What Temp Do Ferrets Like?
Ferrets are increasingly getting popular. However, as with every pet, it is important to research everything about them. Before you bring a ferret home, you need to understand What temp do ferrets like
Ferrets like cool temperatures. That being said, they cannot stand high temperatures. Their bodies are not designed for high temperatures. Rather, they will survive in temperatures not lower than 70 degrees Fahrenheit and no higher than 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Unfortunately, ferrets will start overheating when the room temperature exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They will soon go into heatstroke which is actual medical attention. During summer, you must keep an eye at your ferret to ensure he does not overheat.
What temp do ferrets like. How to keep a ferret’s room cool
Well, when you live in an area with higher temperatures, you will need to take measures to keep your ferret’s room as cool as you can. Also, during summer, ferret owners should ensure that ferrets are living in a conducive environment.
You should consider having your ferret’s room air-conditioning. Ensure that the air vents are not directed to your ferret’s cage. This goes for people who invest in fans. You should be a little careful as ferrets are very curious. Ensure that he cannot reach the fans so that he does not get hurt in the process.
Before I go ahead to outline some of the methods to use when cooling down a ferret during hot weather, let us look at what might happen if you don’t cool your ferret down.
Ferret overheating
As I have described above, ferrets like living in cool temperatures, but most importantly lower than 27 degrees Celsius. Now, if the temperatures get higher than this, your ferret will not be able to regulate his body temperature.
Well, ferrets cannot sweat through all the fur. Their body is not designed to cool itself down. Instead, as the temperatures get higher, so does the ferret. This will result in severe dehydration and minutes later your ferret will get into a heat stroke.
Note that ferret heatstroke is a life-threatening situation. You will need to immediately offer him some first aid as you take him to the vet. You do not want your ferret to develop complications thereafter. Therefore, we can conclude that high temperatures can kill your ferret.
Signs and symptoms of a ferret going into heat stroke
Now, you may not be able to spend the entire day watching your ferret, are you? You should ensure that his room is temperature regulated. However, should anything go wrong, this could end up badly for your ferret. You will need to observe for the following signs and symptoms of heatstroke in ferrets:
- Ferret lying on the floor
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Excessive panting
- Open mouth and salivation
- Wet mouth and mucus from the nose
- Lethargy
- Red footpads
- Seizures
Should you find your ferret in such a state, you will need to act quickly. You need to bring his body temperature to a lower number as fast as you can. However, you cannot just cool him down rapidly. I advise against dipping your ferret in water abruptly. It can lead to shock due to high body temperature and cold water.
Below, I am going to discuss some of the methods you may use to cool down an overheating ferret.
What temp do ferrets like. Dealing with an overheating ferret
As emphasized above, overheating can be dangerous for ferrets. You should cool your ferret down steadily. There are a few methods that you may use for this:
Use a wet washcloth
I have indicated above that dipping your ferret in water to cool him is a bad idea. Well, using a cool wet washcloth will bring your ferret’s body temperatures down. Use cool water instead of cold water. Dip a clean washcloth and wipe your ferret’s body.
You can start from the tail area and also wipe her footpads. These are the parts that will help your ferret cool down faster. You will need to repeat this a couple of times until your ferret cools down. At the same time, you should take your ferret to the vet immediately. As indicated earlier, your ferret could develop complications from heatstroke even when he has recovered from it.
Use cool water
This is an excellent method to cool down friendly ferrets who enjoy playing with water. Now, you should put cool water in a large basin or bathtub. Do not dip your ferret in the water even if he seems excited about it.
Instead, start by putting his tiny feet in the water. You may talk to him to keep him calm during this process. Wait until he is comfortable with having all his legs in the water. You should pour some water around his tail area as well.
If your ferret is comfortable staying in the water, allow him a few minutes. Once again, do not forget to check with your vet to ensure that your ferret is perfectly healthy.
Frozen water bottles
Well, if your air conditioning or fan is not working, or maybe you never expected your ferret to develop heatstroke, frozen water bottles can be your temporary solution.
You will need a couple of empty water bottles. Ensure that they are clean and get rid of the labels. Fill the latter with water and leave to freeze. Once the ice has formed, use a towel to wrap the frozen bottles.
You may then place the wrapped bottles in some water in the cage. Place your ferret on the latter to feel the coolness. However, be careful if your ferret has a history of chewing plastic. You should probably avoid using the plastic bottle method.
Conclusion
Before you bring your ferret home, you should have his room ready. Ferrets like lower than 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, do not keep your ferret in a place with direct sunlight. Do your evaluation first before you set up your ferret’s cage.
Do not put your ferret in the risk of developing heatstroke as it can be life-threatening. Be extra careful during hot weather seasons.
