Care of Ferrets

A pink eyed polecat is an albino ferret that was domesticated from the European polecat ferret

Domestic ferrets are tame if they are raised properly from kits. It's important to handle a ferret from the age of 1 month for proper socialization by human contact. Just like any other animal, like dogs and cats, without any proper human contact could cause them to become "fear biters".

Only a veterinarian would be able to exam your ferret if she's having problem with birthing. If the female ferret seems in distress or in pain, contact a veterinary immediately.

You can walk your ferret in the rain if she/he likes being wet.

If you use rice, use regular long grain rice--NOT minute rice. Minute rice will swell and create an intestinal blockage if they eat it. If you use packing peanuts, be sure to use the biodegradable ones--if they decide to eat them, they should be pretty much harmless, as when they get wet they fall apart so as to not create a blockage. I use the rice for my ferts, I've never had one even attempt to eat it (at least so far) in the past 4-5 years I've been using a dig box for them. I think they like the rice better too, as I can reach in the hole in the top where they enter, grab a handful of rice, and let it "rain down" on them.....they go absolutely NUTS!!!

Ferrets are believed to be domesticated European polecat ferrets and so will be able to live together happily in most cases - however, some ferrets (especially if they are unaltered) do seem to prefer being alone, so it can be assumed that some polecats will be the same and fights might break out, started by either side. They'll be able to mate, too, so be aware of this if you don't want to find your ferrets increasing in numbers rapidly.

Do be aware that, if you have found an orphaned wild polecat or rehabilitated an injured wild one, it may carry diseases which your ferrets will be able to catch.

No. Rabits are herbivores meaning they eat only fruit and vegetables. Ferrets are the complete opposite. They are carnivores and should only be fed meat or meat based products. Feeding them foods such as fruit, vegetables, grains or dairy products can cause digestive upsets or in severe cases intestinal blockages which may require surgical treatment.

Ferrets, like cats, can be extraordinarily picky eaters and will point blank refuse anything they don't like or are unused to. However, if you can get them to try something new, they'll usually happily eat it from then on. Try mixing some dry food in with whatever you've been feeding them in the past and then gradually increase the ratio of dry food to the old food.

you do whatever they say even if you don't want to

An unaltered male might harm his young. The mother ferret is responsible for raising her babies alone.

Ferrets are very curious, and they love to dig, it's a natural behavior. As descendants of burrowing animals, the instinct for digging and tunneling remains strong. They love to play in shallow water and to dig in food. Use heavy crock or ceramic bowls, and set them on a large tray for easy cleanup. Some ferrets like to mix a little water in with their food (my ferret does).

If the dish is light enough to be tipped, full or empty, it will be tipped. As far as a water dish goes, use a heavy crock or non-tipping bowl

Domestic ferrets possible predators would be hawks, owls, or any larger carnivorous mammals would hunt them given the opportunity.

Black footed ferrets natural enemies includes coyotes, great-horned owls, golden eagles, prairie falcons, badgers, bobcats and foxes.

Ferrets have 5 or 6 lumbar vertebrae.

Ferrets are very sociable and active; and expect a fair bit of attention from their owners.
They will frequently invite their owners to play. They have natural behaviours that are frequently misunderstood by people; such as nipping. If you want an active, energetic pet they are a wonderful choice; but if you want a quiet companion animal then they are not.

ferrets are legal in every state in the US, except in Hawaii, California and New York City, NY

Ferrets do not turn on people if properly cared for and socialized. An abused ferret would become a fear biter. A ferret that is sick or injured (as any other animal would) might bite.

When a ferret is scared they will have a "bottle brush tail". The fur on their tail will be fluffed up and sticking out.

You scruff a ferret by holding the layer of fat that is around the back of its neck just like you scruff a cat.

Yes, the male ferret or Hob's breeding season is in the early spring and summer when the testicles enlarge and descend into the scrotum, the rest of the year the testicles are out of sight. If a hob is trying to breed and the testicles have not descended, the sperm will be infertile.

Ferret kits weigh about 8 to 10 grams at birth and triple their weight in 10 days. At three weeks of age kits will weight about 100 grams. At six weeks of age, female kits weigh 200 to 250 grams, and males over 300 grams

a baby ferret is born with eyes closed

Most ferrets are not given away for free, you either buy one or adopt one paying a fee. Some people advertise ferrets for free once in a while in the classifieds.

Ferrets would need webbed feet to become semi-aquatic like the mink

Eliminating rat tail - if it has spots the pores are clogged and needs to be cleansed daily (just the tail) with a mild cleanser until it clears up, This occurs because of either from seasonal change (they shed twice a year) or excessive bathing that strips oil from skin, and they will start overproducing oil to make up for the dryness. It can also be a sign of stress, has something changed in the environment?