Ferrets: characteristics, varieties, care tips

Many of you probably have or had some kind of pet. Every pleasant to have your pet, take care of him, play and just have a good little friend. Have you ever thought that, besides the usual cats, dogs, parrots and fish, you can get yourself some not quite ordinary animal, for example, a ferret? In order to understand whether it is worth acquiring such a small animal, we suggest finding out a little more about this animal.

The ferret is a medium-sized mammal, belongs to the family of weasels, is a predator. The ferret looks very cute in general: a slim, elongated body, a long neck, and a bushy tail. In the area of ​​the tail are special glands, thanks to them there is a secretion with a characteristic odor. The length of the ferret can be from 30 to 50 cm in length, its mass varies from 300 g to 2 kg. In the wild, they live for about 3-4 years, in the case of domestication - up to 7-8 years.

Despite the small short legs, the ferret is able to move rather quickly, and with the help of strong claws it can quickly climb trees and dig burrows. A special advantage of ferrets is their fur. Its main component is a thick undercoat and guard hairs, blond at the roots and dark at the ends. Wool looks much better in autumn, after shedding, becoming smoother and shinier.

Ferrets lead a more active lifestyle at night, but can hunt during the daytime. By the nature of these animals are quite aggressive and bold, and in matters of obtaining food are not afraid to engage in a fight with predators, much larger than them in size. Prey for them are small rodents (voles, hamsters, gophers, squirrels), lizards, birds and their eggs. Also, ferrets are not averse to eat worms and various insects. Due to the characteristics of their digestion, vegetation is not eaten, and the lack of nutrients is obtained by eating small herbivores. In rare cases, capable of some time to eat carrion.

Despite the courage with which they fight for food with other predators, some animals in the forest pose a danger to them. Ferrets should beware of foxes, wolves, and also large birds: golden eagles and eagle owls. Man also represents a certain threat to these animals. If the ferrets live somewhere near the house of a person, in the pursuit of beautiful fur, people are able to ruthlessly destroy these fluffy beauties. It is worth noting that Some species of ferrets are listed in the Red Book, so they must be protected.

Before you start a ferret, it is worth considering all the nuances associated with the care and maintenance of this fluffy handsome man. You can read the reviews of the owners, consult with consultants in pet stores, in general, to be knowledgeable in this matter. Consider the advantages of acquiring such an animal.

• Funny company. If this animal settles in your home, you definitely will not be bored - a mischievous and playful animal will help to cheer up your funny jumps and games.In addition, it is always pleasant to take him in his hands and stroke him, because he has such soft and beautiful fur.
• Easy learning. Ferret is quite a smart creature, so it will be possible to teach it to some simple commands. Some specimens can even be trained, which is an added advantage.
• Easy care. Grooming a ferret is not difficult, however, it is important to remember that this animal quickly adapts to the new situation and after a certain time will look for unexplored territory for entertainment, and you should be ready for it. Due to compliance in training, it will not be difficult to accustom the animal to the toilet, which will greatly facilitate your life.
• Coincidence in biorhythms. It has the ability to establish the same rhythm with the owner. Despite the fact that I used to lead nocturnal life, it will not be very distracting by its noise if everyone is already asleep.
• No need for frequent walking. You can keep your pet in the apartment for a long time and not worry that it's time for a walk, it saves time and is suitable for people who are constantly in a hurry to work in the morning.
• Compactness. Due to its size is a compact animal, some even put it in a handbag, and so go out with him for a walk.
• Help with rodents. If you live in a private house and are tired of fighting with small rodents, perhaps the ferret will help solve this problem, because it catches mice perfectly.
• The same behavior. After castration, unlike other animals, they do not change their behavior, they do not begin to be more sluggish, lazy, but, on the contrary, everyone is just as cheerful, cheerful and always ready to have fun with you.
• Almost hypoallergenic. There is an opinion that the ferret's hair is less allergenic, unlike other animals, which undoubtedly is a big plus for people suffering from this ailment.

But, despite the rosy picture described above, there is, of course, the flip side of the coin. Not everything is as smooth as we would like.

