Posted by Vincent at bg-tc-ppp1253.monmouth.com on December 04, 2002 at 00:37:41:
In Reply to: Vincent, Q. about ferrets.. posted by Gabe S. on December 04, 2002 at 00:22:44:
: I'm sure owning a ferret, like owning any pet is a big responsibility. But how is caring for a ferret different from other pets. Is there anything special you have to do?
Clean his litter box every day, and his cage at least once a week. Clean his blankets once a week in the washing machine, too. Also, ferret-proof whatever room you're planning on letting your ferret run free in when it's play time. The Ferret Baron found a small hole in my wall and disappeared into that a few times, so I had to cover it up.
Ferrets also like to collect things. The Ferret Baron has a sock fetish, for example, so if any socks are left laying about my room, he'll drag them away to his secret hiding place (under my bed). Every few days, I have to collect my socks from under the bed and there's always a big pile of them (for Xmas, I'm getting him a whole bunch of socks). I've been told that ferrets are balso very fond of shiny objects, so make sure not to leave anything shiny and valuable lying around when your ferret is out playing, 'cause he or she is likely to drag it away and add it to their collection of treasures.
Ferrets also like to "do their business" almost entirely in corners, so it's a good idea to have a little box in the corners of your room. The good thing is that they are VERY consistent about where they relieve themselves, and it's almost always in a corner, so it's easy to control with some well-placed litter boxes.
Also, when your ferret is out and about, ALWAYS check to make sure he isn't hiding in your couch or under a blanket before you sit down, or move furniture. Ferrets are amazingly adapt at getting into small spaces, and I've heard of some tragedies involving ferrets and fold-out couches, for example. Indeed, the first week I had the Ferret Baron, I almost crushed him when he was hiding under the sheets of my bed and I kneeled down on top of him. So, when you have a ferret, you always have to be aware of where they are when they're out and about.
Ferrets also like to get up onto shelves and knock things over. The Ferret Baron has a knack for getting onto the shelf in my room where I keep my cups of water and knocking the ALL OVER MY BED AND FLOOR whenever I leave the room for more than 30 seconds.
Ferrets are very intensive pets that need a lot of attention, but they are so cool, it's worth it.
: PS- Tell The Ferret Barron I said hello.
When he wakes up, I'll be sure to tell him.
Vincent