I just got a Ferret

[masshole]

What was I thinking? This thing is WILD!
He seems to like the dogs though, and vise-versa.
Looks just like this one:


Anyone got any Ferret advice?

[Madrone]

1. High quality food is of the utmost importance -

Watch out for soft foamy things they can chew on - they're prone to VERY EXPENSIVE blockages. Avoid sugar. Do lots of internet research. These guys are prone to lots of expensive maladies -- know what you're getting into.

[jayfish]

13. Immediate Toilet Training Is A Close Second.

They are predisposed to going in corners so, OP, use that to your advantage during training. The best creature I have ever had the pleasure of owning.

Jay

[mikeytherat]

2. And so it begins - the ferrets have you now!

Feel free to ask any questions - there are more than a few ferret people on these boards!

mikey_the_rat

[GoddessOfGuinness]

15. How does kitty like them?

[Skittles]

17. LOL

my brother is involved in ferret rescue in the Chicago area and always has a slew of ferrets - they truly are a hoot :)

[tk2kewl]

3. Keep your keys and wallet out of reach

[scarlet_owl]

4. I have six ferrets. Make sure your house is totally ferret-proofed.

Over the years you learn a few tricks and get creative. For instance, I found out early on that ferrets can climb baby gates and love to open cabinets. They will hide small things under furniture, so hang on to your socks. Do not give them raisins or Cheerios for treats. They sleep most of the day but they need a few hours to play every day. Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions.

[crispini]

7. I have to ask.

Why not raisins or Cheerios?

[CC]

8. Hi Crispini.

Raisins and Cheerios are not good for them. They are carnivores and sugar, cereal etc. can cause health problems. Plus if you don't cut the raisins into very small pieces they can block their intestines. My vet has had to do surgery a couple of times to remove the too big treat that wouldn't digest. Mine have never had either and you know they are spoiled. They tend to like to eat things that are not good for them just like a kid so it is our job to not let them have it. Mine get chicken for a treat, healthy and they love it.

[CC]

5. Beware of ferret math.

Ferret proof your house. Or at least try too.
Find a vet that is experienced in ferret care. You will most likely need one eventually. A local ferret shelter should be able to send you in the right direction.
Good food is very important. Innova Evo now makes ferret food. Mine love it. They used to eat Zupreme and I tried mixing them but they toss the old to the side now or stash it.
Ferrets for Dummies is a must have for new ferret slaves. The web also has a lot of good info for you. Here a link to a site that helped me a lot in the beginning. http://www.ferretcentral.org/
Do not over bath them, it will make them stink.
Wash their bedding at least once a week. That does more to stop them from getting stinky than anything. (Mine are free range and sleep in the bed so I have to wash sheets and blankets along with their hammies etc. weekly.)
Ferrets need play time with you and time out of the cage. Do keep him caged/contained when you are not around to keep an eye on him.
Oh when your little guy blows his fur out the first time, know he is not sick but that is normal. You will know what I mean by blowing his fur when it happens. Give him hairball stuff regularly. BTW when mine blow their fur I sit and brush and pull it off of them, They might look funny as the new grows in but they are less likely to get an obstruction that needs surgery.
Be prepared to laugh, watch where you step and watch where you sit. Also if you don't already you will learn to be very good at putting stuff away if you want to see it again.:rofl:
Ask if you have questions and post pictures often. Congrats and welcome to being ferret owned.

[masshole]

6. Wow! Excellent advice

Thanks one and all.
I'm amazed how quickly he's adapted to our crazy household, and how fearless he seems to be.

[kskiska]

9. Has it been…uh…descented?

We had one once that wasn't. My son was playing with him and he ran up the stairs. He reached a dead end because both doors at the top were closed. The ferret felt trapped as my son chased after him, and it let out an unearthly screech and emitted a horrible scent bomb. Fortunately, it didn't linger the way a skunk's smell does and eventually dissipated.

[ashling]

10. What's its name?

When I think Ferret I think Frank Burns . . .or Tony Snow

[masshole]

11. His name is Frederick

We got him as a birthday present for my 15 year old so he named him. We were down to just 2 dogs and a cat (from 2 dogs, 3 cats, a rabbit and 2 rats) and my son had asked for a ferret for years, so it seemed like a good time to expand the family.

He doesn't like the little yogurt treats we bought, we thought rasins might be good... I'm glad we were out of raisins after reading this!

[CC]

12. Try chicken.

Just tear off strips and see if he will like them. Most of my ferrets will eat anything though I try to keep everything away from them. If you go easy on treats (one or two a day) it won't be that bad for them. My picky ferret likes chicken and chicken bones but treat wise he likes Foamy Fries (few and far between), Totally Ferret Treats and Dingo Chick'n Jerky. There are also some frozen meat treats out there you could try. Another trick, my ferrets will act like their food is a treat as long as it is being hand fed a piece at a time.:rofl:

[CC]

16. Oh like jayfish said linetone

or ferretone, just a few drops on the belly and the nails get clipped so much easier. The plus is it is good for them.

[jayfish]

14. This Is Your Friend.

Just a drop or two on your finger is enough. They love it!

Jay