If you’re thinking about getting a pet ferret, or you already have one you’re contemplating adding another furry friend to your family, you should know that ferrets are very social creatures. Much like humans, they do best when they are surrounded by those of their own kind.
In fact, it is often recommended to get more than one ferret so that they have someone to play with and bond with. Based on this, many people will often wonder if they can keep their pet ferret with other small rodents, such as hamsters. So, do ferrets and hamsters get along?
Can ferrets and hamsters live together?
Many people assume that, because ferrets are social and are happiest in pairs or small groups, they will also love to be around other small rodents. However, one of the most important things to remember when you own a ferret is that they should not live with hamsters, mice, birds, or even kittens.
The reason for this is because ferrets are carnivores. When they are in the wild, they hunt and eat animals like small rodents, so it is in their nature to behave the same even in a domesticated environment. In short, chances are that if you allow your ferret and your hamster to live together, you will just be providing your ferret with a snack.
Do ferrets and hamsters get along if I keep them separate?
Naturally, the solution to ferrets’ predatory instincts is to keep them separate from any small animals in the household by not allowing them to live in the same cage. However, this is oftentimes not good enough. Ferrets have been known to hunt down hamsters, rats, and even small cats in the same household and eat them. This also even applies to large pet birds.
In short, it’s probably best that, if you decide to have a ferret for a pet, you ensure that you do not have any other small animals for pets. This includes (but is not limited to) hamsters, gerbils, rats, birds, and even most reptiles.
Will ferrets eat hamsters?
As mentioned above, hamsters are basically the ideal dinner for a ferret. If your household were the wild and they roamed free, the chances of them wanting to hunt down your pet hamster are extremely high. Ferrets are carnivores exclusively, so it’s not as if they would favor a nice dinner of greens, either.
In short, it is extremely likely that a ferret will eat your hamster. However, this does not mean that introducing a pet hamster into your household is a death sentence for them. If you ensure that there is no way your ferret can find a way to hunt down the hamster, chances are everything will be fine.
Furthermore, death by ferret is not guaranteed if your hamster does manage to get itself in a tricky situation. While ferrets are naturally aggressive and will probably attempt to attack and eat the small rodent right away, if you are attentive enough, you might be able to intervene before serious injury occurs.
Overall, pay attention to your ferret when it is free from its cage.
Tips and Suggestions
Just because ferrets are a type of pet that requires a particularly attentive owner doesn’t mean that they cannot be kept in a house that is devoid of other animals. While you should definitely avoid having pet ferrets in a house with animals smaller than it, ferrets will usually blend just fine with larger animals if you pay careful attention to your pets’ temperaments.
Ferrets are often kept in cages, but can be allowed to run free for exercise and play. Before allowing them out to mingle with the rest of the household, ensure that any other animals in the house are safely secured away so that they don’t fall victim to the ferret’s potentially predatory instincts.
Usually, it is reasonable to have a pet ferret and a pet hamster at the same time as long as they are kept completely separate. However, you must make sure that you have the time and energy that is required for giving your animals the separate attention they need, especially if one might prey on the other.
At the end of the day, one thing should be clear: don’t let your hamster live with your ferret.
