Ferret Care Sheet
What is a Ferret...
Ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) are part of the Mustelidae family, this family includes otters and weasels. A ferret is a small animal, which has a life span of between 6 - 10 years. The weight of a Male ferret is around 1.6kg and a female is around 1.1kg
Boys and Girls..
A Female Ferret is called a Jill. A female ferret will become sexually mature at around 6months old or in there first spring. At this time a female ferret will come into what is known as a season, if a female is not brought out of season by mating with either a Hob or Hoblet [ the name given to a vasectomised Hob], by Jill jabbing or by hormone implant then there can be a risk that the female will become anemic and ultimately die. A Jill can be prevented from coming into season by either spaying her which is a permanent solution or by implanting with a hormone implant, this implant will last between 18months and 2 years. You can tell when an un-spayed female has come into season as she will have an enlarged/ swollen vulva.
A Male Ferret is known as a Hob or Hoblet if it has been vasectomised. Hobs become sexually mature from around 6 months old and it is advisable if you are not wishing to breed from them to have them castrated around this age. The advantages of castrating a male ferret are that it will make them less aggressive during mating season and also will considerably reduce the musty odor associated with male ferrets. Male ferrets can also have the hormone implant which lasts around 18months.
A baby ferret of either sex is known as a Kit.
Ferrets as Pets
Ferrets are very sociable animals and are best kept in pairs or groups. Ferrets are unable to regulate there own body temperatures and need a constant supply of clean fresh water, they must not be left in direct sunlight or unventilated cages as this can lead to heat stroke which is usually fatal for them.
Feeding
Ferrets are carnivorous and can be fed raw meat such as rabbit, pigeon and chicken.Most people prefer to feed there ferrets on meat substitute called kibble. When choosing a ferret kibble the primary ingredient needs to be meat based as this provides the vital vitamins and minerals that ferrets require for healthy digestion and development. Ferret kibble should contain taurine and be composed of 15 to 20% fat and no less than 32 to 40% protein. Avoid foods containing high sugar or caffeine content such as dried fruit, cereals, vegetables, seeds and nuts, chocolate or salty foods. Ferrets are also lactose intolerant.
Housing and Bedding
Ferrets can live either indoors or outdoors. A two-story ferret cage is ideal as this provides space to sleep and play. If you are housing them outdoors, a solid floor is essential as they can dig with surprising ease. Never place the run in direct sunlight, ensure that there is adequate shade available to them. A standard (3ft) one story rabbit hutch is not suitable for long term accommodation. Old jumpers, bedding and shredded paper make ideal bedding for ferrets.
Playtime
Ferrets are very playful creatures, when excited they often dance sideways, twist and jump around with there mouths open making a dooking noise, this is affectionately known as the 'weasel war dance.' If scared or threatened a ferret will back up and make a loud hissing noise, they will also let off a pungent smell from small scent glands at the base of the tail. Ferrets need at least 30 - 90 Minutes of playtime daily.
Handling
Ferrets should be handled firmly but gently and placed close to the body to feel secure, when picking up a ferret grasp it gently behind its front legs and support its back end with your other hand.
Hygiene and Grooming
Ferrets are very clean animals and will tend to pick a corner to use as there toilet area, because of this it is relatively easy to litter train young ferrets if you so wish. Ferrets shed there coats twice a year once for spring and once for winter, during this time they may need to be combed to remove any mats of fur and it is also important to be vigilant for signs that they may have fur balls. Ferrets need to have there nails clipped around every two weeks, this involves clipping off the very end of each nail. Finally ferrets can be bathed with ferret shampoo but it is advisable to only bath them when they are particularly dirty so not to get rid of there coats natural oils.
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