Animalscaretips
11 Ferret Facts: What to Know About Ferrets as Pets
- Ferrets are illegal in some areas of the United States. ...
- Ferrets have a strong, musky odor, even when they're de-scented. ...
- Ferrets love company. ...
- Ferrets need to run! ...
- Ferrets chew EVERYTHING. ...
- Ferrets eat meat. ...
- Ferrets need annual veterinary checkups.
- How long do ferrets live as pets?
- What does a ferret need?
- What are ferrets known for?
- What are ferrets used for?
- Are ferrets good pets for 12 year olds?
- Do ferret bites hurt?
- What does it mean when ferrets lick you?
- How fast can a ferret run?
- Can ferrets swim?
- Are ferrets good pets?
- What does a ferret eat?
- Are ferrets good pets for kids?
- How does a ferret cost?
How long do ferrets live as pets?
If they're well handled by people from a young age, ferrets can learn to see humans as companions and form a strong bond with their owners. If they're well cared for, ferrets typically live for around 6 years but can live up to 10 years.
What does a ferret need?
Ferrets require high levels of fat and protein in the diet and should be fed commercial ferret food or high-quality cat or kitten food. Because ferrets are carnivores, their diet should be meat based. A diet high in plant proteins and ash (found in low-quality foods) can cause bladder stones.
What are ferrets known for?
For millennia, the main use of ferrets was for hunting, or "ferreting". With their long, lean build, and inquisitive nature, ferrets are very well equipped for getting down holes and chasing rodents, rabbits and moles out of their burrows.
What are ferrets used for?
Ferrets are a domesticated version of the European polecat. They're part of the mustelidae family, which includes otters, stoats, weasels and badgers. They have been used for hunting and pest control for a long time and are still kept for this purpose today, though they're becoming increasingly popular as pets.
Are ferrets good pets for 12 year olds?
Are ferrets good pets for kids? No. ... Because ferrets aren't rodents – they're weasels. And though they are often clever, inquisitive, and playful, they can also be mean.
Do ferret bites hurt?
Because a ferret has a thick skin these bites usually won't hurt the ferret. Contrary to ferrets, humans have much thinner skin and a ferret that bites with the same force as it would do with another ferret, will usually break the skin, hurt and might even bleed.
What does it mean when ferrets lick you?
Kissing. Just as in humans, your ferret kissing you on the lips can be a sign of affection. It can also mean that your ferret likes the flavor of your lip balm or of the turkey sandwich that you had for lunch.
How fast can a ferret run?
Although ferrets are quite active in nature and end up finding different ways to enter almost every place, they choose not to run. Of course, they can run very fast. In cases of danger, they might also run around 10 to 15 mph.
Can ferrets swim?
Ferrets can swim in the ocean or in nearly any household vessel that can hold water, including bathtubs. Just like their wild cousins, most domestic ferrets adore playing in the water and will take every opportunity you give them to have some fun while splashing around either indoors or out.
Are ferrets good pets?
While ferrets are not for everyone, they can make great pets for the right owner. They are affectionate and bond with their owners, quiet for a large part of the day, and there are few pets as playful as ferrets. ... If you are considering a ferret, learn more about how ferrets make good pets.
What does a ferret eat?
Ferrets do enjoy sweets, dairy products, raisins, fruits, and vegetables, but these foods should be avoided, as they may produce diarrhea and erratic swings in blood sugar. A piece of cooked meat or some meat baby food is fine as an occasional treat.
Are ferrets good pets for kids?
Ferrets are not recommended for a household with children younger than 6 or 7 years, and especially close supervision would be required around infants or babies. Because they are natural hunters, ferrets usually can't be trained to get along with birds, fish, rabbits, rodents, or lizards.
How does a ferret cost?
Although the cost of the purchase of a ferret and its scheduled care will vary depending on the area, you can usually plan on spending anywhere from $75 to $250, with the average being around $100, for the ferret itself, depending on the pet store or breeder.
