Shady Hollow Ferretry - Ferret Information and Care

Feeding ferrets
Kibble: Use a high quality animal based diet that is free of byproducts, sweets, corn and other grains. I use a mix of at least three of the following foods; California Natural chicken & rice cat food, Innova EVO Cat, Nature’s Variety Instinct Rabbit Meal Formula, Innova cat food and Innova Ferret Evo. The Ferret Store's Superior Choice Ferret Diet, Totally Ferret, 8 In 1 Ultimate Ferret Diet, and ZuPreem Ferret Diet are all good quality foods. Sources for these foods are pet stores and online via www.ferret.com and www.ferretdepot.com
Meat: Feeding meat is excellent but please be very cautious and do your homework before using fresh or cooked meats as a major portion of your ferrets’ diet. I feed my ferrets raw chicken and frozen mice and it does wonderful things for their coats, body mass, gums and teeth. I highly recommend feeding some meat as part of your ferret's daily diet.

Treats for ferrets
Stick with meat or animal based treats and just a few drops of FerreTone. Give only in small amounts and not as a daily item. Avoid all junk food, chocolate, candy, dog food, vegetables, fruits, nuts, carbs, etc. Use only very small amounts of FerretVite or Nutrical and only when there is a medical need to use it. Giving chicken, turkey, beef or other meats is good.

Litter (as in litter box)
Stick with litters made from natural materials such as wood or paper based pellets. Wood pellets for wood pellet stoves work very well and are economical. Do NOT use kitty litter. It dries out the coat and the dust can accumulate in the nostrils and around the vulva or anus. Do NOT use clumping litters, litter containing cedar or litters containing any chemicals.

Bedding
Use a variety of bedding choices for your ferret(s). T-shirts, sweat shirts, towels, hammocks, and sleep sacks all seem to be well used by ferrets. Watch out for the double layered bedding. When one of the layers gets even a small hole in it, either cut the side open or discard the item. Ferrets can become trapped inside the layers and will suffocate or overheat. Inspect all bedding routinely to avoid potential problems.

Safety
Ferret proof the area where the ferret(s) will be allowed out to play. Indoors only please unless they are on a leash and closely supervised at all times. Anywhere their head can fit, the body can follow. Watch where you put your feet when the ferrets are out playing. They will run directly underfoot. Don’t step on piles of clothes or throw rugs. Ferrets love to crawl under these and play or sleep. Check all appliances before closing doors or turning the appliance on such as refrigerators, dish washers, clothes washers, clothes dryers. Ferrets can easily dart in without being seen or be mixed up in clothes that are being put in the washer or dryer. Check first to avoid accidents! Be very vigilant when the doors to the outside are opened. Ferrets can slip out unseen when people enter or exit the home. They can not fend for themselves outdoors and will usually succumb to other animals, traffic, dehydration or hunger within several days outdoors.

Toys
Do not use latex toys. Use toys that are safe for human babies like squeak toys made of thick plastic or fabric. PVC tubing is a big hit with ferrets. Light weight balls with jingles in them are always a favorite. Paper bags will keep them entertained too. Change their toys and environment often otherwise they become bored. One of their favorite things is to play games with their humans.

Routine care
Trim nails every 10 - 14 days. Check ears weekly, clean when needed. Free choice food and clean water at all times. Brushing their teeth once per week with a pet toothbrush and pet toothpaste will help keep tartar from building up and helps avoid gum disease. Use a toothpaste made especially for carnivore pets. Do NOT use toothpaste for humans!