Post by Deleted on May 5, 2016 10:26:12 GMT -5
Hello, all! My fiancé and I have recently been discussing adding a ferret or two to our family of furry critters. We have some basic questions that nobody has really been able to help us with so far, so I'm hoping some of you here can.
<<We have never owned a ferret before, but a coworker of mine has two that board at work (veterinary hospital) for the time being. I've fallen in love with them, as I've cared for them daily for the past three months. She has a male and a female, who seem to get along fantastically together. This is how I became obsessed with getting ferrets.>>
My first question is: Do you recommend getting two ferrets as opposed to one? That way they have company at all times and are not fully dependent on us to be their only source of attention? We do both work, but usually opposite shifts, so someone should always be home. That being said, on the days where we are schedule the same shift, I'd like to know that the ferret(s) won't be lonely, because I've read they can become depressed and ill.
Second question: Do you recommend two males, two females, or one of each? Are there any major differences between genders? Anything severe enough to make one consider leaning more toward one gender than the other?
Third question: I plan to feed them the Marshalls brand of food (I've heard great things about it - please correct me if I'm wrong!). I've read and watched videos where people say NOT to feed them anything but their food and treats (specifically designated for ferrets). I've also read they can have bananas and raisins, and other certain types of fruit. Is this true, and if so, what exactly and how often?
Fourth: Litter training. I've read they do not instinctively know how to use a litter pan, so what is the best way to train them to use it? Do you recommend using cat litter or something else? I've also read you should get a spray to help clean the pan to keep odors down. Is this true, and if so what would you recommend?
Fifth: In regards to toys, I understand they play with both ferret and feline toys (such as jingle bell balls and crinkle balls). My fiancé has heard that they also enjoy golf balls and some dog toys. Is there any truth in that? Are there any toys (apart from anything foam and/or rubber toys) that they should NOT be allowed to play with? Are paper towel rolls safe for ferrets to play with? I have seen several videos of ferrets playing with paper towel rolls and packing peanuts, but I'm not sure on the safety of these "toys".
And finally: Other pets. We have a husky and four cats. I have no intention to let any of them come in contact with the ferrets, for fear that the ferrets will end up injured in some way. That being said, I've seen several videos of ferrets playing well with other household pets. What do you recommend? Do you let your ferrets play with other pets? If so, how did you introduce them?
That's all for now, thank you for taking the time to read my long post (sorry!). Any advice or input is greatly appreciated. We have not yet made any purchases in regards to a cage or toys or anything, as we are still waiting for the approval of our landlord (who happens to be my mother, so fingers crossed!), but we are trying to do as much research as possible so we can be prepared for when the time comes!
Many thanks, and have a great day!
<<We have never owned a ferret before, but a coworker of mine has two that board at work (veterinary hospital) for the time being. I've fallen in love with them, as I've cared for them daily for the past three months. She has a male and a female, who seem to get along fantastically together. This is how I became obsessed with getting ferrets.>>
My first question is: Do you recommend getting two ferrets as opposed to one? That way they have company at all times and are not fully dependent on us to be their only source of attention? We do both work, but usually opposite shifts, so someone should always be home. That being said, on the days where we are schedule the same shift, I'd like to know that the ferret(s) won't be lonely, because I've read they can become depressed and ill.
Second question: Do you recommend two males, two females, or one of each? Are there any major differences between genders? Anything severe enough to make one consider leaning more toward one gender than the other?
Third question: I plan to feed them the Marshalls brand of food (I've heard great things about it - please correct me if I'm wrong!). I've read and watched videos where people say NOT to feed them anything but their food and treats (specifically designated for ferrets). I've also read they can have bananas and raisins, and other certain types of fruit. Is this true, and if so, what exactly and how often?
Fourth: Litter training. I've read they do not instinctively know how to use a litter pan, so what is the best way to train them to use it? Do you recommend using cat litter or something else? I've also read you should get a spray to help clean the pan to keep odors down. Is this true, and if so what would you recommend?
Fifth: In regards to toys, I understand they play with both ferret and feline toys (such as jingle bell balls and crinkle balls). My fiancé has heard that they also enjoy golf balls and some dog toys. Is there any truth in that? Are there any toys (apart from anything foam and/or rubber toys) that they should NOT be allowed to play with? Are paper towel rolls safe for ferrets to play with? I have seen several videos of ferrets playing with paper towel rolls and packing peanuts, but I'm not sure on the safety of these "toys".
And finally: Other pets. We have a husky and four cats. I have no intention to let any of them come in contact with the ferrets, for fear that the ferrets will end up injured in some way. That being said, I've seen several videos of ferrets playing well with other household pets. What do you recommend? Do you let your ferrets play with other pets? If so, how did you introduce them?
That's all for now, thank you for taking the time to read my long post (sorry!). Any advice or input is greatly appreciated. We have not yet made any purchases in regards to a cage or toys or anything, as we are still waiting for the approval of our landlord (who happens to be my mother, so fingers crossed!), but we are trying to do as much research as possible so we can be prepared for when the time comes!
Many thanks, and have a great day!
Both my cats and ferrets are all raw fed.
