Taking Your Ferrets With You
Every ferret owner knows how much his or her ferret loves to explore new places! Taking your ferrets outdoors provides them with a wealth of new sights, sounds and smells that they haven't experienced before, and its a great form of ferret enrichment. Before you and your ferret venture out for a day trip, there are a few things you need to know to make sure the outing is both fun and safe.
- Make sure that the temperature is ferret friendly.
Ferrets are most comfortable between 65° and 68°F. Anything over 75° can be dangerous, and temperatures over 90° can be deadly. If it's hot outside, wait until evening when it's cooler to take your ferrets outside> - Always use a harness and lead.
Ferrets can very easily dart away from you if they are not contained somehow. Loud noises can startle them, causing them to bolt. Additionally, other animals or birds of prey could come after them, so you need to keep your ferret close to you. If your ferrets aren't in a playpen, always use a harness and lead. The most effective, comfortable harness is an H-style harness. If you have multiple ferrets, you may find it easier to use a tandem coupler (pictured above). - Make sure your ferret is protected against fleas, ticks and heartworm.
Use a flea control product before taking your ferret outside, and check for fleas and ticks when you get home. Keep your ferret up-to-date on all vaccinations (canine distemper and rabies). If heartworm is a concern in your area, be sure to use a heartworm preventive regularly. A single heartworm could kill a ferret because their hearts are so small. - Bring a carrier with you.
You never know when you ferret will become frightened, tired or will just want some quiet time. Bring a carrier with you to provide him with a safe, secure, familiar area. - Bring enough water, food and treats.
Ferrets should always have access to food, so be sure to bring some with you. Treats can help to ease a jumpy ferret who hasn't been outside much. Because ferrets can get overheated so easily, water is especially important, so be sure to bring a couple bottles with you. Avoid ice cold water, as it can upset your ferret's gastrointestinal tract.
After you take your ferret on a couple outings, you will start to add your own items to the above list, but this list is a great place to start! Remember - ferret outings are fun, but safety should always be your top priority!
For more information about taking your ferrets with you, read Back to Nature: Let Your Ferret Discover the Outdoors Safely.
Comments
The incurable aleutian virus should be a concern of ferreters everywhere. Since it can lie dormant for many years there is a danger when in unknown territory as well as with unknown ferrets and other members of the family such as mink.
Posted by: Eric | January 22, 2008 05:39 PM