A ferret holds a special place in the heart of their owner, becoming a cherished member of the family. Losing a beloved ferret is a deeply emotional experience, and finding ways to honor their memory can bring comfort and solace to grieving hearts.
A special memorial serves as a lasting reminder of the love, joy, and companionship shared with the furry friend, creating a space of remembrance and reflection.
One unique option when considering pet memorial garden markers for your ferret is a memorial sign—a customized remembrance stake with your ferret’s name and heartfelt words.
This ferret memorial stake is crafted of sturdy metal to pay a lasting tribute to your beloved pet.
It can be anchored in your garden or a planter on your patio, or even indoors.
Personalize the text for the bottom of the sign, such as years of birth and passing or a special phrase.
Choice of weatherproof enamel finishes or rust patina
Choice of script or block lettering for their name
Measuring 16” wide and 18” – 20” tall (depending on your ferret’s name and the font you select). The stakes add 3-6 inches to the height when mounted into the ground. It’s a snap to set up with the included 14” steel rods.
Enhance Your Memorial
If you plan to place the memorial indoors or in a weather-protected area, your options are only limited by your creativity. If placing it outdoors, be sure to select additional items that are appropriate for your outdoor setting. Here are a few ideas:\
Surround the memorial with colorful flowers or plants
Create a space that reflects your ferret’s personality—add your ferret’s favorite toys or other items that they loved
Display framed photos or a photo collage
Create a shadow box or display box
It can help fill that void with cherished memories. By creating a designated space in the garden or patio, you can transform it into a sanctuary of remembrance, a place where they can reflect on the unique moments, mischievous antics, and unconditional love you shared.
If you’re looking for an enclosure for your ferret that gives them ample room, is sturdy, and is easy to clean, consider this 2 level ferret cage.
Here’s how the right enclosure can make all the difference in your ferret’s happiness and well-being.
Sara and Frito Bandito
Sara brought home a mischievous ferret she named Frito Bandito. Like most ferrets, he was the epitome of curiosity and boundless energy.
Sarah wasn’t sure what kind of enclosure she should get for Frito Bandito. She knew of other ferret parents who had very small cages for their ferrets and felt bad for them. She often saw them frantically pulling on the bars of their small cages, trying to get out. She knew it wasn’t safe to have a ferret running around the house unsupervised.
A ferret responsible ferret parent, she knew she couldn’t let her ferret have the run of the house. This lasted 2 days. Her ferret decided to go to sleep in the laundry basket. She didn’t notice when she picked up the basketand started tossing towels in the washing machine. When she grabbed a big beach towel and threw it in, she threw her ferret in with it! Luckily she saw the towel moving and rescued him before starting the machine. That’s how the ferret ended up in the small cage.
A Happy Ferret
Sara wanted a safer and better life for Frito Bandito. She wished she could give her ferret a whole room to play in, complete with tunnels, a ball pit, and interactive toys. But since that wasn’t possible, she looked to find him the best cage for his safety, happiness, and well-being. She selected a spacious, multi-level cage, complete with ramps, tunnels, and cozy sleeping quarters.
Frito Banditos’ cage became his kingdom, offering him exploration and mental stimulation. The secure bars ensured his safety, while the ample space allowed him to frolic freely.
Sara hated leaving him in his cage while she was out, but she made it up to him by spending lots of time playing chase and other games with him. His antics continue to entertain Sarah and remind her of the importance of providing the best environment for her beloved ferret.
She even convinced one of these ferret parents to upgrade her ferret’s home!
MidWest Homes for Pets Critter Nation 2 Level Ferret Cage
Why Some Ferrets Bite and How to Stop Ferret Biting
Most ferrets are loving, playful, social animals. As with any pet, however, there are a few who seem to be biters. There is hope for the biter, however. Most aggressive ferrets can be turned into gentle pets if given the correct amount of training and patience. Read on for ways to stop ferret biting.
