Feeding Guide, Litter Training,Ferret Facts.
Feeding Ferrets.
Feeding your ferrets the correct diet is most important, In years gone by, little thought was put into what ferrets were fed, many living on scraps and a mixture of dog or cat food.
Not surprisingly, the average life expectancy was then sadly only 3 to 4 years. In recent years, people have begun to understand more about the specific nutritional requirements of ferrets. As such, with the correct care and feeding, most ferrets in the UK live to on average 8 years old, with some reports of ferrets even reaching 11!
Ferrets should NEVER be fed on dog or cat food. Ferrets require different levels of fat and proteins than dogs and cats, and as such, you should ensure your ferret is fed on a good quality dry complete ferret food. Never feed your ferret sweets, cakes or fatty scraps, remember also that ferrets are believed by many to be lactose intolerant and milk will be likely to cause diarrhoea.
Several studies have also found that quantities of grapes and raisins can be toxic, so these are best avoided. One look at your ferret’s teeth will tell you that he is a carnivore, therefore, as well as dry complete food, your ferret requires fresh meat. Your ferret will enjoy raw beef mice, chicken, rabbit, chicks, or any of the frozen chicken/rabbit/beef/turkey minces available in petshops for dogs, raw chicken wings etc (your ferret will crunch up the bones as well and give himself a dental!).
Never feed meat straight chilled from the fridge, if your ferret doesn’t appear keen, you can tempt him by mixing in a small amount of warm water.
Ferrets can also be fed cooked meat, however raw is best if your ferret will eat it.
A ferret’s metabolism is very fast and food passes through them in approximately 3 - 4 hours, as such you should always make sure your ferrets have dry food available to them as being left without food can make your ferret unwell.
There is a lot of different dry ferret food available from most pet shops,the ones shown in the picture are the most popular,but there are a lot more to choose from.
Be guided by your ferret as to what quantity of meat to feed. Your ferret may eat a bowl full every day, or may prefer meat only a few times a week. It should always be given in addition to the dry food.
NB. If you have a kit, remember they have amazing appetites. In the first 6 months a kit will have a much bigger appetite than an adult ferret. Kits also require a higher quantity of meat in their diet and providing them with this will make them easier to handle.
Finally, always remember that your ferret should have access to fresh water at all times.
There is plenty of good quality dry complete food available from pet shops, these ones shown above seem the most popular.