Lessons to Give to Kids on Ferrets

Ferrets are energetic, curious creatures that make wonderful pets. However, ferrets have special needs and require careful care. Ferrets can make excellent pets for children, after children are taught how to care for them. Ferrets younger than the age of two may be more of a challenge for your child due to their rambunctious nature.

  1. Ferret Diet

    • Ferrets are carnivores; they should eat a diet high in protein. Ferrets should be given fresh ferret food and water at all times. Encourage your child to provide these necessities daily. Children can help prepare special foods, such as cooked chicken or boiled eggs. Foods high in sugar and carbohydrates are not healthy for ferrets. These foods may contribute to the condition insulinoma. Teach your child not to share sweet snacks or fruits with his furry friend. In addition, children should be careful to clean up after themselves when they eat to avoid leaving crumbs behind for ferrets to nibble.

    Handling Ferrets

    • Ferrets are finicky creatures that do not like to be held very often. Ferrets spend much of their time sleeping; they want to stay on the move when awake. When your child does try to hold the ferret, teach them how to do so properly. They should hold one hand gently around the middle and support the ferret's bottom with the other hand. Cradling the ferret close to the chest provides added support. Children should not squeeze the ferret, but should hold on firmly. Because ferrets like to jump, children should sit down when holding the ferret. Ferrets may bite or scratch when held for long periods or in a position that is hurtful.

    Playtime Activities

    • Ferrets are social creatures that love to play with their owners. Children can play with ferrets by providing boxes for them to hide in or by rolling a tennis ball for the ferret to catch and hide. Place a tennis ball inside a sock. Encourage your child to play a gentle game of tug-of-war; this game will keep your child from getting hurt from accidental bites or scratches. Ferrets enjoy hiding and tunneling, so give your child a blanket for the ferret to tunnel inside. Ferrets also enjoy digging. Children can create a digging box for ferrets. Pour rice or sand in an empty tub and bury a few balls or shiny toys inside. Your ferret will love digging to find the buried treasure.

    Considerations

    • Ferrets love to dig inside couches and recliners. Children should learn to never sit down on a piece of furniture without making certain the ferret is not hiding inside it. Ferrets also like to play beneath blankets, towels and other items on the floor. Teach children to watch where they step. Ferrets eat items they find on the ground; these items may cause a serious and potentially fatal intestinal blockage. Therefore, children should never play with small toys that a ferret might swallow when playing with ferrets. Children should also be vigilant when picking up toys after playtime to ensure no dangerous items are left behind.