A Pet's View / August 2005
A Slinky with Fur
Anyone who has wondered “How much is that weasel in the window?” is probably going to add a ferret to the household. Social and intelligent, ferrets belong to the same family as mink, sea otters, badgers, weasels, ermine and wolverines. The name ferret is derived from the latin furonem, which means “thief”. Owners attest that their little rascals love to steal anything they can get their paws on and hide it. Slim, light and lithe, ferrets are like animated, mink-covered slinkies. They generally weigh less than three pounds.
While ferrets are not for everyone, they make great pets for many reasons.
Mature ferrets are only thirteen to sixteen inches long. They are affectionate and bond to their owners, and there are few pets as playful as ferrets While they can and do vocalize, for the most part they are very quiet and they sleep away a large portion of the day. They are sociable, friendly and affectionate.
Since they are such playful, social creatures, many people have a pair. Having two doubles the pleasure of watching them play, and provides each with a little extra company.
Curious and intelligent, ferrets are adept at solving problems and very skilled at training their owners. Ferrets are persistent and will work at figuring something out with surprising determination.
A ferret cage should be at least 2’ x 3’, but ideal ferret cages are tall with multiple levels, so they take up little room. Ferrets do require time out of the cage daily for playtime and exercise, no matter what size their cage. Like cats, ferrets can be trained to use a litter box, in and out of the cage.
Domesticated ferrets, unlike the wild black footed ferret, get all the exercise they need in the hour or two outside their cage running around the (ferret-proofed) house. However, some owners enjoy taking their ferrets out for an occasional stroll, after training them to a ferret harness.
Ferrets sleep 16- 18 hours a day. Though they naturally tend to be active at dawn and dusk, they adapt their sleeping and active times to fit their owner's schedules.
Ferrets have relatively poor eyesight but a keen sense of smell and hearing. They are domestic in the truest sense, with no hunting instinct at all. Ferrets cannot survive on their own outdoors. They cannot forage for themselves for survival, and they cannot tolerate extreme temperatures. Ferrets are at risk of heat stroke at temperatures of 85 degrees and higher. They cannot sweat, or cool themselves down in any way. Domestic ferrets released into the wild don’t survive.
Like all pets, every ferret is unique and has it’s own personality. Some are independent, and some are particularly affectionate. Ferrets can be trained to come when called and to do tricks. They usually live 6-8 years, but can live up to twelve years. Baby ferrets are called kits, but, with their sweet nature and playful behavior, ferrets are often described as ‘permanent kittens’.
Males tend to be larger than females. Females are 13-14 inches long and weigh from 0.75 to 2.5 lbs. Males are 15-16 inches long and weigh from 2 to 3.5 lbs. Most ferrets obtained in North America are spayed or neutered before being sold.
Ferrets come in a variety of colors, from albino and the common sable with raccoon mask to cinnamon, chocolate brown or silver which is actually white with a sprinkling of black hairs and black eyes. Some ferrets have mitts with white feet. ‘Panda’ ferrets have a white head, and ‘siamese’ have dark legs and tails.
Ferrets are carnivores by nature, so they need a meat based , high protein diet. High quality kitten food or ferret foods meet the requirements. Moist or canned foods are inappropriate for ferrets and can cause dental problems over time.
Tags and collars are handy for nearly all ferrets and many owners include a small bell.. Even if their pet never gets out of the house, it gives owners an edge when their fur-covered slinky plays hide and seek. PL
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