CFWRS

Q1.         What are ferrets?

A1.          Ferrets belong to the family of mammals called Mustelidae which includes otters, badgers, weasels, polecats and mink.

Domestic ferrets are very closely related to polecats, but it unclear whether they a domesticated form of European polecat, the Steppe polecat or some hybrid of the two.

They are approximately 20 inches (51 cm) in length (including the tail) and weigh about 2 pounds (1 kg). Males can be quite a bit larger than females.

The average lifespan for a ferret is between 5 and 10 years.

The history behind the domestication of ferrets is unclear, but it is believed that they have been used for jobs such as hunting rabbits for at least 2500 years.

Q2.         Do ferrets make good pets?

A2.          Yes, ferrets are small, quiet and relatively easy to care for, but they do require daily human companionship and interaction. It could be said that their requirements are halfway between that of a cat and a dog. The more time you spend with a ferret both handling and gentle training ensures that the ferret remains a friendly playful pet.

Q3.         Are ferrets really as stinky as everyone says?

A3.          Ferrets have a natural have a natural light musky odour. This odour is greatly reduced when the ferret is spayed or castrated.

When a male ferret comes into season, he will produce a strong smelling musk which turns his fur a yellowish colour. It is this musk which has unfortunately giving ferrets a reputation for being dirty stinky animals.

Q4.         What do they eat?

A4.          Ferrets are carnivores and thus require a high meat protein diet. There are many complete ferret feeds on the market which can be mixed with high meat protein cat biscuit. (Check your labels to make sure it is at least 38% protein). Fresh meat i.e. raw chicken should be fed at least once a week to prevent bladder stones (calcium deposits caused by eating too much vegetable protein).

Q5.         What sort of cage do they need?

A5.          First of all you need to decide whether your ferret will be an indoor or an outdoor pet. As a general rule a cage of 4’ x 2’ x 2’ is large enough for two ferrets to live happily as long as they have regular ‘out’ time for exercise.  Insure all outdoor runs have a solid floor as ferrets are very good diggers and will be out of a run placed on the grass quicker than you can say ferret loose.

Q7.         Are there any vaccinations for ferrets?

A7.          There are no licensed vaccinations for ferrets in the UK at present although many veterinary practices will give a reduced cat / dog vaccine. This practice of cause is not without risk and should be discussed with your veterinarian.

Q8.         Do ferrets bite?

A8.          All animals can bite, but a healthy well trained, well ferret should not bite. Just as with cats and dogs, ferrets need to be gently but firmly taught what acceptable behaviour is. Any animal, who is frightened, injured or in any sort of pain may bite.

Q9.         Do ferrets get along with other pets?

A9.          Ferrets are very playful creatures and get along with most other large animals. When introducing a ferret to a cat or a dog a proper period of supervision is necessary. Allowing your ferret to play with birds, rodents, rabbits or reptiles is NOT RECOMMENDED!!

Q10.       Can ferrets get fleas?

A10.        Ferrets can pick up external parasites such as fleas and ticks in the same way as cats and dogs do. Treatment with a suitable flea spray will keep you ferret bug free, (seek veterinary advice for a spray and follow the instructions). Products made for small animals / kittens are often useful.

Q12.       Are ferrets susceptible to any conditions or diseases?

A11.        Ferrets are susceptible to canine distemper, ringworm sarcoptic mange, flea bite dermatitis and Aleutian disease, cancers and urinary tract stones. If in doubt of your ferret’s health always take it to the vets.

Q13.       Are ferrets and children a good combination?

A13.        Children and ferrets can make the best playmates under the supervision of a responsible adult. If you have a baby or a small child ( under the age of 6) a ferret may not be the best choice as ferrets can sometimes play rough and nip tender skin much like a puppy or a kitten until trained not to do so. Also small children do not always understand how to handle an animal correctly and could inadvertently hurt a ferret. Small children should never be left unattended with any animal, n9o matter how trusted the pet is or even for a few seconds.