Ferret Facts

• The average life span of ferrets in the U.S. is 5 - 8 years,  some may live to 12 years. 
• Sexual maturity occurs at 4 - 8 months of age.
• Gestation period is 41- 42 days.
• Litter size is 1-18 kits, the average is 8.
• Eyes and ears open between 21 -27 days of age.
• Weaning age of kits is 6-8 weeks.
• Normal heart rage is 180-250 beats per minute.
• Normal rectal temperature is 100 – 103⁰ F (37.7 – 39.4 C)

Housing

Ferrets do not tolerate temperatures greater than 90⁰ F, therefore in Tucson they should be kept indoors only. Two ferrets can be kept in a rabbit-type wire cage that is 24”x24”x18” in height.  If you build a wooden cage, you must protect the floor, corners, and lower 1/3 of the walls from urine absorption.   Some people use self-adhesive floor tiles and molding for ease of cleaning. 

Ferrets like to sleep in dark, enclosed spaces so it is important to provide a sleeping enclosure.  Towels and old shirts are enjoyed by many ferrets.  Cloth tubes and tents made especially for ferrets are commercially available.  Some owners choose to use slings and hammocks as well.

If permitted to roam outside of their cage, the house must be “ferret-proofed.”  All holes to the outside, or to areas from which ferrets can not be retrieved, must be blocked off.  Reclining chairs have unfortunately caused many ferret deaths and should be removed from any rooms to which ferrets may have access.  Ferrets love to chew foam and rubber, a practice which often results in ingestion of life-threatening foreign bodies.  Access to athletic shoes, rubber bands, stereo speakers and headphones, pipe insulation, and latex rubber toys intended for dogs and cats should be prevented.

Bathing

Regular bathing is usually not necessary for ferrets.  Intact ferrets may have a strong odor during breeding season and even neutered ferrets may have a mild musky odor.  If you must bathe your ferret to reduce odor, or minimize dander to which you are allergic, make sure that a cat or ferret shampoo is used.  Bathe ferrets no more often than once a month.  More frequent bathing may eliminate essential skin oils resulting in itching.

Nutrition

A ferret’s dietary requirements are yet to be completely elucidated.  Ferrets are strict carnivores that depend on meat protein and animal fats in their diet.  High levels of protein from plant sources have been associated with urolithiasis (stones in the urinary tract) and should be avoided.  Food moves completely through the gut in as little as 3-4 hours, therefore they need food that is easily digestible.  Ferrets love the taste of sweet foods, but if they eat too many carbohydrates they may have a reduced intake of protein and fat, which may result in poor health.

High-quality dry kitten food or ferret chow seems to provide most ferrets nutritional needs.  A dull dry coat may indicate a fat deficiency.  Supplemental fat can be added in the form of a commercial fatty acid supplement, meat fat, or egg yolk.  Avoid sugary treats.  Snack foods that are acceptable include meat baby food, feline liver or fish treats, or fresh meat scraps.  Up to 1 tsp. per day of vegetable or fruit may be provided.

Water should always be available in a heavy crock-type bowl (ferrets like to overturn bowls), or a sipper water bottle.