LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Ferrets (Pet)
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Ferrets are close cousins to otters, minks, and badgers - so they are not rodents. They have been kept as pets for thousands of years, and some believe the Egyptians kept ferrets before they kept the domestic cat! Aristotle wrote about ferrets, and Caesar used them for hunting. In fact, ferrets are the third most popular pet in the United States behind the dog and cat. There are several nicknames for ferrets which include fuzzies, weasels, carpet sharks, ferts, and fweasels. Ferrets are very curious and extremely playful.
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Ferrets are natural latrine animals. They instinctively use a particular area as a toilet. Even young ferrets at the age of 3 weeks already demonstrate this instinct. Ferrets prefer to keep food, sleeping and play areas separate from the bathroom area. This makes the employment of litter relatively easy for ferrets. You can use regular cat litter and even recycled paper litter.
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Grooming - Ferrets need baths because they have have an odor caused by their scent glands (this odor can be reduced by neutering the males). You will need to bathe your ferret at least once per month. Baby shampoo works great. To make bathing a bonding experience with your ferret, bring it into the shower with you. This ... prevents escape. Be sure to dry your ferret completely by letting it roll around in towels. Ferrets do not need to be brushed on a regular basis because they do not shed on a regular basis. You will however, note that at least twice per year they get their new coat. At this time, gently pull or brush the fur to remove the dead hair. Your ferret also needs his ears cleaned on monthly basis. Use cotton swabs dipped in water to remove the dirt and wax build-up (do not stick in the ear canal) from the outer ear. To make ear cleanings easier, try using some Ferretone as a treat during the cleaning. Nail trimmings are by far the most unpopular task. To reduce the amount of trimmings, try using a fine grade sand paper on a ramp in their cage (be sure they are not eating it!). Holding your ferret by the scruff of his neck (loose skin behind his head) will make him go slack.
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Ferret Hair Loss Couldbe Something to Worry About -- Ferrets have a sleek silky coat of hair that is moderately thick and should have a lustrous shine. Like most animals they shed their hair during spring or summer. This should result in a bit of a thinner coat in the warmer months with thicker hair growing in for winter.
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Ferrets should be handled gently but firmly. Pick your ferret up behind his front legs and support his bottom in your other hand. Like puppies and kittens, ferrets tend to ‘test’ things with their teeth. They are not vicious, but can make one or two experimental nips, so until you have got to know your ferret and established mutual trust, do not allow him too near your face. If your ferret nips fingers at first, try not to alarm him by quick movements or loud shouts, but take things slowly, stroking him gently and offering titbits.
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Ferrets love to chew. Rubber toys are not safe for ferrets, as they often chew off and swallow small pieces! This would necessitate your vet to do an exploratory surgery or if you do not realize early enough that your ferret is sick then is often fatal. Hard toys like Nylabones are safe, as are rawhide treats in small amounts (although some veterinarians feel rawhide shouldn't be given to any pets). Other safe toys include ping pong and golf balls, small cans(no sharp edges please), cardboard mailing tubes, and very hard plastic toys. Cloth toys are all right IF the ferret is not chewing off pieces of it!
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Ferrets (Pet)