Ferret Facts and Information: Questions and Answers
Do ferrets make good pets? This is a tough question because they do make great pets for the right person. Not everyone is cut out to own a ferret. After all, ferrets are expensive, needy and have more health problems than other animals. But for the right owner, they are the perfect companion.
To help you decide if owning a ferret is right for you, I have answered the 39 most popular questions I receive regarding ferret as pets.
Ferret Eating Questions
1. Are ferrets omnivores/carnivores?
2. What do ferrets like to eat?
3. Can ferrets eat baby food meat?
4. Can ferrets have ice cream or milk?
5. What do ferrets eat in the wild?
Ferret Laws
6. Where are ferrets legal/illegal to own?
7. Why are ferrets illegal in some states?
Ferret Care & Training
8. How do you care for ferrets?
9. Can ferrets live alone? Do ferrets need another ferret?
10. Do ferrets suffer separation anxiety?
11. How big should a ferret cage be for two ferrets?
12. Can ferrets be litter trained?
13. How many hours do ferrets sleep a day?
14. When do you wean a ferret?
15. What does it mean when a ferret starts loosing hair on its tail?
16. When do ferrets stop growing?
Ferret Play:
18. Where do ferrets like to play?
General Ferret Information:
20. How do you get rid of fleas on ferrets?
22. Do ferrets have hair or fur?
23. How do you tell the difference between male and female ferrets?
24. What is a group of ferrets called?
25. What do ferrets burrow in?
26. How can you tell if ferrets have cancer?
27. Why does my ferret urine change color?
28. Where do ferrets come from?
29. Are ferrets hypoallergenic?
32. Do ferrets like to have sunlight?
34. How do ferrets tolerate heat?
36. Are ferrets allowed on planes?
Ferret Smell:
38. Do all ferrets have scent glands?
39. Why are ferrets stinky? Do all ferrets stink?
Ferret Eating Questions
1. Are ferrets omnivores/carnivores?
Ferrets are carnivores. In the wild, they at whole small prey. As a ferret owner, you should feed your ferret a meat based diet to keep it healthy. In fact, feeding your ferret fruit and vegetables can cause an intestinal blockage.
2. What do ferrets like to eat?
Ferrets like to eat everything. They are naturally curious and like a small child will eat anything. However, just because they like to eat it does not mean they should eat it. As a ferret owner, you need to monitor the food intake of your pet. Ferrets need to eat a protein rich diet to stay healthy.
3. Can ferrets eat baby food meat?
Baby food meat is perfectly fine for ferrets, although you want to make sure it does not have onions, garlic or any other seasonings mixed in. Along with baby food, high protein cat food works well for ferrets.
4. Can ferrets have ice cream or milk?
Ferrets love to eat ice cream and drink milk. In fact, they will beg, plead and steal for this food. However, it is not good for them. Besides being high in sugar (bad for ferrets, ferrets get diarrhea when they have milk products.
5. What do ferrets eat in the wild?
Wild ferrets eat small prey. Since the devour their prey whole, they will eat the skin, fur, feathers, organs and meat of the prey. The Black Foot ferret dines mainly on prairie dogs.
Ferret Laws
6. Where are ferrets legal/illegal to own?
Ferrets are legal in 48 states. California and Hawaii are the only two states that forbid owning ferrets. However, some cities in the 48 states do not allow ferrets as pets. You need to check with your local city to find out if it is legal to own a ferret. Additionally, you can ask your veterinarian is it is legal where you live.
7. Why are ferrets illegal in some states?
The reasons vary by city and state and most of the reasons are based on ignorance (at least in my opinion.) Some of the more common cited reasons include:
- Ferrets are wild animals – This is not true. The ferret has been domesticated just like cats and dogs.
- Ferrets are dangerous – Again, this is not true. Studies have shown that dogs are 1,000 times more likely to bite than ferrets.
- Ferrets carry rabies – There is a rabies vaccine for ferrets just like there is for cats and dogs. Additionally, there has been no reports of human getting rabies from ferrets.
- California also does not want the domesticated ferret to wipe out the endangered Black Footed ferret.
Ferret Care and Training
8. How do you care for ferrets?
Ferret care is broken down into shelter, feeding, and health. As an owner, you need to be able to provide the basics for a ferret.
- Shelter – Ferrets are generally kept in a cage for their safety. When they are awake (about 4 hours a day), they need to be let out to satisfy their curiosity and to play. The cage should be a minimum of 2 feet by 3 feet by 2 feet. It should also have material for burrowing.
- Feeding – Ferrets are carnivores and should be fed a high protein diet. Dry kitten food, baby food (meat), and ferret food are good for feeding. You do not have to worry about overfeeding a ferret. Their water needs to be open so they can drink and wash.
