Keeping Ferrits Indoors

[syddakyd]

I do believe Ferreting is illegal in the US so I believe no one else keeps their ferrets like that. That being said I wouldn't mind keeping mine outside but Minnesota winters would more than likely kill them unless I were to install some sort of space heater to keep them warm.

no. ferrets are cold weather animals. dry bedding and shelter would do the trick. its the nice hot temps that we like that can kill them.

 

[Conner]

I take it most of you guys are out in the states?

Iv kept ferrets longer than I've kept fish, i don't know what the breeding is like out there, but in the UK most come from working stock. Family members, friends and myself all keep ferrets, I've kept them both inside and out, and only ever had issues with temperature, during the 34degree summer we had a few years back, which was easily remedied by increasing the amount of water available.

Kept in a hutch/run outside, even coming down to find it buried under a foot of snow, all four were sat in the bedding area happy as Larry.

With regards to diet, there are a few things you should avoid feeding regularly, such as dairy products as it can up set there digestion. Mine live on a diet of fresh rabbit meat (Working ferrets so they catch a fair few), Dry foods, occasional treat of eggs and milk and a great vitamin supplement called ferretvite.

If you are buying them as pets as kits it is very very important to handle them at every opportunity as Conner said they are very social but need regular handling at a young age to get them out of the biting habit, you'll probably find you will end up with bloody fingers somewhere down the line.
Hope this helps

Yes, ferrets in the US are strictly "pet" animals, as far as I know.

Yes, ferrets could be kept outside and still do well, but I guess that would be the same to me as keeping dogs or cats outside. What's the point in having them if you keep them in a cage outside, and only see them when you feed them? They are very intelligent animals that will thrive on human interaction. Just my opinion.

 

[Twixy]

Mainly ease of maintenance the come in and run around most nights, wreak havoc on the place, but during the working day its easier to keep them in a cage with a run so they have ample spaces to play, but also a lot less work to clean up after you get home.

Not so bad if you've got a room that ferret proof, but in my experience iv found if left inside during the day they feel obliged to dig at carpets, and with as much will in the world to house train them they always prefer a corner where there is no litter tray!

 

[evilxyardxgnome]

no. ferrets are cold weather animals. dry bedding and shelter would do the trick. its the nice hot temps that we like that can kill them.

I understand they are cold weathered animals, but the -20 to -30 degree weathers without proper heat would probably freeze them. We have weasels in Minnesota but I can almost guarantee they are underground in a warm hole rather than sitting in a cage with dry bedding.