New to caring for a ferret? Already own one? Here are some fun ferret facts for both new and seasoned owners.
Hide and Seek is their Favorite Game
If you seem to be losing things around the house more often than normal, chances are your pet has hidden them somewhere and wants you to find them. In fact, the Latin word for ferret, “fur,” means “little thief.”
Over-bathing Makes Them Smellier
As a member of the weasel family, ferrets can emit a strong odor, which might put some people off. New pet owners could resort to bathing their ferrets too often, which will cause their skin to dry. As a result, the skin glands produce more oil that leads to a stronger odour. This is one of the ferret facts that owners with sensitive noses need to remember!
They’re Social by Nature
Ferrets are one of the least aggressive animals you can keep as pets. They are also super friendly and playful, which is why they tend to live in groups.
They Have Highly Developed Hearing and Smell, but Poor Eyesight
Baby ferrets or kits are deaf and are born with their eyes closed. Adults do not have very good eyesight, but they make up for it with their keen sense of hearing as well as of smell.
Ferrets Have Been Used to Hunt Rabbits
Thousands of years ago, humans domesticated ferrets to help hunt for rabbits. This is where the term “to ferret out” came from. Ferrets were also used to hunt for mice and rats.
Ferrets Love to Sleep
Ferrets can sleep between 15 and 20 hours a day, so they’re mostly active during dawn and dusk. They tend to sleep deeply and in the most awkward positions. It’s also common to find them sleeping in the most inconvenient places.
Ferrets Imprint on Food
Ferrets are exclusive meat eaters and so imprint on their food at around 6 months. If you want to introduce new food, do so before this age as older ferrets don’t take to new food easily.
Ferrets are Quite Flexible
Because of their long bodies and flexible ribs, ferrets can flatten themselves and easily wriggle through tight spaces. This ability make them ideal for carrying cables through pipes, tunnels, and other places humans can’t crawl through.
At Age 4, Ferrets are Considered Old
Most ferrets live between 6 and 10 years, but they can live up to 15 years. However, at 4, ferrets are considered to be old.
Owning a Ferret is Legal in Maryland, but Not in Other States
Unless you live in Washington D.C., California, Hawaii, or New York, you can have your own ferret at home right here in Sykesville MD.
We hope you let these ferret facts serve as a guide on how you can better take care of your pet ferret, or to celebrate the ones in your home and your life. If you have any questions regarding ferrets, go right ahead and contact us today.
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