Before bringing a ferret into your home it's important to already have a proper cage set up. Once your future pet's home has officially been created, it's time to go find an adoptable love-bug to invite into your family!
We always suggest that you first check your local shelters. Many have ferrets that never find homes merely because people don't think to look for them outside of a pet store. Sheltered ferrets are usually more adapted to humans than pet store ones, have all of their vaccinations, and make loving forever pets. If there are no sheltered ferrets in your area, go to a reputable pet store or breeder. When looking for a ferret look for one that is active, plays well with others, is not thin and does not look overly tired or have 'foggy' eyes. Look for the healthiest ferret- as these are the kinds that will be more likely to make it past the stressful first few days of transition into your home.
When bringing home your ferret bring a small pet carrier (one appropriately sized for a cat or small dog would work perfectly) or a shoe box with a warm baby blanket on the bottom. Poke holes in the top of the box and ask your pet shop to place your ferret inside. The darkness will help settle your ferrets nerves on the ride home and keep it calm. The blanket will help insulate heat and keep it warm, while also cushioning it on the bumps. Use a large rubber band on both ends to secure the lid closed.
Once home, move your ferret habitat to a quiet, shadowy part of the home. A bedroom corner or a hallway make good beginner locations. Set your new critter inside and leave them to get used to their new home. You can sit beside the cage, talk to them quietly, and bring them out to play once or twice. But to avoid over-stressing them, let them remain in shadowy secluded spot for two to three days.
After your ferret has become accustomed to their new surroundings you can move their cage to a new permanent location. A living room, family room, or more 'open' part of your bedroom are all good locations. Make sure to keep it away from direct sunlight and cold drafty windows. Now you can begin working with your ferret and letting it out of it's cage for prolong times. Always supervise your ferret when it is 'free to roam' and keep a 'ferret safe zone' where they can play without getting into dangerous cupboards, doorways, stairs, and other off limits areas.
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We always suggest that you first check your local shelters. Many have ferrets that never find homes merely because people don't think to look for them outside of a pet store. Sheltered ferrets are usually more adapted to humans than pet store ones, have all of their vaccinations, and make loving forever pets. If there are no sheltered ferrets in your area, go to a reputable pet store or breeder. When looking for a ferret look for one that is active, plays well with others, is not thin and does not look overly tired or have 'foggy' eyes. Look for the healthiest ferret- as these are the kinds that will be more likely to make it past the stressful first few days of transition into your home.
When bringing home your ferret bring a small pet carrier (one appropriately sized for a cat or small dog would work perfectly) or a shoe box with a warm baby blanket on the bottom. Poke holes in the top of the box and ask your pet shop to place your ferret inside. The darkness will help settle your ferrets nerves on the ride home and keep it calm. The blanket will help insulate heat and keep it warm, while also cushioning it on the bumps. Use a large rubber band on both ends to secure the lid closed.
Once home, move your ferret habitat to a quiet, shadowy part of the home. A bedroom corner or a hallway make good beginner locations. Set your new critter inside and leave them to get used to their new home. You can sit beside the cage, talk to them quietly, and bring them out to play once or twice. But to avoid over-stressing them, let them remain in shadowy secluded spot for two to three days.
After your ferret has become accustomed to their new surroundings you can move their cage to a new permanent location. A living room, family room, or more 'open' part of your bedroom are all good locations. Make sure to keep it away from direct sunlight and cold drafty windows. Now you can begin working with your ferret and letting it out of it's cage for prolong times. Always supervise your ferret when it is 'free to roam' and keep a 'ferret safe zone' where they can play without getting into dangerous cupboards, doorways, stairs, and other off limits areas.