- Health – Ferrets need a yearly checkup just like other animals. In addition, it is important to spay or neuter your ferret before they reach sexual maturity. Failure to spay or neuter will result in death of the ferret.
9. Can ferrets live alone? Do ferrets need another ferret?
While ferrets can live alone, it is best to get them a playmate. Lone ferrets require much more attention and care than multiple ferrets. The drawback is the two ferrets will play together and not spend as much time with the owner. However, busy ferret owners will find this a plus.
10. Do ferrets suffer separation anxiety?
Ferrets are social creatures and do experience separation anxiety. This is why busy pet owners need to get 2 ferrets. The playmate cuts down on the stress and adds entertainment for the ferret. However, they will still experience separation anxiety while you leave on vacation or go on a quick business trip.
11. How big should a ferret cage be for two ferrets?
4 feet by 4 feet by 2 feet is big enough for two ferrets. The idea is to add extra hammocks for each ferret to sleep in and extra levels for climbing. Hammocks can serve two purposes. 1) They are great for sleeping. 2) They work well as ladders for taller cages. Since ferrets love to climb and explore, a tall cage is ideal with lots of ladders (or hammocks) and toys for play.
12. Can ferrets be litter trained?
Ferrets can be litter trained although it is not quite as automatic as it is with cats. Ferrets are like dogs in the sense they do not like going in their bed or where they eat. Therefore, when litter training a ferret, place a litter box in the cage. This will give a nice place for the ferret to go. Once your ferret starts using the litter box, you can move the litter box out (when they are free) or add additional litter boxes to your home.
13. How many hours do ferrets sleep a day?
Ferrets can sleep up to 20 hours a day! When they do sleep, they generally sleep in a spiral position and some sleep belly up. However, when a ferret wakes up, it is ready for some serious play. Therefore, be prepared to let your adorable ferret out when it is awake.
14. When do you wean a ferret?
Baby ferrets should be weaned no sooner than 6 weeks of age. The longer they stay with their mother, the less likely they will exhibit behavior problems from early weaning.
15. What does it mean when a ferret starts loosing hair on its tail?
Written by Dr. Bruce Williams, DVM:
“My ferret is losing its hair.”
While hair loss in the ferret can occur from many causes, I would like to concentrate on what is the most common and what is becoming the most commonly talked about reason for serious hair loss — proliferative lesions of the ferret adrenal gland.
Ferrets with adrenal lesions – including areas of hyperplasia as well as both benign and malignant neoplasms of the adrenal cortex – typically all show the same clinical signs regardless of which type of growth is present. These signs are fairly diagnostic, and in the majority of cases, are so characteristic that no other diagnostic tests are required before therapy is instituted. (Read full article)
16. When do ferrets stop growing?
Ferrets reach their adult weight around 4 months old. Their coat can continue to change though as they reach adulthood.
Ferret Play:
17. How do ferrets play?
- Ferret or Weasel War Dance – This is a popular play activity in ferrets. They bounce around, dance, flip, and even puff out their tail. This is a good sign your ferret is extremely happy and cannot control the happiness.
- Attacking – Ferrets love to “attack” each other in play. It is a non-aggressive form of hunting. Since ferrets are known to nip and run, ferret owners have to train their ferret that biting is not an appropriate behavior.
- Speedbump – Bored ferrets will fall down and play dead. This is referred to as the speedbump. If your ferret is doing this a lot, then you need to interact with your ferret more and find some playthings for your ferret when it is not in its cage.
18. Where do ferrets like to play?
Ferrets like to play everywhere. This does not mean everywhere is safe for your ferret. Since ferrets will eat anything, you need to “ferret-proof” any room the ferret is let lose in. They are very curious and wind up eating plastic. This is very dangerous as it causes intestinal blockage, which can result in death. Always surprise your ferret when it is out.
General Ferret Information
19. How long do ferrets live?
The normal life expectancy of a ferret is 7 years. However, with all the information we are learning about ferrets, this time is increasing. It is no longer unusual to find ferrets 10 years old.
20. How do you get rid of fleas on ferrets?
You rid fleas on ferret just like you would cats or dogs. You can use Dawn dish soap (see our article on How to Give a Flea Bath with Dawn) or you can use a commercial product like Advantage. Since ferrets are much smaller than dogs and cats, you will need to adjust the dosage. Speak with your vet to get the right amount for your ferret.
21. Are ferrets intelligent?
Some scientists believe ferrets are one of the smartest pets. While ferrets are smart, they are only focused on food, play and sleep. Therefore, training a ferret to do anything (other than use a litter box) is difficult. But, that does not stop people from owning cats!
