Ferrets are sexually dimorphic domestic mammals, which belong to the family Mustelidae and the genus Mustela. They come up to an average length of 51 cm or 20 inches and are regarded as close relatives of the polecat. Due to this, they are very easily able to hybridize with them. This has quite often resulted in feral colonies of ferret polecat hybrids, especially in parts of New Zealand. These hybrids have been perceived to cause damage to the native flora. Ferrets have furs that come in a variety of colors, like black, brown, white or mixed shades. Their use as domesticated pets has been known since a long time and even today, they are used for hunting rabbits in some parts of the world. But more than other purposes, ferrets are being kept simply as pets today. Their friendly and playful nature makes it very easy to train them, especially when they are reared from a very young age. To know some more interesting facts and amazing information on ferrets, read the pointers given below.
Facts About Ferret
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Mustelidae
Genus: Mustela
Species: M.putorius
Subspecies: M.p.furo
Length: 17 to 24 inches (44 to 60 cm), including the tail
Weight: 1 to 5.5 lbs (500 gm to 2.5 kg)
Life Span: 5 to 6 years in laboratory, up to 10 years as pets
Diet: Herbivorous (feeds on tall and coarse grasses)
Range: Eastern and Southern Africa.
Habitat: Open savannas and grasslands, near a permanent source of water
Age of Sexual Maturity: 9 to 12 months
Gestation Period: 38 to 44 days
Number of Offspring: 2 per year
Interesting & Amazing Information On Ferrets
- Ferrets are domestic mammals, with the males being substantially larger than the females.
- A male ferret is called a ‘hob’, while a female is called a ‘jill’. Also, a spayed female is called a ‘sprite’ and a neutered male is known as a ‘gib’. Baby ferrets, on the other hand, are called ‘kits’.
- The Colonial Navy at Massachusetts (America) has a ferret for a mascot.
- Ferrets generally live for 6 to 8 years, but can also reach the age of 10. They remain very playful throughout their lives.
- Training ferrets is very easy, especially when started from a very young age.
- Ferrets make very good pets, as they do not chew or claw on furniture and do not make much noise.
- Queen Victoria was very fond of ferrets, particularly the albino variety. She even gave ferrets as gifts to her near and dear ones.
- Ferrets have been known as popular household pets since ancient times. In fact, there are images of ferret-like creatures on leashes on the ancient Egyptian tombs.
- A new born ferret is so small that it will easily fit into a small teaspoon.
- While sleeping, ferrets like to crawl to small dark spaces.
