Not all ferrets are startled by fireworks but persistent or constant loud noises can be painful therefore in the interest of good welfare and husbandry it is always best to be prepared and ensure you take whatever precautions necessary to protect your favourite small animal.

Throughout the first week or 10 days of November a lot of people will be enjoying Bonfire Night or Guy Fawkes Night and as a result will be using fireworks as part of their celebrations. When held responsibly these events can be enjoyable and rarely put companion animals at risk however as more people are using fireworks in the back gardens then you have to take into consideration animals such as ferrets that live outdoors in enclosures.

If you are aware that a neighbour or someone nearby is planning an event then approach them and discuss it with them. Ask them what time they are planning to start, how long it will go on for, how many people will be there and how close it will be to your property.

Once you explain exactly why you are asking these questions then a lot of people are sympathetic to animal owners concerns.

A number of steps can be taken to minimise any impact on your ferret:-

• make sure your ferret has additional bedding so they can feel safe. An additional old jumper of fleece will also insulate then from noise
• if you use a cub or smaller enclosure then try and cover open mesh areas with old carpets or blankets that will muffle noise. It is essential to ensure though that adequate ventilation to make your ferret comfortable
• if the enclosure such as a cub is moveable, then turn the mesh front to face a wall or fence as this will also insulate from noise.
• check on your ferret but try not to disturb them if they appear asleep. Most ferrets enter a very deep sleep and the best thing for them to do is to sleep through the whole event

If your ferret is kept outside and is extremely nervous or visibly frightened then you may wish to put them into a pet carrier or container and move them to an outhouse, shed or garage where it is quieter. Make sure bedding and water is available and only keep the ferret in a smaller enclosure for as limited amount of time as possible. Using a pet carrier in this manner is no different to using it when taking your animal to the vets, out working or to another location. Ferrets cope with being in carriers very well.

If your ferret is kept outside then resist bringing them indoors to a warm centrally heated room. Ferrets do not adapt very well at all to changes in temperature and going from cold to hot (or hot to cold!) can be traumatic to your ferret. If you do feel as though you have to being them indoors then place them in a carrier then put them in an unheated room such as a lobby, washroom, toilet, bathroom or kitchen. You may also wish to cover the carrier with a blanket but again ensure that there is ventilation.

If your ferret is an indoor pet then consider moving the cage to a room that does not have windows and where the door can be closed. Again try to avoid changes in temperature and ensure your ferret has some additional bedding and good ventilation if you are covering the cage with a blanket or old carpet.

With some basic planning, the whole firework event can pass without incident but please consider what can be an enjoyable spectacle for us humans can be upsetting for small animals.