The Ferret Store Official Blog - Ferret News & Info

Choosing the right cage for your ferret is an important decision, but what you put in his cage is just as important. You could choose the largest cage available, but if you don't have the right accessories in it, you might as well be housing him in a cardboard box. A properly outfitted cage can mean the difference between a happy, healthy, mentally enriched ferret and a bored, depressed, and possibly ill one. The obvious accessories that you need to have in your ferret's cage are food and water bowls and a litter box. But just as important are proper bedding and toys.

When I say that ferrets need bedding, I'm not referring to wood shavings in the bottom of the cage. I'm talking about hammocks, sleep sacks, blankets - cozy, dark places that they can play in, climb on, burrow under, and sleep in. And a single piece of bedding isn't sufficient. Ferrets need multiple places to sleep and play, especially if you have more than one ferret in a cage. I recommend using many different pieces of bedding, and rotating them regularly. Since ferret bedding needs to be washed weekly, a good time to switch bedding pieces is when you have to do your ferret laundry.

Toys are also an important element of an enriching cage environment. Many people think that ferrets will spend the majority of the time in their cage sleeping. This isn't true - a properly set up cage can be just as fun and interesting to play in as the room that your ferrets explore during their out of cage time. You should place several carefully chosen toys that will encourage your ferret's natural behaviors and instincts in his cage. Good toys include tunnels, balls, and edible chew toys. I recommend rotating at least one toy a day so he always has something new to play with. And always be sure to inspect toys daily so you can remove any that have missing parts or obvious wear that could present a hazard.

Using the right toys and accessories in your ferret's cage will create a fun, stimulating environment to keep your ferret happy and healthy!

Posted by ferretstore at 08:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Brown's Chicken Jerky Ferret Treats are delicious, meat based treats that ferrets love. Made with real boneless chicken, these treats are healthy and fortified with Vitamin A, Vitamin B12 and other essential vitamins. Minerals and amino acids contribute to optimum health, and the Vitamin E and other ingredients help to give your ferret's coat a beautiful luster.

Chicken Jerky Treats come in convenient bite-sized morsels that can be given as a trainined reward or mixed into your ferret's daily diet as a special treat. High in protein and fiber, these ferret treats are sure to be a hit in your ferret household!

To check out Brown's Chicken Jerky Treats and other healthy ferret yummies, check out our selection of ferret treats.

Posted by ferretstore at 01:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

With all of the severe weather issues going on right now in the Midwest, it's important that you take some time to consider what you and your ferrets would do if you were in the same situation. If a flood, tornado, earthquake, hurricane, or other natural disaster was to hit your area - would you be ready? Any disaster, large or small, has the potential to interfere with your ferret care if you aren't prepared for it.

There are a number of things you can do ahead of time to make sure that if something happens, you and your ferrets are prepared for it. These include:

• Talk to your veterinarian to plan for ferret care during a disaster.
• Assemble a ferret evacuation kit and first aid kit.
• Check all ferret carriers or transport cages to make sure they are ready to be used.
• Have identification tags (and license and rabies tags, if appropriate) for your ferrets.
• Assemble veterinary records and keep them in the evacuation kit.
• Assemble proof of ownership information, such as registration information, adoption papers, and pictures of you with each ferret.
• Develop a disaster plan.
• Develop an evacuation plan for all of your ferrets.
• Make a list of motels in your area that will accept ferrets and keep it in the evacuation kit.
• Check with relatives and friends not in your immediate area to determine if they will take your ferrets in the event of an emergency.
• Make a list of places that will take your ferret in, such as boarding facilities, veterinary clinics, and ferret shelters.
• Prearrange an evacuation site(s) and emergency shelter arrangements.
• Keep a list of emergency phone numbers, such as veterinarians, 24 hours clinics, and friends that can help you in the event of an emergency.

These are just a few of the things that you can do. For more information about how to prepare for a natural disaster. For more information, read Disaster Preparedness for your Ferret.

For information about putting together evacuation kits for pets, read An Evacuation Kit for Your Ferret.

Posted by ferretstore at 10:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Insulinoma is one of the three most common ferret diseases, and it is highly likely that if you own ferrets, you will deal with this illness at least once. Insulinoma is very manageable as long as you are able to diagnose it promptly, but this isn't just the job of your veterinarian. It is up to you to know what to look for so you can schedule a veterinary appointment when you see symptoms.

The symptoms of insulinoma include:

• Weakness
• Lethargy
• Excessive salivating
• Staring off with a dazed look - "spacing out"
• Mouth ulcers
• Tremors, twitching, or head bobbing
• Pawing at the mouth
• Hind leg weakness
• Loss of coordination
• Vomiting
• Lack of appetite
• Weight loss

Insulinoma usually affects ferrets over the age of three, and we highly recommend that you do annual blood glucose tests to monitor blood glucose levels once your ferret is three years old.

For more information about insulinoma, read Insulinoma: Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention.

Posted by ferretstore at 08:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

No, not igloos made from snow and ice - we're talking about the fun and comfy Marshall Cozy Ferret Igloo!

This Cozy Ferret Igloo from Marshall is made from soft, comfortable fleece for a great place to curl up, snuggle, and take a nap. It features a removeable bottom for easy cleaning and measures 9" x 10". The single opening gives your ferret a sense of security and appeals to her burrowing instincts.

But this isn't just a sleeper, it's a fun hideout for playtime too! Your ferrets will have a blast playing "king" of the igloo, and trying to keep the other ferrets out of it.

The Marshall Cozy Ferret Igloo can be placed in your ferret's cage, in a playpen, or out in her play area, and she's sure to love it no matter where it is! Check out the Cozy Igloo today!

Posted by ferretstore at 08:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)