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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
How much do ferrets cost from pe-tco?
They are around 150.00 But they go on sale often for 109.00, I know some Petcos have a ferret day which is a weekend where they are sold for 79.00 You need to check with your petco to see if they have a ferret weekend
Are ferrets used in medical research?
Ferrets are used in many broad areas of research and have been since the early 1900's to study the pathogenesis and treatment in a variety of human disease as animal models in biomedical research, including studies of cardiovascular disease, nutrition, respiratory diseases (such as SARS and human influenza), airway physiology, cystic fibrosis and gastrointestinal disease (such as peptic ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori). Ferrets share many anatomical, metabolic and physiologic features with humans which has promoted their use as an animal model. While the ferret was recognized in the early 20th century as having useful applications for medicine, it has only been since the late 1960's that this animal has become an important animal model for medical research. Ferrets were used in early studies of the influenza virus, and are still used today in research on influenza and other viral diseases. Influenza infection in ferrets closely resembles infection in humans with regard to symptoms, viral distribution and immunity. Ferrets are also used to study all aspects of canine distemper, a serious and fatal disease of dogs and many forms of wildlife. In behavioral research, ferrets are ideally suited to certain studies regarding learnedbehaviors. Because ferrets are a domesticated species whose estrous cycle in the female is easily monitored, they have become an important animal model for reproduction research, particularly in the area of neuroendocrinology. In particular, they have been useful in delineating environmental factors which influence seasonal reproductive activity, the physiological factors which control puberty, behavioral induction of ovulation and the control of sexual differentiation in the brain. Ferrets are used in toxicology research. Because of the similarity of many anatomic, metabolic and physiologic features to those of humans, use of the ferret is also being promoted as an alternative to the use of dogs and non-human primates in toxicology studies. source: Pirweb.org/pir04b_ferret.htm Ferrets are used in biomedical research on the heart, brain and digestive system. Because they are domesticated and their menstrual cycle is easily monitored they have also become important in reproduction research. Ferrets can also be used as an alternative to dogs, cats, and primates in some studies. Because they suffer similar flu symptoms to humans, they are used to study flu strains such as bird and swine flu, and in flu vaccine development. Around 0.7% of animal research uses small mammals such as rabbits and ferrets.
source: Understandinganimalresearch.org.uk/resources/videos_library/details/262/ferrets_in_medical_research/
From other contributors:
Yes they are!! Especially in the testing done by the government and CDC. Mostly they test influenza and bird flu on them because their immune system works in much the same way as humans. It is SICKENING to me that it happens. I have a ferret and he is the most adorable and sweet animal I have ever had the privilege to live with. The fact that someone could be that heartless makes me horribly angry.
There are numerous dangers to ferrets, You have to ferret proof their environment, ferrets need to be handle by a responsible person (no small kids), ferrets need a special diet, they are carnivores (meat eaters) and cannot digest fruits or vegetables. Ferrets can be prone to illness and disease if not taken care of properly. They could be perceived as prey by some dog breeds.
Whose mouth is cleaner human cat dog or ferret?
dogs surely have a cleaner mouth than human.. some people think that they are dirty because they eat poop and dead things...but that's not true dogs mouths sterilize every 15 seconds. cats mouths are alco cleaner than humans.let me ask you this.. have you ever been around a cat that smelled bad...probably not....what about a dog.. probably......now a human...indefinatly..cats are thecleanest animals over all... but a dogs mouth is even cleaner.... i always let my cat lick the palm of my hand..when hes done my hands feel cleaner than after i wash them..squirrels and mice and other rodents actually have the dirtiest mouth then us..
Why is your ferret scratching and biting like little bugs and hasn't been acting herself lately?
99.9% chance of fleas (usually cat fleas- in my experience).
Even if you never take your ferret outside AND you don't have other pets, fleas can hitch a ride on your socks when you come in from out doors and eventually find your ferret.
If you use soft bedding for the ferret to sleep on can you use wood shavings for the litter tray?
No. Never use wood shavings for a ferret. Most wood shavings contain oils that are harmful to a ferret. It can lead to asthma like symptoms in your ferret such as - wheezing, difficulty breathing and coughing.
