MEET THE FERRET
Ferrets are playful, curious creatures with a reputation as the jesters of the small-pet world. Their long, flexible bodies allow them to navigate tight spaces and wiggle their way into all sorts of mischief. They're a favorite among pet owners for their high energy, entertaining antics, and affectionate nature. Evidence suggests that ferrets were domesticated more than 2,000 years ago, with some sources even pointing to ancient Egyptian times.
Lifespan
8 - 10 years
Good With Kids
Older/respectful
children
Space Requirement
Large
Time Needed Outside Cage
High
Potty Trainability
High
Diet Difficulty
Low
Care Difficulty
Medium
Cleanliness
Medium
Human Interaction Needs
High
Cuddliness
Low
ENCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS
MNPPR Recommends
Double Critter Nation
Ferret Nation
Feisty Ferret
My First Home Deluxe
Critter Nation cages are easy to clean, customize, and move around. Plus, they come in both single and double sizes, depending on how much room you have and how many ferrets you want to keep. Feisty Ferret Homes and My First Home Deluxe cages also work well if you have less space for a larger cage.
Minimum Dimensions
One ferret: 15 - 20 cubic ft
Two ferrets: 20 - 30 cubic ft
Three ferrets: 30 - 40 cubic ft
Other Notes
Wire-sided cages are preferable because they provide plenty of ventilation and options for climbing.
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Bar spacing should be no more than 1” for adult ferrets to prevent injuries or escape.
MNPPR strongly recommends avoiding all wood-based bedding due to the general sensitivity of pocket pets. We like to use fleece to line the cage and cover any exposed wire floors, then use unscented paper bedding as litter placed in a litter box.
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Ferrets are very smart and can be trained to use a litter box, which makes cleaning even easier.
ENRICHMENT REQUIREMENTS
Other Items
ramps
pet bed
pet carrier
anti-pill fleece
unscented litter: soft recycled paper such as CareFresh, shredded paper, or paper pellets
Essentials
water bottle
food bowl
hammock
at least one shelter/hide
litter box
FEEDING REQUIREMENTS
Staple Diet
Always keep your ferret’s food bowl full of high-quality ferret kibble so they can eat several meals throughout the day. Ferrets are obligate carnivores, meaning they require a meat-based diet and cannot properly digest food that uses vegetable protein or has a high level of grains. MNPPR recommends mixing ½ Marshall’s Premium Ferret Diet with ½ Wysong Ferret Food to make the most balanced diet. If your ferret is overweight, they may need fewer treats or more exercise.
Safe Treats
cat treats
cooked, unseasoned eggs
cooked, unseasoned chicken
cooked, unseasoned turkey
cooked, unseasoned lamb
free-dried meats
pumpkin
Raw Meat
Some ferret keepers choose to feed their pets a raw meat diet. If you are interested in exploring this option, you must first do extensive research and speak with your ferret-knowledgeable veterinarian about whether this type of diet is ideal for your pets and how to safely prepare and feed it.
Unsafe Treats
bread
cheese
fizzy drinks
fruits
garlic
milk
nuts
onions
processed meat
raw beans
sugar
vegetables
Treats
Ferrets have very specific dietary requirements, so treats should be fed with caution. Fruits, vegetables, and too much fiber can all make them sick.
DISCLAIMER
All information shared by MN Pocket Pet Rescue is researched, up to date, and accurate to the best of our ability. We are not a licensed veterinary organization and do not intend to present ourselves as such. All educational material contains our best recommendations for care specific to each species. However, all animals are different, and some may have unique needs. MN Pocket Pet Rescue does not assume any liability for the well-being of any animal not under our care. Always use your best judgment and follow veterinary recommendations whenever necessary. If you have any questions or find inaccurate information, please contact us.