Ferrets are small carnivorous mammals that belong to the weasel family. They have a high metabolism and require a balanced and nutritious diet to maintain their health. Providing a proper diet is essential to ensure their health and longevity.
Ferrets are obligate carnivores, meaning they require a diet that is high in animal protein and fat. Good quality ferret food should contain at least 30% protein and 20% fat. A diet that is too low in protein or fat can lead to malnutrition and other health problems. Ferrets also require a source of taurine, an essential amino acid found in animal tissue, in their diet.
In addition to a balanced diet, ferrets require plenty of fresh water at all times. They are susceptible to dehydration, so it is important to monitor their water intake. Ferrets can be picky eaters, but it is important to provide them with a variety of foods to prevent boredom and ensure they are receiving all the nutrients they need.
Ferrets are extremely prone to heat stress and heatstroke. They will collapse and possibly die if confined at temperatures over 90°F for 10 minutes. Heatstroke can cause permanent damage to…
If you own ferrets, odds are that at one point, you are going to have a ferret that needs surgery. More than 70% of ferrets will develop adrenal disease during…
One of the most frequently asked questions I hear is “Why is my ferret losing hair?” Ferrets should shed in the spring and summer and build up a thick, fluffy…
Ferret caretakers should perform the following assessments of their companion ferrets each month to ensure good health and preventative care: 1. Keep track of your ferrets weight. Major weight changes…
Insulinoma is one of the most common forms of cancer diagnosed in ferrets. It’s a common misconception that insulinoma is a ferret’s version of diabetes, but in fact, insulinoma is…
Gastric ulcers are fairly common in ferrets, so it’s essential that you familiarize yourself with the symptoms. If caught in time, ulcers are completely treatable, so recognizing and properly identifying…
Since you never know when an accident will happen, keeping a ferret emergency kit at your home is a good idea. You can put a first aid kit together yourself…
First seen in 1993, Epizootic Catarrhal Enteritis , or ECE, is a highly contagious virus. Characterized by neon green, slimy diarrhea, ECE is an inflammation of the mucous membranes in…
Recent years have seen an increase in the number of deaf ferrets. Many ferret owners bring home their new kit and find themselves dealing with a ferret that “ignores” them…
WHAT IS ADV? ADV or Aleutian Disease Virus is a parvovirus that affects minks and ferrets. This virus was first discovered in the Aleutian Mink in 1946, making this disease…