Proper FERRET Nutrition

It used to be that if you bought a ferret your only option was cat food. Luckily for ferret pet owners today, there are a plethora of choices and options when considering what to feed your ferret. Proper ferret nutrition is not only doable but also absolutely necessary to ensure your ferret is happy, healthy and will be a part of your family for years to come.

Photo by USFWS Mountain Prairie

Ferrets have a unique digestive tract. With no appendix or cecum, a ferret has a relatively small digestive tract. Because of this, they are made to digest proteins and simple carbohydrates but are incapable of dealing with complex carbohydrates (think beans, broccoli, grain). Their short digestive tract translates into a fast digestive process. From the time a ferret eats to defecation, only three hours have passed. Because of this, ferrets need to be fed frequently.

Because ferrets are meat eaters, they need to be a fed carnivorous diet high in protein and fat. It is best to keep the protein levels at thirty-four percent or higher and the fat content at a minimum of twenty percent. Because ferrets are rising in popularity, there are several brands in the marketplace today that specifically target ferrets. Zupreem, Totally Ferret and Marshall Premium Ferret are all excellent choices. When choosing food for your ferret, make sure that the first ingredient listed is an animal based protein such as poultry or lamb. If you are reading the packaging and see any type of grain come up as the first or second ingredient, skip it and move on to another brand.

Because ferrets eat based on immediate need, they usually will not overeat. Just make sure to have plenty of water and food available to your ferret throughout the entire day and night. Visit a pet store to find an appropriate food dish for your ferret. Being playful animals, ferrets can make a mess if the food dish is not weighted to avoid unnecessary spills.

Knowing what not to feed your ferret for proper nutrition is just as important. Never, ever feed your ferret dog food. If you do have a dog, make sure you keep any dog food completely inaccessible to your ferret. Ferrets also do not need any fruits, vegetables or dairy products to thrive. Due to their short intestinal tracts, such foods can lead to serious health problems.

Like any animal, ferrets love treats! When choosing treats for your ferrets, however, take care to stay away from anything sugary. You can make your own treats such as cooked meat or you can choose to purchase an approved ferret snack from the pet store. It is best to avoid giving your ferret any snack that is appealing to humans like peanut butter, chips or candy.

Proper ferret nutrition is not impossible and is actually relatively easy to achieve. The biggest obstacle to a ferret's health is most often its owner since they are at the mercy of your vigilance and care for their health. Just be sure to keep the diet high in good fats and protein and leave out any plant-based ingredients for a happy, healthy pet!

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All About FERRETS: Getting Started with Your Passion

Want to know all about ferrets but don’t know where to begin? There are millions of other ferret aficionados who are stumped with the volumes of information available at their disposal about this charming furry creatures. Whether you are trying to get a pet ferret, living with someone who is crazy about ferrets or simply interested on the nuances of these musk-producing mammals, there are a few basic things that you can consider first as you get started with your ferret passions.

Sable short-hair ferret (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Biological Structure

Ferrets are like skunk’s cousins since they are also able to produce musk. Some countries allow that the glands responsible for their musk production be cut so that they will not stink as much, but countries like UK and Australia find that this is not really necessary.

They are furry creatures with natural oils that make them shiny and smooth. Frequent bathing may remove some of these oils, but they are not really the type who resists regular showers. They also have the tendency to get long nails so a consistent nail-cutting session is in order for ferret owner wannabes. 

Color, Type and Age

There are many different colors available for aspiring pet owners. Breeds are quite easy especially when the ferrets are mated with pole cats like in the old times. The younger the ferret is, the more delicate they are and difficult to maintain. But then you get the privilege to train them if you are able to acquire ownership while they are still kits.

As they grow older, they seek company of other ferrets. Older ferrets, like some adults, may actually display domination or superiority to the younger ferrets. They also have the tendency to develop cliques and may not be as open to accept new ferrets in their circle easily. .  

Existing Regulations

Regulations vary from place to place, so when you are caring for your ferret, make sure that you are properly acquainted with the rules. Some countries don’t allow ferrets to be domesticated as house pets, while other allow them but not so much as to take them in the airline cargo or cabin. When traveling with your pets, ensure that the airlines of your choice will be able to transport your ferret safely.  

