Understanding Your New Ferret

You have done your research and decided that a ferret is right for you. They are a delightful addition to anyone’s life and home. These amazing creatures can be trained to use a litter box just like cats.

You’ll have to take a few precautions before you let your new ferret run around your house.

Of course you should not allow a new animal to run around in your home. Let it get used to its new surroundings from the comfort and protection of its cage for as long as it takes before you let it roam around your home.

You will also need to litter box train your ferret as well. Depending on your ferret and how much time you devote to litter training most ferrets end up using the litter box about 75% of the time. Some ferrets will use the litter box consistently but, with most, you may find a little “gift” in the house once in a while.

Litter box training can up to take several hours every day for several months. The more attention you devote to litter box training, the better your chances of success.

Typically, ferrets will go shortly after after eating or waking up. So, put your ferret in the litter box when it first wakes up. Don’t let it out until it has gone to the bathroom. Once it has gone, immediately give it a treat. The object is to try to get it associated with receiving a treat for going to the litter box.

You should never physically punish a ferret for any reason, especially if they have an accident in the house. Physically punishing your ferret will only make them fear you and will not help them understand what they did wrong. If you would like your ferret to be able to run around the house, you will have to be prepared to do a little cleaning up after them as well.

Something else you will need to do before you ferret is allowed to run free is to “ferret proof” your home. Ferret-proofing involves removing any hazards and making your home safe for a ferret. They are small, agile, and very curious creatures. They will soon find their way into small spaces. A good rule of thumb is that if their head will fit into a space, their bodies will too.

Start ferret proofing by crawling around on your hands and knees looking for crevices, small holes, loose ventilation covers, etc. You need to check every room your ferret will soon be exploring themselves.

Don’t forget to include appliances in checking for small holes or places that ferrets can get inside of. Because ferrets are excellent climbers and very curious, anyplace can become a “play area” for them.

Ferrets will be able to get up into some types of refrigerators and could potentially get hurt on the fan. The dryer tubing looks like a really fun tube for a ferret. They can rip a hole in the hose and climb out through the vent. Couches are also potentially dangerous for ferrets. ferrets can easily get through the fabric lining and up inside some couches.

Some ferret owners want their ferrets to be able to get extra exercise by running around their homes. But the most important thing is for you to be able to offer your ferret a safe place to run.

For more information about caring for your new ferret visit Ferret-Care-Center.com.