So you want a ferret and have decided on a baby or as they are known in the ferret world as kits. Since you are looking at a baby ferret then you may want to know about the entire ferret birth process.
The female ferret is referred to as a “jill” and the male is a “hob.” A jill’s pregnancy cycle runs about 42 days. When she begins to build a nest and shows signs of restlessness then you can be pretty sure that she is pregnant. If you have a hob you will want to remove him during the pregnancy period since the jill will require more sleep and more food during the gestation period.
It is a good idea to transfer the jill to a dark secluded pen about two weeks before delivery. It is not unusual for the jill to pluck her hair during this time to help prepare the nest for the kits. Outside of providing plenty of water and food during this time it is best to keep her warm and leave her alone.
It is extremely important to leave the kits and the jill alone during the whelping period. Although it is a little gross the mother will usually eat the placenta. The hormones in the placenta help the mother in the production of milk.
It takes around 20 days for the kits to get their color and begins to open their eyes and about 6 weeks for them to be weaned.
Ferret food is relatively expensive at least compared to cat food. It also has a much higher level of protein and fat content that is needed for a healthy diet. The food that you choose should have at least 35 protein and 20 fat. Ferrets need a high quality and balanced fats in their diet such as eggs and poultry meal. They should not eat soy or corn gluten meal since it may cause urinary tract obstructions later in life. After they are weaned they will need to begin eating adult food. Since ferrets eat very little the food, even though more expensive, will last longer than that of a feline.
Fresh water should always be available and changed daily for any pet. Hold off on giving them treats until you are ready to begin housebreaking your ferret. Watch out for the dairy products as well. Young ferrets love milk and ice cream, however your ferret will more than likely get diarrhea.
Your baby ferret will need the essentials in life. A cage with a large door and plenty of room to grow, the cage for a young ferret will need solid bottomed cage. Bedding material must be disposed of or laundered weekly. Towels are always handy to use and easy to wash but be sure and keep their nails trimmed or they will get tangled up in them.
You’ll also want to get a litter box and standard cat litter can be used.
One last thing or should I say things! TOYS, TOYS AND MORE TOYS! You can’t have enough toys for these playful little creatures. They will begin to learn them by name and will get them for you. Oh yeah, they will also hide them in the strangest of places.
Author Resource:
Michael Weston is an expert on ferrets with over 20 years experience. For great information on Baby Ferret, visit http://www.ferretfriend.com
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