Congratulations on your new baby! It is important to read the following information carefully and direct any questions towards your breeder or veterinarian. There are many opinions on ferret care this is just a small overview.

Cages

Ferrets need a lot of exercise, so it is important that their cage be large enough to accommodate toys, food dish, water bottle, litterbox and open play space. Space should also be made for your ferrets to hide. Ferrets require a sleeping bag or tent to retire to for some privacy. The less time they will get out the larger the cage should be; at minimum, a 24" x 36" solid bottomed, bi-level cage. Ferrets need at least 3 to 4 hours of play time out of their cage. If your rooms are not ferret-proofed, I recommend a 8–11 panel play pen designed with ferrets in mind.

Bedding

Ferrets will have less odor if their cages are cleaned regularly (weekly). Routine spot cleaning can ensure that the enclosure remains clean. I recommend having 2 hammocks and 2 sleep sacks so you can exchange them while one is in the wash, helping to reduce oder. I would recommend doing this weekly. There are many good types of litter on the market including Carefresh bedding, Purina Yesterday's News, and wood pellets. Cedar bedding should never be used as it causes respiratory distress and skin burns. Some cat litters contain a lot of dust and should be avoided.

Food and Water

Ferrets must have fresh water available at all times. Water bottles are preferred over bowls for convenience and sanitary reasons. Ferrets are very playful and will quickly empty a water dish all over their cage.

A heavy shallow dish or locking bin feeder for food is fine; look for one that cannot be tipped over. Ferrets will dig in their food bowl. All ferrets must have food available at all times, as they have very fast metabolisms and need to eat often.

A diet of high quality protein ferret food is best. Totally ferret, Ferret Store brand food, Ferret Zu Preem. Companies are constantly changing their mix so for up-to-date information on the best foods please contact your breeder or veterinarian.

Temperature

Ferrets have a low tolerance for heat and need to be kept between 55°F and 80°F. If they get too hot they can die of heat stroke. They should never be in temperatures below freezing. Domesticated ferrets should be not be kept outside.

Accessories

Cat balls, hammocks, dig boxes, and tubes are all favorite ferret toys. Ferrets are extremely curious and love to explore new things. Baby toys such as small stackers, rattles, and trucks can provide hours of fun. In order to enrich the ferrets environment they should be provided with toys that have new smells, shapes, and colors. A box of toys you rotate weekly can help to keep their interest. All toys should be checked for choking hazards before giving them to your ferret.

Ferrets need a place to hide where they are out of view. There are many products on the market that can satisfy that need. Hammocks and soft tubes are popular choices. These can be hand made or purchased.

Sleep

Ferrets need a lot of sleep, with new kits needing even more. Do not be surprised if it seems like your new friend sleeps all day. After only several hours of play you will often find them fast asleep in your new shoes or in your bag this is normal. Just gently wake them up when you can give them some play time. They will quick adjust to your routine and will be ready and waiting for you when you get home.

Medical Examinations

It is very important to see a veterinarian that either specializes in exotics or has previous experience. A relationship should be developed with them early on, preferably within the first 2 weeks of acquiring the ferret. A fecal float, urinalysis, and physical exam should be done annually as a preventative measure. Many states require annul vaccines as well.

Toenails

Ferrets need their toenails trimmed on a regular basis. Frequent checks are very important as different animal's nails grow at different rates. Long nails can get caught on bedding and potentially rip out or curl under themselves and grow into the pad. Should any toenail develop problems a veterinarian should be seen immediately to prevent the area from becoming infected.

Although trimming a ferrets toenails may seem difficult, it is not too terribly hard. A breeder or veterinarian can demonstrate the proper techniques. A small nail clipper should be used to trim the white tip of the nail and care should be taken not to nip the quick (pink cuticle). If bleeding does occur one shouldn't panic. If the bleeding does not stop immediately then a dab of corn starch or styptic powder may be used before applying pressure. If the bleeding persists a veterinarian should be seen.

Breeding

First time owners are advised to wait before considering breeding. Ferrets are difficult animals to breed and the survival rate of young averages about 69% for experienced breeders. High veterinary bills for emergency C-sections and other care, cannibalism of babies, mothers rejecting or mutilating babies, 24/7 hand feeding, and even the loss of the mother are all things a breeder may have to deal with. If you still wish to breed please speak with a established breeder and witness these difficulties first hand.