Behavior, Habits and Idiosyncrasies

By nature, ferrets are adventurous and curious creatures. You will have to set them free from their cages at dusk or dawn so that they can roam and satiate their curiosity and be happy under your care. They like dancing in a strange manner when excited and may even look like ready to attack but in reality, they are just expressing their glee. 

Maintenance

Since ferrets are highly adventurous creatures, you will have to have them checked frequently. They may have the tendency to swallow objects that can be poisonous or damaging to their digestive tracts. On top of that, they may be prey to some other animals like snakes and hawks. 

Some Facts on Their Rich Heritage

Ferrets haven’t been domesticated pets since time immemorial. They were adopted as pets by the Americans only in the 1980’s. Prior to this, ferrets have been used for hunting, as they are well capable of squeezing themselves in covered grounds and tiny spaces. Their talent and natural curiosity makes them really effective aids to detectives and hunters in the ancient times especially by the Romans.

Regulations came in and varied the functionalities of ferrets with human activities, which made them all the more versatile. 

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FERRET NOOKS: Where Do Ferrets Live and How They Live

The question on where do ferrets live is closely tied to the kind of lifestyle they live in accordance with that area with which they live. This is also a good way for ferret owners to know how their furry creatures adjust to their given environment.

Black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes)
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

One thing is for sure: ferrets hate roaming around in the same landscapes over and over again, so there must be variety with the places you put them. And here are just some of the places you can consider visiting with your ferret as you aim for this variety:   

Ferret Nook Number One: Grasslands

The black-footed ferrets of North America are hinged on this particular environment. Without this environment that particular species will be extinct. If you have a domesticated ferret, they may also have pleasure in roaming around the grasslands, although the pet owner may not exactly be as ecstatic about it, unless he or she is an outdoors person.

The thing with grasslands is that there is much adventure on the part of the ferrets, they blend better with its surroundings because of their built and there are lots of yummy food for them to eat (they are carnivores, by the way). So it is really very beneficial for your ferret if you take them to the grasslands once in a while.

Ferret Nook Number Two: Forests

Forests are also an interesting spot for ferrets. The wideness and vastness of forests and the numerous details that make it worth exploring with their furry feet makes it a paradise for ferrets. Wild ferrets can mostly be found in forests, where they are more able to withstand the perils of encountering their mean predators such as snakes and hawks.

Ferrets are fairly comfortable living in forests. It is already in their genes to walk around a lot in wide open spaces and put themselves in burrows or other enclosed spaces where they can retrieve something that they deem valuable.

Ferret Nook Number Three: Cage or Box

The cage or box is a pleasant home for the domesticated ferrets. They will behave well in it under the premise of proper and patient training of pet owners. The good cage or box also has room for many ferret toys or small holes with which they can snuggle up in to. The more the cage simulates the natural environment that a ferret likes, the better and more likely it is that they will welcome it with open arms. Ferrets are known to rest  easy on their cages during the day and likes to roam around at night.

Ferret Nook Number Four: Open Playground (Domesticated)

An alternative to having a large cage for the ferrets would be to put them with other ferrets and put them in some form of playground filled with open spaces and holes or simulations of burrows. They will be very happy to play in it, though the younger or newer ferrets may have to undergo the initiation that senior ferrets may impose upon them.

Some minor biting and struggling may be imminent, but it’s just part of the growing pains of ferrets. Ferrets combined in playgrounds also tend to form their own colonies and they love exploring and moving together in the vast spaces. Eventually, when the playground becomes stale and familiar to them, they will get bored, grow restless and seek other pastures.

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The ALBINO FERRET

The albino ferret is a common sight because they are domesticated creatures. They do not have any coloring on them except for its red eyes and pink nose.  In fact, many owners prefer the albino ferret because it is easier to find them especially in the dark. 

Mustela putorius furo Albino
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

No one knows why there are ferrets that are color albino because no one has ever conducted a study. But if we follow the results of similar studies, chances are the answer is the same. 

The three possibilities are; a mutation prevents the body from manufacturing pigments, the mutation prevents the body from recognizing the proteins that produce the pigments or the body does not have enough proteins to make it. In most cases, a mutated gene is the culprit.

Studies have shown that the albino ferret has problems with its sight. This is normal but this is compensated by their sense of hearing and smell.

Those who are interested in owning an albino ferret can do by getting one at an animal shelter or from a breeder.

