Ferrets
GROOMING

In general, ferrets need very little grooming. Ferrets do not need to be bathed and overbathing can actually cause dryness of the haircoat and skin. Ferrets have a natural musky odor to the skin which is part of “who they are” and will never be completely eliminated by constant bathing. If the odor is a problem, to be blunt, you should consider getting a different species of pet because it is unfair to the ferret to not accept this part of his/her physiology so suit yourself.

Not only are ferrets not meant to smell like pine trees or pineapples, but also such intense odor changes are most likely disturbing to the ferret itself. Unneutered ferrets have a very strong odor to not only the skin and haircoat, but also to the urine during the times they are reproductively active. This is a necessary part of their reproductive physiology. However, most people find this odor a bit overpowering and will choose to neuter their pet to prevent it. Ferrets that are not going to be used for breeding should be neutered anyway to prevent aggressive behavior in males and fatal anemia in females.
Ferrets tend to have a heavy production of reddish brown wax in their ears normally. You should avoid the urge to continuously remove this wax as it has a protective function. In addition, continually putting cotton-tipped applicators into the ear may inadvertently push wax into the ear canal. Once you have had your ferret checked by a veterinarian to ensure it is free of disease, then let the ferret clean its own ears by shaking its head and scratching from time to time.
Ferret nails can become sharp and may become entangled in carpeting or cloth. It will be necessary to trim your pet’s nails every six to eight weeks to keep them in shape. Have an experienced person show you how to trim the nail the first time. It is not terribly difficult, especially if you use a treat such as a fatty acid supplement to distract them from the procedure!

HANDLING

Domestic ferrets are generally easy to handle and are not aggressive little creatures. However, like all pets, they can be come frightened and their first response may be to strike out and protect themselves with their teeth. We do not recommend keeping ferrets in households with children under six years of age because of the possibility that the child may inadvertently harm the ferret and an unfortunate accident may result. By the way, this advice applies to cats and dogs as well. In addition, be a responsible pet owner and never put a pet in a threatening situation where it will be forced to defend itself. You are ultimately responsible for all your pet’s actions.

Ferrets have poor eyesight and should never be placed in a situation where they might fall over the edge of a high surface. In addition, do not hold ferrets near your face, especially if you are not familiar with his/her behavior yet because a nose can look like a really neat toy to grab onto if it comes towards the ferret suddenly. Most of the time you need only pick up your ferret and hold him/her in your arms to move him/her from place to place. Sometimes it is useful to scruff your ferret in order to keep him/her still for certain procedures like giving medications, checking the ears, eyes or mouth, or for bathing. To scruff a ferret, grab the skin along the back of the neck firmly and then hold the pet up so that the hind feet cannot touch the ground. Stroke the ferret’s underside from top to bottom, which will relax your pet further. Most ferrets become very relaxed with this restraint method. Occasionally a younger ferret or a very frightened animal will object and you will not be able to use this hold.
© 2004 Midwest Bird and Exotic Animal Hospital