Ferrets are active, social animals that need a roomy cage on several levels and hours out of it every day. They’re carnivores and eat a complete ferret food.
Pet
Ferret
How many
Your cage against each minimum
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Cage size
RVC’s minimum is 1.5 x 1 x 1 m (4.9 x 3.3 x 3.3 ft) for two ferrets, preferably with several levels. For one, the MSD manual gives a wire cage 3 ft wide, 3 ft deep and 2 ft high, and VCA suggests 24 x 24 x 18 in (60 x 60 x 45 cm).
RSPCA Australia makes the sleeping cage as large as you can manage: at the least, room to stretch out fully, walk around and turn around easily. Scottish SPCA says the more ferrets you have, the more space you need.
Company and play
RVC keeps ferrets in pairs or groups. The MSD manual says a ferret needs 2 to 4 hours a day out of its cage at a minimum, and VCA gives at least two to three hours, with more time beneficial.
Temperature
Scottish SPCA keeps ferrets at 15–24 °C (59–75 °F), and the MSD manual gives 18–23 °C. VCA keeps the cage well ventilated and at or below 27 °C (80 °F).
Everyday food
Ferrets are obligate carnivores and must eat meat (RSPCA Australia). Its complete ferret food has 30–40% animal protein, 15–20% fat and under 3% fibre; RVC wants 35–40% protein and over 20% fat.
RSPCA Australia says not to feed grains, vegetables, starchy foods, fruit, sugary foods, ice cream, sweets or chocolate. Scottish SPCA says never to feed live animals.
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What to get