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What Is a Ferret?
What is a ferret? Is it like a rat? Does it
smell? Does it bite? Aren't ferrets those vicious wild animals
out on the prairie? Is it safe to keep around kids? Where does
it come from? Can you keep it like a pet? What do you feed a
ferret? Can you litter train a ferret? What is ‘ferret
proofing’? Do ferrets need shots? Do they need to be spayed or
neutered? Don't ferrets sleep all day? Aren't ferrets outside
animals? What exactly is a ferret????
For answers to these questions and more, please continue
reading....
Are Ferrets Like Rats?
Ferrets, or mustela putorious furo, are domestic animals,
and are in the same family as weasels, otters, and mink. They are NOT
rodents in any way, shape or form. Personality wise, ferrets are
actually kind of in between cats and dogs, a little closer to dogs.
They are very friendly, and make excellent pets. Some are cuddly,
others more independent. Just like other pets, each ferret has its own
distinct personality.
Don't Ferrets Smell?
Like any other animal, ferrets have a scent to them.
However, a well taken care of ferret, who has been spayed or neutered, and
who has their bedding changed frequently, should have only a very minor
scent. Bathing a ferret will get rid of the scent completely, but to
compensate for the dry skin from bathing, a ferret will secrete oils that
will actually make them smell stronger after a week or so. Ferrets
will groom themselves, just like a cat, and will actually smell less if you
never bathe them as long as you keep their litter box clean and change their
bedding at least once a week. A ferret that has not been spayed or
neutered will have a very strong smell, but getting them spayed or neutered
will eliminate this. Descenting makes no actual difference in a
ferrets overall smell. A ferret has scent sacs, similar to a
skunk. If a ferret has not been descented, and becomes very excited or
afraid, they can release a short burst of scent. However, this scent
dissipates very quickly, and in fact can be helpful in letting the owner
know that something is wrong. Complete descenting is also a very
difficult process, and some ferrets will end up with medical problems late
in life as a result of an improper descenting.
Do Ferrets Bite?
A ferret that has been well treated and well bred should not
bite or be vicious, but ferret play does involve mock combat, and a ferret
will not know how hard they can play with you without hurting you.
Ferrets have very thick skin, so when they play with each other, and drag
each other around, they don't hurt each other. However, when they try
to play with you this way, their play can be painful. Ferrets simply
need to learn that you have more tender skin, and that they cannot nip you
like they would another ferret. Punishing a ferret will achieve
nothing but making the ferret afraid of you, and more likely to bite.
Instead firm pressure on the lower jaw, or cheeks, or putting them in a time
out, will achieve much more. A kit is a little easier to nip train,
due to lack of jaw strength, but an experienced ferret owner can train
ferrets of any age.
Aren't Ferrets Wild Animals?
No. There are two different kinds of animals that go
by the name ferret. There are black-footed ferrets and domestic
ferrets. They are distant cousins, in the same genus, but different
subgenus and species. The black-footed ferret may look similar to the
domestic ferret, but they do not resemble the domestic ferret in much more
than that. The black-footed ferret is an endangered species, and while
they may look cute and playful from a distance, would just as soon take off
a chunk of your finger. They are wild animals, and do not do well in
captivity. Their main diet is the white tailed prairie dog, and desert
like climates. The domestic ferret is what you see in pet
stores. These are sweet playful creatures that can bond strongly to
humans and other creatures. They can not survive out in the wild, they
are too far domesticated. They can not forage for themselves for food,
water, and shelter. Domestic ferrets are not feral anywhere in the
world except in New Zealand, and this was only because they released hundred
of thousands of domestic ferrets there in hope of creating a feral
colony. A few thousand managed to survive simply because of the sheer
numbers released.
Are Ferrets Good Around Kids?
Maybe. It depends on the maturity of the child, and
the temperament of the ferret. Ferrets are small, fragile creatures,
and have only their teeth and nails to defend themselves with, unlike a dog
or cat who can usually bark or get away. Hyperactive young children
and hyperactive ferrets usually do not mix well. However a more mature
child and a calmer ferret may get along splendidly. Ferrets also
require more maintenance than cats and dogs, and most children are just not
responsible enough to take care of a ferret by themselves, without
neglecting the ferret.
Can You Keep A Ferret As A Pet?
Yes. Domestic ferrets are designed to be pets.
Ferrets do fine in a cage part of the time, as long as they are allowed to
get out and run around for at least a few hours every day. Ferrets eat
high quality kitten food or ferret food, and can drink out of either a water
bottle or bowl. They can bond strongly to you, and can be both
independent and affectionate.
What Do You Feed A Ferret?
Ferrets are carnivores by nature, so they need a meat based
diet. Most high quality kitten food and ferret foods meet the
requirements, but it is best to check the ingredients for yourself.
Grocery store foods are NOT acceptable. Ferret food requirements are:
30-35% protein (32-38% for young ferrets under the age of 4), 15-20% fat
(18-22% for young ferrets), and less than 3% fiber. The first
ingredient should be animal protein (meat), and as at least 2 or 3 or the
next few ingredients. Ferrets can not digest fiber, so limit fiber
rich foods and treats. Some people will say, hey ferrets can live off
of anything. We as people could live off of just candy bars, but would
we be at our full energy and health? Probably not. A good diet
is very important to both people and animals.
