They are affectionate and tame, and it's great fun to watch the lively small animals: ferrets awake robbers, as pets gain more and more fans. We'll tell you what you need to look for in their attitude.
Inquisitive ferrets do not want to be alone
First of all, you should absolutely always keep two ferrets - one would be lonely. They love to play and need a conspecific. However, unneutered male dogs are often not well tolerated. In character they are curious, active and enterprising, but also show clearly through bites, if something did not fit. They are not designed purely as caged animals, because they have a great urge to move and require several hours a day of free-wheeling.
Ferrets have a strong odor
Anyway know one thing: Ferrets have a strong smell, they are descended from polecats. Especially in males, the specific body odor is particularly intense. The raccoon smell comes from the secretions of anal glands and is used for communication, or they signal their displeasure through their scent gland. Spaying or neutering can make improvements, but it nevertheless remains a distinct odor.
Attitude with dogs and cats
If you already have a dog or cat, it's usually not a problem, the pets can get used to a ferret. For other small animals such as guinea pigs, rabbits or rats, caution: As mentioned, ferrets are predators. Small animals like cats are crepuscular and nocturnal. Offer your little ones always necessarily need a large enough cage, because they want to do gymnastics. Ferrets are not kept permanently free of the cage floor area and it should be 100 x 100 cm, Height at least 150. Floors, stones and tree roots can serve as the subdivision, also there must be at least one litter box (ferrets are very well house trained), bowls, a water bottle and a sleeping box to be included so the animal feels comfortable.
Ferrets and their diet
A female ferret is about 25-40 inches tall and weighs 600-900 g. The male can be twice as heavy and even has a size of up to 60 cm. There are six different breeds, which are really only color varieties. Ferrets are carnivores. You should offer special ferret food, for a change, you may also offer wet or dry food for cats. Dog biscuits and cooked meat are consumed too. From time to time you may also give some vegetables or cereals.
When do you see the vet?
It is important that you observe your animals and will always be accurate. When they suddenly seem lethargic or caustic, when the skin changes or when they lose weight or have diarrhea, you need to go to the vet. A well-looked after ferret can live to ten years!
Characteristics of ferrets
Size: vixen 25 to 40 cm, up to 60 cm male Appearance: six different color varieties. Females remain significantly smaller than males. The tail length is between 11 and 14 cm. Origin: Central Europe, North Africa, Southern History: descent with high probability from the European polecat or forest polecat Weight: around 800g, male up to twice as much. Character traits: curious, playful, energetic, agile, can also be snappy attitude: feed twice a day. Daily games and petting are absolutely necessary. Don’t keep a single animal, but always keep in pairs. Cages must be very large, so the ferrets can do gymnastics. Ferrets need a litter box, food bowls, a water bottle and a dormitory.