Caring for Baby Ferrets

Caring for baby ferrets isn’t the simplest thing in the world to do.  It is a draining job that requires attention, patience, and knowledge.  In the end it is very rewarding, as well.  By the time you’ve finished reading this, you should have a better idea on how to care for them and keep them safe.

Baby ferrets have special needs, some of which differ entirely from adult ferrets, sometimes it just differs by degree.  In their first year, you may find it a wise choice to introduce them to a wide variety of foods as during this time they are identifying what is food through the process of olfactory imprinting.  After a year of age, they decide that only foods that smelled a certain way are edible and you’ll have trouble if you need to change their diet later.  Baby ferrets also have an increased need for activity and play, which is already high in ferrets.

In caring for baby ferrets you must deal also with a host of hazards, both from viruses and in the form of items from your home.  There are vaccinations against the most threatening viruses, such as distemper and rabies that you need to get taken care of early. 

As for hazards in your dwelling, they come in two primary forms.  The first is in things they can squeeze into, get stuck in, and suffocate.  They can compress their skeletons slightly so take a good look at what you have lying around.  The next is in things that go in their mouths and almost everything ends up in their mouths sooner or later if they had their way.  If it is a small item they may choke on it in trying to swallow.  If it is a big item they can sometimes chew it, break it, and then it becomes a small item with the aforementioned problem. Considering this habit of putting things in their mouths, you should also be careful with what kinds of cleaners you use.

Overall, make sure your baby ferrets are vaccinated, get to play, and watch over them while they do.  It doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you introduce them to smaller areas first, see how they do, then expand to other areas.  This will help eliminate any surprises when you aren’t watching them.  Have fun and always enjoy your time with your baby ferrets.