How Long to Quarantine a New Ferret?

The word quarantine may bring up memories of disease, with warnings to “stay away” scrawled on infected people’s doors. However, for his own health and the welfare of the animals and humans around him, your pet ferret may need to be quarantined – that is, kept restricted and secluded. Quarantine orders are uncommon, but they should be regarded seriously when they are issued.

Learn when and how to quarantine your ferret in the sections below.

Ferret Quarantine Guidelines for Rabies

Your veterinarian will notify animal control and your pet will be quarantined if you find a bite or suspected wound on your pet, even if it has been vaccinated against rabies.

Veterinarians examine the potential that another animal afflicted with rabies may have caused the wound and transmitted rabies to your pet ferret if your ferret has an unidentified wound.

While most people associate rabies with dogs and cats, ferrets are susceptible to the disease and are required by law to be vaccinated. If your pet has already been vaccinated, it will most likely be given a booster dose, and you will most likely be told to keep him confined at home (typically 45 days). Ensure that your pet’s rabies booster injections are up to date so that he is protected regardless of the danger of exposure.

You would be forbidden from carrying your pet to parks, other public places, and maybe even the waiting room at your veterinarian’s office.

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How Long to Quarantine New Ferret

A “business” is a collection of ferrets. Bringing a new ferret home to add to your business is an exciting prospect! Your mind is filled with images of ferrets joyously playing and snuggling. However, plans for the protection of both your existing ferrets and the newcomer must be considered. A new addition’s quarantine should take precedence over all other considerations.

New ferrets should be confined for at least two weeks after purchase, whether from a breeder, shelter, or pet store. This crucial practice will reduce the risk of bacterial infections, viral disorders, and parasite transmission. 

Prior to meeting his new pals, the period allows the new ferret to acclimate to strange surroundings, reduce tension, and bond with you. Most importantly, six weeks apart provide an adequate opportunity to take the ferret to the veterinarian to be checked for infectious diseases and to be vaccinated against some of them.

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What Is the Best Way to Introduce Ferrets?

It might be as simple as placing two ferrets together and watching them play, or it can take months of carefully supervised interactions before they are safe to be left alone. Furthermore, while many ferrets enjoy and flourish in the company of others, some are hesitant to welcome a new family member. Ever.

Some factors that may influence a ferret’s willingness to accept a companion include:

Consider what will happen if they don’t get along before succumbing to “ferret math” (the irresistible impulse to add “just one more”). Please begin by assuming that if one or more of your ferrets are incompatible, you will be willing to separate them. Separate play hours, caging, and play places, for example, would be required.

Also, keep in mind that some fuzzies simply want to be alone. That’s OK. It’s crucial to pay attention to the ferret’s behavior and reactions. And that if it’s in the ferret’s best interest, there’s nothing wrong with skipping the intro.

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Age

In general, kits are the most laid-back when it comes to making new mates. They rarely have “baggage” from previous therapy and are always looking for someone with whom to play or sleep. Ferrets, like people, are more set in their ways as they get older and are less eager to have their lives disrupted by a new arrival. Putting a bouncing ball of energy in with an older ferret who simply wants to sleep or chill in their favorite spot can sometimes stress the older ferret out, causing them to hiss and look for a quiet corner. In an effort to avoid overeager playmates, they may become reclusive.

Previously Kept Alone

If your ferret has established himself as a solitary pet in your home, he or she may be reluctant to share their favorite person, toys, beds, or space. Lone ferrets can forget how to play ferret and lose their memories of being with others of their species. They may not react adequately to other ferrets’ body language or verbal cues, causing uncertainty for both parties. While this does not rule out the possibility of them getting along with others, it may take more time and effort to ensure that everyone gets along before leaving them alone together.

Sex

Males are often more laid back than females, and intact ferrets (those that have not been spayed or neutered) are more intense than those who have been chemically or surgically altered. Sexual hormones cause mayhem in ferret brains just as they do in human brains at your local high school. Males become single-minded sex machines during the season, their fur smeared in “sexy” grease, dropping weight, and singing their favorite tunes while looking for girls. During this time of year, ferret parents who have intact males tend to refer to them as “obnoxious.” They also play a game of “who gets to be the girl…” during this time, which the ferret victim may not enjoy and may result in a fight.

Possible Medical Issues That Can Make Them More Aggressive

Adrenal diseased ferrets often exhibit the same emotional and sexual responses as healthy in-season animals. Adrenal illness is usually managed with a monthly Lupron injection or a Suprelorin implant. It’s advisable to make sure that both your current business and your new addition are in good shape before introducing them.

How Long Does It Take for Ferrets to Bond

All you need to keep in mind is that bonding two ferrets might take days, weeks, or even months. Everything will work out if you just have patience. Allow your ferrets to be left alone until you see them napping and grooming one another. You know they’ll be friends forever when that happens!

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Final Words – Patience Is the Key!

The new ferret can be welcomed to his new friends once the quarantine period has passed safely! Depending on how they all interact, this can be both exhilarating and annoying.

Patience is essential since rough play, which may appear violent, may occur. There may be loud vocalizations and hissing. Territorial behavior, such as peeing and pooping, as well as the hiding of favorite toys, are possible. During this procedure, allowing the new ferret to return to his quarantine space and cage for breaks is a good idea, as they should have become comfortable in that location. Some ferrets, on the other hand, will quickly bond and become pals.

Even if they appear to get along, new ferrets should not be left alone with existing ferrets at first. Slowly integrate the ferrets for extended lengths of time at home so you can be aware of any issues that develop. For the first several weeks, keep a close eye on play and any signs of illness, such as ear mites or sickness. Before you know it, the “new” ferret will have become a permanent member of the family!