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- FERRET PROFILE
- © Erika Matulich
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- What is a Ferret?
- The domesticated ferret (Mustela
putorius furo) is a small mammal related to weasels, mink,
badgers, otters, and skunks. A close relative is the highly
endangered wild American black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes).
The pet ferret has been domesticated for thousands of years and can
make a wonderful (although challenging) pet.
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- Appearance
- Ferrets have short legs with long
bodies and tails. Male ferrets range between two and six pounds and
13-18 inches long (not including the tail), while females range
between one and three pounds. Ferrets have 40 teeth, similar in
structure to a cat. Most ferrets have a white mask and brown fur
with darker fur on the legs and tail (called “sable”). Other
ferrets are “silver” and have various gray shades. Ferrets can
also have white paws (called “mitts”). Some ferrets are albino
(white or yellowish with red eyes). There are a number of specialty
colors and fur types as well.
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- Diet
- Ferrets are carnivores. They need a
high-fat, low-fiber, meat-based diet. Dry kibbled ferret food is the
best option, and some premium kitten foods can work. In general, cat
foods are too high in fiber, and dog food is definitely bad for
ferrets. Ferrets have quick metabolisms and should have food
available to them 24 hours per day, as well as a constant supply of
fresh water. Ferrets do like treats of fruits and vegetables, but
treats should make up no more than 10% of the diet.
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- Environment
- Ferrets should be kept indoors in
cages when they are unsupervised, but need to be let out of their
cage for plenty of playtime each day. The cage should contain a
litterbox, cloth bedding, food and water dispensers, a solid floor,
and hiding places. Ferrets should not go outside unless they are
wearing a harness and leash and are supervised. Ferrets cannot
tolerate heat – anything over 85°F
(27°C)
is dangerous.
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- Ferret proofing is a challenge that
will require constant vigilance on your part. Ferrets are highly
curious and mobile critters who love to get into trouble! You will
have to seal up holes, block access areas behind appliances and
under furniture, put up plants, hide electrical cords, and many
other tasks to keep your ferrets safe while they are out playing.
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- Temperament
- Ferrets are highly intelligent animals
with a very social nature. Consider having more than one ferret so
they can play together. Also plan on spending a few hours each day
interacting with your ferret. Ferrets love to explore, but need
supervision. Ferrets do fine with older children (age 8 and up), but
can be introduced to younger responsible children if supervised.
Infants and toddlers are not a good match for ferrets – both
parties can hurt each other. Young ferret kits can be nippy and must
be gently trained.
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- Ferret Health
- Ferrets live from 6-10 years, and
sometimes longer. Ferrets need annual canine distemper and rabies
vaccinations, as well as veterinarian checkups. In areas where
mosquitos are a problem, heartworm medication is necessary. Other
common health problems are intestinal blockages (from ferrets eating
household objects or having a hairball), adrenal disease (causes
itching and baldness), insulinoma (causes seizures), and various
intestinal disorders. Ferrets can also catch human flus, as well as
dog/cat fleas. Ferrets should also be neutered or spayed at about 6
months of age to prevent health and odor problems.
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- Is a Ferret the
Right Pet for You?
- One can purchase a ferret from
anywhere between $50 and $500, although most are in the $100 range.
However, ferrets are generally more expensive pets to keep than
other common pets such as cats. They require more veterinary care,
need to eat premium foods, and often have a major surgery sometime
in their lives. Additionally, they need lots of attention and time
from you, including regular grooming and playtime. Children will
need adult help to make sure the ferret is fed, watered, and cleaned
on a daily basis. And everyone will need to commit to keeping the
ferret safe and the house ferretproofed. Ferrets also have a unique
odor that some people find offensive. Finally, ferrets are illegal
in some areas – check your animal control codes.
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- Ferrets are not the easiest pet, and
they are not right for everybody. But if you can make the commitment
to care for your ferrets properly, they will reward you with lots of
laughter and love!
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