AN INTRODUCTION TO FERRETS

Ferrets are naturally inquisitive creatures with a taste for adventure. They have a short attention span and

are constantly seeking new and more exciting things to explore and experience.With a built in sense of

mischief and a zest for life they make loving and entertaining companions. A ferret is a great friend, but a

ferret is also a great responsibility . Because they are such a sociable pet they require LOTS of love and

attention. They must have a secure play and living area . Often ferret owners will choose to give their pets

a small room of their own for the cages and play area. 

Like children, ferrets love to play with small toys . Balls, squeekers, and little stuffed animals can keep

ferrets amused for hours. Make sure toys are of good strong plastic and have no small peices (eyes) that

can be chewed off and swallowed. We give ours 4 ft. lengths of new plastic dryer hose and empty

cardboard boxes with holes cut in them for play, an inexpensive solution to expensive ferret tubes and

mazes. A blanket or towel on the floor makes a great hideout but it's also a great place for a nap, so watch

where you step!!

As the common use of the word tells , ferrets love to dig and root around , this can lead to difficulties and

many ferrets have been injured and killed when stuck in furniture ,appliances , and other small spaces.

Thus the reason for a secure play area.

If a ferret seems bored with it's indoor play area a walk is usually the best solution.With a little patience a

ferret can be trained to walk on harness and leash. A secure ferret harness, with a bell and I.D. tag (in

case of disaster) can be an owners best friend. If your ferret escapes from your home or while out

walking the bell will identify them as a pet and the I.D. will tell people where to return your pet.

Contrary to popular belief, a ferret can be trained to a few simple comands , lack of intelligence is not a

limitation in training . Ferrets are very inteligent creatures but have a very short attention span . Being

intelligent , a ferret will choose to ignore a command , don't count on any parlor tricks , but commands

such as No and Down are usually succesful , (We train ours to come to the rattle of their treat tin.)

Training a ferret to come to a specific noise can be helpful outdoors and in a situation where strangers are

involved .If things become suddenly loud or confusing , your ferret may become frightened and could

bite. A familiar sound will calm your pet and give them a sound to run to. A ferret is easily trained not to

bite and can usually be trusted with a stranger in a controlled situation. 

If you decide to become a ferret owner you may be pleasantly surprised at the wide variety of colours

ferrets can be. Of course there is the more common Sable, and the Albino. However there is also

Cinnamon , Chocolate , Black , Champagne and many more. There are also a large variety of coat

patterns such as Blaze, Panda , Siamese , Solid , etc...

(Excerpt from "The Complete Ferret Book" Written by M.S.Emery)

The Complete Ferret Book chapter 2

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