Edwin Hammond Meredith is a chef and resident of the Florida Keys. An animal-lover, he is fond of dogs and horses. Edwin Hammond Meredith also likes ferrets.
Ferrets make for extremely playful and social pets, but they require the right care to ensure they stay happy and healthy throughout their lives. Ferrets need to have a separate home where they can play and hide. Cages should be large and roomy to account for ferrets’ need to run around. Beyond good bedding and a few sleeping spots, ferret cages need plenty of toys. This may include everything from tents and chew bones to tunnels.
Further, ferrets need regular food and water sources in their cages. Since ferrets are carnivores, they require a high-protein diet combined with certain supplements and treats. Dry and moist food for ferrets can be bought commercially, but some ferrets are picky about their meals, so owners may have to mix different foods.
In addition to food, water, and housing, ferrets need regular routine veterinary visits at least once a year to check on the ferret’s lungs, heart, eyes, and general health. They should be taken to a veterinarian who is experienced in treating ferrets to ensure they are getting the proper care. Ferrets require annual vaccinations to protect against rabies, distemper, and other ailments. At home, owners can further promote their ferrets’ health by using hairball remedies or laxatives to prevent dangerous hairball blockages. Nails should be clipped at least once every couple of weeks, and the ears should be cleaned at the same frequency.
Ferrets make for extremely playful and social pets, but they require the right care to ensure they stay happy and healthy throughout their lives. Ferrets need to have a separate home where they can play and hide. Cages should be large and roomy to account for ferrets’ need to run around. Beyond good bedding and a few sleeping spots, ferret cages need plenty of toys. This may include everything from tents and chew bones to tunnels.
Further, ferrets need regular food and water sources in their cages. Since ferrets are carnivores, they require a high-protein diet combined with certain supplements and treats. Dry and moist food for ferrets can be bought commercially, but some ferrets are picky about their meals, so owners may have to mix different foods.
In addition to food, water, and housing, ferrets need regular routine veterinary visits at least once a year to check on the ferret’s lungs, heart, eyes, and general health. They should be taken to a veterinarian who is experienced in treating ferrets to ensure they are getting the proper care. Ferrets require annual vaccinations to protect against rabies, distemper, and other ailments. At home, owners can further promote their ferrets’ health by using hairball remedies or laxatives to prevent dangerous hairball blockages. Nails should be clipped at least once every couple of weeks, and the ears should be cleaned at the same frequency.
