Tiny Ferrets As Pets
In many places ferrets are still not legally recognized as a domesticated animal for the purposes of keeping one as a pet.
Tiny ferrets as pets. Is it legal to own a pet ferret. A government study by the california state bird and mammal conservation program estimated that by 1996 about 800 000 domestic ferrets were being kept as pets in the united states. They must have the proper amount of protein in the meals which can usually come from canned kitten food meat based dog food or raw meat like chicken. Otherwise they can be very destructive messing up litter trays food water and even chipping their teeth through constant biting of their cages.
With the right feeding regime accommodation and care they can live between 6 to 12 years the oldest known ferret lived to the ripe old age of 13. For this reason ferrets were made illegal to own breed and sell. Ferrets were once used to control the wild rabbit population in new zealand resulting in the development of feral ferret colonies. Before you purchase a ferret make sure it s legal to own one where you live.
It is highly recommended you consider adopting a pair of ferrets so they will always have a companion to socialize with. As of 1999 ferrets are legal to keep as pets in new york city. Today owning a ferret is no longer illegal but you are still not permitted to breed or sell ferrets while residing in new zealand. Ferrets like other exotic animals have been banned as pets in some places.
Just make sure that meat is the primary ingredient as ferrets are carnivores. They are a small size and can provide your family with a sweet long term pet. Ferrets are highly intelligent animals more so than rodents they possess around the same intelligence as a dog or cat. For ferrets a wire cage at least 18 in 460 mm long and deep and 30 in 760 mm wide or longer is needed.
Like many household pets ferrets require a cage. They also have lots of energy that needs to be spent on playtime daily. With mischievous eyes and sweet faces ferrets are undeniably adorable. Avoid any carbohydrates or grains.
In the united states ferrets were relatively rare pets until the 1980s. Ferrets eat ferret food or pellets often sold in pet stores. It is preferable that the cage have more than one level but this is not. Ferrets are highly intelligent and social pets that do best in small groups.