Ferrets can bite for many reasons–most are not due to aggressiveness. Before you address how to stop ferret biting, you need to identify the reason why your ferret is biting.
First of all, not all ferret bites should be considered attacks–most are not. Biting is sometimes the way a ferret tries to communicate. She may want to play and give you a nip to get your attention. If your ferret bites and holds on, or bites so hard that she draws blood, it is not a friendly nip. Both types of biting can be corrected.
Some reasons why a ferret may bite:
Baby ferrets
Young ferrets are natural nippers. They explore the world with their mouths and they also go through teething. If this is the case, it really should not be a concern, as they will grow out of it with a little training.
Untrained
Ferrets need to be trained not to nip when they are young. Ferrets play hard with littermates and playmates. They need to have limits set so they know how hard they can play with you.
Sick or injured
If your ferret isn’t feeling well or is hurt she can’t tell you. She may be in pain and want to be left alone. If this is a sudden change in behavior, it may be the case. Be sure to have her checked by a vet.
Unneutered
Unneutered ferrets can be more aggressive than neutered ones. Hormones can cause a male ferret to assert his dominance over others–including you. The solution is to get him neutered.
Change
Change, whether good or bad can be scary. A ferret in a strange situation or environment may be frightened and confused. When a ferret is under stress, she may bite. Give her time to adjust to the new situation, person or environment before you consider her biting a problem.
Displaced aggression
Some ferrets react aggressively to particular sounds, smells or objects. There may be no apparent reason–only your ferret knows why. With a little observation, you can identify what the smell, sound or object is. Common triggers are vacuum cleaners, brooms, loud music, and strong smells. You can keep your ferret away from the trigger–or at least keep her in her cage while doing household chores if this is the cause.
Trained to bite
If your ferret was cared for by someone else before you brought him into your home, he may have been inadvertently taught to bite. For example, if the person picked up the ferret and he nipped and then put him down to run around, the ferret may have associated nipping with getting the run of the house.
Mistrust
The main cause of ferret biting is mistrust. Your ferret may have had a bad experience with a person that traumatized him. Or, he may have been mistreated repeatedly. Ferrets can associate people with pain and react to protect themselves.
When you have identified the cause, you can address how to stop ferret biting.
There are right ways and wrong ways to teach your ferret not to bite. You will probably make the problem worse if you try any of the following:
Mist a bitter spray or another so-called deterrent in your ferret’s face
Flick her on her nose or head when she bites
Hit her
Put her in solitary confinement for long periods of time
Bite her back
Use her regular cage for a time-out
How to stop your ferret from biting
Depending on your ferret’s personality and past experiences, she may or may not respond to certain methods of reconditioning. There are several techniques you can try. Don’t give up on one tactic right away. It takes patience and consistency to stop ferret biting. However, if the biting gets worse after much consistency and patience, then you should probably move on to another method.
This list provides some obvious solutions and some more creative techniques. You may combine some of these tactics together, as well.
Neuter an unaltered male
Take your ferret to the vet to rule out any medical reasons
If you know your ferret reacts to a particular trigger, keep him away from it
If your ferret is young, visually or hearing impaired, take care not to startle her
Make sure your ferret is well fed with a proper diet
Spend more quality time with your ferret and get her more accustomed to being handled
Put a bitter spray on your hands so they don’t taste good
Yell “NO!” or “STOP” very loudly when she bites
Say a firm “NO” or “STOP” and flip her on her back in a submissive position and hold her there for a few minutes when she bites
Give him a 15-20 minute “time-out” in a small cage (not his regular cage) with no toys, bed or food immediately after biting
Wrap him firmly in a towel and hold him or carry him around for 10-20 minutes and talk to him gently and pet his head
Immediately substitute a toy for your hand or whatever was bitten and allow him only to bite that
Add another ferret to your home as a playmate, so he has someone to play rough with
Remember if you want to stop a ferret from biting, you need to be consistent and firm, but gentle. Reward your ferret for good behavior. In time your ferret will learn to respond to kindness and gentleness with like behavior.
