Ferrets Facts

Ferrets belong to the mammal family and are similar to weasels, polecats, otters etc. Many people have the misconception that ferrets are rodents, or they are closely related to rabbits or guinea pigs. Ferrets are carnivorous animals which belong to the Mustelidae family. Some scientists also say that they are distant cousins of some breeds of dogs and cats. Ferrets have been used by humans for domestic purposes since ancient times. In recent times, ferrets have become popular as house pets, hence here are some important facts to know about this domesticated animal.

Ferret Facts and Information

Ferrets were trained as hunters by humans to minimize the growing population of rabbits and rodents in may countries.

• Ferrets live around 6 to 8 years on average.
• Female ferrets are called gibs while males are known as hobs. Baby ferrets are called kits. In the northern part of the United States, sprayed female ferrets are known as sprites and neutered males as gibs. A group of ferrets are known as a "business of ferrets".
• Males are larger in size than females. Males are 15 to 16 inches long and weigh 2 to 3.5 lbs. Females ferrets weigh up to 0.75 to 2.5 lbs and are 13 to 14 inches in length.
• Ferrets sleep around 18 hours a day. They have a poor eyesight but a good sense of smell and hearing.
• The name ferret comes from the Latin word "furoneam" which means "thief". Ferrets are smart mammals that steal anything they can lay their paws on and hide it in their home.
• Ferrets rarely cause allergies. People who are allergic to cats and dogs can opt in for ferrets as domesticated pets.
• Ferrets are not territorial reserve. They actually gel very well with other ferrets and with cats and dogs.
• Ferrets are classified as domestic animals, they are largely dependent on humans for their well-being. Ferrets cannot survive in wild. A loose ferret will die of starvation if left in the wild.
• The colonial navy of Massachusetts has a ferret as its mascot.
• Ferrets are quite playful in nature and they maintain this behavior till they live. Their life span is about 6 to 8 years.
• Ferrets love to squeeze and hide in small places. They are natural predators of mice and other rodents.
• Ferrets can easily live in a cage, but they need at least 3 hours of playtime outside the cage each day.

Black Footed Ferrets Facts

Let's read some common ferret facts of this magnificent and endangered animal.

• Black footed ferret is an endangered species of mammals belonging to the ferret family. It is the only ferret native to North America.
• It is 20 to 24 inches long and can weigh up to 2 ½ pounds.
• This thin mammal has a yellow color body, a dark tail tip and black feet. The throat, forehead and muzzle are white in color and there is a black mask around the eyes and nose.
• Their breeding season runs from March to April. Females give birth 3 to 6 young babies and raise the young ones without any help from the male. Baby ferrets are born blind and helpless and are covered with thin white hair. The young ones are dependent on their mother for 42 days and remain with her till autumn, after which they learn to live independently.
• Black footed ferrets have an excellent sense of hearing, vision and smell.
• The main prey of these ferrets are prairie dogs. Since the decline in number of prairie dogs due to a government eradication program, black footed ferrets have also decreased in number.

I hope you enjoyed reading this article on some fun ferret facts. If you are planning to adopt or buy a pet for your house, do consider this smart and cheerful mammal, you won't be disappointed.