Until a baby ferret is around 6 weeks old the pet is completely dependent on it’s mother. At that time your job as a baby ferret owner is to take very good care of them so that the female can care for her baby. The mom will feed, clean, and care for her kit until it is weaned. Once the newborn has been weaned it will require your care.
After Weaning
Once a kit is weaned it becomes dependent on it’s owner for food and water. Water can be provided via a water bowl, or bottle. A ferret is more likely to drink from a bowl. Check the water container often to be sure it is full and clean. Ferrets tend to spill and dirty their water at least once a day.
Ferrets are meat eating animals. Once they are weaned, baby ferrets require a food that is high in animal fats. Cat food is not an adequate nutrition for small ferrets. It lacks things that ferrets require. Purchase Purposely designed packaging from the pet store or online to ensure that your baby ferret is getting all the nutrition it needs.
Selecting a Cage For Your Baby Ferret
When selecting a cage for your kit remember that they grow fast. Make sure it is at least three feet long. Look carefully at the sides of the cage. If there is any chance that your ferret could squeeze their head through the sides of the enclosure then do not get this house. Serious injury or escape could occur. You will need bedding, food and water dishes, and a litter pan to start with.
Litter Training
Ferrets tend to “go” in the corner of their cages. Your baby ferret will need a little litter pan. Place either ferret litter or non-clumping cat litter in the tray, and place the pan in the corner of the cage. If the ferret does not get the litter concept at first and “goes” elsewhere in the cage you can teach it by placing the droppings in the litter. The ferret will get the point.
Attention and Bonding
Ferrets are intelligent animals. They need love, attention, and stimulation. Ferret owners can develop bonds with their companions the same way cat and dog owners do. Ferrets love to play. Be sure to offer your baby ferret suitable toys.
Bathing Your Pet
Bathing is not really necessary unless your baby ferret has fleas. These insects can make your pet anemic. If you see even one flea on your baby ferret, give it a bath using a flea killing shampoo. Flea anemia is very common in baby ferrets who are not treated with a spray. This health condition can be fatal.