The Ferret Nook Ferret Shelter
CONTACT
phone: (608) 423-3315
fax: (608) 423-9575
mail:
PO Box 3
Cambridge, WI
53523-0003
email:
ferretnook@ferretnook.org
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ferret care list
Ferret FAQ
- What is a ferret?
- Mustela furo, the European ferret, is a member of the weasel family
(polecats, minks, skunks, ermine, etc). They are not rodents. The domestic
companion ferret, is often confused with the North American Black-Footed Ferret (Mustela
nigripes), a wild and currently endangered species.
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- What should I feed my ferret?
- Feed a high quality ferret diet, such as Totally Ferret®.
Ferret food should
contain 36% protein, 22% fat and a maximum of 2% fiber for ferrets up to 4
years of age. After 4, place on a maintenance or senior food for older ferrets
which contains a lower percentage of protein and fat.
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- What size cage do I need?
- Ferrets should be caged at night and when not being supervised by their
owner. For one ferret a cage that measures 24" x 24" x 24" would be
adequate. Place bedding material such as old sweatshirts, t-shirts, sleep
sacks, hammocks, etc. in the cage along with a water bottle, food dish, and
litter pan. Use bedding material that can be cleaned at least every five days
to keep your ferret clean which helps eliminate their musky odor.
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- What type of litter should I use?
- The type of litter that works best is one that is absorbent, we have found
pressed hard wood pellets to work the best. Scoopable litters are not safe for ferrets.
There is a too high of a risk of the ferret ingesting the litter and getting it lodged in their intestinal tract causing
a possible blockage and death. Clay litter leaves a gritty feel to the
ferret's coat.
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- How do I control fleas?
- Frontline and Revolution are safe for ferrets (small dose for
2 ferrets, large dose for multiple ferrets). Ferrets only need 0.2 ml per ferret.
In addition to treating your ferret, you will need to treat the entire
house and all household pets. Fleas spend much of their life cycle OFF of
their host. They will also hop to bedding, rugs and
furniture. You will need to wash all bedding and vacuum thoroughly (under
furniture and in corners). Vacuuming will not kill the fleas so, change
the bag immediately, getting the bag out of the house completely is best.
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- Do ferrets get heartworm?
- Yes, ferrets can contract heartworms. It only takes one mosquito bite and
one heartworm to kill a ferret. However, it is preventable. If you live in
an area where there are mosquitoes you should consider
using a heartworm preventative.
Ivermectin is safe for use in ferrets and recommended for any ferret that
is taken outside on walks. Use monthly April through October. Contact your
veterinarian for dosage.
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