LITTLE ROCK — DEAR HELOISE: You mentioned in a past column that you once owned ferrets. I am thinking of getting one (or two) for my children. Can you tell me any ferret facts that I should know?
- Maria, via e-mail
DEAR READER: My first advice is to do your research. Ferretscan live eight to 10 years with good health, but they get into lots of mischief, so they must be cared for diligently. They are social critters, so many experts suggest getting them in pairs. They will chatter to each other and their human family. Note: Males are twice as large as females, which weigh about 2 pounds.
Ferrets are weasels; owning one is not like owning a cat. They eat kitten food or dry ferret food. Feed them fruit and sweet vegetables as treats. Never feed ferrets breads, nuts, grains or dairy products. A good ferret breeder will spay or neuter and de-scent the babies before selling them. (Even after de-scenting, most ferrets still have adistinct odor.)
You will need to "ferret-proof" your house, as they are very hyperactive - especially just before sunrise and sunset; but they do sleep 18-20 hours a day. They chew, like other small animals, so guard power cords! Here are some tips to remember when you bring a ferret home.
Need their nails clipped regularly. (Ferrets have a "quick" that bleeds if you cut too short.)
Need annual vaccines and veterinary care.
Should be spayed or neutered before reaching sexual maturity; otherwise, males can turn feral, and females can die due to anemia.
Are easily litter-box trained.
Don't make loud noises.
Do not need a large cage, but should be allowed out every day for exercise and mental stimulation.
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or e-mail
HomeStyle, Pages 39 on 08/29/2009