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5 Ways to Keep Your Ferrets Happy

By Jake Willhoite · · Updated

keeping ferrets happy
Contents

First of all, a happy ferret is a healthy one. That means regular vet care, vaccinations, a ferret diet, fresh water and a clean home. Basically all of the boring but necessary stuff.

In the US, the Merck Veterinary Manual recommends yearly rabies and canine distemper vaccines for pet ferrets. Besides this, to be really happy they need:

Company

Ferrets are social animals, and many enjoy living with at least one other ferret. A second ferret can be a great idea, but only if you can afford it and care for it properly.

(Think about the cost of a new ferret for the rest of its life, which is often 6 to 10 years, and the extra space and time involved.)

Ferrets can get along with some cats and dogs under supervision. Keep them away from small pets like rodents, rabbits and birds, which they may see as prey.

Ferrets also enjoy your company and get more comfortable and playful the more you engage them. The Merck Veterinary Manual says ferrets need at least 2 to 4 hours a day outside their cage, supervised or in a ferret-proofed area.

Large, Safe Core Environment

Ferrets need a roomy cage of their own, kept indoors. Ferrets have no sweat glands and overheat easily, so keep the cage out of direct sunlight, drafts and damp areas. Merck suggests a room temperature of about 65°F to 75°F, never over 90°F. Avoid garages, which get hot and can hold car fumes.

Making this core home environment comfortable for them (bedding etc) will make them happier. Also keeping it clean and tidy is important for the health and happiness of the ferrets.

There should be separate areas within this home, to allow them to explore different environments and keep them interested.

Rotate toys weekly. You can put one toy away for a while and bring it back later, so nothing goes to waste. Moving things around in the cage also keeps them mentally stimulated.

Toys Makes Ferrets Happy

Ferrets are naturally playful and inquisitive. Besides ferret toys, they enjoy tunnels, cardboard tubes, paper bags and hard plastic balls too big to swallow.

Avoid soft rubber, latex and foam toys, including many cat and dog toys. The Merck Veterinary Manual warns that ferrets chew and swallow soft rubber or foam items, which can cause choking or a fatal intestinal blockage.

Some ferrets like cuddling up with a fabric toy or blanket at night. Check fabric toys often for loose pieces.

Play Area And Play Time

Ferrets should have at least one large secure play pen, move the play pen area if possible but make sure it is in a safe environment.

Also put different toys within this area/s, as with their home to keep them stimulated.

If possible – several play areas or even linked separate areas for the ferrets to play in and investigate around is brilliant for them!

You can also play with them! Many ferrets will chase and paw at a toy on a string, much like cats do, and some chase balls. Act excited about the toy to get them interested, and put strings away after play so they can’t be swallowed.

You can also turn treats into a game. Hide a small ferret treat or a few pieces of their regular food for them to sniff out. Keep treats to no more than 5% of daily calories, and skip sugary treats like fruit and raisins.

Some ferrets will play fight with your hand. Ferret teeth are sharp and they nip during play, so only try this with a ferret you know well, and consider wearing a glove. Move your hand toward it and then away; if it wants to play, it will chase your hand. Be careful!

Conclusion

Most of all, spend lots of time with them. Think like a ferret: almost anything can be a game, as long as it’s safe and can’t be swallowed.

Ferret-proof the play area, supervise playtime, and have fun!

Sources

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