Ferrets are domesticated, colored European polecats. They come in colors of black, brown and white. They have been used as pets for a long time now. Many people keep them as pets to catch rabbits or rats. Here are some of the top 10 facts about ferrets that you should be aware of before bringing them home as your pets.
Top 10 facts about ferrets
1. Ferrets are Ancient pets
It has been over 2500 years since ferrets have been domesticated, making them one of the most ancient pets in the world. Here is an example to tell you how ancient these pets are. In Egypt, you will find the images of ferrets on the walls of the tombs as well, going on to prove that these were kept as pets even by men in those ages.
Greek scholars like Aristotle and Aristophanes have written about the ferrets in their works in 350 BCE and 450 BCE respectively. Leonardo Da Vinci, the legend, had painted the picture of Cecilia Gallerani holding a ferret, during as early as 15th century.
2. Ferrets Different names
The name ferret, in Latin, means “smelly little thief.” They are not natural wild animals, and they have always been domesticated for hunting purposes. More often than not, ferrets are addressed in different names. If you plan to get a ferret as a pet, you should know these names thoroughly.
A jill is a female ferret, whereas a sprite is a desexed female ferret. A hob is a male ferret whereas a desexed male ferret is a gib. A male ferret that has undergone vasectomy is known as a hoblet. The world, business, is used to address a group of ferrets.
3. No frequent baths
The furs of the ferrets produce a lot of oil. When you bath them, it will trigger oil production to a great extent. This will result in your pets smelling filthier than before. When you plan to get these ferrets home, you should remember that you should bath them only very few times in a year.
4. Feed Ferrets young
The digestive system of the ferrets is unique; they don’t have a cecum, which makes it impossible for them to digest foods related to plant matter. However, if you want your ferrets to get accustomed to all types of food, you should start feeding them different foods right when they are young. It is easy to get them adjusted with different foods when they are less than 6 months old.
5. Ferrets attack babies
Ferrets are known to attack babies when the parents are asleep. They love to escape from their cages and move next to where your babies are lying. There have been many cases where parents have complained about ferret bites on their kids. Ferrets are very aggressive animals, and they are quite predatory in nature.
They love to chew things. It may sound absurd, but the fact remains that ferrets love to chew your baby’s fingers and toes. This is the main reason why you shouldn’t get ferrets as pets, especially if you have babies at home.
6. Ferrets steal things
Are you not able to locate your car keys or chargers or remote controls in your home all of a sudden? Instead of wasting time searching all over your home, all you have to do to is to search for your items in the cage of your ferrets. Remember their names mean “thieves” in Latin? They love stealing small things, even though they are of no use to them. Don’t be surprised to find your long-lost pen, notebooks, cables, keys and other small items in your pet’s cage.
7. Mating is necessary for living for Ferrets
Yes, you read that right! A female ferret needs to mate if she has to live. An unsprayed female ferret (one that hasn’t mated at all) starts producing lots of estrogen in its body. When these hormones go beyond the recommended levels, the condition turns toxic for the animals. They suffer from a condition called hyperestrogenism. This will result in dehydration, fatigue, anemia and blood clotting in ferrets. More often than not, these symptoms turn fatal, if females are not allowed to mate immediately.
8. Ferrets are very active
Ferrets love to jump, hide and get into the strangest places in your homes. When they are not in their cages, you should ensure that they are under your supervision always. They also love to chew, so they latch on to anything that is near them. If they accidentally bite on electric cords or wires, it could prove fatal for them. So, you need to keep your home and the play area of your ferret neat and clean, so that it gives a safe ambiance for the pet to move around.
9. Ferrets have health issues
Ferrets are quite prone to serious health issues such as tumors of the pancreas and adrenal gland. They are also quite prone to cardiac ailments. Both baby and adult ferrets are prone to these serious diseases. Before getting a ferret into your home, you should know its health condition. More importantly, you should buy ferrets from large breeding facilities instead of private breeders, to get yourself a healthy pet.
10. Ferrets shed a lot of hair
Don’t be surprised to see the floors of your ferret cage filled with hair. Ferrets tend to shed a lot of hair. While that is quite natural, what is scary is the fact that they ingest these fallen hairs. When they consume a lot of hair, it leads to severe and life-threatening gastrointestinal problems in these pets. This is why it is important to brush their hairs many times a week.
After reading about these top 10 facts about ferrets, we are sure that you would have understood that a ferret is a high-maintenance pet, indeed! They require frequent health-checks and vaccinations. They are prone to severe diseases, and they are carnivorous and aggressive in nature.
Top Ferret Expert finally Reveals the Little-Known Secrets About Ferrets; How to Double Your Ferret’s Lifespan, ferret’s Biting, Ferret’s Stinking, and Pooping Problems. Learn from the expert how to Make Your Ferret the most Happiest Pet in the World. Find Out About Ferrets.
If you made it till the end, we encourage you to watch this video of the Top 10 facts about ferrets you didn’t know before. discover more about your pet.
Conclusion:
Get the ferret into your home only if have the required patience, commitment and financial comfort for the same, to avoid regrets later on. And if a ferret doesn’t seem like a pet for your home, then you can check chinchilla or Guinea Pig
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can ferrets eat popcorn?
No, ferrets should not eat popcorn as it is not suitable for their digestive system. Popcorn can cause blockages and digestive issues for ferrets due to its high fiber content and hard kernels.
Can ferrets eat hot dogs?
No, ferrets should not eat hot dogs as they are highly processed and contain ingredients that are not suitable for their digestive system. Hot dogs are also high in salt and fat content, which can lead to obesity and other health issues in ferrets.
Can ferrets have catnip?
Yes, ferrets can have catnip as it is not harmful to them. Catnip is a non-toxic plant that can provide some stimulation and entertainment for ferrets, but not all ferrets are interested in it. However, it is important to offer catnip in moderation and always supervise your ferret while they are playing with it to ensure they do not consume too much.
Hi, my name is Idammah, and I am a huge animal lover! I have always had a special place in my heart for pets, especially cats. I currently have a rescue cat named Simba, who has brought so much joy and love into my life. In my free time, you can find me playing with my cats or watching some animal documentaries. When not spending time with my cat, I enjoy writing about my experiences as a pet owner and sharing helpful tips and advice with other pet lovers. I hope to connect with other pet enthusiasts and share our love for animals through this blog.
Similar to cats, ferrets are obligate carnivores, meaning they must have a high protein diet to thrive! There is ferret specific dry kibbles in your local pet store just make sure they have about 35-40% protein and low carbohydrates!
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