Some wood shavings are very dusty (even the ones that claim to have be "dust extracted"). The ferrets inhale the dust which settles in there lungs and causes severe respiratory problems.
Cat litter should also be avoided as they are too dusty. In particular clumping cat litter should also be avoided as when the ferret wipes its bottom on clumping cat litter it can cause skin irritation and if ingested it will expand and cause a blockage.
Corn cob litter should also be avoided because if it is ingested it cannot be broken down and will cause a blockage.
The safest thing to use is a litter made specifically for ferrets. They cost approximately the same as cat litter and are available in some pet stores or online.
When a ferret hisses and makes noises while playing with a dog is it frustrated or happy?
When a ferret makes a hissing noise it usually means they are irritated or mad
Why big lump at the end of the ferrets tail?
The big lump a the end of your ferrets tail is called a chordoma and will need to be surgically removed because it is cancerous. Contact your veterinarian for advice.
Do ferrets loose hair in summer?
The ferret may change coats twice a year. You can help it shed it's fur by using a very fine comb, and maybe go over with a brush. This prevents hairballs / intestinal blockage and is good for circulation.
Do ferrets still smell after they have been de-scented?
Yes, but a different smell. Their bodies produce oils, and the more you bathe them, the more oil their bodies produce, which in turn makes them smell stronger. If you wash their bedding on a regular basis, you'll find that this in itself will cut down on a lot of the smell
Ferrets that have been spayed or neutered will have a faint odor, as compared to unaltered ferrets which have a very pungent body order, which is even more noticeable during breeding season. Descenting is a surgical procedure to remove the musk producing anal sacs, which does nothing to the reduce the ferrets odor that is produced by their skin secretions. Thanks so much you guys i needed this answers!!
No. Ferrets have a much longer, thinner body than a rat. They also have fur covering their tails whereas a rat does not.
What characteristics do ferrets have?
This will depend on how they were raised, and the individual ferret. Just like people they have different personalities and their past helps mold them.A ferret that has been socialized properly at a young age with plenty of human contact are very friendly and playful. They seek out their owner for playtime and are very much interested in everything you do.
Are cedar chips toxic to ferrets?
I am not sure, if they are actually toxic, but they are definitely bad for ferret lungs and skin.
No, not only female ferrets are white, there are many albino, or black-eyed white ferrets too.
Some ferrets have thicker or longer fur than others, like cats. Depends on what your interpretation of "fluffy" is.
Is a sable a mink a stoat a ferret or a weasel?
All of those are member of the 'weasel family', Mustelidae. However Sable are not that closely related to those others. While stoats, ferrets, and regular weasels are in the Mustela genus, a Sable is a kind of Marten, which occupies its own genus, Martes.
Ferrets are carnivores and should be given food made for ferrets only.
How many ferrets does it take to pull a wagon?
A team of ferrets to pull a wagon would be about 6 - 8 ferrets
Ferrets (in the wild) are eaten by numerous birds of prey as well as carnivorous mammals.
Black-footed ferrets face threats in the wild from predators and disease, natural enemies includes coyotes, great-horned owls, golden eagles, prairie falcons, badgers, bobcats and foxes all prey on ferrets. Black-footed ferrets are preyed upon (eaten) by larger carnivorous mammals (such as coyotes), hawks, and owls.
from another contributor:
The history of domestic ferrets is not fully know, however it is known that ferrets are a breed species not a natural one. Therefore, ferrets have no real enemies. However, anything that likes to chase anything small and furry will be capable of causing harm or even kill a ferret. I have ferrets and cats who live together very happily
How do you punish a ferret when they are bad?
Scruffing used in training, is a way in which you can show your ferret that you are the alpha ferret. For example, when your ferret bites you, you can scruff him, and say "no" loudly and firmly to show him that his behavior is not acceptable. You can also turn him onto his back while scruffing him, which is something that his mother or other ferrets would do. You should never smack them on the nose. you should never smack any animal on the nose. as long as you make a intimidating/confident voice, you simply say no! As long as you repeat this process, they will learn by the tone of your voice that NO means quit. They can learn this command as well as any other. you just have to be persistant and they will learn not to disobey. As long as you have dominance over your ferrets!
