YAY! More ferret lovers!!!
That's right.. ferrets are not rodents even though a lot of people think they are bc they just look like stretched out rats lol They are not nocturnal but they do need to have a regular day/night cycle so if they are kept indoors their cages need to be in clear day light and be covered or have the light off during the night. It's been suggested that messing up their day and night cycles aids in their suffering from adreanal disease. So it's super important to keep them in the light and cover them at night. They can sleep up to 18 hours a day and need atleast 2 to 3 hours of playtime everyday to stay fit and healthy. They're also very temp. (60 -65 F is best)sensitive and can't handle really cold temps and will die from heat stroke if left in the intense heat. As far as adreanal disease it is also known that certain litters such as cedar (especially) and pine help along the disease which is why so many breeders and vets are now recommending using only paper litter and bedding. Also people have been feeding their ferrets cat food for years and years and it is now known that the high sodium and protein levels in the cat food will eventually lead to a ferrets malnutrition and death. When I got my first ferret I didn't know anything about their food and what they needed and fed him a very low quality food without realizing it wasn't good enough for him. He lost weight very quickly but has since regained his weight and peppy attitude after being fed a MUCH better food brand and with vitamin supp.
I used to take Ferret out onto campus with me on his harness and lead but stopped that after he picked up a really bad case of ear mites!
They tore his ears up pretty badly and even though it was inexpensive to treat and the drops weren't that bad to administer I don't think it's fair to him bc he was in so much pain. Pesky little buggers!
I have been told by several breeders that it is ok to take your ferrets outside in the snow to play (with a lead and harness) just as long as you keep an eye on them and stay near them so when they decide they're to cold they will try climbing up your pants leg.. lol AKA IT'S COLD! LET'S GO INSIDE!
But I've never taken him out in the snow bc I'm too worried about him getting sick.. But then again I worry too much anyway! lol
They really do have their own little personalities and it's amazing just watching them run around and socialize with one another. I see the ferrets as coming in two groups.. 1 group is cuddly and loving and wants to be on your lap and group 2 are completely insane.. always running, jumping, nipping, squeaking and 100% totally playful! lol I now have 1 of each hehe
Goodness I have tons more to blab about but I have sooo much homework to do.. So I'll post some pics really quickly then be done! The sable (dark mask) is my first ferret and the white faced one is the little boy I got yesterday!
They of course aren't for everyone (which goes with all pets) but they are really great little furballs! I adore mine that's for sure!