as they get too rough a firm "no" is helpful, and in persistent cases you can push your finger further into their mouths - not so as to hurt or choke them, just far enough to make them want your finger out. With constant discipline when necessary, coupled with praise and reward, they soon get the idea.

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