How to Photograph Your Pet Ferrets

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Karen

If you’re a proud ferret parent, you’re undoubtedly eager to show off your fuzzy kid(s). In addition, getting some good photos of your ferret can be a great way to track its growth and development. If you want your pet-ferret photos to look as good as those you see in ferret books, magazines, and websites, here are some tips.

First of all, remember that ferrets are very active. They won’t sit still for an elegant portrait, so there is no point in trying to pose them. You’ll just have to shoot fast – and probably quite a bit – and cull the good pictures from the not-so-good.

Also, try to get your pictures without your fuzzy subjects being aware of it. You may want to time your portrait session when your ferret is just waking up, so it will be relatively calm and still.

Lighting is important, and natural lighting is usually best for pet photography. If you want to pick up the feeling of your ferret’s soft fur, try to brush his coat thoroughly right before your photo session and position lighting so that it comes from the side. Position your pet ferret near a window so the light captures the contrasting colors in the fur.

If possible, have the camera at your ferret’s eye level, rather than shooting from above. This adds immediacy to the photograph and is generally more pleasing to the viewer. Offer your ferret a favorite treat or toy and make your usual noises to attract her attention.

If possible, keep the background plain and uncluttered. A blank wall makes the best back drop.

Have someone else hold the ferret while you take the picture. Show them interacting with each other. Remember, kids and animals are always winners when it comes to photography subjects. (However, use caution if the child is not familiar with handling ferrets. Always supervise and remove the ferret if either becomes anxious or aggressive.)

There are many cute ferret costumes and hats and shirts available. Try one on your ferret and place her in an appropriate setting that matches the outfit.

Beware of flash photography – the bright light could frighten or startle your ferret.

Once you have a photo you like, you may be able to use scrapbooking accessories to create a cute montage. Consider adding cartoon “thought balloons” to add a humorous or sweet touch.

Set some photographs aside that are dated and show important characteristics of your pet ferret (unique colorings, etc.). Compare them over time and alert your vet to any changes you notice (unusual growths, drastic changes in weight, etc.). These photographs can be invaluable in diagnosing your ferret.

Photographing your pet ferrets is a great way to bond with your fuzzy and create lasting mementos. If you get what you consider to be a great shot, why not enter it in a photography contest or submit it to a ferret publication? You and your fuzzy could become famous.

Ferret Aggression and Ways to Stop It

Posted on January 15, 2012 by Karen

I’ve found that a frequent concern among new ferret owners is ferret aggression and how to Panda Ferret stop it. Well, my friends, there could be several reasons why your fuzzy is aggressive and bites. And there are several ways to stop this behavior in pet ferrets.

One reason for your fuzzy’s aggression and nipping could be as simple as fear. This is often the case when your ferret is new to your home.

Think about it. How do you feel and act when you’re in a new, unfamiliar place and are around strange people? You probably don’t enjoy it all that much and get at least a little nervous. And because you are nervous, you will act in ways that show that nervousness. You may eat more than usual, smoke more than usual, talk too much, become withdrawn, and so on

Well, in the same way, your ferret may bite, hiss, and/or screech. He may even attempt to hide if he can. These are natural reactions to the new setting. So the trick is to do everything possible to make your ferret feel safe and comfortable.

The best thing you can do for new pet ferrets is to handle them a lot, talking to them in a very reassuring tone. The best advice I ever got on this was from Kim Schilling in her book Ferrets for Dummies. And that is to get a sleep sack or small backpack, place your ferret in it, secure it around your front, and carry your fuzzy around with you. Also, when you’re sitting or lying on the couch, keep your hand inside the sack, and pet and love on your fuzzy. This will help your fuzzy become a cuddler instead of a nipper.

Or maybe your fuzzy is acting aggressively because he is in pain. He may have a tummy ache, or maybe his ears hurt due to an ear-mite infestation. Or there could be other health problems causing the pain and the ferret aggression. In this case, when you treat the health problem, the aggression usually takes care of itself.

If you have a kit, it could be, like all babies, teething and using you as a chew toy. Give him something to chew on besides you. You can try treats made especially for ferrets or a toy that is ferret safe. Do not use a rubber toy made for puppies or kittens. Parts of the toy, broken or bitten off, could be swallowed, causing blockage in your ferret’s stomach and intestines. So make sure the toy is ferret safe.

