Nature features

Ferrets are believed to have been introduced into this country by the Romans, to flush rabbits from their burrows.

WHEN YOU ARE READY TO ADOPT

Speak to experienced owners about the ups and downs of keeping ferrets. What sort of illnesses are they likely to get. Go to a reputable breeder or Rescue Centre. As with the adoption of any animal make sure their eyes are clear and bright - ears are clear of wax — teeth are not broken - nose is free of mucus - feet are clean and free from sores - skin is free from livestock and sores - fur is soft and glossy - body is free from lumps and bumps.

HANDLING FERRETS

Ferrets should be handled gently but firmly. They soon learn that handling is fun and enjoy being cuddled and tickled behind the ears. Pick your ferret up behind his front legs and support his bottom in your other hand.

FERRET PLAY

Ferrets are extremely playful. When excited they ‘dance’ sideways, twisting and jumping, their mouth open and making soft hissing sounds or ‘chuckling’. Some even turn somersaults as they throw themselves around.

During play young ferrets very often bite each other on the back of the neck causing redness and small scabs. Keep an eye on the scabs and bathe with hospital savlon diluted in warm water.

Q. How long do they live?

A. Nowadays ferrets have a much longer life expectancy than before, owing to better feeding and housing conditions and veterinary care. They can live on average anything from 8 to 12 years.

Q.What do they eat?

A. They like food high in protein, you'll find various food sold in pet shops. You can also feed them cat food, raw meat and fish (be careful of bones and rinse well any that is in brine).

Q What sort of housing do they need?

A. Ideally a two-story ferret house is perfect so that the sleeping area is on a different level. Site the housing in a sheltered part of the garden out of direct sunlight as ferrets overheat easily. A standard rabbit hutch is NOT suitable.

Q. What can I use for their bedding and litter?

A. Hay or straw can be used but it can harbour flea and tick eggs so I find it best to use old jumpers, towels or blankets. These have the added advantage of being washable.

Q. Do they get any illnesses?

A. Ferrets are prone to catching our colds and flu; this can result in respiratory problems and pneumonia so if you are suffering avoid handling your pets. They can pick up internal parasites such as worms; this is more likely if the ferrets are fed on rabbits or game, or if they are worked.

Q. What about the smell?

A. Yes, ferrets have a smell, more so if they are in season so one more reason to have them sprayed and neutered.

Q. When is the best time to start harness training? Our baby ferret is 11 weeks old and slips right out of the smallest we can find. HELP! (Sheila, USA)

A. I think you may have to wait till the babe is a bit bigger. The Hagen harness will go fairly small alternatively there are the soft leather harnesses like a figure 8, which come in 3 sizes the smallest being suitable for a small jill - apparently!! I think I got that information from Ferrets about website. If you log on and join the Ferret Friendly web site and post your question on there I am sure you will get plenty of suggestions. It is a good site for answers, it is run by members of the National Ferret Welfare Society. There is also Ferretmania which has members who will help you with any problems you encounter, both sites have members in various parts of the US. All the very best with your youngster and I may see you on one of the forums.

Q. Is it possible for ferrets to die from kidney failure and depression? (Gianna, New York, USA)

A. The answer is yes, but there are so many reasons why this could happen. Such as old age, not enough water, wrong feed or urine infection. Ferrets get depressed very easily especially if they don't feel too well or if they are lonely. Without more information I cannot give you any further help. I am not a vet so cannot be specific but I do contact other experienced ferret keepers for their views on any questions and to confirm my own ideas. You must remember that ferrets tend to hide their illness well and often you don't realise they are ill until it is too late to do anything about it. Let me know if I have been of any assistance.

Q. I have had my ferrett for 2 years now and he is great. He has got the run of the house and is fairly well behaved. I haven't had a lot of time for him lately and even though he sleeps a lot, I don't know if I should get another ferrett to keep him company. Are they happy on their own and keep busy or would a second one be a good idea? (Anke, Felixstowe)

A. TAZ does need a friend. Ferrets are social animals and need company and someone to play with when you are out, they can suffer from depression you know. When you chose another ferret take Taz along too then you will be able to see if they get along. As with us big people ferrets take a dislike to each other sometimes. Try going to a Ferret rescue centre for your new baby although this is the time of year for kits so maybe a very young one will be fine as long as Taz likes a good rough an tumble.

Q. My boyfriend has two ferrets which he keeps in his bedroom in an apartment. I'm moving in with him and I'm affected by the slightest odors. Is there anyway to de-scent ferrets?

A. In the UK we do not de-scent ferrets but I understand that it is an operation available in America. Even when this is done they will have some smell to them as even us humans smell sometimes. House ferrets can be bathed more often as they don't need the same amount of protection as outside ferrets. Once a month should be sufficient - you will have to talk to other US ferret owners about the effects of de-scenting as it is something I know little about I am afraid. Contact Ferret Corner Adoption and Rescue Shelter in Arizona at [email protected] - this is only one of thousands of US sites.