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Care of Ferrets
Ferrets were first tamed by the Ancient Egyptians for food and clothing. Today, they are playful weasel-like companions that depend on us for love! This category contains questions about ferret health, history, and needs.
1,047 Questions
Market research statistics U.S. pet ownership - 2007
Ferrets
Households (in 1,000) = 505
Population (in 1,000) = 1,060
Most communities do not have data on the number of households that own dogs, cats, birds, or horses, nor do they have data on the numbers of these pets in their communities. The following formulas can be used to estimate the number of pet-owning households and pet populations in your community. Refer to link below to estimate ferret population in your community
Where are ferrets and weasels found?
The ferret is in the weasel family. Ferrets are cousins to the weasel, but more closely related to the European polecat ferret. The European polecat is there wild weasel ancestor. But they are all in the same family and are all related in the family Mustelidae (weasels)
Depends what you mean by weasels--ferrets are in the weasel genus Mustela. So they are sometimes referred to as weasels, but not always and both are correct.
Ferrets are in the Weasel family. Weasels are mammals in the genus Mustela of the Mustelidae family. In technical discourse, however, as in American usage, the term "weasel" can refer to any member of the genus, or to the genus as a whole. Of the 16 extant species currently classified in the genus Mustela, ten have "weasel" in their common name. Among those that do not are the stoat or ermine, the two species of mink, and the polecats or ferrets.
Ermine is the name given to various species of weasel during the winter season when the fur of those living in colder climates turns white. Ermine belong to the family Mustelidae, the most common of which in North America are the stoat, the long-tailed weasel and the least weasel. The ermine is another name for the short tailed weasel and the stoat just another name for the long tailed weasel. Both long and short tail species are called ermine in winter when the coat turns white.
Originally, the name "weasel" was applied to one species of the genus, the European form of the Least Weasel (Mustela nivalis). Early literary references to weasels, for example their common appearances in fables, refer to this species rather than to the genus as a whole, reflecting what is still the common usage in the United Kingdom.
The other members of the family are the fisher, marten, and wolverine, otters. Badgers are also in this family.
Do ferrets need walking 2 times a day?
How often to walk a ferret? There's not any established rules, it's more of a personal choice. One of my ferrets (now deceased) I would walk on a regular basis. Just showing him the harness, and he was ready to go outside. I currently don't walk my ferrets outside because I feel it is safer for their health. Ferrets can contract heartworms, pick up fleas and ticks, and other things from outside and I'd rather not take the risks.
Stick with the domestic ferret. Weasels, even if raised from babies, can become a real handful as they mature and are oh so willing to use their nasty spray if they do not get their way. They can bite also viciously.
What is the best bedding for a ferret?
Ferrets are content to sleep in old t-shirts, sweaters, baby blankets, cut off pant legs, etc. These bedding items should be washed at least weekly to keep your ferret smelling fresh. Dirty bedding = stinky ferret.
It is best to stay away from any type of bedding that can produce dust, or can become moldy when wet. Ferret respiratory systems are very sensitive to these things.
Can you keep ferrets as family pets?
Ferrets that have become acclimated to gradually increasing temperatures over time will do better than a ferret that has lived its life in an air conditioned home and then is suddenly exposed to 80˚+ temperatures.
Winter - Ferrets cannot live outdoors in the cold. They can handle going outdoors in cold weather, unless it's really frigid (below freezing) or windy, wet weather. How long a ferret can stay outside depends, such as age, health and weather. A Young ferret will probably want to stay outside longer than an older ferret. Ferrets with health problems should only stay outside for a few minutes. A ferret can play outside for about 30 to 60 minutes. An older ferret, or one in poor health, should stay no more than 5 to 10 minutes outside at a time.
In Europe and the U K, where the weather is mild, some ferrets are kept outside in courts (similar to dog kennels)
Do male ferrets smell worse than the female ferrets?
If ferrets are unaltered , both male and female will have a definite odor during mating season, as the male will be more odorous. Most pet ferrets have been altered, so there is no difference in smell between a male and female
When a ferrets vulva gets bigger does that mean they are going to give birth?
After the female ferret in bred the vulva decreases in size, but will remain somewhat swollen. There may be a mucous discharge from the vagina, which is normal, but if it is yellow/brownish and/or foul smelling, it indicates an infection that needs medical attention.
How is it that ferrets can bend so well?
Black footed ferrets, as well as domestic ferrets, share the common but rare trait of having an inverted spine - this makes them very very flexible, able to twist in odd ways and fit through small openings. However, it prevents them from bending backwards, due to the direction the spine faces. This fact also explains why they often look hunched or rounded.
Do ferrets need to live with partners?
I don't believe there's any limit on how many can live together. They question would be how many ferrets can it's owner handle and take care of them properly. Some people are prone to "ferret math" , owning several ferrets
What is the difference between a ferret and a ground hog?
