Caring for your Ferret. Lifespan, Diet & Training Tips
Posted on Apr 25, 2010 in AnimalsFerrets are enchanting creatures. They will steal your heart once you get to know them. Ferrets descend from the European Polecat – from the Mustelidae family (mustela putorius furo). Many people think that they are related to the American Black Footed Ferret, but they are not. They are a different species. Instead, they are closely related to the mink, weasel, otter, skunk, and badger. Ferrets vary on size. Males may become larger than females. Ferrets are very active and playful animals.
Another misconception is that people think they are rodents – they are not. They are carnivores. Ferrets also will enjoy veggies and fruit, but just as a treat as this should not be offered as a main diet. A ferret’s main diet will consist of meat. In today’s market, many commercial food blends have all the nutrients that ferrets need. They usually come in the form of crunchy pellets, similar to cat food. There are more items geared to the care of ferrets these days than in previous years as this pet has become more popular in American households. You can also feed them dry or moist cat food.
In Europe, ferrets were used as hunters – to hunt rabbits from holes, mainly due to their long and soft bodies. They can squeeze thru an inch opening. Their big ears and nose make for good hearing and smell, which aids them in hunting. A ferret’s coat is very shiny and soft if in good health. They have been used in the making of coats, a practice that still goes on today. Their colors range from a variety such as Albino white with red eyes, chocolate, silver, black, black sable (dark ash black-brown), warm deep brown (sable), champagne (tan), white with black eyes, and cinnamon (reddish brown). The colors change depth and richness with the seasons. A dark mask resembling a raccoon is a characteristic of a sable ferret. Like little thieves, they enjoy stealing objects – anything they may be attracted to and catches their interest. They will proceed to store these items in a location of their choice and will pile them. If you have ferrets and are missing some items, do not be surprised if you find them altogether under a piece of furniture or other secret location.
Ferrets are very playful and they like to sleep for long hours – usually on top of one another. They make funny noises when they are playing. They will chase you or anyone around looking for play. They also like to wrestle with each other. Other things that they like to do are digging for things, especially if you have potted plants. They like to groom each other and move objects around or carry them. They enjoy digging into things, or moving things around. Never leave a ferret unattended, as they are very curious animals and will get into trouble. In addition, they are sensory stimulated animals and should not be left unattended with babies, toddlers or other small animals.
Their central nervous system is located near the nose area; never correct a ferret by tapping the nose. Ferrets can be litter trained, like a cat. They will choose the corner of a litter box and will back up to defecate. You can also buy a special litter box for ferrets. It is made triangular to fit on a corner. If you use a regular litter box, make sure it is a very low one or cut an entrance in the front so they can access it. Ferrets have short legs. Ferrets do not like a dirty litter box, and they will find another place to relief themselves.
They also like clean beds, and love to cuddle to sleep. You can buy hammocks, and small tents at the pet shop. If you have your ferret in a cage make sure that there is plenty of room to play and move around when you are not home and that you layer it with soft bedding or shavings. Keep it clean at all times and have a bottle of water attached or a very heavy bowl, since they will try to tip it with their noses.
The normal life span of a Ferret is 7-9 years. However, with proper care, love and a healthy diet they can surpass their life expectancy. Due to fast and irresponsible commercial breeding, two illnesses have become common in ferrets – adrenal disease and insulinoma (a type of cancerous tumor(s)). Surgery is required and if not treated the animal will die. Common signs are hair loss, or unhealthy brittle hair, weight loss and yellowing of the nose or skin. Sometimes the ferret can become bold.
Naturally, ferrets have a strong musky smell but when sold at pet shops they are de-scented – their odor glands are removed. If you get them from a private breeder, they may or may not de-scent them. When choosing a ferret consider this.
In addition, they need affection and contact, as they are very happy to play with you. There are many ferrets in shelters being offered for adoption. This type of pet requires a loving and responsible owner and is not for everyone.
