Ferret Care Sheet | Aquariums, Reptiles, Pet Supplies, Fishing Tackle, and Aquatics Supply stockists.

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Frankie's Guide To Ferrets Ferrets are very sociable and inquisitive animals and deserve consideration and commitment when being looked after as a pet.
History Of Ferrets Ferrets are related to mink and weasels, and are from the family called "Mustelids". Domesticated ferrets have the latin name "Mustela Putorius Furo" (Bad smelling weasel). In 3000BC ferrets were first domesticated by the Ancient Egyptians. It wasn't until the 1980's that ferrets became popular as pets. They were introduced in the 10th century to Europe as working ferrets. There are now no wild ferrets left in the wild. Nowadays ferrets have become popular pets; it is estimated that there is a population of over 1.5 million worldwide. Colours / Patterns / Markings Originally there were two ferret coat colours (albino & sable), but nowadays there are a wide variety of colours, patterns and markings. The eight most common are: 1. Albino (White coat with red eyes) 2. Sable (Dark brown body, black feet, masked face) 3. Dark Eyed White (All white, with dark eyes) 4. Black (Black coat, no pattern) 5. Topaz (Light taupe colour) 6. Champagne (Golden in colour) 7. Siamese / Chocolate (Lighter colour of sable, with brown feet) 8. Red (Mahogony coloured) *Patterns* The different combinations of colours, patterns and markings produce an indefinate number of variations. Some examples of patterns may be Roan, which is a mixture of coloured and white hair, or Dalmatian where spots and blotches are present on a white coat. *Markings* Markings can be a mask of colour found across the face, mitts and feet; or a blaze (white on forehead and chest). Nutritional Requirements Ferrets are obligate carnivores and require regular and high levels of dietary protein and fat to develop strong muscles, healthy bones and to prevent illness. They have a negligible need for carbohydrate and fibre as they synthesise most of their glucose requirements - reducing the need for a dietary source. Ferrets feed throughout the day eating small frequent meals, this is due to the fact that they have an extremely short digestive tract and food passes through within 3-4 hours. In order to fulfil their nutritional needs and energy levels they must feed at regular intervals. *How Much To Feed Your Ferret* The average ferret will eat 5-7% of its body weight on a daily basis; this is about 50-70 grams of food for a ferret weighing 1kg. These are approximate levels and will differ from animal to animal according to lifestage. Ferrets will require larger amounts during growth, gestation and reproduction. Reproducing females require a minimum of 30% protein from their diet, and kittens require high levels of protein and fat throughout their growth phase. Feed Levels may drop during later life and should be adjusted based on intake, demand, and physiological changes such as weight gain. Feeding a complete dried food provides all the nutritional requirements your ferret needs. Feeding fresh food requires supplementation of vitamins and minerals and may result in deficiency or more commonly toxicity, resulting in a range of avoidable illnesses and conditions. Always ensure that fresh water is available at all times, as eating dried food will often lead to higher demands of water on a daily basis. Feeding Your Ferret *Frankie Ferret* is a high quality, nutritionally complete diet, which satisfies the specific nutritional and energy requirements of all ferret lifestages - through growth, adulthood, pregnancy and lactation. Frankie Ferret contains all the vital ingredients to keep ferrets in optimum health and condition. Typical ferret foods contain 30% protein and 20% fat, on a dry matter basis. Frankie Ferret contains higher levels of essential protein to provide the highest quality food available. It comes in two delicious flavours (chicken and turkey) and two distinct shaped crunchy biscuits, to prevent build up of tartar. Ferrets also require additional taurine in their diet to prevent degeneration of the retina and blindness, this is incorporated within the vitamin and mineral supplement. Looking After Your Ferret *Equipment* In addition to choosing the right food for your ferrets, they also need to be kept in the correct living environment. You need to place a good quality water bottle and food bowl in an easily accessible place. Also a litter tray to keep the cage hygienic; this should be emptied on a daily basis to prevent odour build up and the attraction of pests. Place Supreme Choice Woodshavings, or Supreme Science Carefresh in the litter tray for high levels of absorption. In the hutch or enclosure use dust extracted bedding matterial such as Russel Bedding, or Supreme Science Carefresh to prevent respiratory or skin problems. Ferrets enjoy