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Ferrets belong to the mustelid family. They are demanding pets that should not be kept alone. With species-appropriate housing, these creatures reveal themselves as intelligent, lively, and remarkably lovable companions.
Ferrets originally descend from the polecat, a carnivorous animal native to Europe’s forests, meadows, and fields.
They have a long, slender body with a furry tail, short, strong legs, and paws equipped with five toes each.
High Cuteness Factor
On their relatively short heads sit two round ears. Some ferrets, like polecats, have a facial mask, making them look extra cute.
Males Are Significantly Larger Than Females
There are notable size differences between female and male ferrets. Females, also called jills, have a body length of 25 to 40 centimetres and weigh between 600 and 1,000 grams.
Males, known as hobs, can reach a body length of 45 to 65 centimetres and weigh between 800 and 1,900 grams.
Ferrets need the company of their peers and a varied environment with plenty of opportunities for playing and climbing
Fur Texture and Colours of Ferrets
The fur of ferrets consists of two layers: a longer top coat and a shorter undercoat. They shed their fur twice a year. In autumn, they grow a warming undercoat. In spring, they get a light summer coat.
Originally, all ferrets were albinos, having white fur and red eyes. Selective breeding has produced additional colourations, such as:
Albino: white or yellowish fur, red eyes
Polecat: dark brown to black top coat with light undercoat, facial mask
Harlequin: beige, reddish, brown or black top coat with light undercoat, facial mask, white chest patch, white patches on the head and belly, white paws
Cinnamon or Siamese: beige, light brown, or reddish top coat with light undercoat, with or without facial mask, usually darker legs
Warning: Deafness White ferrets that are not albinos and therefore have dark eyes are often deaf. This is because the white colour usually accompanies a genetic defect.
Similarly, special colour varieties with white portions, such as “Panda” and “Badger”, have a higher risk of deafness. To avoid promoting breeding with genetic defects, it’s advised to avoid these types when buying a ferret.
Character: Lively and Intelligent
Ferrets are intelligent, lively, and curious. They love getting into mischief, so they shouldn’t be left alone in the house.
They have inherited their hunting instinct from their wild ancestors, the polecats. Young ferrets are especially active and love to romp around the house.
Things can often get broken. These small predators enjoy digging out plant soil or rearranging books and decorations on shelves. Owners should be prepared for a certain level of chaos—or consider setting up a dedicated room for the animals.
How Many Ferrets Should You Keep?
Ferrets are not solitary creatures but social animals who enjoy cuddling and playing with their companions. They should never be kept alone but in pairs, at the very least.
Are Ferrets Dangerous?
Under certain circumstances, they can become dangerous and bite, particularly if they lack exercise. Hunger or insufficient human contact can also lead to biting.
Are Ferrets Prone to Biting?
Ferrets nip their companions to invite them to play. If your pet nips you, don’t take it personally. This behaviour is entirely normal in ferret circles.
However, due to their slightly rough nature, these animals are not suitable for young children.
Are Ferrets Nocturnal?
Ferrets are not nocturnal but diurnal. However, they sleep between 18 and 20 hours a day.
Care and Upkeep: What to Consider
Small pets with big demands: caring for them can be quite challenging. However, they make good pets if their needs are met.
What Do Ferrets Like to Do?
Ferrets need the company of their peers and a varied environment with plenty of opportunities for playing and climbing.
Ferret enthusiasts advise against keeping them in cages. To be happy, these lively fellows need space to run around, preferably throughout the house or in a dedicated ferret room.
The Right Cage
If you need to leave the house and can’t supervise your pets, you will need a species-appropriate enclosure. The minimum size for a ferret cage (per animal) is 120 x 100 x 160 centimetres.
Cage accessories should include a litter box, a sleeping house, blankets for cuddling, hammocks, and climbing and playing opportunities.
Can Ferrets Be Kept Outdoors?