• Each animal has its own smell, and in ferrets it is very specific, it gives out musk, so not everyone will like it. Such a strong "aroma" is obtained because of the very glands, thanks to which they secrete a secret for the label of the territory. But we solve this question: it is possible to castrate if it is a male or to be sterilized, if the female, and then the problem with the smell will be eliminated.
• The content of such a fluffy is not cheap, it is necessary to spend a decent amount every month to create and maintain all comfortable conditions, and this is not everyone can afford.
• Despite the fact that the ferret quite simply learns to use the toilet, it will just as easily and quickly find a new place for itself to cope with its needs. Therefore, if you do not have time to clean the tray, you can safely search for “surprises” around the house in the most unexpected places, which is not so pleasant.
• Ferrets tend to hide various favorite items and things, so you need to be prepared for the fact that you can miss some hairpins, kopecks, or find your mittens torn.
• If a ferret lives in your house, then, most likely, flowers will not stand for long. The thing is that as soon as this animal has access to pots of flowers, then, following instinct, the ferret will certainly start digging into them, digging a hole, or turning it upside down. Therefore, alas, flowers will have to say goodbye.
• Since a ferret is by nature a predator, you shouldn’t get some small pets (such as hamsters, parrots, guinea pigs) with it, otherwise it will start hunting them as soon as possible.

Before we talk about the different colors, it is worthwhile to talk about the main types of ferrets, describe their appearance and main characteristics. So, there are several most common types of ferrets: steppe, forest, black-legged and ferret. Consider them separately.

The steppe polecat is one of the largest representatives of its own species, it can be 56 cm long, and its weight sometimes reaches 2 kg. Based on the name, you can guess that in animals prefer steppe, semi-desert places, deposits as habitats. Light they are called due to the color of fur.

The upper hair is usually black or dark brown, and the dense, thick padding that makes its way through the thin hairline has a rather light shade. On the face there is a characteristic pattern in the form of a black mask. They live one by one, but group coexistence is also possible. They feed on squirrels, hamsters, snakes, frogs. Females of this species of ferrets are very prolific, they are capable of breeding up to 18 puppies.

The size is slightly smaller - about 35-47 cm, body weight - from 400 g to 1.5 kg. Basically it is black-brown in color, and its legs and tail are almost completely black. On the face there is also a characteristic mask. It feeds on rodents, frogs, birds and their eggs. In comparison with the steppe ferret, females of this species bring not so many cubs - only about 4-6 puppies.

Predator of a rather rare species, is on the verge of extinction and is listed in the Red Book. In length reaches about 30-40 cm, and the weight of the animal - from 650 g to 1 kg. The color of the fur at the base of the hair is light, and at the tips is dark, the characteristic black mask on the face is also present. The nature of food is not significantly different from other representatives, the only feature is prairie dogs, on the population of which depends on the survival of the American ferret.

It is one of the domesticated ferret species, although the term "furo" scientists have identified ferrets, which, unlike the others, are albinos. And a ferret of any kind that a person has tamed and settled in his house can be considered a home. According to the main indicators, this kind of ferrets resembles a steppe, the body length is also about 50 cm, and weight - from 700 g to 2 kg.

There is one more species - the golden ferret. She was bred by crossing ferret and forest ferret. This representative has a thick long fur, black guard coat and an orange cushion, for which he received such a name. It is also necessary to note the form, called honoric, it appeared by crossing mink and ferret.

Despite this number of species, the various color options of these animals are striking with even greater diversity. Based on the huge number of various colors, they were nevertheless decided to be divided according to certain criteria. The basis of the classifications began to include such signs as:

• color, color - what color the body, nose, eyes, limbs;
• the presence of marks, the location of spots on the body;
• the mask on the face - its color, as well as the presence or absence;
• pigmentation of fur: silver, black, sable, chocolate.

