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According to the website "All Creatures/Proper Care of Ferrets" written by David E. Hammet, DVM, young ferrets require vaccinations to prevent distemper at six, eight, twelve, and fifteen weeks of age. Also, a rabies vaccination should be given when the ferret is twelve weeks old and each subsequent year after the initial vaccination.
The same article says that ferrets can be kept outside, as well as inside, with proper insulation and shelter. A wire cage is a good choice for ferrets as long as the bottom is either solid or has holes no more than one quarter inch in size. The sides should have openings no more than one inch by one half inch since ferrets can easily squeeze through small openings. The article goes on to say, the cage needs to be at least four square feet in size and, it should be at least one and one half feet high. A cage of this size will adequately house up to two ferrets. The same article suggests using pine shavings or paper pellets for bedding material.
Ferrets are intelligent creatures and can be litter trained, according to "Proper Care of Ferrets". It says a small litter box should be provided in the cage, and if the ferret is allowed to wander out of the cage, additional boxes should be made available. The same article recommends the use of natural cat litter as opposed to scented varieties.
Make sure food and water is available at all times. Since ferrets like to dig, an open bowl of water would become dirty and have to be changed often. A more practical choice would be a water bottle with a drinking tube. The water bottle should be washed with a bottle brush and hot, soapy water each day, and the food bowl should be thoroughly washed as well. "Proper Care of Ferrets" recommends feeding a top-quality, high-protein cat food or food which is formulated especially for ferrets. It also says that approximately twenty to thirty percent of a ferret's diet should consist of fat in order to maintain a healthy, attractive coat. There are products available containing fatty acid that can be given as a dietary supplement. Check with your local pet supply store for ferret care products and additional information.
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