Can ferrets and small pets get along?
Introducing small pets to ferrets is never a good idea, regardless of how you think your ferret will act. Ferrets are carnivores, and in the wild, they would feed on small animals. A small pet such as a hamster, gerbil, or guinea pig could stimulate their prey drive. Even if your ferret has never acted aggressively towards other animals a day in his life, it would only take a moment for him to injure or mortally wound a small pet. If this were to happen, it would not be his fault. It is simply instinct, and he cannot be blamed for that.
In addition to the chance for injury, it would probably also be very stressful for your small pet. The smell of a ferret would most likely scare her, as she would recognize the scent of a predator.
There are precautions you must take to ensure the safety and wellbeing of your small pet, whether she is a hamster, gerbil, guinea pig, rabbit, or another small pet.
- Be sure to have a safe area for your small pet's cage in a place your ferret cannot get to. If possible, keep their cages in two separate rooms.
- If your small pet needs time out of her cage, always secure your ferret in his cage first before letting her out to prevent an accidental encounter.
- If you aren't sure whether or not your ferret can get to your small pet, always keep him in his cage if you are going to be out of the house and cannot watch him.
- Find a cage with a lid and secure doors to keep your small pet in just in case your ferret escapes or finds a way to get near your small pet's cage.
