What is a ferret?
Slinkies with fur!
Actually, ferrets are descendants of European Polecats. They have been domesticated for thousands of years. Polecats and weasels are relatives.
They are not related to Black Footed Ferrets, the only ferret native to the USA.
What do they eat?
Ferrets are what is called an obligate carnivore. This means that they get all necessary nutrition from meat. Ferrets cannot digest (and actually do not have the systems necessary to digest) fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, sugars, and dairy items. Feeding these items can cause blockages and disease in your ferret.
Ferrets should be fed either a balanced raw diet, or high quality meat-based kibble (canned food is also an option)
Do ferrets bite?
Anything with a mouth can bite! I've even been bitten by my fish.
That said, ferrets are not mean or aggressive pets, when handled correctly. Just like a young puppy, they need to be properly socialized, and trained not to bite.
Can they get along with other pets?
Can your ferret get along with a rat/bunny/guinea pig/ hamster? Definitely not
Can they get along with a dog or cat? Ah, this is kind of a difficult questions. My favorite answer: It depends.
It depends on how well your dog/cat gets along with small animals. Ferrets are VERY playful, and do not always realize when another pet is fed up. This can lead to a bite/scratch, or worse. The best thing to do is (a) use your best judgement (b) do all introductions slowly and (c) ALWAYS supervise ALL interactions.
Do ferrets need to go to the vet?
Yes. You should have a ferret experienced vet before getting a ferret. At minimum, ferrets should go to the vet yearly for a wellness exam.
You should also consider vaccinations (distemper and rabies) and ADV testing.
Ferrets are very prone to cancer as they age, and eventually a ferret knowledgeable vet will become necessary.
Have more suggestions for FAQ's? Shoot me an email!
Slinkies with fur!
Actually, ferrets are descendants of European Polecats. They have been domesticated for thousands of years. Polecats and weasels are relatives.
They are not related to Black Footed Ferrets, the only ferret native to the USA.
What do they eat?
Ferrets are what is called an obligate carnivore. This means that they get all necessary nutrition from meat. Ferrets cannot digest (and actually do not have the systems necessary to digest) fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, sugars, and dairy items. Feeding these items can cause blockages and disease in your ferret.
Ferrets should be fed either a balanced raw diet, or high quality meat-based kibble (canned food is also an option)
Do ferrets bite?
Anything with a mouth can bite! I've even been bitten by my fish.
That said, ferrets are not mean or aggressive pets, when handled correctly. Just like a young puppy, they need to be properly socialized, and trained not to bite.
Can they get along with other pets?
Can your ferret get along with a rat/bunny/guinea pig/ hamster? Definitely not
Can they get along with a dog or cat? Ah, this is kind of a difficult questions. My favorite answer: It depends.
It depends on how well your dog/cat gets along with small animals. Ferrets are VERY playful, and do not always realize when another pet is fed up. This can lead to a bite/scratch, or worse. The best thing to do is (a) use your best judgement (b) do all introductions slowly and (c) ALWAYS supervise ALL interactions.
Do ferrets need to go to the vet?
Yes. You should have a ferret experienced vet before getting a ferret. At minimum, ferrets should go to the vet yearly for a wellness exam.
You should also consider vaccinations (distemper and rabies) and ADV testing.
Ferrets are very prone to cancer as they age, and eventually a ferret knowledgeable vet will become necessary.
Have more suggestions for FAQ's? Shoot me an email!