just got a ferret a couple months ago and I just found out that they only live to be about 6, which means I only have about 2 more years with him.(bummer). What are some extra things I could do to keep him healthy? I know you can give them vitamins and things like that. But I am sure there are other things I don't know about that he might need. Please be specific as to what brands to use and what they are for. I have been giving him scraps of chicken or fish for protien, and some fruits and vegetables too. I also heard that they are prone to all kinds of illness and diseases. What should I watch out for, and what can I do to prevent them? I love my ferret very much and I want to have him as long as possible.
Thank You.
2006-10-29 17:18:17 · 5 answers · asked by Ch33kS_x00x 3 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Buy this book called Ferrets for Dummies. Has all that information in there and more. Think it was about 13.00, but well worth it. Has info on foods/diets, illnesses, remedies, behavior, everything.
Also, stick with the protein diet, not so much fruits/veggies. They have small digestive tracts-which is also why they poop so much, and most of the food really doesn't get absorbed.
There's a popular food for them, in a lite brown/tan bag, can't think of the name made by Marshall I think. Don't waste your money on that. I honestly think it contributes to their poop smelling bad, and it's extremely expensive. I feed mine the 8 in 1 chicken, can't think of the name either, blue and white package. Wish mine would eat regular meats and eggs and stuff, but they never would, only their pellet food. Buy the book!
2006-10-29 17:42:51 · answer #1 · answered by tikitiki 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ok they can live to be 8 and use EVERYTHING Marshalls. NO MORE VEGGIES to much fiber can kill them and friuts really hold no nurtinal value so give him ferret treats and vet check up every 6 months since he is an older ferret. no more scraps of fish is isn't that it is badbut it doesn't help the smell so get Marshalls premium diet for seniors and furo vite well to make it short go to marshallpet.com and they have all there products on there and some info too other sites to check are ferrefacts.com ferret.org essentialferret guide.com and ferretuniverse.com i have 2 of my own and house sitting anolder ferret so i have been on SOOOO many sites it is pitifull start researching by using aserach engineand typing in things like ferret medical ferret health and ferret... well anything. i spend about two hours just checking out sites on ferrets everyday so my favorites list has grown a bit
2006-10-30 16:34:12 · answer #2 · answered by Lisa M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi I keep ferrets myself & have a ferret website that is under constuction right now http://ferretandfriends.piczo.com/ ...
The best thing you can do is feed him proper ferret food that is designed with just ferrets in mind and is a balanced food stuff for your ferrets..
Exercise is also a really good thing for them & they should have the freedom to run around & play as they would be out a lot of the time if they were in the wild hunting their food.
Tubes are a great thing for ferrets & of course other ferrets to play with & enjoy the company of as they will play for hours...
No over feeding & too many treats that could make your ferret fat & more unhealthy than he should be.
Ferrets like ourselves can live many years trouble free if we lookafter ourselves but there is no set time on how long we are here...all we can do is try to eat healthy & stay fit...
Another thing is:If you have a cold or flu wash your hands before handling your ferret & keep contact at this time a minimal one as they can catch our colds & flu & this is not good in a ferret,so dont be kissing & putting them near your face if you have a cold or flu...
Regards Jake
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PetsSecondChance
2006-10-29 19:45:23 · answer #3 · answered by Jake 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
feed him marshals ferret food , also give him treats with a vitamin called taurine, bring him to vet for regular check ups .
keeping his cage clean an occasional bath and lots of affection help also.
I have 11 ferrets ,and they are happ and healthy my oldest is now 4 years .
2006-10-29 21:11:20 · answer #4 · answered by rottweilers & ferrets 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stop letting him smoke...
2006-10-29 19:35:15 · answer #5 · answered by frylockinthahizzy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