Ferrets

Ferrets are 4-legged furry members of the Mustelidae family. They are decedents of the polecat in Europe. There are both wild and domesticated ferrets. Ferrets have been domesticated for over 1,500 years.http://my.en.com/~rcmcr/info.html#anchor386806

Ferrets are obligate carnivores, meaning their diet is comprised solely of animal products. They are often mistaken for rodents, which are herbivores, however, herbivores are the main part of a ferret's diet. When a mouse, chick, rabbit, or similar can not be found, a ferret will also feed on eggs or bones.

Ferrets are well known for their unique scent which is secreted with the oils in their skin. Young ferrets possess the same ability to spray when threatened as associated with skunks. These glands, located under the tail, are often removed from young ferrets before they are sold as pets in order to prevent accidents in the owner's home.

As part of the mustelidae family, ferrets are closely related to skunks, weasels, the least weasel, polecats, black-footed ferrets, minks, otters and martens.

Ferrets are pets in many parts of the world, though they're still illegal in several places. For example, the entire state of California forbids the ownership or transportation of ferrets, as does the city of New York. http://www.legalizeferrets.org/ferrets-intro.htm

Queen Victoria had a particular fondness for ferrets and often presented them as gifts. http://www.ferret.com/ferret-articles/what-is-a-ferret/11/

Ferrets grow to an adult size of about 1-5 pounds; females are typically 2 pounds at most, and males are typically 2 pounds at the least. Including a 5 inch tail, ferrets grow to an average length of about 20 inches. With the addition of extra fur and fat stores, a ferret can add up to 50% additional weight during the winter months.http://www.wuzzles.com/ferrets/documents/generalferretinformationf.htm

Ferrets have an average lifespan of 7-9 years with a longer life span for those ferrets that have not been met with a disease.http://www.ferret-universe.com/ The oldest recorded ferret lived to an age of 14 years. The leading cause of death is any of several common diseases which affect older ferrets. Injuries can also shorten a ferret's life span, and their curiosity can often get them into trouble. http://www.ferrets.org/Ferrets_As_Pets.htm

Ferrets are obligate carnivores, and as such, must eat a diet of strictly meat. They require high protein and fat, with very little fiber. Ferrets cannot digest any products other than meat, and is simply passed through their digestive system. This causes risk for intestinal blockages which can lead to a ferret's death.

A domesticated ferret eats small quantities of food so a high-quality diet made for them is important. About 1 to 1 and 1/2 oz of dry food can be given and left out each day so the ferret can eat as it sees fit. This is important for young ferrets as they can suffer from hypoglycemia if they do not have ready food. Young ferrets may also need their food moistened with warm water to make it easier for them to eat.

Ferrets should not be fed cat food as they need a higher protein content, and fish is not natural to a ferret's diet. Ferrets have unique food requirement not found in commercial dog or cat food. One recommendation for ferret food is to mimic their natural diet and offer fresh or frozen-thawed carcasses of mice or chicks.http://www.weaselwords.com/ferret-articles/new-ideas-in-feeding-ferrets/

• Skunks

• Least weasels

• Otters

• Minks

• Martens

• Common weasels

• Black-footed ferrets

• Polecats

• Stoats