sleeping above ground level, so an ideal accessory is a hammock such as Frankie Ferret's Hammock - adding environmental stimulation and comfort to their enclosure. *Accessories* Ferrets are extremely active and very playful. Always find time to socialise with your ferret on a daily basis, this will add variety and stimulation to your pet's day. Ferrets will play with small balls and enjoy a variety of tunnels to play in. Surpreme Petfoods ahs designed a feeding ball so ferrets have to work for their food. This increases their exercise period, leading to a fitter pet and reducing 'dietary related' health problems. Check out the 'Furry Fun' accessories range from Supreme Petfoods. *Handling* Allow your ferret to come to you before picking him up. This prevents frightening him and reduces the risk of being bitten. Ferrets should be grasped around the shoulders with your thumb under their mouth and supporting the hind legs with your other hand, then gently bring the ferret against your chest. Common Illnesses *General Care* Ferrets should be checked on a daily basis for signs of illness such as unusual discharges, inappetence or abnormal behaviour. Ferrets should be vaccinated for distemper. Regular visits to your local veterinary practice will ensure that your pet stays fit and healthier. *Respiratory Infections* Stress such as weaning, seperation, overcrowding and poor husbandry can encourage illness. Symptoms will include sneezing, coughing, fever, nasal discharge and lethargy. Seek veterinary treatment as your ferret may require a course of antibiotics. Ferrets are also able to contract kennel cough, often leading to pneumonia. Avoid boarding ferrets in kennels near dogs or consider vaccination prior to boarding. Some human cold and flu viruses can also be infectious to ferrets, so take care if you are unwell. *Nutritional Diarrhoea* This can be due to sudden change in diet. Avoid any sudden change in diet, new diets should be introduced gradually over a minimum of two weeks. Diarrhoea should correct itself within a couple of days, if not, seek veterinary advice. *Infectious Diarrhoea* This can be associated with parasites, bacteria or viruses and can affect ferrets at any age, although kits are most succeptible. In all cases it is important to find the cause, as ferrets can fall ill quite quickly, resulting in dehydration, poor condition and in the worst scenario, fatality. In all cases seek veterinary advice. *Vomiting* This may often be associated with foreign bodies present in the alimentary canal, such as hairballs and partially eaten toys. Groom your ferret regularly (especially during a moult), to reduce the loose hair which can heighten the risk of hairballs. If your ferret is vomiting it is always sensible to seek veterinary advice in case there is a more severe underlying problem. *Canine Distemper* Ferrets are very susceptible to Canine Distemper, which often leads to fatality. Signs of the virus include discharge around the eyes, nose and chin (eyes may be closed). Other symptoms are loss of appetite, a rash and lethargy. It is highly infectious and can be picked up from dog urine on the soles of your shoes. To prevent infection, ask your vet to vaccinate at 9-10 weeks. *Oestrogen Induced Anaemia* Jill's are induced ovulators and may often have prolonged seasons if not mated. High-prolonged levels of oestrogen in the body can cause aplastic anaemia. To preven this happening, if you are not breeding from your Jill, you should have her neutered, or when in season present to a vasectomised hob. He will mate her and finish the season without the production of a litter. *External Parasites* Ear mites are common and will be apparent if your ferret shakes his head and scratches his ears often. It can lead to inflammation of the area and generally be uncomfortable to the animal. Regularly check your ferret for fleas and flea dirt. If fleas are found you will need to treat with a product recommended for use on ferrets. Don't forget to treat their cage environment too! Always seek veterinary advice for treatment Ferret Profile Latin Name: Mustela Putorius Futo Female: Jill Male: Hob Young: Kits Life Span: 5-11 years (domesticated) Litter Size: 5-13 kits Birth Weight: 8-10 gms Eyes Open: From four weeks Gestation Period: 38-44 days Average Weight: male - 700-2000 gms, female - 600-900 gms Sexual Maturity: male - 5-9 months, female - spring after birth Weaning Age: 6-8 weeks Diet: Carnivorous Vaccinations: Canine Distemper (optional)

Please only take the information given in any of our caresheets as general advice. They may not provide an exact answer to your particular animals problem and are to act as a general guide and 'heads-up' to keeping small animals. We cannot be held responsible for any problems your pet encounters following the reading of these pages.

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