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LIFE SPAN: A well cared for ferret can live 6-8 years. Some have been known to live up to 11-12
years.
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Ferrets are crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk) but adjust their activities to fit human schedules.
They need daily exercise and interaction outside of their housing. They need lots of space, which means their housing
will need a lot of room. Ferret proofing of your home is required. They are high maintenance.
Ferrets are a PREDATOR species. They are natural enemies of rabbits, hamsters,
birds, hedgehogs, guinea pigs, and lizards and should not be allowed to mingle with these other companion animals. They can be successfully introduced
to cats and some breeds of dogs.
SOCIAL PATTERNS: Ferrets are territorial but not to the extent that cats and dogs are. They do mark their territory and
chase off violators. They share most things but make claim to certain things. Ferrets signal aggression by screeching,
humped backs, puffed tails, and by rolling around with the offending ferret. In the wild, ferrets are solitary and more
territorial but domestic ferrets view each other as littermates and playmates. Within these groups they are hierarchical.
NORMAL PHSIOLOGICAL AND BEHAVIORAL CHARACTERISTICS: Ferrets are digging and burrowing animals. They can be
litter box trained. Ferrets have a tremendous sense of smell and identify each other and other objects by smell.
They are as intelligent as some small primates. Because of a high metabolism, they eat continuously throughout the day.
They get bored when lacking novelty and depressed without activity and stimulation. Sleeping excessively is common in
ferrets. They also itch and scratch quite a bit. They are susceptible to heat stroke in temperatures exceeding 80° F. Ferrets explore everything in their environment
and will stop at nothing to get at the object of their interest. They are notorious thieves. They communicate
with chuckles, screeches, barks, and body language. They require distemper and rabies vaccines and medical care from
veterinarians specializing in exotics. Ferrets are extremely prone to hairballs and subsequently intestinal blockages.
SPAY/NEUTER INFO: Most ferrets coming through the pet trade will be already spayed or neutered, a procedure
that may be done as early as four weeks of age. Neutering in males is key to reducing the male odor. Spaying in
females is imperative to reduce aggression. The veterinarian costs can be high for these procedures.
MOST
COMMON PROBLEMS: Odor is the main reason given
for surrendering ferrets. Biting, problems maintaining good litter box habits, getting into everything, damage to the
home from chewing are commons issues. Ferrets are not good companion animals for young or immature children. They
are good companions for older, mature children.
VET CARE: Finding a knowledgeable ferret vet can be a challenge. Check with a local ferret
organization for a word of mouth recommendation. Ferret kits need a canine distemper vaccine and a ferret approved rabies
vaccine. Ferrets need annual examinations and as needed vet care. Ferrets are susceptible to heartworm so make
sure to discuss this with your vet.
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