Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I love animals, 4 cats 1 dog 3 leopard geckos 1 turtle... u get the picture. Well its been a while since I got a fresh animal. I was looking into mice (food for geckos) but decided that I wanted something I could fall in love with. Ferrets seemed perfect, now all I need is correct husbandry and a few other things. I understand the maintnance they require. I want to know if I can put them in a 29"x29"x48" aluminum screen cage. and if I could put 2 in there. Also should I start out with just 1 or 2? Sorry if I've been a pain but I think these guys are so cool!
Cage

That size cage would not be appropriate for full time housing. They need at least an hour a day of exercise outside a cage, preferably more, unless it is a VERY large enclosure that allows them room to run and play. I have a large cat cage for mine, and also built a big pen that I wired to the front of the cage and left an opening so the door can stay open all the time. They have their cage and their "ferret yard." We also bring them into the living room to play with us. Most owners either give them play time each day and cage them otherwise, have a room for them, or some let them have free roam throughout the house.

Ferrets need a large enclosure to roam in and play in, and they also need at least 3-4 hours a day to be free to play out of their cage. They are a high maintenance pet and they need attention. They are not a caged animal that you can leave in a cage and watch when you want to. They need a high quality ferret food that will run around 25 bucks a bag and lots of toys to keep them amused. Hammocks are also a good thing for them to have hanging in their cage and for them to sleep in. Ferrets are burrowing animals so they will need alot of bedding...I use old tshirts and baby blankets for my little guy. Ferrets shed 2 times a year so they do need a hairball remedy as well as brushings during shed times. Getting 2 ferrets is not alot different than one...there will be a little more cleanup but they will help entertain each other if you are not able to provide them the stimulation that they need. Just rememeber that they will become very bonded and it is not unheard of if one ferret dies they other is soon to follow. A great book is ferrets for dummies. It goes through everything there is to owning a ferret. They do also need vaccinations once a year for distemper and rabies so that will run you at about 100 bucks including an exam. And if they do get sick, they tend to be on the expensive side to make well. Any more questions ask away, but remember to do your research...they are very cute but can be expensive...but a well kept ferret will repay you with love ten times over!

Before purchasing a ferret, I would recommend that you 1. purchase the book Ferrets For Dummies. It is awesome reading and very helpful as a source of reference. 2. Contact your local ferret rescue/shelter and try to find one there that you can fall in love with. There are many beautiful ferrets in shelters/rescues that need now homes. Hope this helps!
Little Paws Ferret Rescue