Hi. A frog is an amphibian, it's cold blooded, smooth skinned, lays eggs to regenerate and lives partially in still water. Frogs are also ground dwellers.
Groundhogs are mammals, have hair/fur, live in burrows like rabbits and look like gophers. They gestate their young in utero and produce milk from teats which the young suckle.
I have learned from experience that if you arch over and hold a treat in your hand and raise the treat up your back, then the ferret will follow the treat up you back.
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My ferrets are natural climbers and will climb up anyone who stands or sits still long enough no need for training
Ferrets middle name is "play", they always love to play, are like a two year old that never grows up and remain playful throughout their life like as kittens. When ferrets are excited or in a playful mood, they will do a "dance of joy", bouncing around, leaping and twisting. They love to play with their owners, and will seek their attention.
If you have seen any of the films of black footed ferrets - they are very playful also - characteristic of pet ferrets - jumping around, leaping and twisting
How do black footed ferrets act around other animals?
Well there is no difference between the ferrets but they get along well with cats and might bite the toes of other animals
Are ferrets a good pet for a ten year old?
Ferrets are definitely not good pets for any child or teenager, as it takes someone who is very responsible with plenty of time and money.
Ferrets and children
Ferrets can make good pets for some children, but usually do not make good pets for very young children. Important considerations include assessing potential danger to a human child by a pet ferret, and potential danger to a pet ferret by a human child, either deliberately or by neglect.
Ferrets are capable of delivering a bite almost as strong as a Large dog. Like any other domesticated animals, they should never be left unsupervised near infants or very young children. There have been rare cases where ferrets have severely injured babies but nearly all such incidents involved neglect, abuse, or roughhousing that the ferret likely perceived as an attack, and some of the animals involved were ferret-polecat hybrid crosses. Given that young children and ferrets can be both excitable and prone to rough play, interaction between ferrets and children must always be closely supervised for the protection of both. With regard to the danger of potential pet ferret attacks as contrasted to attacks from other pet species, statistics would imply that the danger is probably overstated. In the United States, a government study by the California Department of Health Services on national pet attack statistics found 452 reported incidents of ferret bites during the ten year period 1978-1987. By comparison, pet dogs accounted for an estimated 585,000 injuries that required medical attention in the year 1986 alone, with the total number of pet dogs in the United States in 1996 estimated at 55,000,000 and the total number of pet ferrets in the United States in 1996 estimated at 800,000. Adjusting for the proportionate ratio of dogs to ferrets in the United States of 68 to 1, dog bites occurred 5 times more often than ferret bites.
As the possible danger to a human child by a pet ferret must be assessed, the possible danger to a pet ferret by a human child should also be considered in determining whether or not a ferret will make a good pet for a child. Younger children may play too rough with a ferret, or fail to anticipate the physical danger to a ferret from things like closing doors, heavy objects, or accidentally stepping on the animal during play, all of which may lead to severe injury, and often the need for surgery, for the ferret involved. Repeated rough play may psychologically and physically stress the ferret and increases the likelihood of a provocation and a defensive response or bite from the animal. Additionally, as with any pet, young children may fail to appreciate the responsibilities of care and maintenance of their ferret, including attention to proper food and water supply, cage and litter maintenance, grooming, and the need for daily activity and attention when the ferret is alert and active. If a parent or responsible party is not present and willing to step in and fulfill these needs, a ferret is likely a poor choice of pet for a child, due to the problem of neglect.
For children who demonstrate responsible behavior, in regard to both playing with their pet and to consistent care and maintenance, ferrets can make good pets and are often loved by children for their social personalities and engaging antics.
Source: From wikipedia - wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferret
How old should you be to own a ferret?
Ferrets are not pets for children under 8 years old.Domestic ferrets are a big responsibility, and require a great deal of time, patience, training and knowledge of the pet and it's special needs, more than a cat or dog. And they can also be quite expensive, needing special equipment (cages), food, veterinarian care (vaccinations, wellness exams). Ferrets are not rodents or pockets pets, and cannot be left in a cage.
For a child over the age of 8 that is responsible, and careful, must have adult supervision at all times. A young ferret is like a mischievous 2 yr old that needs a lot of attention, training and direction. Ferrets do not like to be restrained and if a child suddenly tries to pick up or hold onto a ferret that does not want to be held may be bitten or scratched. Children must be responsible enough to know where the ferret is at all times. A ferret can easily be fatally injured in a recliner or in a door.
How should I convince my parents to let me get a ferret?
To show them you are ready to own a ferret, earn some money (you can do this secretly or not), surprise them and tell them you have money for the ferret, cage, bedding, food and a toy, then ask them to take you to the pet store.
advice from other contributors:
- Please don't. If they don't want it, then it's a bad idea.
