FERRETS

HISTORY

• Scientific name: Mustela Putorius Furo
• Been in North America for 300 years
• Hold a “wild animal” stigma

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• Typical fitch or sable coloring.
• Have long spines to crawl into small surfaces.
• Claws require regular trimmings.
• Molt every spring and fall.

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• Ferrets are carnivores, and prefer poultry.
• They need a diet of 30-40% meat protein and 15-30% fat.
• If they’re being fed meat, it needs to be cooked thoroughly.

DISEASES AND PARASITES

• Viral diseases: canine distemper, influenza & rabies
• Bacterial infections: tuberculous, pneumonia & mastitis
• Parasites: ear mites, mites & intestinal parasites

HUSBANDRY

• Ferrets are usually housed in cages or allowed to roam the house.
• Change bedding & litter daily.
• Need shade & good ventilation.
• No pine or cedar shavings.

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• Breeding season: March-August
• Gestation period: 41-42 days
• Puberty: males 8-9 months & females 4-12 months
• Litter size: 8-10
• Can have 3-4 a year

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• Can have eye problems with age.
• Cancer becomes a higher risk as they age.
• Deafness is very common.

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SOURCES

• Companion animals book
• Companion animals notes
• https://www.thesprucepets.com/ferret-facts-1236789
• https://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/ResourcesforYou/AnimalHealthLiteracy/u...