Ferrets: description and care tips

The white ferret is a domesticated animal and belongs to the weasel family. Such animals lend themselves well to training and are friendly towards humans.

What are the characteristics of the white domestic ferret? How to take care of an animal? What do the professionals advise? We will talk more about this in our article.

First of all, it should be noted that the white ferret has a very unusual body shape. So, the body of the animal is often compared with the body of a dachshund: the body of the animal itself is quite elongated, and the legs are small and short. If we talk about exact indicators, then the body length does not exceed 40 centimeters (and it is important to note that the torso of males is much longer than the torso of females). The mass of the animal is quite impressive and can reach 3 kilograms.

It should be said that if at birth a ferret has a white coat color, this does not mean at all that it will remain so until the end of its life. As a rule, with age, the cubs darken, their fur acquires a sable undertone, and a so-called mask appears on the muzzle.

However, there are exceptions. So, in nature, albino ferrets can appear, which are completely white and remain so throughout their lives.

However, do not be intimidated by this phenomenon. In contrast, albino ferrets are considered more valuable and therefore more expensive. The most unique combination is the black-eyed albino ferret. Many livestock breeders dream of finding just such an animal.

It is also important to note that ferrets themselves live not only at home, but also in the wild. However, it is worth noting that the life expectancy of an animal, depending on the habitat, can be strikingly different. So, zoological scientists report that in a house a white ferret can live for about 10 years, and in nature - no more than 5. This difference is explained primarily by the fact that in natural conditions, ferrets often fall prey to larger and more predatory animals.

As for the habits of the animal, it is important to say that since the Middle Ages they stood out for their ability to catch rodents, namely rats and mice. In addition, furry animals have a rather strong instinct to follow (after a person, mother, or even toys). That's why even an inexperienced livestock breeder or a child will be quite easy to handle with such a pet.

The younger the animal, the more active it is. This is especially true when ferrets live in groups - they constantly play and chase each other. With age, activity fades away, so adults sleep most of the time. The sleep itself is quite deep and can last 15 hours a day.

The albino white ferret, like any other pet, has certain traits that must be taken into account if you plan to keep such an animal at home.

However, it should immediately be taken into account that animals are endowed not only with positive characteristics, but also with negative traits. That is why you need to carefully weigh everything and think it over before becoming the owner of an unusual pet. If negative traits do not turn you off, feel free to go to the zoological store.

However, first things first. First, consider the benefits of the white ferret as a pet.

In general, the main positive feature of domestic ferrets is considered to be their behavior. The animals are quite curious and playful. This feature will especially appeal to young children, who often initiate the purchase of such a pet. Ferrets are not only fun and interesting to play with, but also funny to watch.

The obvious pluses of a pet include the fact that ferrets get along well with other pets (for example, with cats or dogs). Thus, you can get a fluffy animal even if other animals live in your apartment (or house). The ferret will get along well with them, and they will play with each other.

However, in addition to the positive features, there are also undeniable disadvantages. Let's take a closer look at the negative aspects of keeping a ferret at home. So, one of the most significant shortcomings of the ferret is its scent glands, thanks to which the animal can emit a rather unpleasant smell for humans. As a rule, an animal uses such glands only if something scares him.

However, exceptions are not uncommon. In this regard, if you decide to have a ferret, then you need to remember that its "companion" is an unpleasant smell. Moreover, this scent can be absorbed by your clothes, skin and hair, so people around you will also know that you are the owner of a fluffy animal.

In addition, the keeping of a ferret is usually accompanied by large financial costs. The animal requires a lot of attention and funds: regular vaccinations, high-quality and expensive feed, a leash, a reliable cage, etc. Therefore, in your family budget, you should foresee a new item of expenditure in advance.

Ferret behaviors (although generally positive) can also be very uncomfortable for you.So, the owners of ferrets note that the animals are inclined to create a variety of "hiding places". This means that in the apartment the animal will find some secluded place where it will hide a wide variety of things - toys, food leftovers and much more. It will not work to wean the ferret from this habit, and unpleasant odors will often come from a secluded place.

In order for your little pet to lead an active and healthy lifestyle, he needs to provide all the necessary conditions for keeping. First of all, this concerns the arrangement of the home, the provision of high-quality food and the observance of the necessary hygiene procedures.

A spacious cage is the ideal home for a white ferret. So, in terms of its dimensions, it should be no less than 60 cm in width, 80 cm in length and 45 cm in height. The gap between the rods should not be more than 5 cm. It is better to give preference to cages made of durable materials (for example, metal). Otherwise, the pet may destroy its home. The ideal option is to choose a cage with several floors and a large variety of tunnels.

The internal arrangement of the cell also plays a huge role. So, without fail, it must contain elements such as:

• a place for a toilet;
• feeder and drinker;
• several doors;
• equipped place to sleep.

However, remember that no matter how well the cage is set up and how spacious it is, the ferret needs regular walks. Therefore, it should be released to run around the room, as well as walk on the street with a leash.

Nutrition is an important part of keeping a pet. Diet plays a huge role in the life of the white ferret. Ferrets are often fed special dry food. However, this should not be limited to. So, there is a certain list of foodstuffs that must be included in the ferret's diet. These include:

• chicken eggs (they must be given raw once a week);
• milk;
• cottage cheese (this product must be fat-free);
• bananas;
• meat (turkey, rabbit or chicken will do);
• a fish.

On the other hand, there are some foods that should be avoided. This applies in particular to fatty meats (such as pork). Also, you can not oversaturate the animal's diet with fruits and vegetables.

In order to maintain the health of your pet, you should definitely adhere to all the instructions and recommendations of specialists. Otherwise, a variety of negative consequences in the form of diseases or even death may occur.

The white ferret needs careful and regular hygiene procedures (which becomes clear from the very name of the animal). The fact is that the white fur of the animal gets dirty pretty quickly. Therefore, the ferret should be bathed frequently. This should be done in warm water using a ferret-specific shampoo. You can find similar care products in almost any zoological store.

It is important to note the fact that hygiene procedures for the female are much easier than for the male. The fact is that in the body of a male individual there are special sebaceous glands, the work of which can affect the color of the coat - it will turn yellow.

Moreover, hygiene procedures will not help in this case. That's why It is important to decide right away if you want to breed and breed ferrets. If not, then the male can be safely castrated. In this case, soon the whiteness of the fur will return back.

To ensure maximum comfort for your pet, and to make the final decision on whether you are ready to have a ferret, you should read with practical advice from professionals (veterinarians, zoologists, as well as experienced livestock breeders).

• If preschool children live in your house, then you should postpone the purchase of the animal. The fact is that by its nature the ferret is a predator, so it can bite a baby who will try to play with the animal.

• Small things (especially expensive ones) should be hidden from the ferret. First of all, this applies to those periods when you let your pet run around the apartment. Otherwise, the animal can drag them away to its hiding place.

• In order to avoid the ferret destroying your furniture, as well as household items, you need to create a place for the ferret to dig holes in. It can be an ordinary bucket of expanded clay.

For information on how to care for white ferrets, see the next video.