Making your Ferret a Home part 2
You will also need the following:
6. Nail clippers. You'll need to trim your ferret's nails every other week or so. Clippers designed for birds' or kittens' claws are best. Don't use human nail clippers on your ferret—they'll block your view of your pet's nails, making it easy cut off too much.
7. Toothbrush and paste. Ferrets' teeth need brushing every few weeks. Never use toothpaste meant for humans—it can be toxic if your pet swallows it. Also, human toothbrushes are too harsh for ferret teeth and can damage the tooth enamel. Use a brush and toothpaste formulated for cats instead.
8. Ear washes. Ferrets need their ears cleaned every few weeks to prevent ear mites and the buildup of smelly earwax. For regular cleaning, choose a gentle ear wash that you can apply with a cotton swab. Treat ear mites with a miticide gentle enough for kittens or rabbits.
9. Shampoo and conditioner. You can bathe your pet every month or so using a pH-balanced ferret shampoo, but remember: Very frequent baths actually cause ferrets to smell worse! Ferrets tend to overproduce musk oils if bathing strips their skin and fur of its natural oils, and the dry fur absorbs extra odoriferous oils.
10. Conditioners are optional, but they can help moisturize the fur that was stripped during the shampoo process.
11. Supplement. Ferrets who eat a balanced diet probably don't need extra vitamins, but they can benefit from a liquid supplement of essential fatty acids, which helps maintain a healthy skin and coat. Actually, most ferrets think this oily stuff is a great treat!
12. Carrier. A carrier is a must for vet visits. A soft-sided carrier is fine for short, local trips. You'll need an airline-approved plastic carrier for long-distance traveling. It can also be used for brief time-out sessions when your ferret needs some training.
13. Harness, leash, and collar. Whenever your ferret is out of her cage, you'll be able to locate her more easily if she wears a safety collar with a bell. A harness and leash are a must if you want to take her outdoors. Choose a harness in an H-type design, and a lightweight leash.
14. Hammocks. Ferrets seem to love sleeping in hammocks. You can give your pet more floor space by suspending a hammock from the top of her cage. In a multistory cage, hammocks can catch a ferret if she ever falls from a high lookout point.
15. Toys. Ferrets are playful creatures who love playing with toys. Just make sure the toys are safe: Avoid latex, soft rubber, and anything with small parts that a ferret could swallow. Ferrets love anything that moves, so toys on stretchy cords, balls, and fishing rods with fun lures are very entertaining.
16. Treats. If you're training your ferret or rewarding him for good behavior, look for healthy treats with minimal sugar and lots of meat protein. Ferrets also enjoy the occasional fruit or vegetable, as well as some cereal products. However, don't use treats as a substitute for food, or nutritional problems may result.
