Believe it or not those cute little animals known as ferrets are rapidly become a popular family pet in this country.
It has been discovered that notwithstanding the fact they are traditionally not considered a prospect for being a tameable pet they are becoming more and more accepted as pets as people find that they are quite suitable for pet status.
They do have a few particular features that must be addressed and if done properly a new ferret can become a wonderful pet that bring their owners joy for many years.
If you have made the decision to adopt a new ferret into your home the first thing to do is as with any new member of a group they must be welcomed and oriented into the new environment.
In the case of a ferret they should be kept in their cage until they become familiar with their new surroundings.
This could take several days at which time the ferret can be allowed outside its cage for a little looking around.
Care must be taken in the room where they are allowed to roam.
It should be "ferret-proofed" as much as possible meaning any nooks or crannies that are large enough for a ferret's head to enter are covered because if they can get their head in a space the whole body to pass.
After this orientation period the first training administered to your new pet ought to be potty procedures.
Fortunately ferrets are sharp little creatures and are capable of being trained in this area similar to cats and dogs.
Ferret litter box training is not generally 100% effective.
They will have mistakes about a quarter of the time so don't be disappointed when this happens.
Litter box training is a process that will usually take several months.
It should be conducted in the following manner - being aware that ferrets will relieve themselves either soon after waking or after eating - restrict them to their litter box until they have completed the process then give them a treat and release them from the litter box.
After a while they will begin to relate using the litter box with getting the treat.
Be careful to not chastise the ferret when it has an accident because that action will negate all the training.
The little ferret will become fearful and tend to forget the training process.
Just remember that with even the most effective litter box training the little animals will have accidents.
It is going to happen so as they say it goes with the turf.
Fortunately in the case of ferrets when it does occur its not a big problem as with cats or dogs so live with it and enjoy the delightful little animals.
When they are deemed ready for exploring outside their cage it is a good idea to restrict them to certain areas of the home that have been prepared for them.
This means insuring that any opening large enough for the head to enter is be covered.
Kitchen appliances are especially hazardous because they present lots of little spaces and perils such as electrical, fans and mechanical.
Cushioned furniture must be considered a hazard too because the ferrets can get through the thin fabric on the bottom side and get hurt by the coils.
The vent tubing of clothes dryers must be watched because ferrets can tear holes in the tubing and escape to the outside.
Most of the precautions are common sense and if carefully dealt with the ferret will have a happy and long life.
A few simple precautions taken to provide a safe environment for your new ferret will pay great dividends.
These adorable little creatures will bring joy to your home for many years.
It has been discovered that notwithstanding the fact they are traditionally not considered a prospect for being a tameable pet they are becoming more and more accepted as pets as people find that they are quite suitable for pet status.
They do have a few particular features that must be addressed and if done properly a new ferret can become a wonderful pet that bring their owners joy for many years.
If you have made the decision to adopt a new ferret into your home the first thing to do is as with any new member of a group they must be welcomed and oriented into the new environment.
In the case of a ferret they should be kept in their cage until they become familiar with their new surroundings.
This could take several days at which time the ferret can be allowed outside its cage for a little looking around.
Care must be taken in the room where they are allowed to roam.
It should be "ferret-proofed" as much as possible meaning any nooks or crannies that are large enough for a ferret's head to enter are covered because if they can get their head in a space the whole body to pass.
After this orientation period the first training administered to your new pet ought to be potty procedures.
Fortunately ferrets are sharp little creatures and are capable of being trained in this area similar to cats and dogs.
Ferret litter box training is not generally 100% effective.
They will have mistakes about a quarter of the time so don't be disappointed when this happens.
Litter box training is a process that will usually take several months.
It should be conducted in the following manner - being aware that ferrets will relieve themselves either soon after waking or after eating - restrict them to their litter box until they have completed the process then give them a treat and release them from the litter box.
After a while they will begin to relate using the litter box with getting the treat.
Be careful to not chastise the ferret when it has an accident because that action will negate all the training.
The little ferret will become fearful and tend to forget the training process.
Just remember that with even the most effective litter box training the little animals will have accidents.
It is going to happen so as they say it goes with the turf.
Fortunately in the case of ferrets when it does occur its not a big problem as with cats or dogs so live with it and enjoy the delightful little animals.
When they are deemed ready for exploring outside their cage it is a good idea to restrict them to certain areas of the home that have been prepared for them.
This means insuring that any opening large enough for the head to enter is be covered.
Kitchen appliances are especially hazardous because they present lots of little spaces and perils such as electrical, fans and mechanical.
Cushioned furniture must be considered a hazard too because the ferrets can get through the thin fabric on the bottom side and get hurt by the coils.
The vent tubing of clothes dryers must be watched because ferrets can tear holes in the tubing and escape to the outside.
Most of the precautions are common sense and if carefully dealt with the ferret will have a happy and long life.
A few simple precautions taken to provide a safe environment for your new ferret will pay great dividends.
These adorable little creatures will bring joy to your home for many years.
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