Online Pets

Archive for February, 2010

Ferrets are very cute so many people want Ferrets as pets. But, do Ferrets make good pets? How about when Ferrets are near children? Ferrets are domestic cousin of weasels and otters. Below are information to help you decide if Ferrets make good pets.

Do Ferrets exist in the wild?

Ferrets do not exist in the wild at all. Some people link Ferrets to the endangered black footed ferret but in fact the black footed Ferrets are completely different species to regular Ferrets people have as pets.

How friendly are ferret?

Because Ferrets are very friendly, many people consider Ferrets good pets.

What is a ferret's personality?

People think of Ferrets personality as somewhere between a dog and a cat. Some Ferrets are cuddly like Dogs and other Ferrets are independent, similar to Cats. Ferrets are very playful.

Do old Ferrets remain playful as young Ferrets?

Many animals lose their playfulness when they get older. However, Ferrets usually don't get much less playful as they get older. Old Ferrets can be as playful as young Ferrets. Ferrets are smart and very inquisitive and determined.

How much training does a ferret kitten need?

Similar to kittens and puppies, ferret kits need a lot of care and training at first. Ferrets have claws and they cannot be declawed. If you decide to have Ferrets as pets, you need to find some other means of protecting your furniture and properties. De-clawing Ferrets is not your solution. If you cannot put up with Ferrets claws, don't get Ferrets as pets.

Do Ferrets get along with Dogs and Cats or other pets?

Most Dogs and Cats can learn to get along with Ferrets but it takes time for them to get used to one another. Some Dogs and Cats never get along with Ferrets while others are friends just fine. If you have other pets, you need to be patient and introduce them to each other slowly over several weeks. But, bear in mind that if they never learn to get along, you will need to separate them permanently. Kittens and puppies will learn to get along with ferret kits much better and faster than adult Dogs, Cats and Ferrets.

What animals don't Ferrets get along with?

Ferrets usually don't ever get along with Birds, rabbits, rodents such as hamsters or mice, lizard, etc. However, there are exceptions.

When you have Ferrets as pets, correctly feeding Ferrets is very important. Ferret owners need to know what Ferrets eat and different ways of feeding Ferrets and feeding sick Ferrets. Below is information on feeding Ferrets.

What are Ferrets food?

Ferrets are obligate carnivores which means Ferrets eat meat. Ferrets food must be made of a high quality of meat based protein and fat. Ferrets food need to have:

• animal protein of 32-40% and
• fat 15-20%

What should Ferrets eat?

A good choice of Ferrets food are the following brands and food:

• Zupreem
• Totally Ferret
• Path Valley Farms
• Marshall's Premium
• 8 in 1's Ultimate (blue and white bag, not the others)
• The Ferretstores brand
• Superior choice

Can I feed dog and cat foods to Ferrets?

Many ferret owners buy cat food or dog food at local pet stores to feed their Ferrets. Cat and dog foods do not meet the nutritional requirements of Ferrets.

Can dog food kill Ferrets?

Yes! do not feed dog food to Ferrets.

Do Ferrets eat fruits, nuts or vegetables?

Ferrets get no nutritional value from fruits, nuts or vegetables at all. Some veggies and nuts have been known to cause life threatening intestinal blockages to Ferrets. If this happens, the ferret will need surgery.

How often do I need to feed my Ferrets?

Ferrets have fast metabolisms so Ferrets need food available at all times. It is important to keep fresh water available for your Ferrets at all times.

Ferrets and hairballs

It is a good idea to give your ferret a cat or ferret laxative or hairball preventative especially during shedding season in the spring and fall. This will help prevent hairballs in Ferrets. Ferrets do not throw up hairballs, unlike Cats.