Some summary items are listed below. The Humane Society of the United States Statement on Ferrets as Companion Animals , Revised April 1996. Responsible Care . Ferrets have sharp teeth and occasionally bite when startled, excited, or handled improperly. Keeping ferrets humanely may be a challenge for individuals who are unfamiliar with their needs and habits.
Ferrets sleep much of the time, but when awake are both curious and highly active.
They should not be confined to a cage at all times, yet need close supervision when allowed out of their enclosures. Like other companion animals, ferrets require periodic veterinary check-ups and veterinary care when needed. Pet ferrets must be spayed or neutered to prevent them from adding to the numbers of unwanted and homeless ferrets in need of shelter and rescue. Sterilization is particularly important for female ferrets, who can contract a disease called fatal aplastic anemia if kept in prolonged estrus. I would like to encourage you to write the HSUS and thank them for being big enough to change.