What Can I Do To Fatten Up My Ferret?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,
  1. Commercial nuggets. …
  2. You could also feed your ferret a raw food diet. …
  3. Vitamin pastes and oils.

How do ferrets get fat?

Pet usually become

obese due to a combination of insufficient physical activity and an increased intake of calories

. For example, overeating may occur if owners leave food out continuously or if ferrets are given too many sugary treats (such as raisins).

What human food can I feed my ferret?

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.

Why is my ferret skinny and lethargic?

Hair loss and weight loss can be signs of adrenal gland disease which can be fatal if left untreated. If your ferret is extremely lethargic and has a difficult time getting the energy to move it is often a

sign of an insulinoma

—a severe drop in blood glucose that can lead to seizures, comas, or even death.

What food can a ferret eat?

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.

What foods are poisonous to ferrets?

  • Fruits and Vegetables. Ferrets are carnivores, so your pet should run almost entirely on animal protein. …
  • Xylitol/Processed Foods. …
  • Dairy Products. …
  • Dog Food. …
  • Chocolate. …
  • Junk Food. …
  • Grains. …
  • Fish.

How many times a day do you feed a ferret?

Ideally ferrets will eat

6-8 times per day

. This can be difficult to manage with discreet feeds, so leaving pellets out for your ferret throughout the day will allow them to eat at will.

What is a normal weight for a ferret?

The average weight of an adult male ferret is

about 3 to 5 pounds (1.5-2.5 kg)

and adult female ferrets weigh even less at 1.5 to 3 pounds (0.75-1.5kg).

What can ferrets eat to gain weight?


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.

How do I know my ferret is dying?

When death is rapidly approaching, you may find your ferret collapsed,

taking deep breaths

. Their body temperature will drop to 97 degrees or less. If they are moaning or wheezing with each breath, they are near to death.

What are common ferret illnesses?

  • Campylobacteriosis.
  • Giardiasis.
  • Influenza.
  • Rabies.
  • Ringworm.
  • Salmonellosis.

Is my ferret depressed?


Sad ferrets may spend time

in areas their buddy used to frequent. They may also slouch, flatten themselves out, and sigh. Unlike sick ferrets, sad ferrets won't squint.

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.

How do ferrets prove apartments?

  1. Buying a cage for your ferret.
  2. Establishing which areas your ferret has access to.
  3. Blocking off all exits to your house.
  4. Locking away chemical hazards.
  5. Ensuring electrical cords are out of its reach.

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.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.