How to Handle and Clean a Ferret

By eHow Pets Editor

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

Ear cleaning solution
Cotton swabs
Nail trimmers
Ferret shampoo
Kitten toothbrush
Bristled finger cap

Step 1:
Pick a ferret up by firmly clasping it on the scruff of its neck. The scruff is the loose skin behind the neck and below the head. Picking a ferret up by the scruff doesn't hurt it.
Step 2:
Support a ferret's bottom when you pick it up by the scruff of its neck. This is more comfortable for the ferret than letting its feet dangle and gives a measure of safety if the ferret squirms loose from your grip.
Step 3:
Clean a ferret's outer ears to prevent problems with ear mites. Squirt some ear cleaning solution manufactured for cats onto a cotton swab and gently remove crust buildup from the ears.
Step 4:
Trim a ferret's nails with human or cat nail trimmers. Ask an assistant to hold the ferret by the scruff, supporting the bottom and trim only the white part of the nail. Stop short of the pink nail quick, which contains blood vessels and nerves.
Step 5:
Bathe a ferret with kitten or ferret shampoo. Some ferrets like the water and enjoy playing in the sink sprayer, while others require a bathing helper to hold the ferret by the scruff during bathing.
Step 6:
Remove tartar from the ferret's teeth weekly. If your ferret tolerates it, you can scrape the teeth with your fingernail. You can also use a kitten toothbrush or a bristled cap that fits on your fingertip.

Tips & Warnings

Minimize ferret odor by spaying or neutering your ferret, which reduces its desire to mark its territory by spraying oils from the scent glands.

More Puppy Pages

How to Groom a Pet Ferret

Grooming a pet ferret is easier than it may seem, since ferrets do not require much grooming at all. Their natural grooming habits can be enough to keep them clean and healthy. However, should you want to groom your pet ferret, concentrate on its nails...

Hi my name is Sarah and on behalf of expertvillage.com I am here at Petland in Pembroke Pines, Florida to educate you a little bit today about caring for your ferret. Also when you are handling your ferret you should learn to comfortably scruff your...

It's show time! No matter what your dog's breed or training, one thing will always be expected at the dog show--your dog must be perfectly clean and groomed. Find out how to groom your dog for a show so you'll both be ready on that special day.

Ferrets get into all kinds of mischief. As they play and rough-house together, they get dirty both in their fur and in their ears. Normally they will clean themselves or each other. You can help them though by cleaning them with cotton and ear washing...

According to some veterinarians, cleaning a ferret's ears is not an essential part of ferret care because they typically clean their own ears. However, for those of you who want a ferret with squeaky clean ears, follow the steps below.