Another possibility is that your fuzzy just wants to play tag. Tag is their all-time favorite game. Rikki and Possum will run and jump at my feet and nip at my ankles. That is my cue to run at them and tag them. Actually, I’m on my hands and knees after them. This way, I don’t run the risk of stepping on them.

Now that we have covered some of the reasons for aggressive behavior in ferrets, let’s see what can be done about it.

The one thing I want to stress is this: DO NOT strike your ferret. That will cause more fear and probably more biting. Your fuzzy will associate hitting with you and so may not want to have anything to do with you. This could also physically harm your fuzzy baby.

One method I have learned to curb ferret aggression that really works is what I call “scruffing.”

I nab my fuzzy by the scruff of the neck (in the same way a mama ferret would do to carry her baby or to discipline her baby) so I can have control of his head. Then, just like a parent, I scold my fuzzy and shake my finger at him. At the same time, I tell him, “No bite.” I then proceed to pet him and love on him. Ferrets respond better to affection and a loving tone of voice.

This procedure may have to be repeated and so may take a while to work, but never give up on your fuzzy. They never give up on you.

Rikki and Possum – An Update on My Pet Ferrets

Posted on January 12, 2012 by Karen

I was just looking over my past posts on this blog. It seems I have covered a lot of topics – maintaining good ferret health, ferret odor, ferret toys, vaccines, food, litter, and illnesses.

In going over this list of post topics, it occurred to me that I haven’t written anything about Rikki, My Female Albino Ferret Rikki and Possum in a while. And they are the main reasons I started this website.

So, here goes . . .

Rikki is still my “ADHD” albino fuzzy. I have had her 2 years now, and she is still going strong.

Possum is my 1-year-old panda woozle. He was my laid-back chubby woozle. He’s still laid back, but he finally lost his baby fat. He isn’t as active as Rikki, but he still plays a lot, especially when he can get Rikki to play in the dig box with him. Possum, My Male Panda Ferret

I think their favorite game to play is tag, especially if I play with them. It seems like I’m the one who is always “IT” because they are a lot faster than I am – and I can’t fit under my bed and dresser. That’s where Rikki and Possum always run to keep me from tagging them.

After a game of tag, which usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes, then it’s dig-box and tube time. And that will last around 2 hours. After that, it’s nap time. By then, I’m ready for a nap too.

So Rikki and Possum are still doing great. And they are as ornery as ever.

Pet Ferrets and . . . Warts!?

Posted on January 8, 2012 by Karen

Here’s a new one for you ferret lovers. Someone recently asked me this question: “Do ferrets cause warts?”

No, my friend, ferrets do not cause warts. But – and this is something a lot of people don’t know – ferrets can get warts. And through some research, I found that ferrets cannot pass warts to humans.

Warts on a human are skin growths caused by a virus in the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) family. This virus causes rapid growth of a hard protein (called keratin) in the top layer of skin, which then results in warts.

After doing some research and talking to veterinarians, I found that the “warts” on our little fuzzies are actually Subaceous Epitheliomas, wart-like tumors that are usually benign. If your woozle has anything like these, you should take your fuzzy to the vet. You should never take a chance with your fuzzy baby!

So, the answer to the original question is: “No, pet ferrets cannot pass warts to us, their human parents.”

Find out much more about ferret health and ferret care in Getting Started with Pet Ferrets.

Donna Cartwright – An Artist from Wales and Her Pet-Ferret Paintings

Posted on January 6, 2012 by Karen

Okay, so we all know ferret lovers are a little “crazy” when it comes to our fuzzy friends. We do many things the outside world just can’t seem to understand – like having ferret pictures painted on a custom-made wooden chair.

I’ve seen a lot of searches lately for ferret gifts for humans. Well, now, I have a great idea for all the ferret lovers who visit this site . . .

Donna Cartwright, an artist from Wales – yep, that’s the UK Wales, land of unpronounceable names and misty mysterious legends – recently contacted me. She explained her work and told me about how she had been commissioned by a woman to paint ferrets on a . . . chair.

