Ferrets

Question 1

Ferret Housing
What should an indoor enclosure look like?

Answer 1

Large enclosure.
Steel bottom with wire mesh sides no larger than 2.5cm square to prevent escape.
Vertical space with shelves and raised sleeping quarters.
Nest box should take up 25% of enclosure.

Question 2

Ferret Housing
What should an outdoor enclosure look like?

Answer 2

Large enclosure.
Wooden with mesh sides.

Question 3

Ferret Housing
What is a suitable bedding substrate?

Answer 3

Wood shavings, newspaper, shredded paper, hay or straw.
Nest box lined with towelling of similar material.

Litter boxes with wooden pellets.

Question 4

Ferret Housing
What is the optimal temperature?

Answer 4

15-21*C

Question 5

Ferret Housing
What enrichment can be added?

Answer 5

Hard plastic drainage pipes, tunnels, wooden stumps, non-chewable toys, material hammocks for laying and sleeping in.

Question 6

Are ferrets sociable or solitary animals?

Answer 6

Sociable - live in pairs or groups.
Males must be neutered.

Question 7

Ferret Housing
What is the main focus when building a ferret enclosure?

Answer 7

It is escape proof as they are excellent escape artists.

Question 8

Ferret Nutrition
What diet do ferrets have?

Answer 8

Carnivores

Question 9

Ferret Nutrition
What is included in a ferrets diet?

Answer 9

Commercial ferret food or cat food.
High protein and high fat.
Requie calcium.
No more than 5% fibre as digestion is not designed for it.

Question 10

Ferret Nutrition
How often are ferrets fed?

Answer 10

Twice daily.
More often for young, ideally graze fed.

Question 11

Ferret Nutrition
How can food and water be presented?

Answer 11

Food in ceramic bowls or hidden in tunnels to encourage foraging.
Water in water bottles rather than bowls.

Multiple food and water station should be provided for groups of ferrets.