Size

Males (hobs) - average 3-5lbs, 17-24" length Females (jills) - average 1-3lbs, 12-16" length Average lifespan - 8-10 years, although 14 years has been recorded.

Background

Ferrets are members of the Mustelidae family that also includes weasels, stoats, polecats, martens, mink, badgers, and otters. Ferrets are a domesticated species of polecat, originally intended for the control of vermin. They may have been kept by the Ancient Egyptians over 3000 years ago and were brought to Britain almost 2000 years ago by the Romans.

Like the other members of the Mustelid family, ferrets are lively, fun-loving creatures with a highly developed sense of curiousity. They are not the vicious, smelly creatures of music hall jokes; rather they can make affectionate. Indeed, in America they are one of the most popular domestic pets.

They are gaining some popularity in Britain, too, where many people are recognising the appeal and intelligence of these often maligned little animals. With responsible care and gently handling, ferrets can be excellent family pets and live up to ten years or more.

Ferret Colours

Most people are familiar with the white albino ferret, but there are a number of other coat colours. True albino ferrets have pale coats ranging from pure white to almost primrose yellow but will always have red eyes. Less common are the dark eyed whites that are pale coated with black or dark blue or brown eyes.

Silver ferrets are pale coated with darker tips to each hair, giving a silvered, frosted appearance. Often with very dark eyes, they are striking ferrets and were once sought after for their attractive appearance, although they are now much less rare.

Polecat ferrets are not so called because they are bred from true polecats, but rather because they have the same markings as wild polecats. They have a dark mask across the eyes and dark coloured limbs and tail. The body colour may also be very dark, but can be just dark guard hairs over a light undercoat.

Silver-mitt ferrets are recognised by their white feet, although they can also have polecat markings. Some have white bibs or throat flashes; some may have pale face markings or a blaze like a badger.

Sandy ferrets can range from pale gold to deep red, sometimes carrying a polecat style mask.

At ferret Shows it is common for classes to be held for albinos and polecats, with other colourations being classed as 'coloured ferrets'.

Coat colour has little to do with character, personality or working ability. Some working ferreters do prefer albino or light coloured ferrets but this is likely to be only a matter of convenience since they are easier to see against the dark background of rabbit holes and hedgerows. Albino animals of all types are often said to be docile and gentle, although there is little evidence to support this. Sometimes, however, albinism is related to poor vision and/or hearing deficiency and this could explain the apparent docility of these animals. But, on the whole, coat colour is a matter of preference. A healthy ferret will be a lively, fun loving and affectionate companion whatever his/her colour.

Similarly, there is little difference between male ferrets (hobs) and female ferrets (jills) in temperament and character. Hobs can be twice as large as jills, and can seem lazier and more placid, whilst jills can be daintier little quicksilver creatures, but there is probably more variation between individuals than there is between the sexes.

Feeding

Ferrets are carnivores. Their staple diet should be meat in the form of fresh meat (whole carcase wherever possible) or day old chicks once a month. Pet mince can be a useful standby. Clean fresh water must always be available. Many ferrets enjoy splashing in a water bowl so also provide water in a large sized water bottle to compensate for the spillages.

Complete ferret foods have been introduced on to the pet market, and these make an excellent diet. However, as they are dried food rather like cat biscuits so make sure that extra water is always available. Good quality cat biscuit (over 30% protein) is also a handy alternative to fresh meat and is cleaner to feed in the summer when flies may be attracted to fresh meat

The amount of food a ferret needs depends on its age, the amount of exercise it gets, and how large it is. Males need rather more than females. The dry foods can be fed freely so that a ferret can take whatever it wants. If you feed fresh meat it is better to feed just samll amounts twice a day so that it does not become smelly and unappetising, or attract flies. You will soon learn how much your ferret needs; as he will eat his fill and then start to store any extra. Do not allow food stores to accumulate, as this will become unhygienic.

Ferrets often enjoy other foods as treats. Ice cream is especially popular! An occasional egg is appreciated but be careful as too many eggs can cause loss of hair as well as causing diarrhoea. Although it is fine to give your pets occasional treats, please do not overdo it. You want a sleek fit ferret, not a fat sluggish ferret.