Ferrets As Pets

Ferrets can become good pets even in a home with children. For very young children, essential consideration as to the possible danger to a child by a pet ferret, and potential danger to a pet ferret by a child. Ferrets are capable of delivering a bite almost as intense as a cat. Like all other domesticated animals, they should by no means be left unsupervised close to infants or very young children. Young children and ferrets can both be highly strung and prone to rough play. Ferrets and children must at all times be carefully supervised for the protection of both. There have been rare cases where ferrets have severely injured babies but dog bites occurred 5 times more often than ferret bites.

When ferrets are excited, they may present a routine commonly referred to as the weasel war dance. It is often a request to play or an expression of happy excitement and is not threatening. Arching the back, and hopping to the side or backwards while facing the intended playmate, often accompanied by an excited panting sound that may sound like a hiss. Often, this act will lead into a game of chase, pounce or wrestle. Ferrets in war dances are extremely accident prone, often hopping into obstacles or tripping over their own feet. Ferrets have a tendency to nip, the act of biting in a playful manner, while playing with humans or other animals. When trained correctly, they normally never nip a human or only do so very gently, careful not to break the skin. However, ferrets that have been abused or are in extreme pain may bite and are capable of strong bites.

Ferrets are energetic, curious, often wishing to play with humans or other pets. With strong nesting instincts they will repeatedly carry small objects and their toys into hiding, under furniture or in areas they can get into like closets and cupboards. It is difficult to predict what objects ferrets will take. Ferrets will seem to form attachments to certain objects and will often take the same object and bring it to their hiding place. On wash day, always count on discovering a stash of socks under the dressers.

Ferret curiosity often has no bounds of common sense. Getting into holes in walls, doors, cupboards, or in or behind household appliances where they can be injured by fans, and other household items or killed by drowning, electrocution and chemical poison. Many enjoy chewing items made of soft rubber, foam, or sponge, which presents the risk of intestinal blockage or death if swallowed. Owners should ferret-proof their home, removing items dangerous to ferrets and covering over any holes or probable escape routes. As ferrets can open incorrectly latched cupboards or doors, childproof latches are often used. Keep cleaning products in high, out-of-reach places.

Whenever ferrets are outside, they should be closely supervised and if at all possible kept on a harness leash designed for ferrets. Unlike dogs and cats, many ferrets demonstrate little homing instinct and do not thrive as strays. Wandering ferrets may be easily injured or killed by neighborhood animals, local wildlife, or passing vehicles. Their curious nature also leads them into situations where they will confront or try to play with larger animals outdoors that may be hazardous to the ferret. When a ferret is outdoors, an owner should take extra care during mosquito and tick season. The sting of a bee, wasp or a spider bite can be serious for a ferret. Ferrets can also be considered prey for hawks and other animals. The sting of a bee, wasp or a spider bite can be serious for a ferret. They also are susceptible to diseases and even a common cold.

Ferrets, like cats, can use a litter box with training, but they are not always completely litter box trainable. Try not to move litter boxes to a new location in the home. Their instinct is to lay out their waste in order to scent mark territory, therefore multiple litter boxes may be required and all litter areas should be cleaned often.