A guide to pet sitting for ferrets and rodents

Like any kind of pet care, ferret sitting and looking after rodents requires a lot of love and understanding. From the intricacies of their diet plans to making sure they have access to their supplies, this guide to pet sitting for ferrets and rodents covers everything you need to know about meeting the needs of these furry little friends.

Feeding ferrets and rodents 

While pet parents should leave clear instructions detailing the dietary requirements of their fluffy family members, here’s what you can expect to be dishing up... 

What do guinea pigs eat?

If you’re pet sitting guinea pigs, you’ll find that their main source of food is fresh hay, which is mixed with a variety of leafy greens like lettuce, kale, and spinach, and vitamin-packed pellets. They also love juicy veg like bell peppers and carrots and the occasional treat such as strawberries, all of which are high in vitamin C.

What do rats eat?

Luckily, rat sitters aren’t expected to serve plates of ratatouille every night! Instead, rats typically dine on specially formulated food pellets supplemented with small amounts of nuts, grains, seeds, fruit, and veg. 

What do mice eat?

Much like rats, pet mice are often fed special mouse nuggets along with small portions of fresh fruit and veg. These little furries enjoy both plant and animal-based foods, and scattering their snacks around their cage is a great way of making feeding time more exciting.

What do gerbils eat?

Compound pellets or seed mixes usually form the basis of a balanced diet for gerbils, with a variety of veggies and herbs added in for additional nutrients. They can be fed fruit and nuts as an occasional treat, but grapes, rhubarb, and lettuce can cause them great tummy upsets.  

What do hamsters eat? 

Hamsters typically enjoy a diet of commercial hamster pellets along with small amounts of fresh fruit, veg, or herbs. They also love munching on nuts and mealworms as an occasional treat. 

What do ferrets eat? 

Unlike rodents, ferrets are obligate carnivores, which means they get all the nutrients they need from meat. While they would feast on prey like mice and rats in the wild, fortunately for any ferret sitters, most pet parents feed their fluffy friends protein-rich kibble. Treats might consist of small pieces of high-quality meat and pureed foods which are free from additives. Note that ferrets have a high metabolism and a short digestive tract, which means they need to eat (and excrete) little and often - 6-8 small meals per day is ideal.

What do ferrets and rodents need? 

Pet ferrets and rodents have varying needs, but here’s a list of supplies for both to ensure their overall well-being: 

• A cage or enclosure - ferrets need spacious, multi-level living quarters with ramps and shelves to explore, whereas small rodents like hamsters require smaller habitats.
• Absorbent materials for bedding such as wood shavings, hay, and paper.
• Heavy, non-tip bowls for food.
• A bottle or bowl filled with clean, fresh water.
• High-quality food that meets their dietary requirements.
• Pets such as ferrets may have a litter box filled with pellets in the corner of their cage.
• Toys and climbing structures for mental and physical stimulation, including tunnels, hammocks, and exercise wheels.
• Lots of cozy hiding places. 
• Some pets, ferrets in particular, may need a soft brush to groom their fur.
• Pet-safe cleaning supplies (this one’s for you!). 

How to care for ferrets and rodents

Ferret sitting and caring for other rodents involves sticking to the routine established by pet parents, which will include feeding, cleaning out the living space, and engaging them in regular playtime. 

Each of these fluffy furries needs food and fresh water daily, but remember that ferrets require more regular mealtimes. You may also need to administer medication - always follow the instructions given by pet parents if this is the case.  

Pet sitters should clean their furry friend’s cage about once a week, but if several fluffy family members share the same space, more frequent cleaning might be necessary. As fresh produce is an integral part of their diets, pet sitters should also get in the habit of checking their cages daily and clearing out any food that’s been left untouched. If caring for ferrets, their litter tray should also be cleaned daily, and pet parents may also ask you to brush their ferret’s coat and teeth.  

While they may not require as much exercise as their pooch pals, ferrets and rodents need time outside of their cages to explore and play. In particular, ferrets and rats need around an hour to explore out of their cage each day, whereas small rodents like mice and gerbils may only need to be let out a few times a week. Make sure their run-around area is safe (escape-proof and free from hazards like electrical wires) and supervise them closely, interacting with them to make it as fun and stimulating as possible. They may want to play with you or their other furry friends - ferrets, rats, gerbils, and mice are sociable animals that tend to do best in pairs or small groups (although male mice might fight with one another), so you may find yourself caring for a whole furry family. 

If you like the sound of caring for one or more of these little furry friends, why not try house and pet sitting? With an annual pet sitter membership, you could be fussing over four ferrets in Finland or grazing alongside a group of guinea pigs in Germany before you know it!