Chase Ferrets

 Ferrets (mustela putorius furo) are members of the mustelidae family & they are relatives to the wild European polecat (mustela putorius), weasel, otter, badger & the skunk. There are many people who believe that ferrets are wild animals but the ferret has been domesticated for many years. The domesticated ferret would not be able to survive in the wild. Released ferrets that are not found face a long, slow death from starvation or may be attacked and even killed by other animals. It is thought the Romans brought them to Britain almost 2000 years ago.

Ferrets are kept by many people as pets & also used for the hunting of rabbits. Ferrets are used to flush wild rabbits from their burrows as a humane form of pest control.

Ferrets are getting more & more popular as pets as more people come to understand them better. They have had a bad press in the past for being nasty, byte, smelly animal, but they can make excellent pets.  There are no bad ferrets just bad people; if they are treated correctly you will have a friend for life (same for many other animals).

Ferrets have bundles of personality, are very inquisitive, playful little bundles of furry fun. They will happily rummage in what ever they can find & see what trouble they can get into. They are very social animals & like to see what you are up to! They do like to live in groups and enjoy each others company. They need to be kept active & keep there minds busy. Many people who have ferrets end up hooked and would never have dreamed that a ferret could be so much fun.

Colour

Ferrets come in a wide range of colours.

·        Albino: white all over with pink/red eyes.

·        Polecat: show same markings as the wild polecat. They have the dark mask across the eyes, with dark coloured guard hairs over the body, limbs and tail with a light under coat.

·        Sliver: white coat with silver coloured guard hairs with black eyes.

·        Mitts: recognised by their white feet and some also have white bibs.

·        Sandy: range from pale sandy to deep red, some have a sandy mask around the eyes.

·        Coloured ferrets: Range of unusual variations of colours.

If you are thinking of exercising your ferret where there are dogs or if the ferret will be socialised with dogs then you should think about vaccinating against distemper. There is no licensed vaccine available in the UK at present but the canine vaccine has been used on many ferrets. There is a small risk that the ferret may have a bad reaction to the vaccine but you will have to weigh out the pro’s and con’s. Is it worth the risk to not vaccinate? You will also need to contact your veterinary practice to check if they will vaccinate your ferret, as some vets will not due to lack of knowledge.

·        Cub: well made ferret hutch. Must be weather proof, suitable size for number of ferrets safe and secure.

·        Court: large shed-aviary allows for much more space. Bedding boxes will be required to provide suitable sleeping area.

·        Indoor ferret cages: There are many different cages available it is best to have a good look around for what is most suitable for your ferret and what room you have to keep it. You need to make sure that the ferret(s) will have enough room to play, exercise, eating area and toilet area.  You may let you ferret exercise around the house but please ensure your home is ferret proof. Gaps under cookers and into wall cavities are very appealing. It is best to move any items that you do not wish them to play with especially plants!!!!

·        Bedding such as shredded paper and old clothes can be used for bedding. Ferrets do also love sleeping in hammocks and it is worth thinking about putting some in their living area. Wooden shavings are best for covering the floor areas.

·        Toys: ferrets love to play and get into everything. Putting things such as tubes (drain piping) & cat toys (make sure there is nothing the ferret can break off and eat)!

ALL LIVING AREAS MUST BE SAFE AND SECURE AS FERRETS ARE VERY GOOD AT FINDING AN ESCAPE ROOTE!!!

Ferrets are carnivores, so need to be fed either on a diet of meat (carcasses rabbit etc) or a complete dry ferret food. 

There are many different types of complete ferret foods available, it is best to check what they are being currently fed so you do not change the diet suddenly and prevent the ferret having an upset stomach. I feed my own ferrets on a dry ferret food which I feed ad-lib.

Raw meat can be given as an occasional treat such as chicken wings or rabbit, as the bones will help to keep the teeth clean.

Do not feed cooked meat with bones as the bones may splinter and cause problems.

Do not feed day-old chicks milk and eggs more than once – twice a month as they can cause health problems.

Average body weight Hob:   1200g.

Average body weight Jill:      600g.

Sexual maturity:                     First spring after birth.

Breeding season:                  March – September.

Gestation period:                   41 - 42 days.

Average litter size:                 6-8.

Eyes open:                            4 – 5 weeks.

Permanent teeth:                   7 – 10 weeks.

Weaning age:                        6 – 8 weeks.

Heart rate:                             200 – 250 beats per minute.