If your ferret is living solo, here are a couple of ferret home tips for you before you introduce him to your place.
Ferrets do and can make the best with what's available for them.
That doesn't mean that you should skimp out on the necessities to providing them with a nourishing environment.
Ferrets like to party and if you can't bring the party to them they'll bring the party to you and your home.
You should have a cage for your ferret to be housed in.
Not an aquarium or a cardboard box.
Ferrets cannot regulate heat well, so they need to be housed in something with ample airflow.
The cage should be as large as possible; anything larger than 2x2x2 feet is optimal for a single ferret - the larger the better.
The cage should be in a room away from direct sunlight and where temperatures do not exceed 70F.
Inside the cage, the flooring should be lined with a plastic mat or newspapers.
In the corner, a litter box and a food dispenser and water drip.
Ferrets like to eat in small amounts multiple times a day so there should be food and water readily available.
If you're using bowls, make sure that they are heavy enough or fastened to prevent overturning.
For a bed, purchase a hammock or sleeping sack made for ferrets.
Actually, a couple of old sweaters can do but you should provide your new pet with the best beds.
Ferrets sleep up to 18 hours a day and this is optimal for their well-being.
So do not skimp in regards to their sleeping habits.
Since ferrets sleep a lot they tend to play a lot when they're awake.
Ferret proofing your home is essential.
Ferrets are professional explorers and troublemakers.
They are persistent and natural tunellers.
They love to squeeze through things for reasons I still don't understand.
Block all passages, holes, etc.
leading out of your home and into anything else where you can see a potential disaster, such as under and up a reclining chair.
Use common sense.
Make sure that nothing can be toppled over or chewed.
Ferrets love to hoard and hide objects so if you find something missing, then you've just been robbed by a ferret.
If possible, have an enclosed play area for your new pet with all the toys that he needs.
Ferrets get bored easily, so rotate toys and move things around to keep his busy mind stimulated.
This type of stimulation is needed for your ferret's health.
There is nothing worse than a bored ferret.
If you have other pets, be cautious.
Ferrets are natural hunters.
Rats, rabbits and mice, watch out.
I have seen ferrets get along with pet rodents but I wouldn't leave them alone.
The same goes with people.
Don't leave your kids alone with a ferret and don't introduce your ferret to the whole neighborhood until he's been properly socialized.
Feed him by hand, carry him around and play with him.
If he nips at you too hard (he doesn't mean it), grab him by the scruff and give him a stern "no".