22. Do ferrets have hair or fur?
Scientifically, there is no difference between hair and fur. In some animals, like cats, the word is used interchangeably. We save cats are covered in fur but also refer to them as longhair and shorthair cats. Therefore, both are correct but the English language dictates the use of the word fur.
23. How do you tell the difference between male and female ferrets?
The easiest way to tell if a ferret is male or female is to flip it over. Male ferrets have what looks like a belly button. Females do not have the “belly button” feature because it is not a belly button. However, that is what it looks like and we can go with that.
24. What is a group of ferrets called?
A group of ferrets are called a “business” or “busy-ness”
25. What do ferrets burrow in?
In nature, ferrets sleep in other animals’ burrows. Pet ferrets are burrowing by nature and they too want to curl up and sleep in a burrow. This means anything and everything is fair game for burrowing, including the coach cushions. To help prevent bad burrowing, provide your ferret with appropriate burrowing materials and provide a burrow like sack for sleeping (like a hammock.)
26. How can you tell if ferrets have cancer?
The symptoms for ferret cancer will vary depending on the type of cancer.
Adrenal Disease – the most common type – Blood in the urine
Insulinoma – found in ferrets with diabetes
Lymphosarcoma – enlarged lymph nodes
Chordomas – hair loss on the tail of the ferret
Mast Cell / Basal Cell Tumors – abnormal growths called tumors anywhere on the ferret
27. Why does my ferret urine change color?
A ferret’s urine should always be yellow. If there is ever red or black urine, then take your ferret to the vet immediately. It could be as simple as a urinary tract infection, or it could be something as dangerous as cancer.
28. Where do ferrets come from?
The ferret has been domesticated since the time of Pharoah. They are native to many parts of the world and even in North America. The wild ferret breed native to North America is called the Black Footed ferret.
29. Are ferrets hypoallergenic?
Pet allergies generally come from the production of dander. Ferrets are known to produce significantly less dander than other pets. Therefore, they are referred to as hypo-allergenic. However, it is possible to be allergic to pets.
30. Are ferrets rodents?
Despite popular belief, ferrets are NOT rodents. They are part of the weasel family. In fact, ferrets hunt rodents and help control the rodent population.
31. How much are ferrets?
Ferrets generally cost around $100 – $150 from a pet store. This is just the fee for purchasing the ferret. Cages, food and vet bills can make owning a ferret quite expensive. They are NOT a cheap pet to own.
32. Do ferrets like to have sunlight?
Ferrets do not control their body temperature well. In fact, ferrets should not be kept in places that get above 80 degrees. Therefore, while they do enjoy some sunlight, keeping their cage in direct sunlight is not a good idea. Allow them access to sunlight but also allow them an escape route.
33. Are ferrets dangerous?
Ferrets are domesticated animals and have been for thousands of years. They are no more dangerous than any other domesticated pet. Yes, they can bite (but you can train them not to.)
34. How do ferrets tolerate heat?
Ferrets do not tolerate heat well at all. In fact, heat stroke is a serious illness which befalls many pet ferrets. You need to take special precaution during the summer months to make sure the room does not get above 80 degrees.
35. Are ferrets affectionate?
Yes! Ferrets are affectionate pets that bond with their owners. While they are only up a few hours during the day, they will want to play and bond with you during this time. Do not get a ferret if you do not have the time to play and bond with this adorable furry creature.
36. Are ferrets allowed on planes?
When traveling in between states that allow ferrets, airplanes do allow ferrets on the plane. California and Hawaii do not allow ferrets so ferrets are not allowed to travel to or through these states without special permission.
Ferrets can travel as a carry on when going to other states. You will need to call the airplane and reserve your place as there are a limited number of pets allowed in the cabin. Additionally, the ferret will count as your carryon bag. At no time will you be allowed to take the ferret out of the bag when traveling.
37. Are ferrets color blind?
In the most technical sense, no they are not colorblind. However, they can only see the color red. As someone who can only see the color purple (I have optic neuritis), I consider myself colorblind. You can make the decision yourself.
Ferret Smell
38. Do all ferrets have scent glands?
All ferrets are born with scent glands. In most cases, the scent gland is removed when the ferret is spayed or neutered as a baby. Since all ferrets must be spayed or neuter for health reasons, the vast majority of ferrets do not have their scent glands intact.
39. Why are ferrets stinky? Do all ferrets stink?
This is a sensitive area for ferret owners. Ferrets have a natural scent just like dogs and cats have a natural scent. Some people cannot stand even the slightest hint of this smell and others find it pleasant. (Just like some people say all cats stink)
Ferrets have a musky odor, which can be quite overpowering if they are not properly taken care of. Additionally, the litter box can become quite funky smelling if not properly cleaned. Think of owning a ferret like owning a cat. The house will only smell as bad as the owner allows.
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