Of all the wild animals that have been domesticatedThere is probably nothing more amazing than a ferret. This is a predator of the mustelid family, which became a domestic pet about eight hundred years ago. Initially, ferrets were kept and bred exclusively for utilitarian purposes: for hunting rabbits. But in the 20th century, ferrets became pets on a par with dogs and cats. Only they are inferior to them in popularity among all types of familiar and exotic pets. These cheerful, friendly and funny animals are very common in many countries, but in our country ferrets are still treated with caution. Maybe because little is known about them? Let's get to know the domestic ferret better and find out what kind of animal it is and how to keep it at home.
Portrait of franks
The domestic ferret is a small animal with a narrow andlong body. Females and males differ greatly in size. Females weigh about a kilogram and do not exceed 40 cm in length (from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail). Males are larger: their weight ranges from one and a half to two and a half kg, and their length ranges from 45 to 50 cm. Ferrets have beautiful shiny fur of various colors: sable, mother-of-pearl, golden and pastel. There are also completely white albino ferrets. Ferrets shed in spring and autumn, females also shed before giving birth. These are animals "with a smell". In females, it is very weakly expressed and is not unpleasant. But macho ferrets have a bright musky smell, especially during the mating season. But castrated animals do not smell at all. In nature, ferrets lead a burrowing lifestyle. Domestic ferrets have retained these instincts. They love secluded corners, try to build holes from all sorts of rags, can start digging tunnels in pots with houseplants and enjoy digging on walks. And domestic ferrets love to make "stashes" of food and toys, hiding them in secret places. The life expectancy of ferrets is from 8 to 12 years. They get along well with dogs and cats, but keeping ferrets together with birds and rodents is dangerous. Predatory instincts leave no chance for either birds or mice (hamsters, rabbits, beavers). Despite their mobility, ferrets sleep a lot (up to 20 hours a day), but easily adapt to the rhythm of life of their owners. They have very good hearing and smell. But ferrets have poor eyesight - they are nearsighted and can only distinguish shades of gray and red.
The frank character
The ferret is an intelligent animal.In addition to intelligence, domestic ferrets also have such qualities as playfulness, curiosity, friendliness and fearlessness. They are trainable, easily accustomed to the litter box, like cats, and like dogs, they love walks with the owner. Ferrets also quickly remember their names and willingly respond to them. Ferrets do not lose their activity and playfulness either as they grow older or after castration. All animals are quite individual and willful. Therefore, the behavior of a domestic ferret largely depends on the owner and his role as an educator and trainer. Most ferrets are silent. However, they express emotions not only through behavior, but also through sounds. Cooing or hooting accompanies positive emotions and a friendly mood. This sound accompanies games, as well as displays of affection for the owner or cubs (in females). When annoyed, angry or indignant, ferrets hiss, and when in pain and fear, they make sharp cries. Ferret puppies also squeak. They make this sound to call their mother when they are cold or hungry.
Contents of coils
For animals such as domestic ferretskeeping in a cage is not suitable - these are freedom-loving creatures. But even for temporary keeping of ferrets (during cleaning or as a punishment) the cage should be spacious, with a drinking bowl, "toilet" and a sleeping place. It is best to build (or buy) a cozy shelter house for it where you can put soft bedding. For complete happiness of the ferret, such a house can be equipped with hammocks, labyrinths, ladders and a box with sand for digging. A domestic ferret also needs a litter box, toys (just not rubber or fur!) and bowls for water and food. It is advisable to feed ferrets with food as close as possible to their natural diet. In nature, these predators feed on live rodents, and such food would be ideal for them in urban conditions. But most often, porridge is cooked for ferrets from minced meat and heavily boiled cereals. You can also feed ferrets with special dry food for ferrets or premium food for kittens. You cannot mix dry food with natural food and feed ferrets with food from your table.
Parenting
The basis of training domestic ferrets isthe "carrot and stick" method. For unacceptable behavior, he is punished, for correct behavior, he is encouraged. Ferrets are smart and quickly learn all the lessons. In addition, they can be trained. But the first thing you need to do is to accustom the animal to the litter box and wean it off biting. And remember that no amount of effort will help you wean the ferret off digging the ground and hiding food. You will have to put up with this or find a compromise. In all other respects, your efforts as a teacher will definitely be successful. In general, for animals such as ferrets, keeping is quite problem-free. It is in many ways similar to keeping dogs and cats. However, new owners of ferrets should still first familiarize themselves with the characteristics of these animals and get qualified advice from the breeder. And if you add patience and love to this knowledge, then mutual positive emotions will be ensured for both the animal and its owner. We recommend reading:
