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As burrowing creatures, ferrets have nails that grow very quickly. It is important to trim their nails regularly to prevent the ferret from snagging and ripping its nails on bedding, or otherwise hurting itself.
It is not difficult to trim ferret nails using one of two approaches: by scruffing the ferret, or giving the ferret a small drop of vitamin supplement on its stomach while trimming. Care should be given to not trim into the quick of the nail. Fortunately, ferret nails are translucent and the quick is visible if viewed from the side.
If the caregiver accidentally cuts into the quick of the ferret, styptic powder, corn starch, or flour can be used to stop the bleeding.
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Ferrets are susceptible to ear mites that can be easily avoided with a regular ear cleaning regimen. Cleaning the ears of a ferret typically involves using a commercial cleaner, and applying it through drops or application by Q-tip.
Care should be given to not force Q-tips or other objects down into the ear canal of the ferret, as that practice can force wax down into the canal and be painful. By starting the cleaning at the base of the ear canal and moving the Q-tip toward the posterior of the animal, this can be easily avoided.
If the caregiver chooses the liquid ear cleaner can be administered by allowing a drop or two to fall into the ear of the ferret.
Bloody ears may be a sign that the ferret has ear mites, and in such a case, veterinarian care is advised.
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Because ferrets give off a musky odor, people are inclined to bath ferrets more regularly than they would other pets. Ferrets are actually quite capable of cleaning themselves, and ironically, the more they are bathed, the more they smell. When bathed, a ferret's natural skin oils are stripped, and the glands will overcompensate by producing more oils. To control odor, it is advisable to launder ferret bedding at least once a week. Since the skin oils rub off as they sleep, the bedding retains the most smell.
However, bathing a ferret is not harmful, and it can be necessary if the ferret has gotten into something dirty, or otherwise is exhibiting more odor than is acceptable. It is generally recommended that ferrets be bathed no more than once a month. Shampoos made specifically for ferrets, or tear-free baby shampoos can be used to bathe a ferret.
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The term scruffing refers to a technique an owner can use to temporarily immobilize or discipline a ferret. Much as a mother cat picks up a kitten by the nape of the kitten's neck, a ferret owner can pick up a ferret by the nape of its neck. In addition to holding the ferret by the nape of the neck, for larger ferrets, it is also advisable to support the hind end of the ferret with another hand. Scruffing a ferret causes the ferret to be still, so that nail trimming, medicine administration, and the like can be performed.
In addition, scruffing can be used as a form of negative discipline with a ferret. If a ferret has exhibited undesirable behavior (i.e. nipping, etc.), the owner would scruff the ferret, and potentially drag the ferret, feet-side down, about a foot along the floor, while saying "No" firmly. Care should be given not to be too rough with the ferret if this type of behavior management is chosen. Positive reinforcement should always be a part of a good training program for a ferret.
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Ferrets should receive a canine distemper vaccination, and then a booster once yearly however kits will normally have initial vaccinations. Canine distemper is fatal to ferrets. In addition, some states require a rabies vaccination with yearly boosters as well.
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Feeding your ferret is an important thing to know. There are a wide range of foods available and it can be confusing to know which foods are good and which aren't so good. First of all some people will feed a good quality kitten food to their ferret, this is fine as long as the food is of good quality and does not contain corn or many other vegetables. If you would prefer to feed a ferret food (which is most likely better) here is a list of generally good ferret foods:
8 in 1 ultimate (not the premium type)
James Wellbeloved ferret food
The ferret store superior natural
The ferret store superior original
Franky Ferret food
Ferret chow
These are the some of the best choices however there are many other ferret foods out there, just make sure you get other peoples feedback first. The reason the choice you make is important is because you will want your ferret to stay in prime condition, have a good coat, keeps lively and playful and generally gets ill less often so make sure you think wisely before buying any ferret or kitten food.
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