Keen on getting a ferret?
We have a bajillion questions to ask to make sure a ferret is the right fit for you. To make things easier, we have a form you can fill out in your own time. Jump onto our waitlist and we will be in touch!
Frequently asked questions about our ferretry
When will ferret kits be available?
Ferrets are seasonal breeders, meaning they only breed during summer months. There are the odd ones out of course, but generally we have kits available between October–April each year.
What do I need to buy?
Simplified summarised shopping list:
- Food you intend to transition them to
- Secure cage/hutch
- Inexpensive towels/blankets
- Ceramic bowls x2 (food + water)
- Chew toys/cat toys
- Vinegar & Enzyme cleaner
For an extended guide, please read: [Mae's Ferret Care Guide]
How big will my ferret/s get?
Males are much larger than females and typically grow to a healthy 1.7–2.7kg in weight. Females are just over half that, sitting around 0.8–1.5kg. Smaller than a cat, but bigger than a rat. Neutered ferrets tend to be on the smaller side of things.
Do they bite?
Do puppies bite? Same as them, you'll need to train them to NOT bite you and instead bite toys or chews. Ferrets love to lick fish oil, which may help associate you with positive things and not a chew toy.\nFerrets have 2 kinds of bites: play bite and hard bite. A play bite shouldn't hurt; they barely scrape their teeth over you or 'hold' you with their mouths. If it hurts, it's a hard bite and should be corrected. The best way to correct a ferret is with a firm, "UH!" noise and put them in timeout in a hard plastic carrier. Ignore them for 5 minutes, no longer. After that time, take them out and use calm, gentle hands. If they do a hard bite again, repeat the process.
Are they dirty? Do they carry diseases?
Ferrets may smell a bit more during mating season if not spayed, but this is only oils on their furs, which gives them a nice shine, and they are typically fairly clean. They're more like cats than dogs; they groom themselves and don't generally need to be bathed.
They can be vaccinated with the same vaccine that dog's receive at a lower dosage. Please call in with your local vet to ask beforehand. We always recommend Dr David Neck at Cottesloe Vets.
Help! Something is wrong with my ferret!!
If you believe it is not life-threatening, you are always welcome to contact us for guiding information or advice. This includes: bite-training, making strange sounds, dandruff, toilet training.
If the situation is serious, please take your ferret to a veterinarian who has knowledge on caring for ferrets!! This includes: lethargic behaviour, loss of appetite, drooling, panting, hair loss, weight loss, fever/hypothermia, swelling, etc.
Vets we recommend:
Dr. David Neck
Cottesloe Animal Hospital
597 Stirling Hwy, Cottesloe
(08) 9384 1877
Dr. Yoko Cinch
Roleystone Animal Hospital
8 Fancote St, Kelmscott
(08) 9390 4026
Dr. Gary Hanly
Hanly Vet Hospital
2020 Albany Hwy, Maddington
(08) 9459 5595
Do they poop/pee everywhere?
Ferrets are able to be toilet trained just like a cat. They prefer to back up and do their business in a corner, so try to put a low-edge litter box in corners for them. If they have an accident, use a 1:1 vinegar-water solution to clean it up. Ferrets don't like doing their business on soft things, so putting blankets in corners you don't want them toileting works well.
Which is better, boy or girl?
This really depends on your living situation and personal preferences. Males are generally more attentive to you whilst females are more attentive to their surroundings. Males are cuddle-sized, females are play-sized. This is not a fit-all, guide however, as personality comes into play as well. Intact male ferrets are a lot stinkier than females during mating season (August-February) but intact females need to be mated when in heat or they can die.
Desexing at the appropriate age means these issues won't bother you as much.
What food should my ferret eat?
Ferrets are obligate carnivores. Whole prey or raw meat is recommended, as it reduces the smell of their poop. They can also have a treat of lactose-free milk and raw egg yolk once a week. If this doesn't fit your lifestyle, you can offer them dried raw such as Ziwi Peak Air Dried Pet Food and Feline Natural Freeze Dried.
Avoid: Fish, grains, rice, wheat. Vetafarm Ferret Origins is NOT suitable ferret food!
What should their home be made of?
Metal is best, as ferret smells can soak into wood really quickly and metal cages are easier to clean. If you want the aesthetic of a wood home base, then go ahead, but be prepared for extra time spent cleaning!
What if I can't take care of my ferret after I've adopted them?
Before you send them to a shelter or rescue, please contact us! We specialise in caring for ferrets. A lot of typical veterinarians and non-ferret based rescues DO NOT understand a ferret's diet nor their care requirements. We will be happy to take them in and find them a new home, no charge to you.
We stay listed as the second contact on their microchip, so if you lose our contact number, you can ask a nearby veterinarian to scan the chip to retrieve the number and contact us.
The WAFFS Rescue Coordinator is also aware of our BBA's and to return ferrets to us. Nonreturns is a breach of the mutually signed agreement.
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