There are two colors of ferrets which are sable and albino. The albino condition is genetically recessive of sable so if a sable female ferret that does not carry albino genes mates with an albino male, all their offspring will be sable but they will still carry the albino gene. If a male and female ferret that carries the albino genes are bred together, 25% of their kits will be albino.

But you won’t know if the kit will be color white or sable when they are born because all ferrets are white at birth. This will only be known when they are 4 weeks old.

Whether you decide to get an albino ferret or something else, the care that must be given to this mammal is still the same. You will have to feed it the right kind of food, give it water, bring it to the vet for vaccinations, purchase a cage, toys, accessories and most importantly, give it some tender and loving care.

Albino ferrets can be toilet trained and taught to do a few tricks. It will just take some time to work but by giving a light snack as an incentive, they will soon be able to do whatever they have learned. Since they tend to smell after a while, it is best to given them a bath weekly.

The albino ferret should also be brought out the cage when it wakes up so it can run around and play because they are after all friendly and sociable creatures that may soon become your best friend.

If ever you don’t like the red eyed albino ferret, you can choose to get the kind that either has black or blue eyes.

Color should not be a factor when you decide to get a ferret. This is because there are other things you have to watch out for such as their eyes and their behavior. The more playful they, the better so that if you come home from work and need someone to cheer you up, your ferret can come out and make everything better.

Remember that the ferret is a friendly and social little mammal that seeks constant attention when it is awake even for a few minutes or an hour.

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Simple Tricks For Training Your Pet FERRET

All you have to do is type in the words "awesome ferret tricks" into YouTube and you will pull up thousands of videos. Before you know it, you have wasted hours watching ferrets jump, roll over, climb impossible structures and turn in circles with simple commands. It should come as no surprise that these playful, limber animals can do just about anything in the trick department.

When training your pet ferret, keep the sessions short and sweet. Try to stay under ten minutes, offering a lot of positive reinforcement and praise. The minute you sense your ferret is losing interest, pull away. You want this experience to be one of delight and not drudgery for your ferret. If you are wondering how to train your pet ferret, here are three simple tricks to get you started.

Trick Number One: Roll Over

Perhaps the simplest trick when training your pet ferret is getting him or her to roll over. To begin, lay your ferret on his or her back and gently move whatever treat you are using in a circular motion around its mouth. Say, "Roll over," while rolling your ferret. After each roll, give your ferret a treat. Continue doing this a couple times a day over the next few weeks until your ferret will roll over on command. Just be sure to always keep the treats handy.

Trick Number Two: Coming To You On Command

It might seem strange to have such a simple trick listed for training your pet ferret, but teaching a ferret to come when commanded is not always easy. Begin when you are near your ferret with a treat in hand. Call his or her name, and then give your ferret a treat. Because you've just given your ferret a treat, they should follow you as you begin to walk away. When you've gone a short distance, say your ferret's name again and then give them a treat. Do this a few more times and, when you can see your ferret is ready, go to the far side of the room, say your ferret's name. If he comes, give him a treat. Practice this each day until your ferret recognizes his or her name.

Trick Number Three: Sitting Up

Who doesn't love a cute ferret sitting up on his haunches, seemingly begging for a treat? To begin, place whatever treat you are using in your hand and hold it in front of your ferret. While he is going in for the treat, say the word "Up" in a clear, firm voice and slowly raise your finger until he is in the desired position. Over time, he will learn to sit up as soon as you say the command word.

There are other tricks that a ferret can accomplish but these are just three easy tricks to get you started. Chances are that in the process of training your pet ferret, she will surprise you with her natural ability to sort objects, scale to impossible heights and simply figure things out. Have fun, be patient and enjoy your pet ferret!

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POLECAT- FERRET- A Comparison

Both the ferret and the polecat belong to the weasel family and look very similar but there are a number of differences that set them apart. Often known as the domesticated polecat, ferret pets are gregarious while polecats prefer to stay alone. Ferrets can be differentiated on the basis of a number of features especially smell. Polecats are known to emanate a distinctive smell that can be attributed to their secretion.

Polecat (Mustela putorius)
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Another distinguishing factor between the polecat and the ferret is that the polecat can choose when it wants to get pregnant. The implantation time can be decided by the polecat. Therefore the polecat can decide when the right time is to breed. However the ferret cannot choose to control implantation.

