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Ferrets & Pocket Pets

 

Ferrets & Pocket Pets

Ferrets

Ferrets are playful, energetic and mischievous members of the mustelid family. For hundreds of years hunters used ferrets to chase rodents and rabbits out of their burrows. You may find that your ferret enjoys playing hide-and-seek or predator-prey types of games. Your ferret should have plenty of toys, but inspect them often to be certain there are no loose pieces that they might swallow. A pet ferret will entertain you and enrich your life; having a ferret as a pet can be like having a having a kitten that never knew to grow up.

 

Housing your Ferret

Ferrets are generally easy to care for and live healthy lives when their basic needs are met. While ferrets may sleep for 14 to 18 hours per day, they need to be let out of their cages for a few hours every day to get their exercise and prevent depression. Your ferret’s cage should have at least one cloth bed, which can be easily removed for cleaning, but watch out for any loose strings that could be swallowed or wrap around a foot. The cage bottom may be covered with aspen shavings or pelleted bedding; avoid using cedar, pine, clay or corncob for bedding. Many ferrets can be trained to use a litter box. Wherever your ferret will be allowed in the house must be “ferret-proofed” as ferrets enjoy snooping around, hiding inside of small spaces and finding small objects that they may sometimes swallow.

A Ferret's Diet

They are carnivores and must be fed a high quality diet that has been formulated for ferrets (cat food and dog food do not meet all of the dietary needs of a ferret). Ferrets have a very short digestive tract and it is important to not let your ferret be without food for an extended period of time because their blood sugar may drop and cause weakness. Fresh water should always be available; food should also be available at all times if you ferret’s weight is not a problem. There are many disease problems we see in ferrets.

Preventative Health

Your ferret should be examined every 6-12 months to ensure their good health. If you notice hair loss, a potbelly appearance, sneezing, vomiting, diarrhea, lumps under the skin, weight loss or any other problems please schedule an appointment for us to examine your ferret. Ferrets need to be given heartworm and flea preventative every month and need to be vaccinated for distemper and rabies. When you bring your ferret for its exam please ask us to show you how to trim the nails and clean the ears. If your ferret has not been descented, spayed or neutered, then this should be done as soon as possible.

Rats

Pet rats are intelligent, social and affectionate creatures that make wonderful pets for children and adults. Rats will learn their names and can be trained to perform many different tricks. Young rats like to have the same sex or altered roomates to live and play with, but some older rats are not as accepting of new partners. Most rats adore their owners and love to be petted; they should be given at least an hour of attention every day. Rats like to groom and clean themselves throughout the day. Many can be trained to use a litter box.

The Rat's House

Your rat’s cage must be large enough to allow for exercise and play – at least 18” x 24”. Wire cages will ideally be constructed with ½” or smaller coated wire mesh and a solid floor. Wire floors may be covered with plastic needlepoint canvas to keep your rat’s feet safer. Pine and cedar bedding should be avoided. Several climbing objects and safe toys need to be placed inside of the cage. A Wodent Wheel® makes an excellent addition to your rat cage.

Spayed & Neutered

Rats should be spayed or neutered between 3 and 6 months of age. There is a huge benefit to spaying your rat. Approximately half of unspayed rats develop mammary cancer, but rats spayed between 3 and 6 months of age have less than a 10% chance of developing this cancer. A neutered male rat is less likely to be aggressive with its roommates, will have a healthier hair coat and will be less likely to mark his territory with urine.

Rat's Health Concerns

We see many disease problems in pet rats. Respiratory infections are common; when your rat is sneezing prompt care is important to lessen the likelihood that a serious case of pneumonia will develop. Tumors are better prevented (spaying reduces mammary tumor risk) than treated. Rapidly growing tumors should be removed as soon as possible and submitted to a pathologist to determine their significance. Overgrown teeth make it difficult for your rat to eat and are uncomfortable. Swollen and infected feet (bumblefoot) may develop in many rats, especially if their cages have wire floors. A rat with sores on its feet needs prompt treatment.

Physical Examinations

As with yourself and any other pet, regular physical examinations are important to prevent disease or catch problems before they become serious. We recommend examinations for any new rat prior to introducing it to your house. Physical exams should also be performed at least once per year. When you come for an exam, be prepared for us to ask you about your rat's bedding material and diet. We look forward to meeting your rat friend!

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