Ferrets

Matt Johnson Jermane Tyndale

History of the Ferret

• Mammal from Mustela Putorious Furo• Domesticated from the European Polecat• Domesticated 2,500 years ago by ancient

Egyptians• Romans used them to hunt – This is called ferreting

• 1877 New Zealand Farmers demanded them to control rabbit population

Description of the Ferret

• Long, lean build with inquisitive nature– Equipped for burrowing, chasing rodents, rabbits

and moles• Dimorphic predator• Brown, black, white or mixed fur• About 20 inches in length• Weigh 1.5-4 lbs• 7-10 year life span

Description cont.

Male• Hobs

– Unneutered• Gib

– Neutered

Female• Jill

– Unspayed• Sprite

– Spayed• Kit

– Baby ferret• Business

– A group of ferrets

Housing & Equipment

• Ferret cage 24x24x14 • Litter Box• Water bottle• Food container• Hammock• Nest– Darkness, privacy, snug fit

• Plastic storage bin

Breeds and Types•1 Breed/ 12 types

– Sable– Black Sable*– Chocolate– Champagne– Cinnamon– Albino

– Dark eyed white*– Black– Polecats– Angoras– Badger– Silver

Feeding

• Proper diet is important• Carnivores• High protein (34%)• High fat (20%)• High quality chicken or lamb• Easily digestive food– Short digestive tract

Feeding cont..

• Do not feed cat food– Too much fiber– Kidney stones– Dull coat

• Fresh food and water 24hrs • Treats– Edible chew toys– Shredded unseasoned chicken– Cooked or hard boiled eggs (no table scraps)

Reproduction

• Females can reproduce at 8-12 months– Constant estrus cycle until bred– 41 day gestation period– Average of 8 kits

• Can be spayed or neutered – Before 6 months of age– Reduces smell associated with ferrets

Reproduction cont..

• May become falsely pregnant – High hormone levels– Bloat to look pregnant

Training

• Nip Training– Young ferrets have a tendency to bite– Spray bottle with bitter apple

• Harness training– Some may like wearing and others wont– Collar is not secure enough

Training cont..

• Litter box – Most ferrets use a litter box– Leave in corner of cage or room

• Tricks– Come, sit, roll over are common tricks– Will not work for affection only treats– Takes patience and repetition

Fun Facts

• Ferret means “thief” in Latin• Newborns fit in palm of a 2yr old child• Ferrets have poor vision but good hearing and

smell• 3rd most popular pet• Used on ships• Hunt rabbits in 20th century

Ferreting

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EolBLWWPrp0