Ferrets are not particularly sensitive to cold, so they can be kept outside even in winter, provided they have a suitable outdoor enclosure. It should be dry and sheltered from the wind. In summer, shady spots are essential.
Ferrets are very social and tolerate humans and other animals in their proximity. Keeping ferrets with cats is possible. However, the animals should be gradually introduced to each other to prevent injuries on both sides.
Breeding Information
Ferrets are ready to mate between March and September.
The mating season is also known as the “rutting season.”
A jill can give birth to up to 14 ferrets.
The gestation period is approximately 40 days.
Three weeks after birth, they can eat solid food.
They can be separated from their mother after about ten weeks.
Ensure Jills Are Neutered
Females that are not meant for breeding must be neutered to prevent “persistent estrus,” which can lead to life-threatening estrogen excess.
Untreated jills become weak, lose weight, and can die within two to five days.
Why Do Ferrets Smell?
Unneutered hobs have a stronger odour. Additionally, ferrets have anal glands, which they empty when frightened or stressed. This odour can be quite pungent but dissipates after a few minutes.
Ferrets need plenty of space and are well-suited to being kept in an outdoor enclosure
Nutrition: What Do Pet Ferrets Eat?
Ferrets are carnivores and must be fed accordingly. In general, ferrets should be fed as varied a diet as possible.
Small Carnivores
The small predators can be fed high-quality ferret food and also cat food. Ensure the food has a high protein content.
A raw feeding method (BARF) is also possible, but you must ensure sufficient mineral and vitamin intake to prevent deficiencies.
Why Can’t Ferrets Eat Pork?
Never feed your ferret raw pork, as it can contain the Aujeszky virus, which is deadly.
How Often Should Ferrets Be Fed?
Feed your ferrets two to three times a day at different times. The following amounts are good guidelines for food portions:
Wet food: between 90 and 130 grams per day
Dry food: between 25 and 35 grams per day
Remove uneaten food from the cage to prevent the animals from eating spoiled food. Fresh water should always be available as well.
Health: Keeping Your Ferret Healthy
Healthy ferrets have an even, glossy fur. Their eyes are clear and not sticky, and their whiskers are uniformly long. The area around the anus should be free from faeces.
Even if your four-legged house companions appear healthy, regular vet check-ups are essential to detect any issues. Get advice on necessary vaccinations and parasite prevention.
Finding vets specialising in ferrets can be challenging. Be prepared to travel a significant distance to reach a suitable veterinarian.
How Long Do Ferrets Live?
With species-appropriate care, ferrets have a lifespan of eight to ten years.
History: A Crafty Career
Ferrets belong to the mustelid family. Their scientific name is Mustela Putorius Furo. This translates to “stinking mouse thief.” They most likely descend from the European polecat (Mustela Putorius).
Fun Fact: The term “Furo” comes from the Latin word for thief (fur)—which fits quite well with the bandit masks some ferrets have on their faces.
They are renowned masters at ferreting out rabbits and were bred as hunting assistants. They were reportedly used for hunting as far back as Aristotle’s times (384 to 322 BC).
Purchase: How Much Does a Ferret Cost?
Breeders typically offer the small critters for around £100 per animal.
For ferrets, ensure that they are at least ten weeks old before taking them home. Separating them too early from their mother and littermates can cause significant behavioural issues.
How to Get a Ferret
It’s best to check your local animal shelter or ferret aid organisation. They can provide you with excellent information on these demanding animals. Additionally, animals from such sources are usually vaccinated and neutered.
Avoid buying ferrets from online classified ads. Animal welfare activists often find that animals from such sources are not kept in species-appropriate conditions.
Conclusion: Are Ferrets Good Pets?
With a group of ferrets at home, you’ll never be bored. If you’re not careful, these small thieves will steal your heart. If they do, keeping these little carnivores is possible, albeit quite demanding. Remember, they need plenty of activity and the company of their peers.
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