Ferrets have small ears, a sensitive nose, sharp teeth and a long, sinuous body. On the other hand polecats have long and lean bodies with sensitive whiskers, short muzzles and rounded ears. Polecats are not known for their eyesight unlike the ferret, they make their way around with the help of their nose.

Polecats are purely carnivorous and survive on fish, fish eggs, small birds and reptiles. While ferrets are also known to be carnivorous they enjoy eating sweets like raisins, bananas, and peanut butter.

A Polecat, ferret and cat although are similar in many aspects, differ a lot in terms of temperament, dietary habits and mating patterns etc. All of them belong to the same family but basic behavioural patterns like curiosity, tenacity and gregariousness make them completely different from each other.

Ferrets make great pets and if trained properly they can shower you with all the love and companionship you need. They love sharing their space and do no get territorial. Polecats cannot be domesticated and will not make good pets because they are too solitary and hate sharing their space with other polecats even.

Since they look so similar and have so many similarities it is essential for one to know the common differences between a polecat, ferret and cat if you wish to bring one home. A ferret is indeed a great choice for a pet as they are tiny, playful and extremely lovable.

By Clint Sidney Clint is a ferret enthusiast who enjoys giving information about Polecat, Ferret.  You can learn more about taking care of ferrets the correct way at FerretCareHelp.com [http://www.ferretcarehelp.com]. Article Source: EzineArticles

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The Pros and Cons of Keeping WILD FERRETS

Is a wild ferret for you? You might have to quiz yourself well on that before you head off to the nearest forest and score yourself a brand new wild ferret to have and hold. There are many advantages and disadvantages of keeping wild ferrets, and here are some of the more major things you can expect once you decide to acquire wild ferrets.

Ferrets at play (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Advantages: 

More adventure, more fun. People who are just as interested in getting adventures out of their ferrets as much as the wild ferrets are must be open to the idea of keeping them untamed. Wild ferrets are quite exciting to behold, especially for extremists who may find themselves bored with the typical domesticated pet. The good thing about wild pets is that they are extremely resilient and able to bounce back from attacks easily with they speedy and adventurous nature. Their curiosity may also lead to bring you in some surprises you wouldn’t otherwise have had if you had them tamed.

Non-deviation from their natural genetic makeup. The genetic makeup for ferrets is that they roam free and explore unchartered territories fearlessly. Leaving them to their wild side will enable them to do just that. If you are planning to research on ferrets, keeping them wild is the best way to keep them as close to their natural habitat and actuations as possible. This way, learning about your pet is maximized.

Owners will get the chance to see wild ferrets as they are, sans modifications that can be painful for them. Seeing ferrets au naturel has its perk. Modifying ferrets for domestication such as removing their gland (a big ouch for your mammal!) that secretes the offensive musky smell can really alter your ferret permanently.

One can have to option to train them at a later time. Once you have had enough of the adventures or misadventures of your wild ferret, you always have the option to tame them at a later time.

Disadvantages: 

Wild ferrets may choose to be free from your ownership anytime. Since wild ferrets are designed to be free from any form of captivity or ownership, they will have no sense of loyalty whatsoever and will be free to roam around to places in any way they choose. If you truly want this whole thing to work, you have to be prepared to lose your ferret over anytime once they decide to break free and change their surroundings.

They have higher risk to diseases and early deaths. Wild ferrets are not regulated in any way. They will eat anything and everything that they see lying around. In fact, even domesticated ferrets still have this as a common cause of death. This risk to early deaths, lack of digestion and poisoning may be heightened. And treating them with a laxative may be all the more difficult if you have not trained your ferret even to get familiar with you to trust you.

They may pose a danger to you, especially to children. If you let ferrets be, they will remain as wild as ever and they may not be the kind of pet you would want to have around when there are many children who can get hurt. Children and ferrets are both playful and grow wild when untamed, and there is no predicting what kind of explosion may occur if you put them together in the same room and in the same condition.

Younger children are at a higher risk of getting bitten because they may not be able to regulate the way they touch your ferrets and the ferrets might interpret the child’s playful cuddling as an attack.

Once you decide to train them later, they may be most resistant to your attempts. Training wild ferrets when old may not be as easy as when you start them out young. You might have to incur additional expenses and few ferret trainers will be willing to get bitten by an old wild ferret for a fee.

