What Is A Domestic Ferret?

A small furry mammal of the mustelid (not rodent) family whose size ranges from 1 to 5 pounds.
An animal derived from the Steppe and European polecats and domesticated over 3000 years ago by the Egyptians, long before the house cat.
Only distantly related to the endangered American Black Footed Ferret (Mustela Nigripes).

What does my ferret need to take him home?

A carrier for car travel home and to the veterinarian's office.
A roomy, well ventilated cage with a solid floor, and with more than one level preferred. (never use an aquarium to house a ferret)
A litter box with non clumping cat litter.
Food in a heavy, non-tip food dish, and water, in a heavy non-tip dish or bottle for the side of the cage.
Some bedding. For example, a cotton towel, old sweatshirt, or hammock to curl up and sleep in. never use cedar or pine shavings, they can cause respiratory illness.

What should I feed my ferret?

A dry ferret specialty kibble, or cat/kitten food with at least 20% fat and 32% meat or poultry protein. Popular foods include Totally Ferret, 8-in-1 Ultimate, Wysong, Zupreem, Marshall, and IAMS Kitten.
Ferrets need to eat every few hours so food and water should always be available.

What care does my ferret need?

Introductory canine distemper shots, usually at 6, 8, 12, and 16 weeks; rabies (NEVER a modified live virus vaccine) at 12 weeks; then rabies and distemper annually. Consult your vet for exact schedules for shots.
Twice monthly nail clipping and ear cleaning, and regular tooth brushing.
LOTS of 'out of cage' playtime each and every day.
Weekly treatment to prevent hair balls and pass obstructions.
If your ferret is unusually inactive or stops eating for more than a day, consult your veterinarian immediately.

How do I protect my ferret?

Ferrets cannot tolerate temperatures over 80-90F and overheat very quickly. Never leave a ferret alone in a car, even for a moment.
Ferrets are extremely curious and sometimes will chew or eat things that can cause problems. Be especially careful of pencil erasers, balloons, rubber bands, and Styrofoam.
Dishwashers, clothes washers, dryers, refrigerators, and other large household appliances can quickly kill a curious ferret who wanders into or under them.
Ferrets like to explore. Loose window screens and any small opening can easily result in an unwelcome adventure for a ferret and his/her owner who is not watching carefully. 'Ferret proofing' is best carried out by a ferret and owner working as a team to carefully ferret out and seal off these hidden hazards.

Fun things to buy for my ferret:

Ferretone vitamin supplement for a treat. (They LOVE it)
A comfy sleeping hammock to hang in his/her cage.
A ferret tent, or basket to provide some privacy while sleeping.
A ferret harness (Must be an H-type body harness) and leash for walking in the warmer weather.
A ferret carry sack to carry your ferret around with you.
Ferret tubes and tunnels in which to play.
Another ferret to sleep with and to be a best friend.