When Donna contacted me, I immediately went to her website – Ferret Paintings on Chair www.donnacartwrightcreates.com – to look at her artwork. At the time, the ferret art wasn’t done, but I totally fell in love with her other work, especially the painted vases.

When she got the ferret-painting-adorned chair finished, Donna sent me pictures of it. I loved it!

Now, I want a chair with my fuzzies painted on it. I told my husband, and, of course, he said, “No.” But I’m still working on him. I’m the type who doesn’t really take “No” for an answer.

I encourage you to go to Donna’s site – www.donnacartwrightcreates.com – and take a look at her very impressive painting. You will love her work!

You can also contact Donna Cartwright here. I’ll keep you posted about Donna’s work (hopefully, more ferret stuff) as information and pictures become available.

Black-Footed Ferrets as Pets?

Posted on January 3, 2012 by Karen

I have seen the question “Why is it illegal to own black-footed ferrets as pets?” several times on this site, and I have never answered it. Well, my friends, I am finally getting around to answering this question – and I apologize for not getting to it sooner.

The answer to the question is really quite simple. You cannot own a black-footed ferret because they are on the Endangered Species List. And as with all endangered animals, it is illegal to have them as pets.

The black-footed ferret is the only ferret that is native to North America. Their main food source is the prairie dog. Because prairie dogs were considered a nuisance for livestock and land, their eradication began. And because their food source was being killed off, so was the black-footed ferret.

In 1960, it was realized that the black-footed ferret was in danger. In 1967, the black-footed ferret was classified as an Endangered Species. In 1973, the black-footed ferret was one of the first species to be put on the current Endangered Species List.

And that is the reason why it is illegal to own a black-footed ferret. Plus, I think would be nearly impossible to get one, considering they are highly protected.

If you would like to learn more about the black-footed ferret, you can go to the official website of the Black-Footed Ferret Recovery Implementation Team (BFFRIT): www.blackfootedferret.org

I learned about the black-footed ferret from this site and from Kim Schilling’s Ferrets for Dummies.

Vaccinations for Pet Ferrets?

Posted on December 28, 2011 by Karen

To vaccinate your fuzzy or not to vaccinate your fuzzy? is the question.

There are two vaccinations that woozles certainly need: canine distemper and rabies.

If you have a baby ferret (kit), it will need three (3) sets of live canine distemper Panda Ferret Playing in Bag vaccinations. These 3 sets of distemper vaccinations are given as follows: at 8 weeks, at 12 weeks, and again at 16 weeks of age. Some veterinarians, however, may give the canine distemper vaccinations to young ferrets at 8, 11, and 14 weeks of age.

If your kit is more than 16 weeks old and you know your new fuzzy baby’s vaccination history, then he or she will need only 2 distemper shots. These 2 shots will need to be 3 to 4 weeks apart.

When you take your kit to the vet, be sure to discuss these distemper vaccinations and find out all you can. The reason is that your little fuzzy should get only the USDA ferret-approved vaccine – the one that is strictly for canine distemper. You and your fuzzy’s doctor should avoid using a canine distemper vaccination that also has canine hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, or others. Your fuzzy should not be vaccinated for any of these diseases.

Now, on to the second shot – the rabies vaccination.

Your kits should be 12 to 18 weeks old before they get the rabies vaccination. The reason I said 12-18 weeks is that some vets will give the shot at 12 weeks, and some like to wait until the fuzzies are 14-18 weeks old because your fuzzies’ birthday may have been recorded wrong. Again, safety is always a chief concern.

If your new woozle is an adult that you have adopted and you are uncertain about its vaccination history, go ahead and have him or her vaccinated. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Your new adult fuzzy will need only 2 vet visits. The first visit will need to be for the first canine distemper shot. Wait about 3 weeks and then get your fuzzy back to the vet for a second distemper shot as well as the rabies shot.

Another thing to be aware of is that, just like human children, ferrets can have allergic reactions to their vaccinations.

An allergic reaction (anaphylaxia) isn’t really all that common in pet ferrets. But when it does occur, it usually rears its ugly head within 30 minutes of the shot. It can also, though less often, pop up its head up to 24 hours later. Generally, though, your woozle should be all right after the first 24 hours.

