How do Ferrets Get Along with Babies and Children?

You have your baby ferret but now the human baby is on the way. Neighbors and friends are telling you that living with the ferret will not be the safest environment for your little one. Maybe some others who already have both-ferrets and babies /children are sharing positive experience and telling you that you will have even more fun then you used to. You must be confused, you love your furry ball but of course the newborn will become the center of your universe.

After research, I have realized that ferrets and babies can get along as long as they are totally separated. Never ever let your baby unattended near the ferret even if you think that ferret is secured in its cage. When it comes to children the situation is similar as with babies. You have to keep an eye on them at all times.

Besides safety, there is several reasons for caution that I have mentioned in this article for you to take into account before making a decision.

Ferrets and Babies

As i have said earlier Ferrets and babies can get along as long as they are totally separated. You have to supervise babies and ferret at all times even if you think that ferret is locked in its cage.

Ferrets are masters of escape, they are called liquid animals, have very soft skeleton, and can crawl under the door if there is a small space. In one word if you do not have enough experience with ferrets you cannot imagine where they can get even if you think that you have taken all precautions. So the best is to keep your baby away from your pet ferret.

I have heard of few cases in which ferrets were attacking babies causing them very serious injuries.

( You might hear about 1month old infant who was attacked by its pet ferrets. As a result the baby girl lost 25% of her face and will have multiple facial reconstruction surgeries in years to come.

I also read an article about how pet ferret in one Missouri home ate a finger of a small baby who was laying in her crib, leaving her ground meat instead.) I know these things are gross but they are real.

It is not my intention to make a bad boy out of the ferrets but in case of babies it is highly recommended keeping them away from your little one

Another reason to keep your newborn /toddler away is germs. Although ferrets have fewer germs then cats and dogs, still some can be found. Also ferrets are fond of chewing the plastic or rubber items like your baby toys so pay attention that your ferret does not come into contact with toys that your baby puts in her/his mouth.

Ferrets and Children

Here we have similar situation . It is not recommended to let your ferrets around kids especially if you are not around . Kids are smaller then adults so ferrets can easily reach them ( their face or hands ) and can cause the injuries even without any specific intention .

Ferrets are very cute . Kids find them very fun to watch and to play with them. I am not saying that this is not possible but remember that ferrets can nip or bite during the play ( especially if they are not trained no to do so) In this case your pet does not have any tendency to attack or hurt your kid , they simply play that way, with other ferrets but also with humans .

On the other hand kids do not have always awareness that can hurt pets but this also can happened .Accidents in which ferrets were seriously injured or even killed by children were reported.

Even though ferrets are cute, funny animals, ready to play any time, they can easily go into attack mode if they are stimulated with certain noise.

They are very sensitive to high-pitched noise for which kids are masters. This unwanted reaction of your pet can be caused by a baby cry or even by a squeaky toy.

You can act proactive, buy this type of toy and to press it near ferret, watch its reaction.If the ferret shows any interest in the toy or even sniffs then most probably you will have some problem with that pet ferret and kids living together.

Bottom line is that coexistence of pet ferrets and kids is possible but both have to be supervised and make your home both ferret and baby friendly to minimize the possibility that some end up hurt .

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