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The Healthiest Treats to Feed Your FERRETS

When those sparkly little eyes are gazing up longingly from that adorable fuzzy face, it can be difficult to resist the urge to indulge your ferret in whatever tempting treat the tiny trickster is trying to tease out of you. But keep in mind that as with everything in life, moderation is key; no more than 5% of your ferret's overall diet should consist of treats, and not all treats are created equal.

Photo by USFWS Mountain Prairie

As obligate carnivores, ferrets have very specific nutritional needs that differ from dogs, cats and especially humans. They can't eat the same type of foods or treats that you or even your other pets consume on a daily basis and remain completely healthy. Ferrets need a high protein, high fat, low fiber diet with the main protein sources coming from meat ingredients. They do not digest fruit, vegetables, grains/cereals or fiber well, and should avoid sweet/sugary foods which can lead to dental problems, obesity, and increased risk of insulinoma.

The following is a list of some great treat options to offer:

1) Meat: Freeze dried, cooked or raw (If not part of their primary diet already) Chicken, turkey, beef, salmon, organ meats like chicken liver or hearts, salt free jerky (avoid seasoned meats or processed meats like lunchmeat, salami or bacon).

2) Small prey animals (If not part of their primary diet already) - mice, chicks, quail, rats, rabbits - preferably pre-killed or thawed from frozen to prevent injury to your ferret.

3) Bugs - (live/dried) Earthworms. Mealworms. Crickets. Cockroaches. Live bait.

4) Chicken or turkey baby food - ferrets can become addicted to this stuff! It also works well as a temporary substitute for kibble if your ferret is ill or recovering from surgery and is a picky eater.

5) Eggs: raw or cooked unseasoned (remove the shell)

6) Oils - Salmon, Emu, Cod liver, Extra-virgin Olive or Extra-virgin Coconut Oils.

Vitamin supplements like FerreTone, Linatone, Furatone, FerretLax, Laxatone, Petromalt should be avoided when dealing with healthy ferrets. Vitamin A toxicity can result from too much of the "tone" supplements.

7) Commercial ferret treats - The highest quality treats are free of all sugar or soy ingredients. Here are a few good ones:

- Wysong Daily Dream Ferret Treats

- Stella & Chewys freeze dried

- PureBites Freeze dried

The following are also OK in moderation but are less preferred because of trace amounts of sugar and/or soy:

- N-Bone Ferret Chew Treats

- Cheweasel Edible Chew toys

- Fuzzys' Foamy Fries

- Brown's Natural Chicken Strips Ferret Treat

Avoid most other "ferret treats" sold in pet stores; many are high in sugar, have fruits and vegetables as the main ingredients, and almost no protein.

Do Not Feed List:

Vegetables, fruit, dried fruit (including raisins), alcohol, sugary drinks or juice, coffee and tea products, garlic or shallots, cereals, dairy products, seeds and nuts (can cause blockages), chocolate, candy, fruit snacks, peanut butter, natural chew toys not meant for ferrets (like cow hooves, pig ears or rawhide - can cause intestinal blockages in ferrets), dog or cat treats.

When in doubt - don't let your ferret eat it, even if he or she wants it! Remember... ferrets will eat a piece of deadly Styrofoam or plastic just as quickly as they will a tasty piece of meat - so they're clearly not always the best judges of what is or isn't good for them. You have to be the smart one in the family, and keep them on the safe path towards a long and healthy life; even if that means keeping them from eating things that they're absolutely convinced that they want to eat. Being the bad cop and limiting your ferret's treats will pay off when you get to enjoy the benefit of your bouncy, bright-eyed bandit's company for many more years to come.

By Roy Maloon http://holisticferret60.proboards.com/ Article Source: EzineArticles

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The Angora FERRET

There are different kinds of domesticated ferrets. If you want something exotic, why not try the Angora ferret?

The angora ferret began in Sweden when a breeder noticed a mutation among his ferrets as they produced longer hair on the hind legs and rear part of their bodies. The offspring were then sold to another breeder until they found their way into the US.

An Angora Ferret “Ranko”
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It is very challenging to breed an angora ferret because it requires 10 short hair ferrets that each carries the desired gene. This means that along the way, several variations are created.

