Baby ferrets, or kits as they are also called, are charming little creatures that drive strong personalities and lots of energy. As such, many people who want to buy a ferret think about starting over with a baby ferret. However, many are confused about what it means to care for a baby. Here are the answers to the 10 most common questions about baby ferrets.
1. Is the kit right for me?
This mainly depends on your available time. It is true that puppies are more active and much more playful than adult ferrets, so they require much more time and attention, but give them the love they need and you can watch them grow and enjoy themselves full of energy for many years to come. . Keep in mind that you will need to train and socialize the little one; in effect, you will be his (human) older brother to him, teaching him to distinguish good from evil.
The problem is further complicated if you already have young children at home. Human children and ferrets are not a good mix, as not only will you find it difficult to spend time with both, but children can often be quite cruel to small animals, even without realizing it, and puppies have a bad way of habit of biting As such, there is some potential for conflict and injury. So before you make the decision, think about whether or not you can give the kit all the time and attention it needs, without affecting your job or your kids.
2. How much does a kit cost?
This depends from country to country and whether you buy it from a pet store, breeder or shelter. In the US, you should be prepared to pay anywhere from $75 to $300. Shelters are the cheapest, but you’ll usually only find full-grown studs there. Pet stores are second, while breeders are the most expensive.
3. When can I neuter or descend my baby ferret?
If you want to spay and/or descend them, wait until they enter their seventh week of life.
4. What should I feed my baby ferret?
Unless you have bred it from birth, a kit should be weaned off its previous diet. To make your life easier, when you buy your new pet, ask the breeder or pet store clerk what kind of food he’s been feeding and, if he’s been feeding special food, what brand it was. If you decide to change the diet, do not do it abruptly, but slowly and gradually introduce the new food into your diet.
While adults will do fine on cat food, ferret food is recommended for babies because they need higher quality protein in their diet and cat food simply doesn’t have that. One tip to remember is to soak food in warm water for a few minutes, regardless of whether you are changing your diet or not. Make sure the food contains 35 percent or more protein and 20 percent fat, and look for balanced fats like poultry fat because it contains a better combination of essential fatty acids, essential for your little ferret. Also make sure he has enough water all the time and change the water twice a day. Never leave your baby without water! Dehydration can cause serious health problems.
5. Is it safe for my children to play with a kit?
For the sake of your young ferret and your children, it’s probably a good idea to keep them apart as much as possible, or at least keep them under supervision while they play with each other. The problem goes both ways: children can easily injure a baby ferret while playing with it, and ferrets have a nasty (albeit cute) habit of being nibbled. Biting is not a habit you should encourage in your ferret, especially when you have small children around.
6. How should I configure the cage for my kit?
You should prepare a big cage for them and make sure they have enough space to move and play. Try to avoid metal cages as they are prone to rust. If you buy a cage made of plastic-coated wires, make sure your furry isn’t chewing on the wires. The crate should also have plenty of places for the puppy to sleep and hide. Accessories like bouncers and sleeping bags are much appreciated by babies, but make sure they don’t get hurt using them. For bedding, you can use any type of soft padding.
7. Do baby ferrets need vaccinations?
Depending on their age, little ferrets generally need up to five vaccinations. If you bought him from a reputable source, he probably already had his first shit (called a distemper shot), so you don’t have to worry about that. Make sure that the ferret you buy has a health certificate, so you can see what vaccinations it already has and take it to the vet to schedule future vaccinations.
8. How many babies can a ferret mom have?
Normally, a mother will give birth to 7 or 8 pups.
9. My ferret just gave birth, but her pups seem to be blind. This is normal?
Don’t worry, this is completely normal. Like many other animals, ferrets are virtually blind at birth. Only later, after about three weeks, do they begin to open their eyes.
10. When can baby ferrets leave their mother?
They are ready to leave their mother after six weeks. This is when you should step in and assume the role of ferret parent. Remember to take them to the vet when they are seven weeks old.