Frequently Asked Questions

 
Where can I learn more about ferrets?
Visit our Resources page for links to ferret information sources.

Suggested reading - Ferrets for Dummies - can be purchased at most pet stores or on-line.

What do ferrets eat?
Quantum Leap ferrets eat frozen chicks and mice (available on-line at www.RodentPro.com).

Chicken wings or drumsticks can also be fed.

A grain-free, high protein, meat based kibble such as Innova EVO Small Bites Dog Food should be made
available free choice.

Foods with caffeine, sugars, salt, and starch should be avoided as well as seeds, nuts, fruits, vegetables,
and dairy products.

Do ferrets need to be spayed or neutered? Descented?
If you adopt an adult ferret from Quantum Leap or purchase a pet store ferret, it will already have been
spayed or neutered.

Quantum Leap kits should be spayed or neutered upon reaching maturity at 6 to 8 months. Jills stay in
season until they are bred, causing aplastic anemia, a life-threatening condition. Intact, mature hobs
have a very strong musky odor until neutered. Both are excellent reasons to spay or neuter your ferret.

Descenting a ferret is not necessary. When a ferret is descented, it's anal glands are removed. This will
keep a ferret from "poofing" (emitting a brief poof of odor), but descenting will not make a ferret smell
any less. A ferret's smell is caused by the oil glands in their skin. This is best managed by keeping the
ferret's cage, litter box, and bedding clean.

What items do I need to purchase for my new ferret?
We have found that the Ferret Nation Habitat is the most practical cage available. It is easy to clean
and sturdy. It comes with one, two, or three stacked sections which can be used as three individual
cages or one large cage.

You should have a high backed litter box on each level of the ferret's cage and in each corner of the
ferret's play area.

Ferrets require either a ferret-proofed room or a large play pen for daily play time.

Feline Pine Litter or a similar product should be used in the litter box.

Most of the cage surfaces should be covered with carpet or bedding. This encourages use of the
litter boxes. Hammocks should be hung at each level.

You will also need water bottles, feed dishes, and litter scoops as well as grooming items such as toe
nail clippers and shampoo.

What grooming and care will my ferret require?
To control the odor, your ferret's bedding should be machine washed weekly.

The cage as well as the floor and walls surrounding the cage should be cleaned weekly with pet friendly
cleaning agents.

The ferret should be bathed monthly. Bathing more often will increase the release of oils, thus increasing
the smell.

Toe nails should be trimmed and ears cleaned monthly. Teeth should be cleaned as necessary.

The litter box should be cleaned daily. A shop vac can be used to pick up any debris in the cage or on the
floor around the cage.

What vaccinations are required for ferrets? Annual tests? Preventatives?
Ferrets require two annual vaccinations, Rabies (IMRAB 3) and Canine Distemper (Purevax-D or Galaxy-D).

Kits should receive Distember boosters at 12 and 16 weeks and a Rabies vaccination at 14 weeks.

All Quantum Leap breeder ferrets are tested twice a year for ADV (Aleutians Disease Virus) with the ADV
Antibody Elisa Test. Samples are submitted to Avecon Diagnostics.

Ferrets can be infected by ear mites, heartworms, and fleas. A monthly preventative product such as
Advantage Multi is highly recommended.

Why should I purchase a kit from a breeder rather than a pet store?
Most private breeders selectively breed for correct conformation, good temperaments, and better health
and longivity. Typically, their kits have been well socialized.

Pet store ferrets are mass produced and spayed or neutered / descented at a very young age. These
ferrets lack the muscle and bone development of ferrets who were spayed or neutered at a later age.

When are kits available and how do I purchase one?
Ferret breeding season is typically February through July, so most kits are born during these months.

Kits are available for new homes at 10 weeks of age and come with a 3 year health guarantee.

If you are interested in a Quantum Leap kit, complete the adoption form. Once your application has
been approved, a kit will be held for you with a $50 deposit. If kits are not currently available, you will
be placed on a waiting list.