Marc Morrone is the only breeder in the US that sells angora ferrets coming from Europe. If you are interested in getting one, you should get in touch with him. Be prepared though to spend a few more dollars given that they are imported.

If this is way beyond your budget, try your luck in an animal shelter. Who knows? Perhaps someone who owned one in the past decided to give it up.

When you are looking at the angora ferrets on hand, pay attention to their eyes and their behavior. If they are bright and they are very friendly, then this is probably the one you should bring home with you. Make sure that you already have a cage to house them so they have their own space when it is time for them to go to bed.

This should be big enough for them to move and play around in especially when you also have to buy a few toys for them to play with.

Aside from a cage, you should ask Marc Morrone tips on taking care of this mammal. Just like other pets that you have had in the past, there are some do’s and don’ts that you have to follow so that there won’t be any problems between you and your new friend.

You will probably be told to follow a strict diet consisting of meat and poultry products since ferrets prefer a meal that is high in protein and low in fat. You must never feed them anything that is rich in carbs or sugar and those that are intended for other animals.

As the angora ferret grows older, you can substitute its diet with bones and other items as their need for protein decreases.

It will also be advisable to ferret proof your home so they do not cause any damage or hurt themselves. Since they are quite small and they might take a nap just about anywhere in the room, check under the cushion of the couch before you sit down.

Don’t forget to bring the angora ferret to the vet for its annual vaccinations to prevent the spread of rabies or having it succumb to illness.

The angora ferret can also be toilet trained so they won’t dump their waste on your carpet. It is also possible to teach them to do a few tricks which will surely amaze those who get to see your new pet.

Everyone deserves to have a pet. Sure, you can settle for a dog, cat or a goldfish but it is nothing compared to the love and playfulness of a friendly and sociable exotic little creature like the long haired Angora ferret. If it is legal to own one where you live, by all means go ahead and get one.

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FERRETS - The Ideal Pet

If you love pets that are quiet and cute, then ferrets will be the right choice. Because by their very appearance, many people tend to mistake them for rodents but they are actually more like a cross between a cat and a dog.

Ferret (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

During earlier times ferrets were used to hunt down, or dig out rabbits from their burrows. But nowadays they are mostly kept as pets. If you are thinking of buying a ferret, you should buy one from reputable shelters or breeders or from the Humane Society.

Before taking your ferret home, make sure that your ferret has been given the necessary vaccinations. It is also a good idea to consult a local veterinarian for information on common ferret diseases and their cure. Ferrets live roughly for about 7 to 10 years. A ferret costs around $75 to $120, depending on its age and from where you buy.

Contrary to common belief, ferrets can be trained effectively though it may not be as easy as training cats or dogs. Training ferrets to learn the rules of the house will be a gradual process. The best way to reward a ferret for positive behavior is by giving it food. For behaviors that are not acceptable, paying no attention to the ferret or confining it in the cage will work wonders. As ferrets move around a lot, they tend to mess up the rooms. Nipping is also a major problem associated with ferrets. Nevertheless they can be trained to use the litter and not to nip.

Good ferret care is important for raising a healthy and happy ferret. Frequent interaction with their owners help ferrets get used to their new homes. It is also a good idea to spend a lot of time with your new pet ferret especially during the early days of domesticating. Ferrets that are used to playing with people since their baby days tend to be more friendly and playful. Though ferrets sleep almost 15 to 16 hours a day, they are very active the rest of the time and love to play with toys and frolic around.

Ferrets are carnivores by nature and require a diet rich in animal protein and low in fiber. Ferrets were generally given cat or dog dry foods before, but nowadays specially packed ferret foods are available in pet shops. Totally Ferret, Ferrotone and Zupreem are the most common ferret food brands among ferret owners.

A variety of ferret accessories are now also available on the market, which include toys, cages and other innovative items. Large cages should be bought complete with floors, stairs and tunnels. If you have enough space in your backyard, you can also make a natural abode for your pet, including hammocks, hanging bunks, cozy beds and custom litters.

Submitted by: Sue Jan About the Author: To find out how to care for Ferrets drop by Ferret World. Susan also writes at Shopping and Society. Source: www.isnare.com

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ANGORA FERRET - Difference From Regular Ferrets

An Angora Ferret “Ranko”
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The angora ferret, with its long fur and lively behavior makes an exotic and a very entertaining pet. Although more expensive than other kinds of ferrets, this beautiful and inquisitive creatures can fill your life with fun and laughter.

