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When we take our ferrets out to meet the public at shows, or simply take them out for walks, the people who meet them ask us the same questions again and again. Here are our answers to those questions. Try emailing us for an answer to any other questions you might have, or take a look at our problem page.
 Do they bite?
 Yes, of course they do. Like cats, dogs, hamsters, rats and most other pets they have teeth and jaws and they use them to bite things, especially their food! Ferrets do have a tendency to 'explore the world with their mouths', but in fact ferrets do not pose an unusual risk of biting. Dogs, for instance, are at least 200 times more likely to bite than ferrets, according to an article published in the Journal of Veterinary Medicine.
There is no good reason why a ferret should be a biter of people,although there are unfortunately plenty of bad reasons. These usually involve mistreatment and/or simple neglect, especially in the formative months of the ferret's life. Even in these cases it's almost always possible to cure a ferret of biting with the right approach and lots of time and patience.
Do they smell?
When people ask this question what they usually mean is: 'Do ferrets smell bad?' The answer depends upon a number of factors. Un-neutered ferrets, especially the males (or hobs to give them their proper name) can get a bit strong on the nose, especially during the mating season. Other factors, such as how and where the ferret is kept, how often its bedding and toilet areas are changed or washed, and also to some extent its diet will also affect the odour. Ferrets also have the ability to release a foul-smelling secretion if annoyed or frightened. Ultimately however it has to be realised that all animals, including humans, have some body odour. Many people find the warm, biscuity, earthy aroma of a ferret snoozing in their lap very agreeable.
Do they make good pets?
Yes, they make excellent pets for the right people. It really depends upon who will be responsible for the animal. Ferrets do not make good pets for very young children. We would recommend that from 12 years upward is a reasonable age to start owning a ferret. But you must remember that it is a long term commitment. Ferrets may live for 10 years or more.
Because they are so agile, people who have limited mobility might find a ferret unmanageable. We would not recommend a ferret as a pet for people who spend a lot of time away from home. So who are the right people to own ferrets? The answer is those who have the necessary time and commitment. Ferrets thrive on love and attention and the more you have to give them, the better pet they will turn out to be.
Are ferrets easy to keep?
Yes, relatively. Ferrets do not need special lighting or heating like reptiles, nor do they need walking every day like a dog. They do however need proper feeding, housing and veterinary care. We would strongly recommend that prospective owners read a good book on ferret husbandry prior to obtaining their animal.
What do ferrets eat?
Ferrets must have a meat-based diet. This doesn't mean that you have to feed raw meat, however. There are a number of 'complete' dry foods available that are tailored for the specific nutritional requirements of your ferret. If you do decide to give your ferret one of these remember to provide plenty of fresh water as well. You can also of course feed fresh meat as well or instead of the dry food but if you do it should be the whole carcass, complete with fur or feathers, bones and internal organs etc. and not just muscle meat.
Where do you keep them?
We keep our ferrets as house pets and they have the free run of most of the house. If you decide to keep your ferrets indoors you must house-train them to use a litter tray or newspaper. You must also ferret-proof your house. This involves making sure that your pets cannot escape through doors, windows, or cracks and gaps in the walls and floors, and that they do not have access to anything potentially harmful, such as exposed wiring or poisonous household chemicals. Ferrets can also live quite happily outdoors in a specially constructed secure hutch or specially constructed enclosure.
Are they destructive?
They can be. They are great little earth-moving machines and will quickly dig up houseplants. They may also scrabble at carpet in an attempt to dig through to another room particularly at a door threshold. Whilst they are unlikely to damage furniture in good condition, they will enlarge any existing holes or tears in order to get into, say, a sofa. Some ferrets like to chew certain materials; rubber (especially foam rubber) is a favourite, as are certain types of cloth. Really, it all depends upon the individual ferret.
How long do they live?
The average life-span for a pet ferret in the UK is probably around eight years but there is little data available. The oldest ferret we have heard of lived to be thirteen!
Do they get on with other pets?
Yes. One of our ferret families of ten used to live in (relative) harmony with two cats. We know of other households where ferretsand dogs live quite happily together. It's all a question of managing the introductions carefully and there are plenty of books that will tell you how to do this. Never leave a ferret alone with a strange cat or dog though, as this is asking for trouble. Similarly, leaving a ferret with access to pet rabbits, birds, mice, rats, gerbils etc. may be asking too much of its self restraint!
Do ferrets require vaccinations?
Yes, they require vaccination against canine distemper which is fatal to ferrets. If your vet is unused to dealing with ferrets, make sure that he/she uses a type of vaccine that is not derived from ferrets as this will give your ferret distemper! A list of vets experienced with ferrets is obtainable here
Are they affectionate?
It seems to amaze people that an animal which has a reputation for being mean, vicious, dishonest, sneaky and generally unreliable is actually capable of giving much love and affection to another creature, ferret or human, but we can assure them that this is so.
Where do you get them from?
It is very unlikely that you will find a ferret in a pet shop, and this is not the best way to obtain an animal anyway as you will know nothing of its parents or upbringing. It is much better to join a ferret club whose members will be able to find a suitable ferret for you, probably for free. Failing this, try a ferret rescue organisation
Do you have to neuter them?
The breeding of ferrets is a complex subject which is best left to the experts. We would recommend that the males (or hobs) be castrated at 6 months old. This will prevent them becoming too malodorous and possibly fighting other males in the breeding season. It will also make them more tame and tractable, and prevent any females becoming pregnant. Female ferrets (or jills) should be spayed if not used for breeding. This is because dangerously high levels of hormones will build up in the bodies of unspayed jills during the mating season if they are not mated, leading to illness and eventual death. This can be overcome by mating with a vasectomised male or by hormone injection, but spaying is by far the best option.
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