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 whom 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 far too 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.