Getting ferrets

Before bringing new ferrets into your home, there are many things you can do to help them settle in.

There are also certain items you will need:

• Large, multi-level enclosure and bedding area
• Secure carrier case
• Food bowl and a choice of water bottle and bowl
• Bedding
• Toys and enrichment items like tunnels, hideaways
• and hammocks
• Treats
• Small litter tray

Create a welcoming environment

• Make sure you get everything they need ahead of their arrival and set up their living space.
• Whether your ferrets will be living indoors or just spending some time indoors, it’s a good idea to ferret-proof any areas they’ll be. Remove anything that could cause injury including items they could chew such as electrical wires, books or houseplants.
• Ferrets make excellent escape artists so make sure there are no nooks and crannies. This also
  prevents them from getting stuck.

Travelling home

• Make sure you get a carrier that is extremely secure. Ferrets are excellent escape artists and can slink out of tiny spaces. A wire cage or carrier with a plastic door are ideal.
• Line the carrier with absorbent material and provide some food.
• Place a couple of familiar items with their scent on them into the carrier to make them feel more at ease. The rescue centre or breeder may be able to give you a blanket your ferret has been using.
• Keep things nice and calm for the journey home. Ferrets usually curl up in their blanket and go to
  sleep.

Settling your ferrets into their new home

Ferrets can be easily frightened by loud noises and don’t like sudden movements, especially around their faces, so moving into a new environment can be unsettling for them.

When you arrive home, gently place your ferrets in their enclosure, ensuring they can’t escape. When they feel comfortable, they will start exploring, nibbling on their food and settling in.

Once they seem settled, allow them to approach you on their own terms and reward interactions with treats to help build a strong bond. Any children living in or visiting the home should be introduced to your ferrets gradually. Supervise any interactions to ensure the ferrets and children are both safe and happy.

Having toys and other items they’re familiar with will help your ferrets get used to their new home.

Ferret behaviours

Ferrets are inquisitive, playful and intelligent animals. While they each have their own unique personality traits, there are some typical ferret behaviours to look out for. You’ll soon learn what is normal behaviour for your ferrets.

Nipping and biting

Ferrets explore the world with their mouths and it’s common for them to nip or bite. Regular handling can help to reduce this but is unlikely to stop it completely as this is a natural behaviour for ferrets.

Did you know that ferrets have very thick skin? When playing or fighting, they can be very rough, particularly males, and will bite each other fairly hard. Unfortunately, ferrets don’t realise that humans have more delicate skin!

If your ferret wants to play, or they are feeling overstimulated, they may give a nip and let go quickly.

However, they may also bite hard and hang on. A nip or a bite can be painful so be particularly cautious when children are around.

The ferret dance

When ferrets are happy or excited they jump and hop around. You may also see them pawing the ground and lunging. This is usually an invitation to play. Ferrets also roll around and wag their tails when they’re having fun. However, this quirky ‘dance’ can also be a sign that they are over-stimulated and may result in a nip.

Vocalising

There are lots of noises in a ferret’s repertoire. They are known to chatter, hiss and even make a sound similar to barking. You will soon get to know what your ferret is trying to say. If your ferret starts vocalising more than is typical for them, speak to your vet for further advice.

Sleepy ferrets

Ferrets sleep for around 19 hours a day and can be difficult to wake. This can be alarming for owners but they will usually come around when they are ready to.

They love to curl up in hammocks, snuggle into cosy blankets or settle down in a hidey-hole. They may even cuddle up and fall asleep on or near you. If your ferret is spending more time sleeping or hiding than they usually do, speak to your vet for further advice.

Digging

Providing a digging pit for your ferrets helps them display their natural behaviours. Fill a box or litter tray with leaves, shredded newspaper, dirt, sand or straw. Ferrets also love a ball pit or a paddling pool to splash around in.

Litter Trays

If your ferret is used to using a litter tray, we strongly recommend using the same type of litter they are familiar with to make it easier for them to settle in.

Moving into a new environment can be stressful so be prepared for some accidents.

Food and drink

When bringing your ferret home, we highly recommend feeding them the same brand and type of food they’re used to eating as this will provide a sense of familiarity and help prevent tummy upsets.

The centre or breeder may have spare food to give you. Always ensure your ferret has access to plenty of fresh water.

Introductions

Give your new ferret time to settle in before introducing them to other pets or children in the household. Avoid having lots of visitors at once as loud noises can frighten ferrets.

Ferrets can get on well with other ferrets but introductions should be done gradually. Successful bonding depends on many factors such as age, sex, whether they’ve been neutered and their unique characteristics.

Give them plenty of space and be prepared to separate them permanently should they not get on.

Registering with a vet

We recommend registering your ferret with a vet as soon as possible after collecting them.

When choosing a vet, do your homework into local practices. There are many different services and plans on offer so it’s important to ensure they can meet the needs of you and your pet.

When adopting from one of our centres, you will be provided with a record of your pet’s full veterinary history to take to your vet. If the animal has a pre-existing condition, our team will send the vet paperwork prior to visiting so you can discuss it with your own vet. Breeders should be able to provide you with proof of any treatment your ferret has had to date.

Your vet will be able to discuss any regular vaccinations, treatments or dental work they may need.

Arranging insurance cover

We would highly recommend insuring your ferret to avoid unexpected costly vet bills. It can be more expensive or harder to find policies which will cover pets with pre-existing conditions, therefore it’s important to make sure your policy offers the right level of cover for you.

Your insurer is likely to ask for vet details so you must register with a vet first.