In the wild, ferret color variants may be of the same color: completely red, or completely brown, black. If we are talking about domesticated pets, then there are definitely more color options, here are the most common:

• white black-eyed - there is a certain similarity with albinos due to the similar white color, but their eyes are black and their nose is pink;

• albino - a feature of this representative is its wool, which has a characteristic white or powder color, the undercoat is also white, there are small red eyes;

• champagne - a shade of noble beige or milky chocolate, the undercoat is light or completely white, there are also golden and powdery shades;

• cinnamon (cinnamon) - quite interesting color, ostevogo hair of a noble light brown color, to the tail becomes darker, and the undergrowth beige shade;

• panda - a white small head and breast, paws and tail are dark in color (ferrets of this species are often deaf, this is due to genetic predisposition);

• Siamese color - the wool is mostly dark in color, on the light muzzle there is a V-shaped black mask.

In addition to the types of colors described above, the classification of ferrets by species is also taken into account:

• the presence of stains and their location;
• all sorts of marks.

Judging by the characteristics described above, it becomes clear that the ferret is a rather aggressive and fearless animal, is quite complex in nature and keeps alone. Therefore, if you decide to take your ferret home, then naturally you should choose from domestic species. It is important to remember that the process of domestication will require you sufficient exposure and a certain amount of time. Be patient and remember the main points.

First you need to know at what age period it is better to take ferrets. The optimal age is about 4 weeks., since the baby has already received the main care and nutrition from the mother, and there is still time before becoming as an adult. On average, the process of domestication takes about 2-3 weeks, taking into account compliance with all necessary rules.

Another important condition in the matter of taming is your own safety. While there will be a process of adjusting to each other, it is best to take care of how to avoid the negative effects of not yet tamed ferret. Given the characteristics of his behavior, it is possible that you will have to deal with his bites more than once, therefore it is better to approach a new friend with thick gloves.

One of the most common and effective ways of taming new pets in the house is, of course, luring an animal into some kind of delicacy that is edible for it. But before you treat your new friend, study his diet, find out what food you can give him, what you can not, otherwise you risk failing the whole plan for domestication.

At the beginning of this difficult path, one should be patient and strong, and understand that the main thing is not to break. As soon as you start feeding the ferret, take a small piece of treat, put it in your palm and stretch out your hand. When the animal comes to you, it is important to remain calm and not make sudden movements, so as not to frighten him. First, he comes up, sniffs everything, learns the situation, and only when he is convinced that he is safe, can he come up and take the food out of your hands. If this happens, then this is the right path to success.

Then you can proceed to the next stage. After the ferret begins to take the treats out of your hands, most likely, he trusts you, and perhaps soon dares to eat right from the palm of your hand. But you should not immediately grab him and try to stroke him with joy, by this you can scare him away. Give him some more time to get used to you. When you see that the animal shows confidence, is not afraid of the new owner, does not behave cautiously, eats from the hands calmly, then you can slowly try to pick it up and stroke it.

It is important not to hurry in this matter, and to show maximum patience. Then try to increase the time the ferret stays in your arms. When he falls asleep, you can gently pick him up and hold him for a little longer than usual, stroke, warm.

If you do decide to start an adult ferret, all taming techniques for domestication, in general, do not differ, but it is important to remember that this is an adult with its own character, accustomed to living in certain conditions. And in order for the wild adult ferret to become tame, it will take a little more time.

If your ferret starts to behave quite harshly, makes a mess, bites, you need to take drastic measures. It is important to try to correctly explain the animal that its behavior is inappropriate. If he bit your finger (during the game or in a fit of anger), you need to immediately stop these antics, and make it clear that this can not be done. You can bite him in response (behind the withers) or give a small click on the nose.

And now, when we have described all the features, pros and cons of animals, it is worthwhile to dwell in greater detail on what conditions should be created if you decide to contain a ferret at home.

First you need to take into account some points.

• Do not leave the windows open, otherwise an accident may occur.
• Eliminate all sorts of cracks where a ferret can penetrate so that it does not get stuck.
• In the place where he will be, it is desirable to remove high objects, otherwise a ferret can climb them and inadvertently fall.
• Having sharp teeth and claws, pets can nibble and scratch furniture, so you should think of a special place where they can play without any danger of spoiling anything.
• In the summer, avoid excessive sunlight in the room where the ferret lives, as due to the thick fur can overheat the animal. To avoid this, it is necessary to put a fan.
• Do not leave the toilet lid up, otherwise your pet will be able to go there and drown.
• Carefully hide various household chemicals, as a ferret may accidentally stumble upon them and decide that it is something edible.
• The ferret loves toys very much, so that in order not to spoil your things during the game, buy special rattles in the store that will amuse your child.

