YOUR FIRST FERRETS

The worst things ferrets can do is to trash your home or bite you down to the bone and from experience the latter hurts. On the other hand ferrets make wonderful companions if cared for properly.They are funny - loving and they respond to kindness as we all do. Ferrets are used for working in several ways the most popular being rabbiting.It is said to be the most humane way to control rabbits.If poison and gas are used it not only kills the rabbit but other wildlife and even domestic dogs that happen to be the area. They are also used to lay cables under buildings that workmen cannot reach,in fact they were used to lay television cables for the wedding of our own Prince Charles.

YOUR FERRET'S DAILY ROUTINE

Your kits should be 8-10 weeks old,weaned off Mum's milk and started on solids.They will enjoy ferret complete biscuits soaked in water and beef mince given at room temperature.You will find like all baby animals they will gorge themselves to bursting point if you let them.So it is best to give them small regular feeds until they realise they don't have to eat it all at once.After a couple of weeks put a small bowl of un-soaked biscuits in their pen so they can choose.The hard crunchy biscuit will help to strengthen their teeth.Make sure they have a supply of clean water.

ADULTS

Older ferrets also need a high protein diet to maintain good health,skin and glossy coat.They will be happy to eat ferret complete biscuits but make sure they are available 24 hours a day,as they are constant nibblers.As a treat your pets can have rabbit and beef mince at room temperature.Ferrets also like an array of vegetables as a treat but some owners don't agree with this.90 % of our members give veggies as treats in small quantities and it hasn't hurt a ferret yet.In fact one of my own ferrets died recently at the age of 9 years and thrived on his daily intake of veg.Obviously not all ferrets like veg but the ones that do just love it.Some of the veg that has been reported to me as ferret friendly are - tomato - cucumber - broccoli - red/yellow peppers even apples - pears - bananas and oranges.I had an e-mail from America telling me that they also feed their pets fruit and veg.To much can of course cause diarrhoea which cannot be good news so beware. Dairy products are not good for your pets even though I know of some people who give their ferrets ice-cream which I know they love. The odd egg mixed with tea is a great treat but not to often as you will find your pet's fur will fall out.

CLEANING

Make sure the bowls you use for your ferret's food are clean and free from dried on food. Change their bedding regularly and replace with clean jumpers or shredded paper. If your pets do have fleas and ticks FRONTLINE is recommended but do not over do it.I usually spray my rubber glove and then rub it into the ferret's fur rather than spraying it straight on the the ferret, as it can cause blistering of the skin that you must agree can be very painful.

TOYS

Ferrets love toys and will spend hours exploring a new one.Plastic carpet tubes can be obtained from carpet warehouses free of charge.Large cardboard boxes with holes cut out the side,stuffed with plastic shopping bags that rustle will keep your pets happy for hours.Babies cast offs such as rattles and balls are great and you can pick these up at any car boot sale quite cheaply.Squeaky toys will keep them amused.Make sure with any toy that small pieces cannot be chewed off causing choking. Avoid anything stuffed with foam.