The domesticated ferret has much to offer as a companion animal provided the owner is well informed about the animal's specific needs and is willing to accept the responsibility of its care. So, if you're thinking about owning a ferret, or even if you're already a ferret fan, the following information is provided to help you understand the ferret and its needs.

The pet ferret (Mustela putorious furo[ital]) is the only domesticated member of the weasel family Mustelidae[ital]. Wild members of this family include mink, otters, badgers and the endangered North American black-footed ferret.

Ferrets are small, quiet, fastidious and incredibly social. Best of all, you can raise them as comfortably in a one-room apartment as in a house.

Baby ferrets are called kits. They reach adult weight around 4 to 6 months of age and will attain maximum body size at six months. Spayed females are called sprites; neutered males are gibs. The adult female usually weighs from 3/4 to 2 pounds, the adult male a little more, from 2 to 3 1/2 pounds. Their basic color categories are albino and sable. Within the sable categories, you will find color varieties such as chocolate, cinnamon, champagne and silver mitt.

Ferrets will gain weight during fall for winter and will start losing weight during spring for summer. They will have a full winter coat and a lighter summer coat. Mask conformation (distinguishing markings and color) may change with season and age.

Ferrets are known for their musky odor. The odor that comes from oil glands in the skin virtually disappears when a ferret is spayed or neutered because of a decrease in hormone (estrogen or testosterone) production.

Ferrets also have anal scent glands that are capable of emitting a pungent odor when they are extremely frightened, angry or when excited in a fighting mood. Fortunately, the odor dissipates quickly. Removal of the anal scent gland (descenting) is not necessary unless there is evidence of a health problem.

Author(s): Deborah Jeans

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