Of course, the best option for a ferret would be if all the premises were given at his disposal, since this animal loves freedom very much. But in this case, you will have to constantly catch him all over the apartment, to see that he is not naughty anywhere, in general, there will be much more trouble with him than with any other pet. Therefore it is worth thinking about some limited space.

A good option as a home for a ferret is a cage. But before you buy it, you should consider some of the nuances. The cage should be quite large in size so that your pet feels spacious in it and can happily run and play. For more comfort and convenience of your ferret, you can make various labyrinths, stairs or install a small hammock inside the cage.

As you remember, ferrets love to burrow into their burrows. Naturally, you are unlikely to allow him to dig in flower pots, so as an alternative you can offer him various old rags, cardboard tubes, small boxes. There are special houses for ferrets, which are sold in pet stores. The main thing is for your pet to show interest in such structures. If you see that a ferret doesn’t like an item, better remove it and think of something else.

Also in the cage you need to install the feeder and toilet.Fix these constructions well (using special suction cups), otherwise your animal may simply overturn everything, and then it will be more difficult for you to accustom him to basic skills.

If the conditions of your house allow you to allocate a ferret to a separate room or balcony (loggia), then this will undoubtedly be a pleasant bonus for your pet. Large space and freedom of movement will be enjoyed by your little friend. But this option is more convenient for the animal, and not for the owner.

Consider all possible options, think in advance where and in what conditions your pet will live: walk completely loose or still be confined to a cell.

Ferret is a predator, and therefore it is necessary to provide good nutrition. As a food fit:

• meat - it can be fresh beef, chicken, minced meat;
• fish, boiled eggs;
• dry food - it is best to consult at the pet store and pick up a special food; cat food may also be suitable;
• various cereals and vegetables.

There are products that are contraindicated to give ferrets:

• too fatty and fried foods;
• all kinds of sweets, pastries;
• products containing coarse fiber and a large amount of fiber (carrots, citrus);
• different types of nuts.

No matter what you feed the ferret, the main thing is to make the right diet and provide its body with all the necessary substances. In some cases, you can give him fresh, raw meat, for example, a whole ham or small mouse.

The correct solution will be feeding ready-made feed. Moreover, they already have all the necessary vitamins and minerals that play an important role in the harmonious development of your pet. However, these feeds are quite expensive, and besides, they are not sold everywhere. In extreme cases, you can order them online.

Sometimes you can pamper your pet with useful goodies - for example, give a try a banana, a slice of an apple or a melon. To feed your pet costs about 5-7 times a day, in small portions. Either restrict breakfast, lunch and dinner, but then the serving size for 1 feeding will need to be increased. Also do not forget that the ferret is a fairly clean animal, so after each meal you will need to wash its bowl, and only after that put a new batch of food.

In order for your furry friend to feel comfortable and healthy, you need to carefully monitor his hygiene.

First control his fur. For this you need to buy special shampoos. and regularly wash your pet - about 1 time per week. After water procedures, it is important to avoid drafts in order not to chill the animal, while the ferret is wrapped in a towel. You can also purchase special brushes for proper combing of wool, and then your ferret's coat will always look well-groomed.

Another important aspect is the care of claws. Under natural conditions, the ferret itself constantly grinds them when digging various pits and minks. In the home environment, you need to periodically trim the ferret claws. First, so you will save your furniture from scratches, and secondly, when the claws grow strongly, it limits the movement of the animal, which brings him certain inconveniences. You can buy special kogtetochka.

Most people who buy a ferret, positively about this animal. Many people like the fact that ferrets are active, they never get bored with them, such pets can easily have fun without a host. In addition, the ferret is well accustomed to the toilet, can live both in a cage and in a more extensive space.

Negative reviews are also quite a lot. Ferret owners claim that animals constantly spoil something, do not always go to the toilet in the allotted space, they require regular care. Some ferret buyers have not been able to fully cope with the character of the pet, and the ferrets have a negative attitude towards guests, which can also cause chagrin.

For information on how to gain domestic ferrets, see the following video.