FERRETS - Mustela putorius furo, or Mustela furo
Introduction
The ferret as we know it today is a domestic animal descended from the European polecat. Historically, the ferret was used for hunting rodents and rabbits. Additionally, it was farmed for its fur. There are many color variations of the domestic ferret: sable - dark eyes and distinct mask, pastel - cream with light mask and dark eyes, siamese - brown guard hairs, cinnamon - reddish guard hairs, albino - no pattern or mask, red eyes, silver mitt - dark eyes, white or silver fur, generally white feet, and gnome - brown or pastel with white paws and throat patch. Most pet ferrets today are the product of commercial breeders. Ferrets from these facilities are spayed/neutered and descented at 5 - 6 weeks of age. The following are some qualities and fun facts regarding ferrets:
- Fun, high-energy, playful, curious, agile, and interactive. Non-aggressive (must be taught when young not to nip people) and non-territorial. Mischievous, "little thieves", usually have several caches around the house into which they place stolen items. If the head can fit, so can the whole ferret; love to explore small spaces (look out - behind the refrigerator, up inside recliners, couches, in drawers, cabinets, etc.).
- Adaptable to human schedules. Do spend quite a bit of time sleeping.
- Quiet (as in few vocalizations). A ferret about to bite does not give a warning growl. A very excited, playful ferret may emit a series of squeaks, or chatters/chuckles.
- Very social. Love to travel, go places, and meet people. Can be harness (and litterbox!) trained. Two or more ferrets is a riot.
- Lifespan 5 - 8 yrs, on average.
- Temperature = 100 - 104 F (excited)
- Heart rate = 180 – 260 beats per minute
- Respirations = 33 – 36 respirations per minute
- Induced ovulators capable of breeding year-round. Females will die (anemia secondary to bone marrow suppression) if not spayed or bred.
Husbandry
Diet/dietary requirements
Ferrets are strict carnivores. They have a very short gastrointestinal tract (lacks a cecum and ileocolic valve) which is not very efficient. In other words, ferrets do not tolerate fiber (see below); there is simply no time or place to digest it. Extra fiber in the diet passes through, and takes up valuable space in the process. GI transit time is approximately 3 hours. Seasonal weight gain is normal; wintertime food intake can increase by as much as 30%. In the spring, with increasing daylength, intake decreases and weight is reduced.
- Protein (high quality i.e.; animal protein)
- Kits ~ 30%
- Adults ~ 35 - 40%
- Fat
- Adult pets ~ 15 - 20%
- Growing or lactating ~ 30%
- Fiber < 4%
- Carbohydrates ~ 20 - 25% (the only source of carbohydrates for wild ferrets is the gut contents of prey. Rapid transit time and simple GI flora do not facilitate absorption of complex carbohydrates).
- Fresh water always available.
- No added salt.
- Supplements such as Ferretone and Nutrical may be used in training, but can cause diarrhea.
Housing/Environment
- Keep ferrets caged when not supervised. Commercial cages are generally constructed of wire, with two or more levels and a false ("drop through") floor. Should be sturdy, escape proof (if the head can fit, so can the rest of the ferret), and roomy. Ensure the home is ferret-proof.
- Cage furniture: ferrets love to sleep in hammocks, old sweaters, towels, anything that allows them to burrow. Toys should be chosen with great care, as ferrets will eat/ingest nonfood items readily, especially rubber.
- Be sure there is ample space for the litter box.
- Ferrets do not do well in high heat/humidity. Use caution in the summer months, especially when traveling as they dehydrate quickly.
Health Care
- Vaccination/vaccination protocol: Distemper (ferrets are extremely susceptible, is deadly) vaccine given at 6 wks, 10 wks, 14wks, then annually. Rabies vaccine at 3 months, then annually. Vaccines are generally not given together in case of anaphylactic reaction. Owners usually remain at the veterinary facility for 30 min. after administration of distemper vaccination in case of anaphylactic reaction (monitor ferret for symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy/collapse, pyrexia, difficulty breathing, panting, hypersalivation, urination, and seizures).
- Spay/neuter surgery (many already come this way). Discuss the latest findings with your veterinarian if your ferret is intact.
- Annual physical exam with review of husbandry and diet.
- Ferrets older than four years need baseline bloodwork, urinalysis, and radiographs.
- Heartworm testing in endemic areas.
- Dental prophylaxis as needed
Links
Association of exotic mammal veterinarians - www.aemv.org
Ferrets - www.cascade-ferret.org
Ferrets - washingtonferret.org
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