Common Ferret Behaviors

Background

First, the domestic ferret is not a "tamed wild animal" any more than is a Poodle or Persian cat. The domestic ferret is a separate species from its wild cousins; the weasel, mink, and its more distant cousin, the native American Black-Footed Ferret. The ferret has been domesticated, according to some scholars, for over 2500 years. As a result, the domestic ferret has lost most of its ability to survive in the wild and depends totally on humans for its survival. If released outside, he would very likely starve to death within a week.

Domestic ferrets have personalities that vary as widely as do humans. In comparison with the more common household pets, the ferret’s personality could be said to be somewhere between the dog and the cat in overall behavior. It is not as demanding for attention as the dog, nor is it as aloof and independent as the cat. Like the dog, the ferret can be trained to come to his name and to do "tricks." Like the cat, it can be trained to use a litterbox. Unlike the dog, it does not have to be walked, and makes little noise. Unlike the cat, it retains his playful "kittenish"behavior all of his life. Unaltered male ferrets are called "hobs." Altered males are "gibs." Unaltered female ferrets are called "jills." Altered females are "sprites."

Even though most private breeders and knowledgeable veterinarians do not recommend altering ferrets until after they have sexually matured (about 5-8 months), most ferrets born on the large breeding farms are altered a few weeks after birth. Unless you are a breeder, both the male and female should be altered shortly after sexual maturation. A jill will come into "heat" at about 5-6 months of age, typically in the spring. Unless bred she will remain in heat. This condition will likely lead to either a fatal infection or aplastic anemia - also fatal. Hobs will exhibit a very strong, musky odor when they come into season, and proceed to "mark" their territory (your home and even you) with urine. If you get an unaltered ferret, be sure to have him/her altered by about 5- 8 months of age. A jill's life, in particular, will depend on it. The temperament of the altered males and females is similar. The male tends to become twice the size and weight of the female. On the average, the gib tends to weigh between 2-5 pounds, while the sprite tends between 1 - 2 1/2 pounds. Males also tend to have a broader face than the females, making them easily identifiable once you know what to look for.

The Ferret as a Kit

Young ferrets are called "kits."They generally reach full size at around five - six months, but may put on an additional growing spurt at around eight months. They are considered adults at one year. During this process, the domestic ferret goes through several behavioral stages. The earliest is the "Gee, I have teeth!" stage. Gee, I have teeth! - Kits love to play, and all of their young life they have played almost exclusively with their littermates. Ferret kits, unlike humans, are blessed with incredibly tough skin. Normal play involves biting and shaking that would rend most other tiny animals into small bite-sized pieces. To the kit, this is just great fun.

Suddenly the kit finds itself with a great, new, funny-looking playmate - you. One of the first things he will try to do is engage you in "play." However, you will probably find this "play" somewhat painful. Kits are very intelligent and will quickly learn that their new playmates don't appreciate that type of play if you firmly and consistently discourage him. The main thing to remember is that all young animals will use their mouth to grasp things.

They aren't being mean. They don't mean to hurt. You, as the owner, are responsible for teaching them what constitutes acceptable behavior. The ferret learns faster than most animals (including many human children) just what is acceptable. At this stage in their life, they love to explore. Put them in a new room and they'll examine every nook and cranny. Then they’ll go around a second time to make sure that they haven't missed anything the first time through. Then they'll go through it again to make sure nothing has changed since the last time. Kits tend not to like to be held for long periods of time. There is just too much that they want to see and do.
                       
Kits sleep for considerable amounts of time, and sleep very soundly. Many an owner of a young ferret will think that there is something terribly wrong because they can't get their ferret to wake up, or if they do he shakes uncontrollably. This is normal in a ferret, particularly in a kit. I've heard many stories of people rushing their limp, unconscious ferret kit to the vet, only to have him yawn and stretch as soon as they get into the office. It can be quite frightening even to an experienced ferret owner.

The Ferret as an Adolescent

Just when you think you have all the training behind you, your ferret becomes an adolescent and forgets everything you've taught him. At least he seems that way. At about six months of age, the ferret begins to mature and develop his adult personality. Like a human adolescent, this is a time for testing boundaries. Just be firm and consistent. Provide play and love in large measures. Be patient. It only lasts a few months.

The Ferret as an Adult

The ferret reaches adulthood by one year of age. By then you will probably notice a change in his personality. Although still very playful, he will begin to seek you out and "ask" to be picked up and held. He will actively seek your approval and take an interest in things you are doing. Most owners of adult ferrets are well aware of "weasel help" when it comes to sweeping or mopping the floor, or doing a little home repair. He will enjoy going on "outings" with you, sometimes even uninvited. Many knowledgeable people recommend that first-time ferret owners consider the adult ferret as their first choice.

The Ferret as a Senior Citizen

The ferret, barring an accident or early onset of cancer, will typically live to be six - eight years old. Twelve year old ferrets are not uncommon, with some reported living to the ripe old age of 15.

Although the ferret may sleep more as he gets older, he will continue his kitten-like behavior for his entire life. After the age of three, an annual physical exam is a good idea. Some vets recommend a blood test just to make sure that problems are caught early. Once your ferret reaches this age you may want to discuss the pros and cons with your vet. You should realize, however, that by the time the ferret reaches six years of age, nearly half of them may have undergone at least one major surgery.

A mature ferret, upon reaching four years of age, may require less protein in his diet. Some owners and vets recommend a switch to a high quality, adult, ferret food, rather than the regular formula. The lower protein is said to be easier on their kidneys. Again, this is a good topic to discuss with your vet for your particular ferret's age and health.

General Ferret Behavior

Regardless of age, you will find that your ferret is a hyper-energetic little bundle of fur. Ferrets are constantly into everything. If this is your first ferret, one of the things you will probably observe in the first day or two is the "ferret-dance of joy" or sometimes called the "weasel war dance." They will hop about like they have springs on their feet, back arched, mouth wide open, head swinging back and forth, sometimes making a hissing or chirping sound, sometimes banging into walls and furniture. This has panicked many new owners who are unfamiliar with this "call to play." "What's wrong with my ferret? Is he sick?" Don't worry. It just means that your ferret is happy and is having a great time.

An almost universal pose, is the "flat-ferret." Here, the ferret gets as close to the ground and as flat as possible, usually right in front of you. (He looks like a miniature "speed-bump.") He’s almost saying, "Gee, look how pitiful I am. How can you not hold me? Please pick me up." Ignore this and he might even come up and tap you on the leg or foot to get your attention, before going back to the flat-ferret pose.

The flat ferret pose, though, sometimes means "I’m invisible. You can’t see me." This is often used when sneaking up on something or someone. The problem is that it's difficult to tell when he wants attention, or wants to be invisible. Ignore a ferret asking for attention risks disappointing the ferret; picking up an "invisible" ferret risks ruining his game. If it seems that your ferret is doing the "flat ferret" much more than usual, you might want to take him to a vet for a check up. It could be just fatigue or it could be an early sign of illness.

Ferrets are very clever and their front paws are great at manipulating objects. They can open cabinet doors and drawers, so be careful where you leave your caustic cleaning materials. Childproof locks are not necessarily ferret-proof locks. Ferrets are also ingenious at figuring out paths to things that are "up out of reach." They can even open zippers and unscrew bottle tops that are not on too tight.

One of the greatest things about ferrets is their creativity and ingenuity. Rest assured, your ferret will get into trouble and you must be there to rescue him. Patience is the key word here. Oh, and one last comment, if you're going to own a ferret, you have to have a great sense of humor.