MAINTENANCE ADVICE FOR FERRETS OWNER

Nutrition?

The ferrets are carnivore animals, their food should be 60% protein (animal meat). The ferrets should get food 5 times a day until their 3rd month of age; 3 times until they are 6 months old and twice a day after their 6th month of age. Raw meat should not be given to ferrets. Cooked meat (chicken, rabbit, wild animals), fish, eggs, dairy products should be given as nutrition. They like honey especially. Rice, blended vegetables, fruits can also be given as a side-dish. Vegetables and fruits should be blended, otherwise they can't digest it. Don't feed them with acidic fruits like lemon, orange, grapefruit. Ferrets like fruit joghurts, milk-rice, sweet dairies. In pet shops, there are special ferret foods. Ferrets are very curious animals, they like to taste everything, so it's good to keep an eye on them. They should always have some fresh water o drink.

Breeding?

Ferrets are sexually mature when they reach the age of 5-9 months, but they become mature for breeding about their 2-5th year of age. After a 38-44 days pregnancy, 3-10 undeveloped little ferret is born. Their weight is 6-12 g, they only open their eyes on their 34th day. The little ferrets can be separated from their mother after 6-7 weeks.

Accomodation?

Ferrets need to move a lot. They shouldn't be kept in a cage for the whole day, they should freely move in the flat. Ferrets need to walk at least 3 times a day. They should't be left alone at places where they may damage anything or themselves. Ferrets need a cage, litter tray, they like toys and hammocks. Don't let them swallow strings, toys, because it may lead to fatal gut disclosure. They might be very aggressive to other ferrets.

Disease prevention?

Even if the ferret is kept at home, there are some important rules to keep, because we, humans may also bring bacteria, viruses -which are dangerous to our pets to our- home. Antivermination and disinfestion is necessary for every carnivore animal. If the ferret contacts other animals, it needs to be vaccinated against rabies. The first walk on the street is recommended 12 days after the first anti-rabies vaccination.