Enrichment

Ferrets are hunters, and need lots of stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.

They are clever and inquisitive animals that love to play.

One of the best playthings is a friend. Ferrets are social animals and another ferret is probably the best thing to keep them happy and give them something to play with.

Whether you have one or ten ferrets you will still need to give them some extras.

Alone time – because we all lead busy lives, our ferrets often end up spending a good portion of their day home alone.  Giving your ferret something to do when they’re by themselves means they will be less bored, and less stressed.  Food puzzle toys require time, patience and problem-solving, and encourage natural behaviour such as pawing, licking and chewing. KONG have an excellent range of food puzzle toys to give your ferret’s brain and jaws a workout.  When you first introduce your ferret to a food puzzle toy, make it easy for him to empty it, as he has been used to getting his food served up to him in a bowl.  As he becomes an expert, you can make it harder for him to get the food out of the toys. It is very important to make sure the toys are indestructible as ferrets will often swallow small pieces of chewed up toys/cage furniture/anything they can chew up. These little pieces can block the intestine and may need surgery to remove them.

Kong toys for cats or small dogs will be suitable

A big wheel (with solid base) should help keep your ferret exercised, fit, busy and well muscled.

Out of the cage time!  

You must let your ferret out of his cage every day to play and exercise.

Ferret proof your home so they cannot bite electrical cables, get stuck in holes in the furniture, and get into trouble! Tunnels are much enjoyed for exploring and tubes and hoses can be bought in electrical shops so you can make a playground.

Ferrets love to burrow and dig, a box filled with woodchips or dry rice will be enjoyed.Hide some food treats in it to make it even more fun

A bowl of water with a ball floating in it will also provide hours of fun

A window seat to watch wild birds, or a fish tank will also provide visual stimulation. Watch that your ferret cannot get to the fish though!

If you are looking for ‘good’ toys for your ferret then please visit our Pet Product Shop where we sell a wide range of enrichment toys that have all been tested on our staffs pets!