All About a Pet Ferret

Ferrets are one of America's most popular pets. A female ferret is referred to as a Jill and a male is called a Hobs. Baby ferrets are Kits. Females may grow from 13 to 14 inches long, while the male ferret may reach between 15 and 16 inches. The weight of these furry, funny creatures ranges from under a pound up to 4 pounds. A ferrets average life span is 6-8 years but they have been known to live for 11 or even 12 years of age. About 18 hours of a ferrets day is devoted to sleep. They will be most active at sunrise and sunset but will adapt their sleeping pattern to spend time with their owners.

These adorable creatures have been domesticated for over 2000 years. Their wild cousin is the Black-Footed ferret who is not domesticated. Not all places will allow ferrets to be keep as pets. Most U.S states will allow for pet ferrets. The musty odor known for the ferret comes from scent glands and it cannot be taken away despite descenting or bathing. The scent is fairly mild and will wash from humans or clothing quite easily.

The name ferret means thief. Ferrets will make off with and hide almost anything they can get a hold of and hide it in their house. Ferrets come from the same family as otters, wolverines, badgers, mink, weasels and skunks. They are especially closely related to the European Polecat. The ferret has very poor eyesight but exceptional hearing and sense of smell. They may be prone to certain diseases. Adrenal disease and Insulioma are two of the more common problems known as well as Aleutian Disease which is a very serious condition in ferrets. Ferrets can even get the Flu.

These smart little critters can be toilet trained much like a rabbit, with patience and persistence. Never use punishment when training or you will only get negative results. Ferrets are very high energy and rambunctious. They become more and more affectionate with age but a very young ferret will be most interested in running and playing. They do settle down some though and enjoy being cuddled and held. This is a fairly low maintenance pet who doesn't need any outside exercise however an hour or two a day outside the cage is recommended. Make sure that free run time is in a safe place. This pet will not disturb the neighbors but they do have their own little sounds. One ferret alone can do quite well but two or more may cut down on mischief and be lots of fun to watch. Your ferret will need only a comfy bed such as a hammock, fresh food and water, love and attention. A ferret may even be left alone for a few days with adequate food and water, though it may be wise to have someone check in with it everyday.

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