You have done your research and decided that a ferret is right for you. They are an endearing addition to anyone’s life and to your home. These extraordinary creatures can be taught to use a litter box just a cat.
Before you let your new ferret run around your house free, you’ll have to take a few precautions.
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 protection and comfort of its cage for as long as it takes before you consider letting it roam around your home.
You will also need to teach your new ferret how to use a litter box as well. Most ferrets will end up using the litter box about 75% of the time, depending on your ferret, and how much time you devote to litter training,. 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 time you devote to litter box training, the better your chances of success.
Typically, ferrets will go within a few minutes of waking up or after they eat. So, bring your ferret to 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 going in the litter box, then receiving a treat.
Never physically punish a ferret for any reason, especially if they miss the litter box. Using physical punishment will only make them fear you and they will not associate what they did with that kind of punishment. 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 making your home safe for a ferret. They are small, agile, and very curious creatures. They will soon find their way into small spaces. Usually if their head will fit into a space, their bodies will too.
The first step in ferret proofing your home is crawling around on your hands and knees looking for gaps, small holes, loose air vent covers, etc. You need to first check every room that your ferret will soon be exploring.
When you look for places that ferrets can get inside of, don’t forget to include the appliances. Because ferrets are extremely good climbers, and very curious creatures, anything can become a “play area” for them.
Ferrets could be able to get up into the workings of some types of refrigerators and could possibly get hurt by the fan. The dryer tubing looks like a really fun tube for a ferret. They are able to rip a hole in it, climb up thru the hose, and get out through the vent. Couches can also be potentially dangerous for ferrets. Some couches have thin fabric lining underneath that ferrets can easily get through and up inside of the couch to the springs.
Some ferret owners want their ferrets to be able to get extra exercise by running around their homes. But the most important thing is giving your ferret a safe place to run.
For more information about caring for your new ferret visit Ferret-Care-Center.com.
