Ferret
Information
Ferrets
are classified as domestic animals, who are completely
dependent on people for their existence. They are commonly
mistaken for their distant cousin, the wild Black Footed
Ferret, which is now endangered. To compare a Black Footed
Ferret to a domestic ferret is like comparing a toy poodle
to a wolf or a domestic short haired cat to a mountain
lion. Ferrets do not 'go feral' or 'wild'. A loose ferret
will typically die of starvation within 4 days. They
have no instinctive knowledge of what is or is not food.
They will die within 24 hours of exposure as they can
not tolerate freezing weather or heat of 90F.
Ferrets
can live 5-10 years. They are nocturnal animals, sleeping
during the day and becoming active during the night.
They are very inquisitive and playful when awake, but
sleep most of the day (16 hours), if allowed. Ferrets
do have a tendency to nap at any time, making them an
ideal pet, as they are more than willing to wake up when
you're available to play. They easily adapt to their
owners schedule and will be awake when they are home
and attentive.
A group
of ferrets is called a "business". A male ferret
is called a "Hob" and a neutered male ferret
is a "Gib". Male ferrets typically weigh from
2-5 pounds and can grow up to 18 inches in length. A
female ferret is called a Jill and a spayed female is
called a Sprite. Female ferrets are typically half the
weight of a male and can grow up to 16 inches in length.
Ferrets
will never give you a dull moment. Ferrets can jump or
climb to fairly high places (often referred to as teleporting,
as no visible means can be found), but can injure themselves
jumping down. Exercise is an important part of a healthy
life for a ferret. For the most part, a ferret should
be confined in a roomy cage that has proven escape proof,
with built-in water supply, food, and litter box. It
is important to be kept in a comfortable temperature,
approx. 55-70F. Temperatures over 90F can be fatal.
You
can let a ferret run free for periods of time but only
under strict supervision as they are prone to chewing
on electrical cords, carrying away and hiding small objects,
and eating various things that may need surgical removal
later on. It is very important to 'ferret proof' the
area, closing all access to the outdoors, under furniture,
cabinets, into walls, etc.
Catching
your pet when it is running free takes patience. The
best method is to train your pet to respond to a squeaky
toy, using rewards such as raisins or ferretone. Then
when you squeak the toy it will come running to you.
Chasing a ferret to catch it only causes your ferret
to think you are playing. Ferrets are intelligent and
can be taught other small tricks, such as rolling over,
fetch, and playing dead.
Ferrets
are obligate carnivores. If possible, a variety of foods
should be available to supply the greatest range of nutrients.
Food should be available at all times, as ferrets tend
to eat fairly often and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
can cause convulsions and other health problems. Most
ferrets respond well to treats, and this can be a most
rewarding interaction. They learn to respond quickly
to the shaking of a box or bag. Ferrets are more than
happy to eat cheerios, other grain cereals (avoid sugars
when possible), raisins, bananas, avocados, and a variety
of other fruits and vegetables. Go light on these snacks,
as carnivores can have trouble digesting too many fruits
and vegetables. It is always better to underfeed treats
than to overfeed treats.
In
every one of the 48 states where ferrets are legal you
will find an ferret adoption program. If you are thinking
of adding a ferret to your family, visit a ferret shelter,
and adopt! There are many good reasons why adoption is
the perfect solution to finding the "perfect" ferret
as your new family member: Usually, by the time a ferret
is surrendered to the shelter for placement, it has passed
through the "kit" stage and is now on its way
to adulthood plus it will have already had its annual
distemper and rabies shots. The charming and distinct
traits that make up the personality of the ferret are
formed and are there for you to observe. By this observation,
you will have a very good idea if the particular ferret
you are considering would be a good candidate to become
your new family member.
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