Salmon, in general, is an excellent source of vitamin B12, vitamin D, selenium and a good source of niacin, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, phosphorus and vitamin B6. It is also a good source of choline, pantothenic acid, biotin, and potassium.
When used in moderation and sourced from reputable brands, salmon oil is a beneficial addition to a ferret’s balanced diet. Not only is it good for a ferret’s skin and coat–helping with dry skin, itching and adding shine– but it is also beneficial for their heart, eyes and joint health.
Wild Alaskan salmon oil is a great treat that can be used for distracting your ferret when clipping nails or cleaning ears.
The benefits of salmon oil have influenced many pet owners, including ferret parents, to incorporate salmon oil into their fur babies’ diets. Overall, supplementing with salmon oil is good for pet health; however, too much of a good thing may have adverse effects.Continue reading Is Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil Good For Ferrets?
I have often been asked how I keep my ferret’s nails so neatly cut and trimmed. Many ferret parents leave it to the Vet to take care of this grooming necessity. However, it’s not that difficult if you know a few tricks. Here’s an easy to follow step by step guide on how to trim ferret’s nails.
Ferrets cannot keep their nails at the proper length on their own. They don’t get worn down much naturally and grow quickly. If left untrimmed too long, a ferret’s nails will start to curl and grow under her paw and even into it.
When your ferret’s nails are too long, they can have tears, sharp points, and ragged edges. She can easily catch them on bedding, furniture or carpets. This could break the nail, tear it, or rip it off completely. Your ferret could further injure herself from trying to free her paw.
I know of a ferret mom who found one of her ferrets dangling from her cage hammock by one nail! She caught her nail in the fabric when she tried to get out of the hammock. I can’t imagine how much that must have hurt. She was lucky no permanent damage was done.Continue reading How To Trim Ferret’s Nails—A Step By Step Guide
Cleaning your ferret’s ears should be a regular part of caring for your ferret. To keep your ferret healthy, it is important to make sure her ears are free of debris and discharge. Here’s what you need to know to clean ferrets ears safely.
Ferrets’ ear wax should be red, brown, or gold-colored. If you notice very dark brown or black debris or discharge, be sure to take your ferret to your Vet. Your ferret may have an ear infection orear mites. Left untreated, these conditions can turn into severe health problems for your ferret.Continue reading How to Clean Ferrets Ears Safely
I have compiled a list of 57 hazardous plants for pets—Dogs, Cats, Ferrets…
Some of these plants can be toxic.
Some of these hazardous plants are indoor plants, others are outdoor plants. Many can grow indoors or out. Some of these plants are more harmful than others, and some can be toxic. Plants, such as Poinsettias and Firesticks secrete a liquid that can be toxic. Other plants, such as Philodendron and Devil’s Ivy, if eaten, can cause swelling and burning of the mouth and tongue as well as digestive issues, spasms, and even seizures. While some parts of these plants are often more hazardous than others, every part of some plants are toxic. With the Sago Palm, for example, every single part of the plant is poisonous—including the seeds, roots and leaves. Eating any part of the plant can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and in some cases, liver failure. Continue reading Hazardous Plants For Pets—These Plants Can Be Toxic
Alopecia is the complete or partial loss of hair in areas where it normally grows. This is a common disorder in ferrets. Ferrets between the ages of 3 and 7, and ferrets that are neutered or spayed are most prone to hair loss.
There are many possible causes and treatments of hair loss in ferrets. It is best to take your ferret to a vet experienced with ferrets when you first notice your ferret’s hair loss. The earlier the cause is diagnosed, the sooner the treatment can begin and help prevent the condition from getting worse. Continue reading Why is My Ferret Losing Hair? Causes and Treatments
Unfortunately, ear mite infestation is very common in ferrets. It is also common in cats and dogs. According to the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists, ear mites, or Otodectes cynotis is believed to exist worldwide.
