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- Ferret Facts
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| Fun Ferret Fact Any opening into which a ferret can get it's head, it can also get it's body. |
Ferrets live 6-8 years on average (sometimes up to 11 or 12)
Females are called jills, and males are hobs. Baby ferrets are called kits. In
North America, spayed females are sometimes called sprites and neutered
males called gibs. A group of ferrets is a "business of ferrets."
Males tend to be larger than females in length and weight. Females are
13-14 inches long and weigh anywhere from 0.75 to 2.5 lbs, whereas males
are on average 15-16 inches long and weigh 2-3.5 lbs if neutered and are
even larger (4 or more lbs) if not neutered.
Most ferrets obtained in North America are spayed or neutered and
descented at a very young age before being sold.
Ferrets sleep a large part of the day, commonly around 18 hours. They
naturally tend to be active at dawn and dusk, but usually adapt their
sleeping and active times to the fit the schedules of their owners
Females are called jills, and males are hobs. Baby ferrets are called kits. In
North America, spayed females are sometimes called sprites and neutered
males called gibs. A group of ferrets is a "business of ferrets."
Males tend to be larger than females in length and weight. Females are
13-14 inches long and weigh anywhere from 0.75 to 2.5 lbs, whereas males
are on average 15-16 inches long and weigh 2-3.5 lbs if neutered and are
even larger (4 or more lbs) if not neutered.
Most ferrets obtained in North America are spayed or neutered and
descented at a very young age before being sold.
Ferrets sleep a large part of the day, commonly around 18 hours. They
naturally tend to be active at dawn and dusk, but usually adapt their
sleeping and active times to the fit the schedules of their owners
Did you know?
Caring for ferrets
Housing
Ferrets are active, curious animals that should be allowed to run free when
awake and be caged only when required for safety. Ferrets need a large
area with toys to roam about freely and explore. A pet owner that cannot
provide this basic and essestial requirement should not purchase a ferret.
When it is necessary to confine your pets, they should be kept in a cage
large enough to allow separate sleeping, eating, litter and play areas. On
average, a cage size of 40 inches X 20 inches can house one to three
ferrets comfortably for a short period of time or for travel. If confined for too
long, they become frustrated and claw or gnaw at the cage, resulting in
dental damage and emotional stress.
Ferrets love to tunnel, so their favourite beddings are sheets, towels,
blankets, sweaters and such. These items are ideal for ferrets to snuggle
into, always check for small pieces that could be swallowed.
Small cardboard boxes, bags of plastic and paper, throw rugs and towels,
white socks and clean linen are an inexpensive way to keep your ferret
happy.
Food
Ferrets are exceptionally playful, so expect your ferret to tip over his food
and water bowls. Check on them often, tape them down, use a heavy dish or
place a rubber mat underneath for spillage.
Because ferrets have such rapid metabolisms, they awaken to eat about
every four hours. Fresh water and food should always be available to them.
Ferrets eat only what they need and leave excess food for later, so over
feeding will not be an issue.
Ferrets must be fed a high quality dry ferret or kitten food. Hard food keeps
the ferrets teeth clean and makes their feces less smelly. The food should
contain from 32% to 36% protein (half of which should be derived from
meat), at least 18% fat, minimal ash and the supplement taurine to prevent
urinary tract problems.
Like all carnivores, ferrets enjoy fruit and sweet vegetables such as grapes,
bananas, apple, melon, carrots, cucumber, etc. as a dietary complement.
Every ferret has it's own preferences. Remove skins that are tougher than a
grape peel and slice stringy items like celery into thin slices rather than
sticks to avoid intestinal blockages. Dog biscuits (for small dogs) also make
a healthy snack. Give dairy products and dried fruits sparingly as ferrets are
somewhat lactose intolerant and dried fruit is difficult to digest. Avoid nuts
and grain products, as the animals cannot digest these, and treats that
could be swallowed whole, as ferrets do not have grinding molars like us.
Milk and milk products in small amounts are also acceptable.
Vitamin supplements are not necessary if the ferrets are fed high quality
food and fresh fruit. However, many ferrets love Linatone or Ferritone
vitamin supplements, which are given as reward for good behavior or a
distraction when clipping nails and such. No more that 3 drops per day
should be given to your ferret.
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