Ferrets are getting more and more popular as more people come to understand them better. They have had a bad press in the past for being nasty, smelly animals, but they can make excellent pets. There are no bad ferret's just bad handlers; if they are treated correctly you will have a friend for life (same for many other animals). Ferrets are kept by many people as pets and also for the hunting of rabbits. Ferrets are used to flush wild rabbits from their burrows as a humane form of pest control. For more information on the use of ferrets for hunting visist www.borntohunt.yolasite.com

Ferrets have bundles of personality, are very inquisitive, playful little bundles of furry fun. They will happily rummage in whatever they can find and see what trouble they can get up to! They do like to live in groups and enjoy each other's company. They need to be kept active and keep their minds busy. Many people who have ferrets end up hooked and would never have dreamt that a ferret could be so much fun.

Colours

• Albino: while all over with pink/red eyes.
• Silver: White coat with silver coloured guard hairs with black eyes.
• Mitts: recognised by their white feet and some also have white bibs.
• Sandy: range from pale sandy to deep red, some have a sandy mask around the eyes

Housing

• Cub: a well made ferret hutch. Must be weather proof, suitable size for 2 ferrets it is very safe and secure.
• Court: large shed/aviary allows for much more space. Bedding boxes will be required to provide suitable sleeping areas.
• Indoor ferret cages: There are many different cages available it is best to have a good look arounf for what is most suitable for your ferrent and what room you have to keep it. You need to make sure that the ferret(s) will have enough room to play, exercise, an eating area and toilet area. You may let your ferret exercise around the house but please ensure your home is ferret proof. Gaps under cookers and into wall cavities are very appealing. It is best to move any items that you do not wish them to play with especially plants!!!
• Bedding such as shredded paper and old clothes can be used. Ferrets do also love sleeping in hammocks and it is worth thinking about putting some of their living area. Wodden shavings are best for covering the floor areas.
• Toys: ferrets love to play and get into everything. Putting things such as tubes (drain piping) and cat toys (make sure there is nothing the ferret can break off and eat)!

Dietary Requirements

Ferrets are carnivores, so need to be fed on either a diet of meat (carcasses etc) or a complete dry ferret food.

There are many different types of ferret food avilable, it is best to check what they are being currently fed so you do not change the diet suddenly and prevent the ferret having an upset stomach.

Raw meat can be given such as chicken wings or rabbit as the bones will help to keep the teeth clean.

Do not feed cooked meat with bones as the bones may splinter and cause problems.

There are ferret treats and supplements available such as ferret-vite and ferret-tone.

FRESH WATER SHOULD BE AVAILABLE AT ALL TIMES

Biological Data

Average body weight Hob: 1200g

Average body weight Jill: 600g

Sexual Maturity: First spring after birth

Breeding Season: March - September

Gestation Period: 41 - 42 days

Average litter size: 6 - 8

Eyes Open: 4 - 5 weeks

Permanent teeth: 7 - 10 weeks

Weaning age: 6 - 8 weeks

Heart Rate: 200 - 250 bpm

Respiratory Rate: 33 - 36 breathers per minute

Entire Male: Hob

Female: Jill

Castrated Hob: Hobble

Vasectomised Hob: Hoblet

Baby under 16 weeks: Kit

A group of ferrets: Business