How did Angoras come into being?

They originated in Sweden, when a breeder noticed some changes in his ferrets. Certain mutations in the genetic level caused these ferrets to have longer hair in their hind legs and backsides. This breeder sold his special ferrets to another in Norway, who bred angoras, as we know them nowadays.

Angoras, with their particular coat color and hair length, are reared by repeated in breeding. Hence, some veterinarians prefer to group them as a subspecies.

How do these variants of ferrets differ from normal ferrets?

They differ in terms of looks as well as behavior. Fur of angoras is very long - perhaps the most distinguishing feature. However, do not mistake long haired ferrets for angoras - there are several other dissimilarities as well.

Body Structure - the trademark long fur can grow up to 4 inches in length. They can weigh up to 7 pounds. The tell-tale sign of an angora ferret is an extra fold on their pointed, slightly turned-up nose and a small tuft of hair on the tip or inside the nose. As very small kits, the angoras do not have long fur, but they can be recognized by their nose. The shape of the eyes also differs slightly from an American ferret.

Sparse hair on tails - this is because these ferrets have no undercoat. So even though the rest of their body is covered with luscious long hair, their tail appears to be bare. Due to the lack of undercoat, they do not shed as much as regular ferrets.

Much higher energy levels than American ferrets - angoras are cute, but also excessively inquisitive and can be stubborn as well. Before purchasing an angora, it would be helpful if you already have a full-grown well trained ferret at home. It can set an example of behavior for your new angora kit. 

Sometimes angoras have a tendency to nip, so be cautious before letting a child handle them.

By Clint Sidney Clint is a ferret enthusiast who enjoys giving information about Angora Ferret [http://www.ferretcarehelp.com/angora-ferret/].  Article Source: EzineArticles

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Types of FERRETS

There are two types of ferrets found in North America. You have the domesticated one called the Mustela putorious and the wild one called the mustela nigripes. Both of which are closely related to the weasel family. Now let’s talk about these two in more detail. 

Black-footed Ferret Mustela nigripes at Louisville Zoo
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The domesticated ferret has been treated as a pet for more than a thousand years. They are no longer suited for life in the wild and were used to kill rats or assist the hunter in searching for rabbits hiding in the burrows. These days, they are simply kept as pets while some are used by institutions for scientific research. One example is to produce vaccines for farm raised mink. 

This type of ferret descended from the European polecat. It comes in different coat colors and patterns but this has not changed much due to selective breeding. You might see some domesticated ferrets that are albino in color with yellowish white fur, pink eyes, nose and claws. 

The difference between the domesticated ferret and the Polecat is that the latter is slightly smaller.  They are also polygamous and usually produce one to two offspring that is about six to seven litters per young a year over a 42 day gestation period. In terms of gender, the male is much longer and heavier than the female. 

One example is the Angora ferret that has very long fur. It is rarely seen or even owned because it is very hard to breed. 

The domesticated ferret is very popular because it is friendly, intelligent, playful and sociable. You can adopt one from a shelter or buy one from a breeder and then enjoy its company for many years to come. 

The wild ferret is bigger than the domesticated version. One example is the black footed ferret that is now classified as an endangered species. The number has drastically dropped as a result from human destruction of prairie dog populations and their habitat.

You won’t miss seeing the black footed ferret because it has a yellowish buff coat that becomes brown on the top of the head and along the back. Its feet and legs on the other hard are black and you might mistake it for a raccoon. Just the same, the males are bigger than the females and this creature is nocturnal. 

Domesticated ferrets eat poultry and meat products that are given by their owners. Wild ferrets on the other hand have to hunt for food and prey on prairie dogs. Once the pack has been depleted, they will move on to another in order to survive. 

Now that you know the two basic types of ferrets, you won’t have a hard time identifying them. If you want to own a ferret, you will have to settle for the domesticated type. You should be ready to spend your time and your money so it will be able to live for 8 years or more. Some of the things you will need to buy are a cage and food. 

You will also need to have the ferret vaccinated annually as this is required by law to prevent the spread of rabies in case this creature bites anyone. 

One misconception about ferrets is that they are often referred to as rodents. This must be corrected because they are cute, furry and intelligent mammals. 

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