Following are some of the common signs of anaphylaxia:

Vomiting
Area around eyes and nose may swell
Diarrhea (could be bloody)
Lethargy
Pale mucous membranes (that is, the tissue around the gums or eyes)
Your fuzzy could also have seizures

So watch out for these signs. If you notice any of them, take your little fuzzy back to the vet. And, more than likely, the vet will give your poor fuzzy another shot. This one will probably be an antihistamine and/or cortisone.

To vaccinate your fuzzy or not to vaccinate your fuzzy? was the question. And now, well, the answer to that silly question is: YES, vaccinate your little fuzzy!

Two Pet-Ferret Matters – Climbing on the Cage and Covering the Ferret Cage

Posted on December 23, 2011 by Karen

I’d like to discuss two matters concerning pet ferrets in this post.

The first is ferrets climbing on their cage. This behavior is perfectly normal for ferrets. Rikki and Possum are constantly climbing on their cage, especially Possum, my male panda ferret.

The cage I have for my two ferrets is a small- to medium-sized three-level cage. To get from Ferret Cage and Pet Ferrets the floor to the first level, my ferrets make use of a tube. Then, to get to the second level, they have to go up a spiral slide. And to get to the third level, they go up a ramp.

When I first got Possum, he refused to use the tube or the slide or the ramp. He would just climb up the side of the cage to get to each level. After a couple of months, he finally started using the tube, slide, and ramp. But even then, when the mood struck him, he would still – and still does – climb up the cage to get to the level he wanted.

Rikki (my older female albino ferret), on the other hand, climbs the cage only when she’s bored and wants out. But this is okay – it’s just the nature of ferrets. They love to climb.

Now, the other thing I’d like to talk about is covering your ferrets’ cage at night.

Covering the ferret cage is actually up to the human parents of the little fuzzies. You can choose whether or not you want to put a cover over your fuzzy babies’ cage at night.

I, personally, don’t cover my ferrets’ cage at night. I don’t have any real reason why I don’t do this – I just don’t.

I you do choose to cover the ferret cage in order to make the cage dark, hoping that your pet ferrets will sleep quietly through the night . . . just be aware that this is not going to happen.

Nope. If your fuzzies want to have a midnight romp, they will do it – whether their cage is covered or not.

That’s why I always try to get mine out their cage for several hours each day. Ferrets play extremely hard for a few hours, and then they sleep the rest of the time. The idea is that they will play and get tired so they’ll sleep longer at night. Sometimes it works – sometimes not.

Covering the ferret cage also depends on where you live and whether your ferrets live outside or inside. My fuzzies are inside pets, and my house is fairly warm in the winter and cool in the summer. So I don’t see a reason to cover up my ferrets’ cage at night.

To cover or not to cover – it really is up to you.

Pet ferrets, being the ornery, independent little critters they are, will climb on their cages and will sometimes keep you awake at night, covered or not.

Christmas Ferret Toys and Ferret Gifts – Commercial or Homemade?

Posted on December 19, 2011 by Karen

Guest Post by Michael Hearing

Pet ferrets absolutely must have daily play time, as well as something to play with. Pick up any ferret magazine or check out any ferret website, and you will likely see countless ferret toys for sale. You may also find directions for making your own ferret toys. Is there an advantage to commercially produced toys over homemade ferret toys or vice versa?

Commercially produced toys:

Are designed specifically for ferrets to play with. They use materials that are safe for ferrets and made with ferret safety in mind.
Are produced in bulk so they are generally less expensive than they would be if you made them at home using identical materials.
Can be returned if they break (if you keep the receipt).
Often come with instructions for games you can play with your ferret.
Can be of better quality. A manufacturer does not want to deal with hassle of shoddy workmanship.
Can lead you to resources for other ferret information if you order them from a catalog, website, or magazine.
Will look exactly as they are pictured in the ad, on the box, in the catalog, or on the site.
Can be enjoyed the day of purchase (if bought at a brick-and-mortar store).

On the other hand, commercial toys:

Can be more expensive than homemade toys because a commercial manufacturer has to price the item to make a profit and also cover packaging and other costs of doing business. Also, if you purchased them online or via a catalog, you may have to pay significant shipping and handling fees.
Can be a hassle to return for a refund or an exchange.
May expose you to increased “junk” emails and surface mail if the company manages to get your contact information during the sale.