Otodectes cynotis live their lives inside an animal’s ears. Otodectes cynotis is contagious and spread by direct contact among ferrets, cats, dogs and other animals. Many kits already have ear mites before they are brought home. Because of the highly contagious nature of ear mites, if you have more than one ferret, or have other pets, all pets in your home need to be treated. Even those pets who do not show obvious signs of ear mite infestation need to be treated, because the treated pet may be reinfected immediately after the end of treatment by those pets who were not treated.
Ear Mites and Ferrets
Otodectes cynotis is often unnoticed in ferrets. One reason is that the mites are very tiny and can only be seen under a microscope. Another reason is that ferrets rarely show signs of being infected with ear mites. Ear mites in cats and dogs can often be suspected due to ear scratching and head shaking when they have an ear mite infestation. Ferrets rarely show these signs. A third reason is that, although a thick, reddish brown to black, waxy discharge is commonly observed in ferrets suffering from ear mite infestation, it is also normal for ferrets to have a brown ear wax. Therefore, a diagnosis of ear mite infestation cannot be made by merely observing the color of a ferret’s ear wax. The diagnosis must be made by a veterinarian. Continue reading Ear Mites and Ferrets—Diagnosis and Treatment
Before we get into how to bathe a ferret, it is important to know when to bathe a ferret.
Many ferret owners love their pets but get frustrated by their smell, which can be quite strong. Bathing ferrets can be a good way to combat odor. Ferrets should not be bathed more than once every 3 months. Bathing a ferret too often can actually make the smell worse. Bathing strips oils from a ferret’s skin and oil glands go into overdrive to replace it. This results in even more odor! Ferrets can become itchy and uncomfortable when bathed too often, as well. If your ferret is scratching frequently, you might want to cut back on how often you’re bathing her.
Ferret smells are actually more often related to a ferret’s bedding, cage, and blankets than to the ferret himself. Try washing these items before bathing your ferret to rule them out as the primary cause of odor. For more info on ferret odor, see this article about getting rid of ferret smells.
How to Bathe a Ferret—Important Steps
Before starting the bathing process, you may find it helpful to get her used to water first. If your ferret doesn’t like water, first let her play in the sink or tub without water, so she gets used to being in the place where she will be bathed. When she seems to feel comfortable in the tub or sink, turn the faucet on just a little bit and let her explore the water. Give her licks ofsalmon oil, or another healthy treat as you gradually get her wet. Many ferrets love to play in the water, and some even like to swim!Continue reading How to Bathe a Ferret—Important Steps
Before we get into how to bathe a ferret, it is important to know when to bathe a ferret.
Many ferret owners love their pets but get frustrated by their smell, which can be quite strong. Bathing ferrets can be a good way to combat odor. Ferrets should not be bathed more than once every 3 months. Bathing a ferret too often can actually make the smell worse. Bathing strips oils from a ferret’s skin and oil glands go into overdrive to replace it. This results in even more odor! Ferrets can become itchy and uncomfortable when bathed too often, as well. If your ferret is scratching frequently, you might want to cut back on how often you’re bathing her.
Ferret smells are actually more often related to a ferret’s bedding, cage, and blankets than to the ferret himself. Try washing these items before bathing your ferret to rule them out as the primary cause of odor. For more info on ferret odor, see this article about getting rid of ferret smells.
How to Bathe a Ferret—Important Steps
Before starting the bathing process, you may find it helpful to get her used to water first. If your ferret doesn’t like water, first let her play in the sink or tub without water, so she gets used to being in the place where she will be bathed. When she seems to feel comfortable in the tub or sink, turn the faucet on just a little bit and let her explore the water. Give her licks ofsalmon oil, or another healthy treat as you gradually get her wet. Many ferrets love to play in the water, and some even like to swim!Continue reading How to Bathe a Ferret—Important Steps
