- If you find a ferret outside, immediately catch it. Ferrets are not considered a vector for rabies — they die before the virus would get into the saliva — so it’s unlikely it has rabies. Most ferrets want to be saved but might nip if frightened. You can also put a blanket inside a cat carrier and coax the ferret into the carrier.
- Put the ferret in a secure cage or cat carrier. Wire dog crates will NOT contain a ferret. [Read the pamphlet Ferret proofing your home for an idea of what ferrets can do.]
- Give the ferret a bowl of water and food. Good quality kitten food can work in a pinch. It should have little or no grain and lots of meat-based protein. Walmart’s 8in1 Ferret Food is awful (30% protein, 8% fat). Ferrets need at least 38% protein and 18% fat. More is better. Make sure the ferret is eating and pooping. If the ferret is debilitated take it to the vet asap. If it won’t eat, you can try warming chicken babyfood (no veggies, just meat), add a little water and force feed with a syringe. Usually they like it and suck it right down. They need to eat at least one or two whole jars of the meat babyfood per day.
- Treat the ferret with Frontline or the generic (Fipronil). DO NOT bathe 2 days before or 2 days after applying Frontline, otherwise it won’t work. Frontline will kill fleas and ticks, usually within 24 hours. If the ferret has ticks, it needs to be treated with an antibiotic to prevent Lyme Disease. DO NOT use anything made by Hartz on the ferret [Search for articles on the internet “hartz complaints”.] Revolution is okay, but doesn’t kill ticks and I don’t think it works as well against fleas. It does kill ear mites, though.
- DO NOT put the found ferret with your own ferrets or around your other pets until you are sure it is free from fleas/ticks and intestinal parasites (at least a week).
- If the ferret has diarrhea, get it to the vet or call the ferret shelter for advice. One funky poop is okay. Three in a row is bad. Watery poop is bad. Ferrets become dehydrated quickly and dehydration kills. Fleas also kill (they suck the ferret’s blood).
- Take the ferret to a vet, no-kill animal shelter or local ferret shelter for help and advice.
What to do if you find a ferret outside
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