Last update: Mar 6, 2020 1 answer. The summer coat is sleeker because much of the fluffy undercoat is shed. Fresh, clean water is also a necessity at all times. Diets high in carbohydrates may lead to intestinal problems and some types of cancer. ... Black-footed ferrets eat usually eat small mammals, such as … Ferrets can eat fish, but it is better to stick to their natural diet of meat, bones, and organs. Wiki User May 15, 2013 8:50AM. If you are thinking about having a pet ferret, it can be helpful to meet a few pet ferrets first. During the winter, ferrets will stay underground for up to a week at a time. An “old-timer” will likely eat less as it becomes more sedentary. You'll see how their personalities will vary and give you a good sense of what it means to be a ferret owner. Ferrets may get an adrenal disease, lymphoma, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and insulinomas, but they can also be affected by other less commonly seen problems. They do become less active in the winter months though. Other causes of sleeping too much in ferrets: Heat. Do ferrets sleep more when it is cold? He or she knows what it needs. Do be advised that ferrets will eat a surprising variety of items. Why do gray sharks eat less in winter? Ferrets typically shed their coats twice a year (spring and fall). COAT CHANGES. The fish has a very strong smell and if your ferret has odor problems, this will just make the situation worse. In rural environments where likely prey (rodents, birds, frogs, rabbits, invertebrates, etc.) All of these items are loaded with complex carbohydrates and a ferret's strictly carnivorous digestive tract cannot process these foods. Ferrets have no need to hibernate in winter. See Full Answer. It’s summertime (for most of us) and that can make them sleepy and they eat less. Ferrets fed raw diets do not need 24/7 access to food unless they have insulinoma. Feeding birds in winter can be rewarding and enjoyable in the midst of chilly weather. WINTER WEASELS Back to Article Index: Cold weather doesn't have to be a hassle for you and your ferrets. It is best to have food available constantly. Onset varies among ferrets. They sleep and eat more during the winter months. by Erika Matulich, Ph.D. Volume 2, Number 6 Do ferrets get sleepy in winter? What does a raccoon eat? The FDA has approved several heartworm prevention medications for dogs and cats, but only one, to date, for ferrets. Don’t let your ferrets eat cloth, plastic, rubber bands, sponge rubber or other non-food items. Loss of Appetite in Ferrets 2 min read. Gastric dilatation-volvulus, more commonly referred to as bloat, is one of those not so common problems that will occasionally affect pet ferrets and it is one that needs timely treatment. 9. Ferrets have a quick metabolism along with a short digestive system, so need to eat frequently (usually every 3-4 hours).