Ferrets as Pets: What You Need to Know Before Getting a Ferret 

Ferrets as pets are lively, curious, and unique animals that require a special kind of care and attention. Before deciding to bring one into your home, it’s essential to thoroughly inform yourself about their needs, characteristics, and the responsibilities that come with caring for them.

General Information About Ferrets 

Ferrets are small, energetic carnivores belonging to the weasel family. They are known for their playful and curious nature. Ferrets are very social animals that crave interaction and engagement. They sleep up to 18 hours a day but are very active and playful during their waking hours, making them popular pets. 

Single vs. Group Housing

Ferrets are naturally sociable animals and often enjoy the company of other ferrets. Single housing is possible but requires a significant amount of social interaction and playtime with humans. Ideally, ferrets should be kept in pairs or small groups to fulfill their social needs.  

Home Habitat 

The size and setup of the cage are crucial factors for your ferret’s well-being. The cage should be as large as possible, with a minimum size of 2 x 2 x 1 meters. It should include multiple levels, as ferrets like to climb and explore. The cage should be equipped with hammocks, tunnels, and toys to provide entertainment and stimulation. A sleep house is also important. Such a retreat is essential for the well-being of these active and curious animals. Ferrets sleep up to 18 hours a day and appreciate a cozy, safe, and dark place to retreat and rest. 

A sleep house can come in various forms. It can be a simple box with an entrance or a specially designed sleep hut for ferrets. It’s important that it’s spacious enough for the ferret to comfortably snuggle and turn around. The interior should be soft and warm, ideally lined with fleece or other soft materials to provide comfort and warmth. 

It’s also advisable to have multiple sleeping places in the cage, especially if keeping several ferrets, so each animal has its own retreat. 

Costs of Acquisition and Maintenance

The initial costs for ferrets as pets can vary, but the real investment lies in ongoing maintenance. This includes costs for food, veterinary visits, vaccinations, and cage furnishings. It’s important to be financially prepared to provide the best possible care for your ferret. Here’s a rough cost breakdown: 

Acquisition Costs 

• Purchase price for the ferret: Depending on the breed, age, and color of the ferret, costs can vary. Typically, prices range from 50 to 200 euros per ferret. 
• Initial equipment: This includes a cage, sleeping house, food bowls, water dispensers, leashes, carrying bags, and toys. The initial setup can cost a total of 200 to 500 euros. 
• Veterinary costs: Initial examination, vaccinations, and possibly neutering. Expect about 100 to 200 euros. 

Ongoing Costs 

• Food: Ferrets need a protein-rich diet. High-quality ferret food or suitable cat food can cost about 20 to 40 euros monthly. 
• Bedding and hygiene articles: About 10 to 20 euros monthly. 
• Vet: Annual vaccinations and preventative check-ups, as well as unforeseen veterinary costs, can amount to 100 to 200 euros annually. 
• Toys and equipment: Costs can vary, but expect about 20 to 50 euros annually for renewals or additions. 

Total Costs  

The initial purchase, including initial equipment and basic medical care, can thus range between 350 and 900 euros. The ongoing annual costs can amount to about 500 to 1000 euros, depending on the individual needs of the animal and prices in your region. 

Important Notes 

• Unexpected costs: Emergency veterinary costs can be high, so it’s advisable to be financially prepared for unforeseen situations or consider pet insurance. 
• Quality: Cutting costs in the wrong place (e.g., food or medical care) can lead to higher costs in the long run. 
• Time and commitment: Non-monetary costs, such as time and effort for daily care, should also be considered. 

Acquiring a ferret should be well thought out, and ongoing costs should be integrated into the monthly budget to ensure the ferret receives the best possible care and quality of life. 

Ferret Nutrition

Ferrets have a fast metabolism and need several small meals spread throughout the day. It’s common to give them access to food all day so they can eat as needed. If you want to set specific feeding times, you should feed your ferret at least two to three times a day. 

As carnivores, they require a protein-rich diet. It’s best to give them specially formulated ferret food that contains all the necessary nutrients. This is optimally tailored to the needs of ferrets. It contains a high percentage of animal proteins and fats and low carbohydrate values. Alternatively, high-quality cat food can be used, which also has high protein values and low carbohydrate amounts. Raw or cooked meat (chicken, beef, lamb) can serve as part of the diet. Ensure that it’s fresh and of high quality. Boiled eggs can be given occasionally as a treat. 

For a balanced diet, occasional vitamin and mineral supplements may be necessary, especially if a pure fresh meat diet is fed. 

Important Notes: 

• No high-carbohydrate foods: Avoid foods with a high carbohydrate or sugar content, as ferrets cannot digest them well, and they can lead to health problems. 
• Fresh water: Ensure your ferret always has access to fresh, clean water. 
• Treats in moderation: Treats should only be given in small amounts and should not make up more than 10% of the daily diet. 

A balanced diet is crucial for the health and well-being of your ferret. It’s always advisable to seek advice from a veterinarian or a ferret specialist when choosing food and dietary habits. 

Conclusion: Considering Ferrets as Pets

The decision to keep a ferret as pet should not be taken lightly. They require a lot of attention, care, and a suitable environment to stay happy and healthy. If you are willing to invest the time, energy, and resources, ferrets can be incredibly rewarding companions. With the right care and lots of love, they will become a beloved part of your family.

Are you already a ferret owner? Here you will find some helpful tips on how to entertain and stimulate your ferret. Discover more in our article: The Best Toys for Ferrets: Entertainment and Stimulation for Your Agile Friends