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Opening Times
Monday - Friday
8:30 - 10:00 am
2:30 - 3:30 pm
5:00 - 6:50 pm
Saturday
10:00 - 11:00 am
2:30 - 3:30 pm
Consultations
by appointment
Ferrets
General Health & Husbandry
Male (hob) weight 1-2kg
Female weight 500g-900g
Lifespan 5-15 years
Both males and females become sexually mature in their first spring (at approx 9 months old).
Gestation is approximately 42 days and the average litter size is 6.
Health care
- An annual health check is recommended and this may coincide with vaccination.
- There have been many suggestions regarding neutering ferrets in recent years. It is worthwhile discussing your situation (if you have a hob or a Jill) with the veterinary surgeon so he can go through the variety of options available.
- Ferrets can be vaccinated for Rabies and Distemper viruses.
- Fleas and ticks can be problematic in ferrets. No products are licensed for this purpose so please contact the veterinary surgeons regarding available drugs to use.
Nutrition
- Care must be taken not simply to feed pure muscle meat or similarly imbalanced diets. Processed meats should be avoided.
- Prepared diets have revolutionized ferret keeping and greatly contributed to increased longevity.
- When selecting the diet, consider the following:
- increased need for fresh water
- obesity; monitor quantities fed
- quality; failure to use the food quickly will result in spoilage
- boredom factor; increase this by scatter feeding, hiding food and provision of occasional treats e.g. raw eggs