In nature, ferrets eat other animals — and every part of those animals too, including their livers, kidneys, tissues and bones. They also eat whole prey, such as whole mice, rats and chicks. Even when ferrets are pets, they must eat
raw meat
, including chicken, lamb, pigeons, rabbit, turkey necks and raw animal bones.
What human food can ferrets eat?
Raw meat
is the best option, including whole prey. Ferrets can also eat kitten food, as it has a high meat protein content, baby food that's high in meat protein, and dried ferret food, that's high in meat protein. As an occasional treat, your ferret can also eat eggs.
What do you feed a pet ferret?
Smart (and Healthy) Treats
Good treats for ferrets include
cooked egg, cat treats, and bits of chicken, turkey, or lamb
. Meanwhile, you should avoid giving your ferret any grains, vegetables, ice cream, or chocolate.
What foods can ferrets not eat?
Ferrets do enjoy
sweets, dairy products, raisins, fruits, and vegetables
, but these foods should be avoided, as they may produce diarrhea and erratic swings in blood sugar. A piece of cooked meat or some meat baby food is fine as an occasional treat. “Chocolate can be fatal to ferrets.”
How often do ferrets eat?
Ferrets have a very high metabolic rate, and a short digestive tract. This means they process their food very quickly, and need to eat little and often. Ideally ferrets will eat
6-8 times per day
.
How do you discipline a ferret?
Scruff your ferret.
Scruffing is one of the most popular ways to stop your ferret from biting. Grab your ferret by the loose skin on the back of the neck, and lift it to your eye level.
Close the mouth with your index finger and thumb
. Look at the ferret and say, “No!” in a loud and firm voice.
How long do ferrets live as pets?
Ferrets Are Cute
They are a small size and can provide your family with a sweet long-term pet. Most ferrets live for
about six to eight years
, though some pet ferrets can live up to 12 years.
Can ferrets eat bananas?
Ferrets' digestive systems are made to digest meat and not complex carbohydrates.
Never feed your ferret any kind of fruit
, even as a treat. While some ferret fanciers may say it's OK, the American Ferret Association advises against feeding bananas, raisins, apples, carrots and all other fruits and vegetables.
At what age is a ferret full grown?
Around 4 months old
, ferrets will stop growing and reach their full size. Full-grown males should weigh between 2-2.5 pounds. Females often weigh between 1-1.5 pounds. It is at only 4 months old that they reach sexual maturity and can begin reproducing.
Is peanut butter OK for ferrets?
Peanut butter isn't toxic to ferrets
, but it's still not something they should eat. It's filled with carbs they can't digest, as well as sugar and salt, both of which are extremely bad for ferrets.
What smell do ferrets hate?
Spray bitter apple
on yourself to discourage biting and chewing. Using bitter apple on your hands or toes can discourage your ferret when it's nipping. Your ferret won't like the smell, and it will usually stop biting you. You can also spray it on areas you don't want the ferret to chew or scratch.
Do ferrets poop alot?
Another very important concept, and one that I often have to remind ferret owners of, is “Don't be a stool-gazer.” This means, don't ascribe too much importance to an individual poop.
Most ferrets will poop three or four times a day
.
How often do ferrets need baths?
Keep the cage and litter clean and it will help keep your ferret smelling fresh. Bathing tends to dry out the skin and coat, at most bathe once a month. Unless your ferret has gotten into something that needs to be washed off, a bath
every two to three months
is probably plenty.
Are ferrets aggressive?
Ferrets must be taught not to nip or bite, much the same way that kittens and puppies are taught what behavior is appropriate.
A domestically bred ferret will usually not be vicious or aggressive
, but it is in its nature to enjoy games that simulate hunting, tug-of-war, chasing, or mock combat.
Can ferrets drink milk?
Your ferret may love ice-cream, milk, and cheese but
these should be avoided
. Ferrets are carnivores and are supposed to eat meat protein, they are not designed to process dairy proteins. In particular, Ferrets lack the enzyme required to digest lactose, a little like lactose intolerant humans.
Can ferrets eat raw meat?
Ferrets are strict carnivores. In the wild they prey upon and eat whole animals that consist
of raw meat
, raw bones, other tissue and digested vegetable matter. They require a diet of meat/animal products that are typically high in protein and fat and low in carbohydrates and fibre.
