The ferret is a domesticated for m of the European polecat. In the same family as the weasel the ferret is typically brown, black, white in color. They do not grow all that long about 20 inches is all and weigh only a few lbs. Ferrets live between 7 to 10 years Ferrets have through history been made into domesticated pets but it is not sure how this first started.
Ferret's have most likely been domesticated around 2,500 years. They have been and are still used for hunting rabbits in some parts of the world as well. Their name "ferret" derived from a Latin word meaning "little thief" The ferret it seems is always in search and secrets away small items. The body shape of a ferret is long and slender. Female ferrets can have two to three litters each year. Litters are normally three and seven kits which are weaned after three to six weeks
Ferrets normally sleep 14 to 18 hours a day. Dawn and dusk seem to be the most active hours of a ferret. Ferrets live happily together in social groups and the group is known as a "business" Ferrets are territorial and like to burrow and sleep in enclosed areas.
Ferrets have the ability like skunks to release anal gland secretions when startled or scared. The scent is much less potent and goes away quickly. Most pet ferrets in the United States are de-scented and have anal glands removed. Another manner to protect their selves is the "weasel war dance" The weasel will sideway hop, leap, and bump into near objects. The dance is not aggressive but a manner of play. Ferrets may also make a clucking noise, hiss, or squeak.
The ferret often dines on a natural diet. The diet normally consist of small prey which is eaten whole. They metabolize their food quickly so they eat frequently. Domesticated ferrets can dine on a special dry food created just for ferrets or some may also dine on cat food if the ferret food is not found. Ferrets can not digest plants or plant products.
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I didn't know a group of ferrets was called a business! LOL that's my fun new fact for the day.
ReplyDeleteI did not know this much about ferrets! What an interesting read
ReplyDeleteSo interesting to learn about the ferret. I had no idea they sleep so much! Akin to cats, I can see why people choose them as pets (minus the scent) :-)
ReplyDeleteThese are so adorable. i never looked much into ferrets. thank you for sharing this knowledge
ReplyDeleteI didn't know ferrets could be this adorable! By far the most interesting read for this morning!
ReplyDeleteReminds me of Along Came Polly, ferrets are so adorable! xo, Suzanne
ReplyDeleteI have a friend who had a pet ferret. They're such adorable creatures.
ReplyDeleteWow! I didn't know a group of ferrets were called business. Hahaha I guess this saying is true "you learn something new everyday"
ReplyDeleteI have always felt that ferrets have an interesting history! They're also a ton of fun to observe---and interact with. Their major downside is that they STINK! So many of them naturally stink, and their feces put cats to shame. It's hard to forget, that's for sure!
ReplyDeleteFerret's are cute, not my type of animal, but cute to look at!
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ReplyDeleteThese are so adorable. i never looked much into ferrets. thank you for sharing this knowledge
Ferrets are cute but everytime i've been around them they stink! They also seem kinda smart but nahhh not for me! Interesting facts though!
ReplyDeleteI had no idea that ferrets were like skunk in releasing that stink. That's kind of crazy. Glad my friends pet never did that.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post! Now I can say I know, "all about ferrets." Thanks for sharing! :)
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed learning more about these little creatures! Didn't know they secreted a scent. Good thing those glands can be removed!
ReplyDeletethanks for this! i learned more about ferret! :)
ReplyDeleteI've always wondered what the ferret was all about. Thanks for sharing this info.
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