The ferret (Mustela putorius furo) is a domestic pet. It is not a wild animal, though ferrets are descendents of the European polecat (weasel) and are, therefore, close relatives of skunks, mink, otters and badgers.

There are 2 varieties of ferrets, based on coloration. Fitch ferrets are buff-color, with black masks, feet and tails. Albino ferrets are white, with pink eyes. The female ferret is called a "jill", while the male ferret is called a "hob". Babies are "kits".

The gestation period of ferrets is 42-44 days. The average litter size is 8. Kits are born deaf, with their eyes closed. Their eyes open and they begin to hear between 3 and 5 weeks of age. Their deciduous (temporary) teeth begin to erupt at 2 weeks of age, at which time they begin to eat solid food. Kits generally are weaned onto commercial kitten chow at 4 to 8 weeks of age. Kits reach their adult weight at 4 months of age. Males are typically twice the size of females, but both sexes undergo periodic weight fluctuations. It is not uncommon for the average ferret to add 30-40% of its body weight in fat deposited beneath the skin in the fall, and lose this fat the following spring. The average life span in ferrets is 9-10 years.

Ferrets make wonderful pets because of their engaging personalities, playful activity and fastidious nature. They can easily be trained to use a litter box because they tend to habitually urinate and defecate in the same places. Provide a low-sided litter box for easy entry and exit. More than one litter box may be necessary if the ferret has free run of the house.

There is no innate animosity between ferrets and dogs and cats, and all can usually share a household with little difficulty. However, ferrets have been known to attack pet birds, so it is advisable for owners of both to take appropriate precautions to prevent these encounters.

Ferrets are naturally inquisitive and can squeeze through very small spaces. It is important to "ferret proof" your house before bringing your pet home. Thoroughly check every room it will inhabit, sealing all holes and openings wider than 1 inch in diameter. Make sure all windows that may be opened have secure screens. Check the openings around plumbing, heating and air conditioning ducts or pipes.

We recommend that all pet ferrets be vaccinated against canine distemper and rabies. These vaccines need to be administered in a series, spaced approximately 3 weeks apart. Ten days after the final distemper booster, the rabies vaccine will be administered.