Ferret Colors

Ferrets are mammals that belong to the family Mustelidae , along with weasels, polecats, badgers and otters. These animals have been domesticated by humans for a very long time. Initially, ferrets were raised for rabbit hunting and pest control. Now ferrets are mostly raised as pets in many regions of the world. However, in some areas, it is prohibited by law, but, in other areas, you can buy ferrets from breeders or pet stores. While male ferrets are called hobs, females are known as jills and young ones (below one year) are kits. A neutered male is a gib, whereas a spayed female is a sprite. Another interesting ferret terminology is 'business', which is a term used to refer to a group of ferrets.

Ferrets have long, slender bodies, covered with fur, which can vary in color or color combination. These animals can gain a length of around 20 inches, with a long tail (around five inches). They have a lifespan of eight years. A ferret is often described with the help of its color and pattern. While ferret color refers to the color of the guard hair, undercoat, eyes and nose, pattern denotes the way in which the colors are distributed on its body. So, a basic understanding about ferret colors and markings is very essential, so as to describe one.

Colors and Patterns in Ferrets

Now we know that ferret color denotes the color of the guard hair, undercoat, nose and eyes. At the time of birth, these animals have white color hair, which changes with time, but, in some cases, the hair color do not change. It is said that there are only two basic versions of ferret colors - albino and sable. However, nowadays ferrets come in different colors and patterns due to selective breeding. The following information can give an overall idea about ferret breeds and colors.

• An ALBINO ferret has a white coat, pink/red eyes and pink nose. The coat color may range from pure white to creamy, but, they lack pigmentation totally.
• A SABLE ferret (most common type) has dark brown or black guard hair with cream undercoat, dark eyes (brown or black) and dark brown fur around the eyes, in a mask pattern.
• Another ferret color is DARK-EYED WHITE, which has white or cream-colored fur, but, are not albinos, because, their eye color is also dark. The eye color of these ferrets can range between burgundy, brown and black. They have either pink or black noses, which can be sometimes, mottled too.
• BLACK SABLE ferrets have dark black guard hair with cream undercoat. The eyes are also black or brown and the nose can be ash, brown, black or mottled.
• One of the popular ferret colors is SILVER, which have number of versions that range between light silver shade to slight gray. They have pink, black or mottled noses and lack mask pattern around the eyes, that are brown or black in color.
• Those ferrets with guard hair in milk chocolate brown color are referred to as CHOCOLATES. They have white to light golden undercoat and brown/burgundy eyes. The nose of these ferrets can be pink, brown or mottled.
• You can also go for CINNAMON varieties, that are considered as one among the rare ferret colors. These have light brown guard hair with a red tinge. In this case, the ferret coat colors can range between reddish brown to blonde. They may have light or dark burgundy-colored eyes and their nose color ranges between pink, beige and light brown. They may have light colored masks, but, the hair on the tail and legs are darker, as compared to that in the body.
• Another ferret color is CHAMPAGNE, which denotes light chocolate-colored guard hair and white or cream undercoat. Their eyes can be light or dark brown or burgundy and the nose can be pink, brown or beige.

Now, you have a basic idea about ferret coat colors. Apart from the ferret colors, there are many patterns like roan (equal mix of dark and white guard hair), point/Siamese (dark-colored legs and tails), Panda (white head and shoulders), mitts (have white feet), blaze (long white stripe from forehead to shoulders) and solid (one solid color). Most people go for these pets due to the colors and patterns. However, there is no guarantee for their color, as they may change with season and age.