** This is (verbatim) what is on the handout that I give to people who ask
about ferrets when they see me and my munchkins out for a stroll.  Yes, it
is BRIEF and does NOT cover ALL aspects of ferret care but it's a start...
And this is what I gave the teachers and the children.** -- Renee
 
BASIC FERRET INFORMATION
Ferrets made excellent pets for responsible pet owners.  However, they are
not for everyone because they have special needs and require a commitment!
Due to their small size and curious nature, ferets can get themselves into
dangerous, even life-threatening situations.  It is very important to
ferret-proof you home.  Ferrets should be on a regular vaccination regimen
to prevent serious illness such as distemper.  Vaccincations are also
available to prevent rabies.  This vaccination is primarily to keep your
ferret from being confiscated and destroyed in the unlikely event that is
should nip or scratch someone.
 
SOCIALIZATION & PLAYING
Ferrets are very social animals that love to play and interact with people.
They remain playful throughout their lives and normally get along well with
cats and dogs.  They also get along well with other ferrets.  However,
ferrets are carnivores.  Small animals are their natural prey.  Ferrets
pose a deadly threat to small animals such as hamsters, rats, mice, guinea
pigs, birds, and reptiles.  Ferrets love toys but special care must be
taken that their toys aren't made of plastic, rubber, foam, or other
materials that can be chewed and swallowed.  Most of all, your ferret will
love to play with you!  They are companion animals, not cage animals.  The
more love and attention you give your ferret, the more your ferret will
respond to you.
 
SUPPLIES
Ferrets should be housed in a cage at night and when he will be
unsupervised.  Their cage should be wire... never an aquarium which does
not allow for air flow.  Wood chips and wood shavings are another no-no.
These materials give off fumes that can irritate the sensitive respiratory
system of ferrets.  Fresh water should always be available.  A water bottle
is recommended for ferrets.  Their food dish should be attached to the side
of the cage or constructed of a heavy ceramic and/or wide bottom so that it
cannot be tipped over.  Your ferret will love sleeping in a hammock.
Shirts, towels, and baby blankets not only provide a snuggly place to
sleep, they also keep your ferret's delicate feet from becoming injured on
the wire bottom cage.
 
FOOD
Ferrets are carnivores so their diet is mainly meat.  Ferrets have been
given a diet of high quality kitten food, however, there are foods on the
market that are specifically formulated for a ferrets nutritional
requirements.  Ferets can be given treats such as raisins but they should
not be a dietary supplement.
 
TRAINING & DISCIPLINE
Ferrets can be trained to use a corner style litter box, althougha 100%
"hit" rate is not guaranteed.  Ferrets can also be trained to do simple
tricks such as sitting up, standing up, coming when called, and rolling
over.  Young ferrets (kits) may bite or nip but with patience and
consistency, they can be taught that these behaviors are unaccpetable.
NEVER, NEVER hit your ferret (this will result in a "fear biter") or
"thump" it's nose.  A more effective way to discipline a ferret is to
simply say loudly, "NO!" and clap your hands.  More dramatic measures
includ holding it *gently* by the scruff of the neck, and/or blowing in
it's face.  You may also make a hissing sound or giveit a time-out in
it's cage.
 
HYGIENE
Ferrets need to have their nails clipped.  This is important to prevent
damage to the ferrets toes and to prevent snagging which can break a
ferret's toes.  It will also prevent you from being scratched.  Ferrets do
ahve a faintly musky odor but bathing will intensify this odor.  The body
will work overtime to replace the natural oils that were washed away.
Instead, wash your ferrets bedding regularly and clean the cage daily.
 
OUTINGS
Ferrets will enjoy coing for walks but they can slip out of a collar.
Ferrets should never be allowed outdoors without a harness and leash that
is designed specifically for ferrets.  They also enjoy going for rides in
cars but a loose ferret in a vehicle is dangerous.  Your ferret will feel
safe (and so will you) if he is transported in a small cat carrier.  NEVER
leave ANY animal unattended in a vehicle.
 
RESOURCES
There are many valuable resources available to ferret owners.  If you have
aces to the Internet, you can find vital information at Ferret Central
(http://www.ferretcentral.org)  You can also join the Ferret Mailing List
(FML).  The FML is distributed worldwide to via e-mail to over 3,000
subscribers.  This is a great place to have your questions answered by
fellow ferret owners all over the world.  To subscribe.... (information
given)
 
SOME NOT SO FINAL THOUGHTS
Please do NOT adopt a ferret on impulse.  They are certainly cute but they
are living, feeling animals.  It is suggested that potential ferret owners
read and research ferret ownership before bringing one into their home.
Ferrets can live up to 10 years.  To adopt an animal is make a long-term
commitment.  Do NOT adopt a ferret if you have small children.  Check out
the ferret shelters in your area before considering buying one from a pet
shop.  Shelter ferrets are just waiting for a loving family to shower
with kisses.  Shelters will have information about each resident ferret's
personality and can help you find the ferret that will best fit in with
your family.
 
I can be contacted at [log in to unmask] or at (phone number given) if
you have questions.  I may not have all the answers but I can find out for
you or steer you in the right direction.
[Posted in FML issue 2933]