Can You Litter Train A Ferret?
Usually. However, depending on the ferret and how much
time you are willing to spend litter training a ferret, you can end up with
anywhere from a 0% to a 100% hit rate. Most ferrets average about a
75% hit rate, so you have to be prepared for the occasional ‘present’ in
the corner of the room. Ferrets are best trained by rewards, never by
punishment.
What Is 'Ferret proofing'?
Ferrets are by nature very curious animals. They like
to get into small spaces and rooms and investigate. The problem is
when these areas are dangerous to the ferrets. Appliances such as
refrigerators, stoves, washing machines, and similar items can be dangerous
if the ferret manages to get inside. Couches and recliners can be
death traps for ferrets. A ferret can get crushed in the gears of a
recliner or in the springs of a couch by an unsuspecting owner who thinks
the ferret is not even in the room. Ferrets love to chew on sponges,
erasers, shoes, foam earplugs, silly putty, foam rubber, Styrofoam,
insulation, rubber door stoppers and anything else spongy or springy.
These can all cause life threatening blockages in a ferret. Toilet
paper rolls and paper towel rolls can be a problem as the ferret can get
their head stuck inside and either choke or suffocate.
Do Ferrets Need To Have Shots?
Yes. Ferrets need to be vaccinated for both canine
distemper and rabies every year. Canine distemper is 100% fatal to
ferrets. There is no cure once they catch it, only prevention.
It is also extremely contagious. Just because a ferret does not go out
of the house does not mean they can't catch it. Young kits and ferrets with
unknown vaccination histories need to have at least two shots, possibly
three, each shot 2-4 weeks apart. Ferrets can catch rabies, but the
chance of them infecting another is slim to none. Regardless, having
your ferret vaccinated for rabies is a good idea to protect them in the case
that they ever bite a stranger. If they have been vaccinated, they
will probably simply be quarantined. If they have not been vaccinated,
there is always a chance they will be killed for testing.
Do Ferrets Need To Be Spayed Or Neutered?
Yes. Both male and female ferrets have a very strong
odor while in heat. Male ferrets will become very aggressive to other
ferrets, to the point of injuring or even killing other ferrets.
Female ferrets, if not bred every year, will develop aplastic anemia, and
will die. Breeding is very difficult and not recommended. First
time mothers will not always take care of their kits, and another nursing
mother needs to be willing to take care of the kits.
Aren't Ferrets Nocturnal?
No. Ferrets sleep about 16 hrs a day, but they will
readily adapt to your schedule. If you let them out at certain times
every day, they will be up and rattling the cage bars 5 minutes before you
let them out. Ferrets will play hard for anywhere from 30 minutes to 5
hours depending on the age of the ferret, before they will crawl back to a
cozy spot and sleep. Day or night does not matter.
Are Ferrets Inside Or Outside Animals?
Inside. Ferrets cannot survive on their own
outdoors. They cannot forage for themselves for survival, and they
cannot tolerate extreme temperatures. They can be acclimated to cold
weather, as long as they have a refuge out of the elements, but they cannot
tolerate higher temperatures. Ferrets are at risk of heat stroke at
temperatures or 85 degrees and higher. They cannot sweat, or cool
themselves down in any way. If you must keep a ferret in warmer
temperatures, try putting bottles of ice, cold water, fans or anything you
can think of to keep them cool.
What Exactly Is A Ferret?
What exactly is a ferret? There are so many ways to
describe a ferret. Ferrets are very playful, kind of like a permanent
kitten. They will chase you around, happily engage in ferret games
with you, and try to get your attention to play with them if they feel they
are being ignored. Ferrets are very affectionate once they have
learned to love and trust you. They can also be cuddly. Not all
ferrets are cuddly, but the ones that are can just melt your heart.
When ferrets have calmed down after a hard play, and they know you and trust
you, they can curl up into a ball on your lap and snooze away for
hours. Ferrets are very intelligent. They can learn from their
mistakes, and rarely make the same mistake more than a few times. They
will problem solve, and you would be amazed at just what they can come up
with. Now not every ferret is super intelligent, it varies from ferret
to ferret, just like people. There are a few dodos out there, but it
just makes them more lovable. Ferrets are very personable, and each
ferret has its own distinct personality. Some are quiet, some playful
and outgoing, but regardless, every ferret is a special ferret. They
will amaze and delight you, and provide for hours of fun and companionship
for their entire lives. They take a lot of work, but they are more
than worth it. Just keep in mind if you are thinking of getting a
ferret, they bond to you, and will suffer emotionally if you tire of them
and dump them off after a year or two. So please, read up on them, do
research, and make sure you have the time, and the energy to have one of
these wonderful pets for their entire lifetime.
This brochure was created by Shelley Knudsen of the Legion of Superferrets of Nebraska Ferret Shelter. If you are interested in learning more about these wonderful creatures, please contact:
Chris or Shelley Knudsen
402-463-0190 or cell 402-461-6541
ferrets@tcgcs.com http://www.tcgcs.com/~ferrets
or
Chris Nielsen or Lia Hoevet
Ferret Fanciers of Omaha Ferret Club
402-731-1264 or snackpack@home.com
http://www.members.home.net/ffo/FFO.html
or
Kevin or Julie Groninga
West Valley Wuzzles!
Wuzzles@wuzzles.com
http://www.wuzzles.com