Access to constant clean, fresh water is important for ferrets just as much as any other pets. You may be debating whether to give your ferrets access to a bowl or a water bottle when it comes to quenching their thirst. Bowls are becoming recognized as a preferable alternative to water bottles, so can ferrets drink out of a bowl?
Several ferret specialists and owners found that ferrets can drink out of a water bowl. Also, it is observed that ferrets are more likely to drink from bowls than from bottles. The explanation for this is straightforward: using a bowl to drink from is far less strenuous.
As a pet owner, you must have more curiosity over the issue. Let’s resolve them together!
Understanding Ferret Hydration And Drinking Habit
Ferrets are active, tiny carnivores that have particular hydration needs. Although they don’t drink much water like other common household pets, such as dogs and cats, their metabolism may make them dehydrated fast.
As they are wild animals, they get most of their water from the blood and other physiological fluids of the animals they eat. But pet ferrets may develop unique drinking routines according to their owner’s support.
Can Ferrets Drink Out Of A Bowl?
A bowl is fine for a ferret’s hydration needs. In fact, many ferret owners experience that their ferrets are more likely to drink from a bowl than water bottles.
As drinking from a water bowl requires less effort, this makes them more likely to drink enough water. Some ferrets may drink from bowls right away, while others may take some time to warm up to the idea.
Can Ferrets Drink Out of Bowls That Come With Cage?
While ferrets can use the bowls provided in their cages, sometimes they might not tend to do so. Due to the less accessibility, drinking out of bowls that come with cages becomes troublesome for them.
Some ferret cages have separate compartments for food and water, which is a nice feature for busy pet owners. In such cases, ferrets will have no issue drinking out of the water bowl. So, if you are using a ferret cage with proper accessibility, your pet won’t have any issues drinking water.
How Long Can Ferrets Drink Out Of A Bowl?
There is no age restriction on a ferret’s ability to use a water bowl; they can drink from one their entire lives. When ferrets are detached from their mother’s milk, usually between 6 and 8 weeks of age, they begin drinking from water dishes.
They become accustomed to using bowls as a means of hydration as they mature and develop. As this is like their natural behavior, they don’t need any additional training to drink water out of a bowl.
Water Bowl Or Water Bottle: Which Is Better For Ferrets?
Ferrets may find it more challenging to drink from water bottles than from bowls. This is because of the extra effort required to lick the nozzle. Water should be provided in clean bowls on a regular basis to prevent your ferret from becoming dehydrated. Here are a few reasons why water bowl is the top-notch choice:
Contributes To Their Natural Drinking Nature
Like cats and dogs, ferrets naturally lap up water. They can satisfy this natural want by drinking from water bowls, leading to increased hydration. Therefore, this method of drinking makes it simple for ferrets to maintain adequate hydration without any practice.
More Accessible
Water from a bowl is more enticing and effective for ferrets because of its accessibility and simplicity of lapping up, which results in better hydration. In contrast, it’s quite tough to train a ferret to drink water from water bottles.
Reduces Effort
Ferrets don’t put up a lot of effort when they drink from a bowl. However, water bottles are only sometimes as convenient because you usually have to work with a nozzle to get a drink. Drinking from a bowl is more practical and comfortable for them.
How To Choose The Right Bowl For Ferrets?
Every water bowl is not a wise option for your ferrets to drink water. So, you need to be conscious of what you are choosing. Here are a few things to look for:
- Size And Depth: You need to pick a small bowl that has less depth. Because of their small size, ferrets should have easy access to a shallow bowl filled with water. This way, they won’t have to work as hard to get to the water.
- Material: Non-toxic, easily cleaned, and less prone to contain hazardous bacteria than plastic, ceramic, glass, and stainless steel are ideal alternatives. Choose something that will last and doesn’t include any chemicals.
- Easy To Clean: Pick a bowl that can be quickly scrubbed clean. This way, you can constantly refill the bowl after cleaning, and your ferret’s health will remain content.
- Avoid Elevated Bowls: Since ferrets are strictly terrestrial, they do not need raised dishes. To accommodate their normal activities, a flat, stable bowl set on the ground is ideal.
- Resistant To Being Chewed: Some ferrets have a habit of chewing their bowls. If your ferret shows such a tendency, choose something less prone to break, like stainless steel.
How Much Water Do Ferrets Need In A Day?
Age, nutrition, activity level, and climate all have a role in determining how much water a ferret needs. A healthy adult ferret requires between 50 and 100 ml (1.7 and 3.4 oz) of water daily.
More water may be needed by young ferrets, pregnant females, and ferrets fed a dry kibble diet. Besides, warmer seasons also require them to drink more water. However, a dry diet may also increase the need for water consumption.
Tips To Keep Your Ferret Hydrated
- Offering regular access to uncontaminated water is essential. Your ferret may refuse to drink water if it smells bad or looks dirty.
- Replace water bottles with water bowls. Bowls allow ferrets to drink more naturally.
- Maintain a constant supply by checking on your ferret’s water bowl or bottle on a regular basis. When temperatures rise, they tend to drink more, so this is very crucial.
- Use shallow bowls that are proportional to the size of your ferret. Bowls that are excessively deep or too wide might lead to spillage and discomfort.
- Keep an eye out for drowsiness or dry mouth as possible indicators of dehydration. These cues indicate a need for additional water should be provided.
- Ferrets may require additional fluids if they are ill. If you have questions about how to keep your sick pet hydrated, you should talk to your vet.
Wrapping Up
Can ferrets drink out of a bowl is a common confusion that we tried to explore. By now, you know that providing water in a water bowl is the best thing to do when you want to keep your ferret well-hydrated.
Therefore, choose the material wisely and keep the bowl’s condition in check.