Raising Orphaned Baby Ferrets

Watching a ferret grow from a newborn baby into an adult is a challenging and rewarding experience. Orphaned ferret babies are nearly as needy as their human counterparts, so the growth process requires a great deal of time and attention. With the proper amount of dedication and discipline from their owners, baby ferrets can become healthy and well-behaved adults.

  1. Nursing

    • Baby ferrets under three weeks of age need maternal care. In the case of an orphaned ferret, finding a lactating female to substitute in nursing is the best course of action; a lactating mother will usually accept other babies and nurse the new ferrets as if they were her own. If a lactating female is unavailable, the babies need feeding by hand. A warm mixture of one part whipping cream combined with three parts puppy milk replacer is used as a substitute for natural milk. This mixture is fed to the ferrets, using a dropper, at least four times daily.

    Weaning

    • Once the ferrets are three weeks old, moistened food can be introduced along with the milk replacer. The babies need a ferret chow at least 35 percent protein and 20 percent fat. Soaking the food in warm water for five to ten minutes will achieve the right consistency. The young ferrets will likely only nibble at the solid food at first, but they'll become more accustomed to it as they grow. This diet continues until the ferrets are six to eight weeks old, when the milk replacer can be safely discontinued to fully wean the ferrets. In addition to food, baby ferrets also require a dish of clean water at all times.

    Physical Requirements

    • Baby ferrets need to stay warm. A heating pad or warmer should be kept in their enclosure, but the heat shouldn't dominate the entire area. A section of the enclosure can be reserved for the babies to escape the warm temperatures, but the babies should always be warm when fed. Additionally, the babies need help with defecation and urination for the first two weeks; a warm, wet cotton ball stimulating the genital area helps with the waste process.

    Cage, Bedding and Litter

    • Young ferrets need plenty of room to play in a clean spacious cage to serve as home. If the cage features plastic-coated metal wire, frequent inspections are necessary to make sure the baby ferret isn't chewing on the plastic. Ferrets prefer soft bedding they can use for burrowing and sleeping, cleaned or thrown out at least once per week. Ferret owners should also make sure the babies aren't trying to eat the bedding. Once the ferrets are used to their new surroundings, they can be introduced to the litter box. Training begins by placing a bit of waste in a small, corner litter box. Eventually, the ferrets will get the idea and begin frequenting the litter.

    Medical Care

    • Baby ferrets will require regular trips to the veterinarian to maintain their health. Distemper vaccinations and regular medical exams should be scheduled as soon as possible. Descenting and neutering are two common medical considerations; these procedures are usually performed when the ferrets are six or seven weeks old.

    Interaction and Well-Being

    • Ferrets are social animals and love to be handled. A schedule should be developed for physical contact outside the cage for five to ten minutes at a time, at least six times daily. Gentle strokes or tickles can occur during playtime, and any verbal interaction should come from a soft and soothing voice. Ferrets can be placed on the floor to explore, but kept within sight of their owner; if left unattended, they can quickly find mischief.