Can Ferrets and Rabbits Live Together?
Just like humans, animals too have different personalities. They can become socially and physically aggressive, especially to fellows from varying classes and species. They also portray dominance and fight over resources such as foods, favored possessions, and space.
Ferrets are highly sociable, yet they have distinctive personalities and characters that make them repulsive towards a range of common pets. Well, if you are planning to blend ferrets and rabbits, you would want to know if the duo can co-exist peacefully without frequent fights.
So, Can Ferrets and Rabbits Live Together?
Yes, ferrets and rabbits can co-exist peacefully based on the circumstances you place them in. Ferrets are socially active, so are rabbits. However, since ferrets are carnivores while rabbits are prey animals, the ferret can kill the fluffy buddy, more so when they thirst for food.
Ferrets see rabbits as prey. Worse still, they have sharp teeth that can cause injuries and other skin damages when they bite. Fortunately, there is a way to bond the two and make them friendly towards each other.
Keep Ferrets and Rabbits Under the Same Roof
Here are a few tips you should consider, if you want to keep pet ferrets and rabbits in the same household:
– Feed the Ferret Properly
A hungry ferret is thirsty for almost anything. You can know when it is hungry if the pet stares at the food or water dish, sometimes pushing it back and forth.
If the bowl has food, it is more likely that the friend is bored, either with the environment or the food itself. It is at this moment that it can snake down, capture, and feed on your bun.
Feed the ferret regularly to make sure that it does not feel hungry. Highly digestible meat proteins will not only keep the obligate carnivore full, but it will also not thirst for any prey.
Additionally, keep some snacks in a drawer. This way, if the small buddy gets bored with its regular protein food, it can lighten up with two or three candies.
However, it is best to feed ferrets whole prey such as rats and mice since they replicate their natural environment. This way, you will stand a better chance to meet its nutritional needs.
– Do Not Serve the Ferret a Whole Rabbit
Ferrets track their prey using both smells and marks. If you are keen enough, you will see that your little fuzzy smells its food before eating.
Serving your ferret a whole rabbit does more harm, as it will start recognizing the prey smell in your bun and familiar with it. Consequently, it can track down and kill your bun, making a feast of it.
– Keep the Two Pets in Separate Cages
When starting out, keep the two pets in separate cages. However, do not confine them the whole day. They will need some regular exercise to keep them both psychologically and physically fit.
For rabbits, a run is appropriate as it allows them to skip up and hop down. Keep the run spacious enough to create extra room for the pan and where the bun can play.
For ferrets, a large dog-like cage is perfect. Since you may want to keep stuff such as toys and a pan inside, keep it spacious too. However, do not use the mesh-like cage since the claws can get stuck on the meshes, causing pain, infection, and even injury.
– Introduce the Duo to Each Other Gradually
After about two weeks, start introducing the two pets to each other, gradually. To start, you can place them in separate cages closer to each other. This way, they become familiar with one another.
After about two weeks, start introducing the two pets to each other, gradually. Begin with bringing the cages closer to each other to allow the pets to become familiar with each other’s physical appearance and smell.
After about one week, now release the duo to meet under strict supervision. Ferrets tease other animals by nipping their tails or feet. Also, they can run beneath the animals, grab them by the neck and hang on them. If you observe these behaviors, do not fret as they are only normal ferret games.
After about another two weeks, extend the time that the two pets spend together. However, make sure to be there to observe them when associating.
Can Ferrets and Rabbits Play Together?
Yes, both species of pets are social and can play together without any supervision. As the duo familiar with one another, the ferret will start performing hypnotic dance—arch the back, move side-by-side, and puff the tail.
Conversely, the rabbit will start feeling relaxed and jumpy. Up to this moment, you can allow the two to play together freely with minimal surveillance.
Can a Ferret Kill a Rabbit?
Yes, a ferret can kill a rabbit when angered or when hungry. Also, some ferrets tend to be more aggressive than others. When stressed, they can trail your bun, maim and kill it. On the other hand, some rabbits can be fierce hence creating a perfect opportunity for ferrets to harm them.
To minimize the risk of your fuzzy killing the bun, keep the two in the best psychological state. Make sure to feed each of them the best diet and keep them playful.
Ferret or Rabbit – Which is Better?
Rabbits make better pets, so are ferrets—your choice melts down to personal preference. If you are looking for a more intelligent buddy that can smell danger from far, ferrets are your go-to option. On the downside, their musky smell can keep away your potential visitors. Plus, they are not legal in some states.
On the other hand, rabbits are fluffy, cool, and easy to maintain. Since they have a longer lifespan compared to ferrets, they suit your needs when looking for a social buddy that will bond with your family for years.
Ferrets and rabbits can live and play together. Only that, you must introduce them gradually so that they can become familiar with each other. Even with that, leaving the two free for the whole day is not worth the risk, especially if you are not around.