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The Rundown on Ferret Care for Beginners

Ferret care for beginners is beyond simple. While they are small and cuddly, ferrets can be a handful when you first bring them home. But don’t worry – caring for ferrets is as rewarding as it is challenging. So what does your new furry companion (or companions, if you’re getting more than one) need? Here’s a quick roundup along with some practical tips to help you get started.

Provide a Safe, Cozy and Clean Home

First up is to find your ferret a nice large cage. Invest in a high-quality one and make sure it’s secure. Ferrets love exploring, so there’s a good chance they’ll try to escape.

Most cages have two levels with space where you can hang a hammock, usually in the form of a wooden hut or a dark enclosure for sleeping. Set up separate bed areas for each ferret using towels or any other fabric with a similar texture (yes, you can put ferrets together in a cage; in fact, they thrive on companionship).

Don’t forget to clean out the cage every other day or daily, depending on the number of ferrets you plan on owning. Use a ferret-friendly cleaner and replace the bedding and litter if needed.

Besides the litter in the cage, you’ll need a couple more in the corners of your ferret’s “playroom.” You can use shredded paper, newspaper-based cat litter or designs made especially for ferrets. You might also want to take the time to do some litter training with your new pet or pets.

Lots of Playtime Makes for a Happy Companion

Because they’re smart and social creatures, ferrets need daily exercise and playtime sessions plus lots of attention and interaction.

Each day, designate about four hours for playtime and an hour for exercise. For ferrets, natural play typically involves some nipping, wrestling, scampering, romping and bouncing either sideways or back and forth. They also love playing with toys, but tend to get bored easily. Make it a point to switch out toys regularly for some variety.

It’s best to let your ferret or ferrets out of their cage during playtime, or set up a play pen if you have extra space. They’ll probably roam and sniff around, which means you will need to ferret-proof your home. Ensure that there aren’t any holes or gaps they can wiggle through and no electrical wires, dangerous substances or breakable items they might stumble upon.

Give them a Healthy Diet

Diet-wise, ferrets need lots of protein and fat as they are strictly carnivores with high metabolism. Carbohydrates and sugars must be kept minimal or avoided altogether.

Pellet food should be a staple, preferably the top-grade, dry variety. Steer clear of the fish-based versions as ferrets don’t eat fish. It helps though to expose them to a variety of foods early on, so they won’t become finicky about their food in case the one you use most becomes discontinued in use. As for treats, warm pieces of meat are great, although you can also occasionally give ferrets non-acidic and mildly flavored fruit.

Of course, access to clean water is critical. Put out a fresh bowl of water or replace the water in a water bottle daily, and make sure the water is room temperature.

Ferrets have a six to ten-year life span, so ferret care for beginners especially is a serious long-term commitment. Once you get the hang of raising your new pet or pets though, you’ll be in for a wonderful and fulfilling ride.

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