If you choose to buy a commercial product, look for a toy designed specifically for ferrets made by a company that has expertise in and knowledge of ferrets. If necessary, carefully read the specifications to be sure the toy will fit your ferret’s situation. Check out the company’s return policy and save your receipt.

Homemade toys:

Can be virtually free if they are created from items you already have around the house.
Can be fun to create.
Encourage you to develop your own talents.
Are unique. No other ferret will have exactly the same toys yours does.
Can become a source of income if you develop a toy that others may wish to buy for their ferrets.
Are a labor of love for your pet (or as a gift for a fellow ferret lover).

On the other hand, homemade toys:

May be unsafe because the materials used may not be healthy or safe for ferrets.
Take time, money, and skill to produce. Your ferret won’t be able to play with them until they are done.
Can’t be returned to a store if the item just doesn’t work well for your ferret.
May require the sacrifice of a favorite item (such as a T-shirt or blanket) for your fuzzy’s pleasure.

If you decide to make your own ferret toys, read and follow all instructions carefully. Use only materials safe for ferrets (e.g., no cedar chips, no Styrofoam peanuts, etc.). Make sure all openings are at least 4 inches in diameter and that all toys are at least 2 inches in diameter. Make sure all seams are thoroughly sealed and all rough or sharp edges removed. Don’t hesitate to discard or remake an item if it appears unsafe for your ferret.

It’s easy to see, then, that there is no one-size-fits-all answer about which kind of ferret toy is best. Most ferret households have a mixture of both commercially produced and homemade toys.

Cleaning the Ferret Cage

Posted on December 13, 2011 by Karen

I recently went back and read through my blog posts and noticed that I have mentioned cleaning my fuzzies’ cage a couple of times. And my husband has written about cleaning the cage with ferret “help.” But I haven’t written about ferret-cage cleaning in any kind of step-by-step detail.

So what I am going to discuss today is exactly how I go about cleaning my ferrets’ cage.

First, I get my fuzzies out of the cage so they can run and play. Then I get their water and food dishes out and wash them with warm soapy water and then rinse them thoroughly. (I clean Rikki’s and Possum’s dishes in my bathroom, never in my kitchen sink.) After cleaning and drying my ferrets’ dishes, I get some dry kibble (which I have previously ground up in a small electric chopper/grinder) and put it in the food dishes and add a little water. (Rikki, my older albino ferret, eats it better this way.)

While the ferret food is soaking, I take out the litter boxes – Rikki and Possum have three litter boxes – and scoop out the nasty litter and poop. About once or twice a week, I wash out their litter boxes with soap and water and then spray them with a bleach solution. I use a spray bottle that holds about 20 oz. (maybe a little more). I put about 2 to 3 oz. of bleach in it and fill it the rest of the way with water. After I rinse the litter boxes, I let them dry.

Next, I proceed to clean out the rest of the cage. I use a shop vac to vacuum up the spilled litter, food, and other unmentionables. After I get the whole cage thoroughly vacuumed, I spray all surfaces with the bleach solution and wipe it down with an old wash cloth. Then, using another spray bottle filled with water only, I spray and wipe the cage again.

I use the bleach solution for ferret-cage cleaning because the same thing is used at many daycares. I figure that if it’s safe enough for infants, it should be safe enough for pet ferrets. Some vets and pet stores also use a similar bleach solution.

I make sure to keep the cage locked up while it is drying. This is to make sure Rikki and Possum don’t sneak in and mess it up.

After the cage has dried, I get the litter boxes (and finish drying them if needed) and put fresh litter in them. Then I put the boxes back in the cage, making sure they are secured to the cage’s sides. If you don’t secure them, you’ll soon have litter all over the bottom of the clean cage – and the litter boxes will be upside down too.

After this, I open up the lower cage door so Rikki and Possum can get back in when they’re Happy Pet Ferrets ready. Then I get their food and add a little more water. (Rikki likes her food a little soupy.) I put the food dishes back in the cage – with my fuzzy kids following closely because they know it’s chow time! I next fill the water bowl, add food to their dry-kibble bowl, and then lock the cage doors. And Rikki and Possum now have a clean home.

I do want to warn you about one thing, though. You will have a lot of “help” cleaning a ferret cage! Just ask my husband about that.

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