White ferrets: description and tips for care

The white ferret is a domesticated animal and belongs to the family of weasels. Such animals are amenable to learning and friendly to humans.

What features of the white domestic ferret can be identified? How to care for animals? What do the professionals advise? We will talk more about this in our article.

First of all, it is necessary to note the fact that the white ferret has a very unusual body shape. Thus, the body of the animal is often compared with the body of a dachshund: the body of the animal itself is rather elongated, and the legs are small and short. If we talk about accurate indicators, the body length does not exceed 40 centimeters (and it is important to note that the torso of the males is much longer than the torso of the females). The weight of the animal is quite impressive and can reach 3 kilograms.

It should be said that if a ferret has a white coat color at birth, this does not mean that it will remain so until the end of life. As a rule, with age the cubs darken, their fur acquires a sable undertone, and the so-called mask appears on the face.

However, there are exceptions. Thus, albino ferrets can appear in nature, which are completely white and remain so throughout their life.

However, do not be afraid of this phenomenon. In contrast, albino ferrets are considered more valuable, and therefore cost more. The most unique combination is the black-eyed albino ferret. Many breeders dream to find just such a beast.

It is also important to note that the ferrets themselves live not only at home, but also in the wild. However, it is worth noting that the life expectancy of an animal, depending on its habitat, can be dramatically different. So, zoological scientists report that in the conditions of the house a white ferret can live for about 10 years, and in nature - no more than 5. This difference is due primarily to the fact that in nature, ferrets often become victims of larger and predatory animals.

As for the habits of the animal, it is important to say that since the Middle Ages, they stood out for their ability to catch rodents, namely rats and mice. In addition, in furry animals, the following instinct is quite pronounced (for a man, a mother, or even toys). That is why Even an inexperienced breeder or child can cope with such a pet easily.

The younger the animal, the more active it is. This is especially evident in the case when the ferrets live in groups - they are constantly playing and chasing each other. With age, the activity fades away, so the adults sleep most of the time. Sleep itself is quite deep and can last 15 hours a day.

The white albino ferret, like any other pet, has certain traits that need to be considered if you plan to keep a similar animal at home.

However, it should immediately be noted that animals are endowed not only with positive characteristics, but also with negative features. That is why you need to carefully weigh and think before becoming the owner of an unusual pet.If negative traits do not repel you - feel free to head to the zoological shop.

But first things first. First of all, consider the advantages of a white ferret as a pet.

In general, the main positive feature of domestic ferrets is their behavior. Animals are quite curious and playful. Especially this feature will appeal to young children, who often become the initiators of the purchase of such a pet. It is not only fun and fun to play with ferrets, but it is also funny to watch them.

The obvious advantages of a pet include the fact that ferrets coexist well with other pets (eg with cats or dogs). Thus, a furry animal can be started even if other animals live in your apartment (or house). The ferret will get along great with them, and they will play among themselves.

However, in addition to positive features, there are undeniable disadvantages. Consider the negative aspects of the content of the ferret at home in more detail. So, one of the most significant shortcomings of the ferret is its odorous glands, thanks to which the animal can produce a rather unpleasant smell for humans. As a rule, the animal uses such glands only if it frightens something.

However, exceptions are not uncommon. In this regard, if you decide to start a ferret, you need to remember that his "companion" is an unpleasant smell. And this fragrance can absorb your clothes, skin and hair, so the people around you will also know that you own a fluffy animal.

In addition, the content of the ferret is usually accompanied by large financial costs. The animal requires a lot of attention and means: regular vaccinations, high-quality and expensive food, leash, reliable cage, etc. Therefore, in your family budget, you must foresee a new item of expenditure.

The behavioral traits of the ferret (despite their overall positive direction) can also create great inconvenience for you. So, the ferret owners say that the animals tend to create a variety of “hiding places”. This means that in the apartment the animal will find some kind of secluded place, where they will hide the most diverse things - toys, leftover food and much more. Weaning the ferret from this habit will not work, and from a secluded place will often come unpleasant odors.

In order for your little pet to lead an active and healthy lifestyle, it needs to provide all the necessary conditions for maintenance. First of all, it concerns the arrangement of housing, ensuring quality nutrition and compliance with the necessary hygienic procedures.

The spacious cage will become the ideal dwelling for the white ferret. So, in its dimensions, it should be no less than 60 cm in width, 80 cm in length and 45 cm in height. The gap between the rods should not be more than 5 cm. It is better to give preference to cells made of durable materials (for example, from metal). Otherwise, the pet may destroy its home. The ideal option is to choose a cell with several floors and with a large number of different tunnels.

A huge role is also played by the internal arrangement of the cell. So, without fail inside it should contain such elements as:

• toilet space;
• feeding trough and drinking bowl;
• several doors;
• furnished place to sleep.

However, remember that no matter how well equipped the cell is and how spacious it is, ferret needs regular walks. Therefore, it is worthwhile to let out to run around the room, and also to walk on the street with the help of a leash.

Nutrition is an important part of keeping a pet. The diet plays a huge role in the life of the white ferret. Often ferrets are fed with special dry food. However, this should not be limited. So, there is a certain list of foods that must necessarily be included in the ferret's diet. These include:

• chicken eggs (they must be given 1 time per week raw);
• milk;
• cottage cheese (this product must be fat free);
• bananas;
• meat (turkey, rabbit or chicken will do);
• a fish.

On the other hand, there are such products that should be avoided. In particular, this refers to fat meats (for example, pork). Also, you can not oversatten the diet of the animal with fruits and vegetables.

In order to maintain the health of your pet, you must follow all instructions and recommendations of experts. Otherwise, there may be a variety of negative consequences in the form of disease or even death.

The white ferret needs careful and regular hygienic procedures (which is already clear from the very name of the animal). The fact is that the white fur of a small animal is quickly contaminated. Therefore, the ferret should often bathe. This should be done in warm water using special shampoos designed for ferrets. Similar care products can be found in almost any zoological store.

It is important to note the fact that hygiene procedures for the female are much easier than for the male. The fact is that the male organism contains special sebaceous glands, whose work can affect the coat color - it will turn yellow.

Moreover, hygiene procedures in this case will not help. That is why It is important to immediately determine whether you want to engage in the breeding and breeding of ferrets. If not, then the male can be neutered safely. In this case, soon the whiteness of the wool will come back.

To ensure the maximum comfort of the animal, as well as to make a final decision on whether you are ready to start a ferret, you should read with practical advice from professionals (veterinarians, zoological scientists, and experienced breeders).

• If children of preschool age live in your house, you should postpone the purchase of the animal. The fact is that by nature the ferret is a predator, so it can bite a kid who will try to play with an animal.

• Small things (especially expensive) should be hidden from the ferret. First of all, it concerns those periods when you let your pet run around the apartment. Otherwise, the animal can drag them to its hiding place.

• In order to avoid the ferret's destruction of your furniture, as well as household items, you need to create a place for the ferret in which he could dig holes. They can be a regular bucket of expanded clay.

See how to look after white ferrets in the next video.