Special Requirements

Ferrets give off a smell if they are not descented.  Also,females will get a unique disease if they are not bred in the Spring whenthey come into heat.  It is called aplastic anemia   and it will kill them if not bred. Consequently, most ferrets that are soldin pet stores are both descented and neutered.  Buying a ferret at arural auction or flea market will undoubtedly result in a non-fixed and non-descentedanimal.  Ferrets come into heat as the days get longer and it has nothingto do with temperature or indoor lighting.

Ferrets must have considerable exercise to remain healthy, so be prepared to take it outside or let it play in a large indoor area regularly.  Ferrets love to play with each other and will expect you to join in.  I have one that thinks she is a Wolverine, and will play attack, just like a wild animal.  But it is only a game and she will quickly start licking my hands at any time.  She has never punctured the skin.  If she were really stressed out such as when attacked by a dog, it would be a different thing.

Ferrets are very affectionate, more so than cats or dogs.  It is hard to believe that  so little is really known about this lovely little animal by  most people.  A ferret can learn simple tricks easily and may be quite happy to curl up in your coat pocket  and go to sleep.

Ferrets are very curious and will get into trouble if left to wander on their own. Neighbour-hood dogs, racoons, fishers, hawks, owls or even  large cats may attack and kill them.  Ferrets have no fear of anything and will amble up to any animal.   I have found that letting one at a time loose in the grass or low brush is not much of a problem if you are prepared to follow it through some awkward places.  Often, in the woods, if you momentarily lose it, you can tell where the ferret is by shrieks of alarm by surprised squirrels, chipmunks, or birds.  In most instances it only wants to play but not many small animals in the woods will reciprocate. They love to explore groundhog holes and might just decide to take a quick nap down there for a few hours, so be prepared to dig it out if you can't wait for his nap time to end  peacefully.

You must always be careful not to step on or sit down on a ferret as they love to hide and are very quick.  It could be in your boot or under your bed or inside your easy chair.   If you have one loose in the house for a while, it may be best to just sit back and watch, other wise it will wear you out pretty quickly.

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