BHVH ~ VET CONNECT ~ FERRET NEWS!

Ferrets Can Be Fun!!

Domesticated ferrets have a playful, active personality, are easy to care for, and are quite endearing as household pets. A variety of different color patterns are recognized in the ferret, the most common being sable. Other color patterns include silver, cinnamon, chocolate, Siamese, panda, black-eyed whites, and albinos.

ENVIRONMENT

One or two ferrets can be kept together (always indoors) in a basic wire rabbit cage measuring 24" X 24" X 18" high with a wire or solid floor. Wood cages can be used, but may be difficult to clean when soiled. Aquariums are not suitable cages for ferrets because the ventilation is quite poor.

Ferrets can withstand very cold temperatures if they have a draft-free, insulated nest and a companion to curl up with, but they are very sensitive to heat and will die in minutes if left in a closed vehicle in summer. Ferrets cannot tolerate temperature changes above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Your pet should be provided with a minimum of 2 hours play time daily outside of its cage in a supervised area.

Ferrets can be trained to use a litter box and one should be provided in the cage. A small, low-sided box such as that used for small cats and rabbits should be used, with about 1 inch of kitty litter or pelleted paper or wood product. Ferrets do not cover up their waste like a cat, so the litter box will have to be changed frequently to minimize odor.

A sleeping area is a necessary provision in any cage; otherwise the ferret will become extremely frustrated and try to dig up everything in its way in order to create a sleeping place. An old towel, shirt, sock, sweatsuit pant leg, or a small cardboard or wooden box will make an adequate bed for your ferret.

Ferrets are very playful and curious animals and they love to pick up moveable items and hide them away. They also enjoy getting themselves into tight spots through small holes. It is necessary to ferret-proof their play area in your home by blocking off all openings that the animals can squeeze through, including appliances (refrigerators, dryers), cabinets, and screens.

DIET

Ferrets are carnivorous animals and have a high protein requirement. It is suggested that owners feed their pets one of the meat-based commercially available ferret foods or a high quality cat food. These foods are generally fed dry (free choice) except to weaning animals and those up to 6 weeks of age. For ferrets under 3 years of age, it is recommended that they be fed growth or kitten formulas; for non-breeding ferrets over 3 years of age adult formulations may be fed. Ferrets, like cats, may become "hooked" on one flavor and will starve rather than suddenly switch to a new food; therefore, changes should be made gradually by mixing the old and new rations together. Fresh clean water should always be available and can be offered in either a water bottle or a heavy ceramic or weighted bowl. Since ferrets like to play in their water and overturn it, the bowl may have to be secured to the side of the cage.

HANDLING

Ferrets are quite gentle and affectionate creatures. Young ferrets under 4 months of age can be rather boisterous and playful and may nip at fingers or feet in an attempt to play. To break this habit, it is useful to pick up your pet by the skin at the scruff of the neck (this is not painful and it is how the mother ferret disciplines her young) and give a quick shake and command such as the word "No." Then place the ferret back down and repeat the command if the behavior recurs. Hitting the pet on the nose or head only aggravates the animal's natural tendency to fight back once it is released. Normal parental supervision should be provided whenever ferrets are around infants and young children.

PREVENTIVE MEDICINE

All Ferrets should be vaccinated for rabies and canine distemper. Canine distemper is 100% fatal and vaccination is the only means of avoiding it. Even if your ferret never leaves the house, it is possible for the virus to be brought into the home on your shoes or clothing. Your veterinarian into the home on your shoes or clothing. Your veterinarian will instruct you in the proper schedule for vaccinating your pet. An approved rabies vaccination for ferrets is available and it is recommended that ferrets be vaccinated annually at 3 months, then kits should receive a series of three vaccinations, the third given at or after 14 weeks of age, and then annually. Those with only two vaccinations have not been immune.

STRONG BODY ODOR

Much of the odor of the ferret comes from oily secretions produced in the skin. The aroma is particularly strong in the animal that is not neutered. Neutering will greatly decrease the odor secreted by the sex hormones. Another odor is produced by the anal scent glands. Their secretions are stored in the anal sacs whose contents are expressed in response to extreme fear or excitement. This odor only lasts for a few minutes. Removal of the anal sacs is not normally recommended, unless an infection or impaction of these glands is present. To reduce ferret odor, the animal can be bathed with a gentle pet shampoo on a monthly basis. Bathing tends to strip the skin of essential oils and can lead to a dry, itchy condition if is is done too often.

MEDICAL PROBLEMS

FATAL ANEMIA OF INTACT FEMALES
When a female ferret goes into her hear (estrus), she will remain in that state until she is mated. She is an induced ovulator and must be mated by a male to ovulate. Certain hormone injections can also cause ovulation. Estrogen is produced during this time, which over the long term suppresses the production of blood cells by the bone marrow resulting in a serious anemia. This develops insidiously, so that by the time the owner notices the outwards signs of the weakness, loss of appetite and pale mucous membranes, the condition may be irreversible. Fatal anemia, however, can be completely avoided by having the female ferret spayed at 6 months of age or as soon as she comes into her first heat.

EAR MITES
Ear mites are an extremely common parasite of ferrets. They are easily diagnosed by the veterinarian who will see the tiny white mites moving about in the ear canal on examination. Your veterinarian will provide medication to treat this problem and advise you to treat all other susceptible pets in the household as well.

FLEAS
Ferrets get fleas in the same manner that other animals do. Generally, any flea products that are labeled as safe for kittens can be used on your pet ferret, but confirm the use of a particular product with your veterinarian before applying.

HEARTWORM DISEASE
Ferrets, like dogs, are susceptible to heartworm disease. The microscopic larval form of this parasite is transmitted by the mosquito, and the adult for lives in the ferret's heart. Due to the small size of the ferret, it only takes one to three worms to cause serious disease and death and because of this small number of parasites, the blood tests designed or dogs may be negative even when the ferret actually has heartworms. It is recommended that ferrets that live in heartworm prevalent areas receive heartworm-preventative medication. Ferrets can take the same preventive medications available for dogs using the dog dosage and schedule as advised by your veterinarian.

COLDS AND FLU
Ferrets are highly susceptible to some human colds and flu viruses. Ferrets pick up these viruses from humans and can also transmit these back to humans. The ferret's appetites may be decreased, and they may exhibit lethargy and depression due to low-grade fevers. Colds and flu in the ferret can last up to 5 to 10 days. Because ferrets will not eat when they can't breathe it's imperative you seek your veterinarians advice.

DISCLAIMER: This information is published to assist you with information about your pet. This information is NOT to be used in lieu of a visit to your veterinarian for proper examination and diagnosis.

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