Congrats on welcoming home your new pet

The Petco new ferret Guide

We’ll help you navigate pet parenthood with helpful tips, expert guidance and recommendations for every milestone.

PETCO
TIP

Save 15% on supplies and nutrition for your ferret—including habitats, bedding, nutrition and more—with Vital Care Premier.

1. SETTING UP THE PERFECT HOME

Fill your space with supplies and essentials before your ferret arrives to help them feel comfortable and safe from the start.

Habitats

Provide the largest multitiered, wire-sided habitat possible, at least 2 ft. x 2 ft. x 3 ft.

Food Bowls

Feed healthy young ferrets two times a day using untippable bowls to help prevent them from eating all day and becoming overweight.

Water bottles and bowls

Provide clean, fresh water and refill it daily.

Hideaways

Tap into your ferret’s love for hiding and playing by providing several hideaway options.

Bedding

Place 1–2 inches of high-quality, paper-based bedding in their habitat.

Litter boxes

You can train your ferret to use a litter box to help keep their habitat clean—just make sure to use a different material than their bedding.

2. Finding the right food

Set a strong foundation for your new pet’s physical health with quality nutrition.

Food

Set a strong foundation for their health with a high-protein, moderate-fat and low-carbohydrate diet.

Treats

Be sure treats make up no more than 10 percent of your pet’s diet and are made with high-protein, low-carbohydrate ingredients so they stay at a healthy weight.

3. KEEPING YOUR FERRET HAPPY

Ferrets are naturally very playful and silly pets! Learn how you can tap into their fun personality while building your bond.

Toys

Help stimulate their mind with ferret-safe toys that don’t have small pieces of rubber they could ingest.

Hammocks

Because ferrets sleep for up to 18 hours a day, you’ll want to give them a secure and comfy place to snuggle.

Tunnels and tubes

Ferrets love tunnels and tubes that let them run and burn excess energy.

Ramps and shelves

These make it easy for them to explore their home throughout the day.

4. Understanding your ferret

Known for their happy, inquisitive nature and humorous behavior, ferrets are affectionate and intelligent animals who love to play and explore. Below are some key behaviors to know so you can help them adjust.

Weasel war dancers

Ferrets do this iconic dance when they are happy and excited.

Collectors

Intelligent, playful and mischievous, they love to collect and hide household items.

Expert sleepers

They sleep for up to 18 hours a day and tend to be the most active in the evening.

5. BUILDING A ROUTINE

A consistent routine for grooming and cleaning can help support their wellbeing while they settle in.

Grooming

While ferrets groom themselves, they need their nails clipped regularly, and you can help them stay extra clean by bathing them monthly.

Cleaning

Bedding and litter box should be spot cleaned daily, and their entire habitat should be cleaned thoroughly at least once a week.

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