Ferret Care Guide

LIFE SPAN

Approximately 8 years

AVERAGE SIZE

Male (Hobs): 15-16 inches long and 2-3.5 lbs.

Female (Jills): 13-14 inches long and .75-2.5 lbs. 

PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES

Ferrets have slim and slinky bodies but should not be skinny. They have small, rounded ears and tiny dark eyes. Ferrets do not have good eyesight, but their keen senses of smell and hearing more than make up for this fact. They are available in a variety of colors including sable, white, seal-point and albino.

VACCINES

Most states require that ferrets receive a regular rabies vaccination. Rabies vaccine is first administered at 12 weeks of age, and then once a year for life. It is strongly recommended by most veterinarians that Ferrets also receive distemper vaccines. 

FEEDING

Ferrets are strict carnivores, their digestive tracts have no ability to pull nutrients from grains or other plant matter, so good ferret foods should not contain large amounts of these ingredients. Ferrets have very short digestive tracts and a very high metabolism, so they have to eat often. Make sure fresh food is available at all times. We use and recommend Marshall Ferret food for our Marshall Ferrets.

SUPPLEMENTS

You may offer Ferretone or Linatone – Scientifically formulated dietary supplements that promote healthy skin and a shiny coat. Can be given once a day. Follow package directions for baby to adult Ferret dosages.

WATER

Clean, fresh chlorine-free water must always be available. Change it daily. 

GROOMING

Ferret grooming consists of brushing (to reduce the risk of hair balls), nail trimming (when needed), ear cleaning (use a ferret ear cleaner and cotton swabs – about once a week), and tooth brushing (use cat toothpaste and a finger brush or finger). Baths should be limited to once a month. 

LITTER TRAINING

Ferrets naturally choose a corner to use as a bathroom. This makes litter training very easy. Always use a paper base pellet for litter with your Ferret.

HOUSING & ENVIRONMENT

Ferrets require large cages, preferably with multiple floors made of safe plastic or galvanized metal. Minimum size habitat for two ferrets or more is 4’L x 2’W x 3’H.

HABITAT MAINTENANCE

Daily maintenance should consist of spot cleaning by removing soiled substrate, cleaning food and water bowls. The entire cage should be cleaned thoroughly at least once every week. 

BEDDING

We recommend an aspen bedding or other paper based bedding.

TOYS

Several types of toys should be available for your Ferret. They love to tunnel and hide, so tubes, boxes and beds are great choices. Feathers, plastic balls or plush toys with bells, cat crinkle toys or any other ferret toys on the market work great. Ferrets LOVE to play and have a lot of energy to expend, so be sure to provide options.

RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES

• Multi-level ferret habitat 
• Aspen or paper bedding for bottom of habitat 
• 1-2 litter boxes 
• Water bottle 
• Food bowl 
• Prepared ferret food 
• At least 3 different ferret-safe toys 
• 2-3 hammocks or beds for playing & sleeping
• Leash & harness for walking (optional)

Vet Approved

Our Care Guides are designed to assist in general knowledge and requirements for the care of your new family member. We strongly encourage further research and consultation with your veterinarian on the complete and proper care of any new pet.

For more information visit petsuppliesplus.com, cdc.gov/healthypets or contact your veterinarian.

Always wash your hands before and after handling your pet or cleaning its habitat, and remember that any pet can scratch, bite or transmit disease to humans.

For pregnant women, persons with compromised immune systems, or if you have children under the age of 5, we strongly recommend contacting your physician prior to purchasing or caring for a new pet.

Please see the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/healthypets for more information.