- If you really want a ferret, you need to educate yourself on how to take care of them properly. They are not like cats, dogs, or hamsters, etc. They need a lot of training and time out of their cage. They are not caged animals, you cage them for their protection. Ferrets are prone to illness and disease if not properly taken care of and fed a good quality diet and veterinarian bills can be very expensive. Ferrets are a lot of fun, but you have to spend time with them.
- DON'T. If there is someone is the house that doesn't want one, you shouldn't buy one. It'll only cause problems down the road, and ferrets are affectionate creatures similar to dogs and cats... not the typical pocket pet that many throw away.
How can I get my dad to agree on having a ferret?
Depends on his personality. research about ferrets, like what they eat etc. so he knows you will be able to take care of it. Tell him they're extremely loving, very playful, and sleep most of the day so you won't have to worry about i getting bored. They're really fun, and not in the LEAST bit dangerous, just cute :3. If all this talking about ferrets doesn't help, then just hope YOU look cute and look all sad and stuff. Worked on my dad. Just make sure he can see a ferret in real life, they're just so cute!
- There is no specific age to own a pet, it's a matter of maturity and responsibility to care for the animal. To make sure that it gets food, has a clean shelter/cage, and is well cared for and not getting tortured or harassed. This may anger the pet and cause it to attack, and children are very vulnerable to attacks and can't defend themselves properly.
- Ferrets are not good pets for kids as they require a lot of time and care.
How can you tell if a ferret is pregnant?
The age of a ferret may be determined by their teeth, they start to become translucent at the tip of the canines. As your ferret gets older, more of each tooth is translucent. But this may not always be true if the ferret was fed inappropriate food or was malnourished.
Age 1 - teeth should be solid, bright white
Age 2 and up - the tips of the canines will be slightly discolored and semi-translucent
Age 4 and up - the teeth will have more discoloration and translucency will be spread further up the tooth and appear more pronounced
Age 7 - the discoloration and translucency will be all the way to the gum line
Over 7 years - the canines should now be completely translucent
How do you make a ferret like you?
Make your ferret like you by taking care of him properly with plenty of human interaction and playtime, 4 hours daily out of the cage, and proper nutrition/diet.
advise from another contributor:
- You hold it up to your heart and then he loves you forever and so on!!
What if your ferrets whiskers got burned?
From experience, depending on how severe they are burnt, a cat will be disoriented, have trouble eating and drinking, and will vomit due to dizziness. They will spend a lot of time sleeping, probably out of fear of moving a around. My cat caught on fire because she jumped on an open flame gas stove that was on. The whiskers are burnt almost to the face, the ives above her eyes are gone. Thankfully she is a long hair cat so she didn't get Burns on her skin, but has not been herself. We have to watch her and make sure she eats, drinks and uses the restroom.it's been a couple days now, she has been getting sick since last night. The whiskers will grow back, but can take a while, meantime, can't go outside our let loose around the house sundew she could get stuck.
Ferrets have glands behind their ears that can produce distinct odor. Ferrets purchased from the pet stores are usually de-scented however those small odor glands behind their ears are not removed. Ferrets do need their ears cleaned about every two weeks, a build up of wax in the ear can cause a smell Some ferrets may also need to have their teeth cleaned, odors from the mouth may indicate a gum or teeth infection
Do mother ferrets stay with their young?
The black footed mother ferret stays with her offspring for about 6 months until they are independent, then disperse to their own territories. Female ferrets usually stay close to their mother's burrow, while male ferrets travel great distances to establish their own territories.
Polecats paws look exactly the same as the domestic ferret paws
What are good names for a Russian ferret?
I have some names that I think are pretty good: (Some only sound good for a specific color/gender of Ferret)
Dash
Sonic
Bandit
Blizzard
Aero
Scarlet
Fireheart
Blaze
Angel
Guardian
Thief
Romeo
Juliet
Striker
Flash
Arrow
Duke
Blossom
Ninja
Dew
Soldier
Bell
Link
Zelda
Warrior
Maximum
Max
Ride
I just thought of some random names for Ferrets. I hope that this helped.
Best name for a ferret - Bandit or Rascal. Other good ferret names - Ozzie, Buttons, Bonsai, Chewie, Nitro, Rocky, Pepe, Daffy, Dancer, Elmo, Lady, Simba, Mystic, Pretty Boy or Girl, Pebbles, Snowball, Sammy.
From other contributors:
A really cool ferret name is Nagini this name is for a girl ferret
A good ferret name is Napoleon.
Refer to link below for a website that has a list of over 5000 ferret names (and if a name you like is not on it, email on the website to add to the list)
my ferrets names are kooperton and maurece
You should give your ferret a name according to how it behaves and what it looks like... I've got a ferret called chips because it's long and chip like :)
