Internal parasites Adult ferrets are rarely affected by internal parasites such as worms, but juvenile ferrets (whose immune systems are not fully developed) are susceptible to coccidiosis and Giardia – protozoal (single-celled) parasites that cause severe diarrhoea and weight loss. Your ferret should be assessed for these parasites on their…
Normal social behaviour Domesticated ferrets, unlike their wild cousins (the polecat and the weasel), are diurnal animals (active during the day), and many can be kept in pairs or groups without conflict. Their domestication has also meant that they have evolved from their more solitary ancestors to be more social…
As with all animals, ferrets should be handled gently and with kindness and patience. They should be given choice about if, when, and how they interact with people. Using reward-based training (e.g., things they enjoy like treats and strokes) to create a positive association with humans and handling from an…
Although ferrets are generally very clean pets, they do need some assistance in grooming themselves from time to time. Grooming includes bathing and drying, nail trimming, coat brushing, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing. Brushing Ferrets groom themselves by using their tongue. After a while, if they are swallowing the hair…
Ferrets are curious and intelligent creatures. While this makes them both fun and entertaining companions, it can also lead them into trouble. Ferrets will explore every nook and cranny in their environment, pick up any object they find (and often swallow it), chew on anything they can fit into their…
Cleaning up after ferrets have been to the toilet is not necessarily one of the most fun things about owning them – but it’s very important! The good news is your ferrets are smart, and they’ll quickly and easily learn to use a litter box with a little bit of…
What is environmental enrichment? Environmental enrichment describes the provision of physical and social opportunities to promote ferret behaviour that is important, valuable, and specific to them. It encourages and allows ferrets to do things that matter to them, resulting in positive experiences based on their individual interests, which underpins good…
Some important things to know about ferrets and reproduction: A male ferret is called a ‘hob’. A female ferret is called a ‘jill’. Jills are ‘induced ovulators’. This means that the release of eggs (ovulation) from the jill’s ovaries is induced by mating. If the jill does not ovulate, she…
Owning and caring for pet mice is great fun and very rewarding, but it’s also a big responsibility and commitment in terms of time, care, and finances. They are not low-maintenance pets, as some people may tell you. Some considerations before you take the step into pet mouse ownership include:…
Dental disease Overgrown incisor teeth (particular the lower incisors) are the most common oral problem in mice as their incisors continuously grow. With only the incisors continuously growing in mice, dental disease affecting the cheek teeth is much less common than in some other rodents such as guinea pigs whose…