Who are ferrets
Despite the fact that the ferret is a predator by nature, many exotic lovers have found a place for it in their homes. True, we are talking about domesticated ferrets, which sometimes do not even know what hunting is. Consider what are remarkable ferrets and what species zoologists divide these animals into.
Ferrets
Ferret species
At the moment, there is a debate about how to properly classify these animals. If most other representatives of the animal world are subdivided into breeds, then ferrets, as such, do not have a breed. According to the most common classification, there are 3 types of ferrets:
- steppe ferret;
- black-footed ferret;
- forest ferret.
But this is not the only classification. Some zoologists suggest taking the color of animals as the basis for the classification. Moreover, within this division there are 3 more classifications. Ferrets are divided according to such criteria as the actual color, color scheme and distribution of white spots. Consider all 3 options for classifications by color.
Color classification
If we talk about wild animals, then they are painted quite monotonously. But as people began to breed ferrets for home keeping, breeders worked to improve the color. Today you can find these animals in 8 colors. Albino ferrets are an exotic species. A detailed description of each group will be given later. Less exotic, but no less popular, are sable, black-sable, black, brown and chocolate ferrets. Brown color suggests dark shades. The charm is possessed by an animal whose fur is dyed in a color called champagne. The latter group includes white ferrets with black eyes.
If we consider the classification, according to the drawing on the body of the ferret, then 4 groups are distinguished: Siamese, solid, roan and standard.
The latter classification involves dividing ferrets into species, depending on the location of the white spots on the ferret's fur coat. There are 3 types of color: panda, flash and mittens.
These are not all classifications that exist today. Some zoologists suggest dividing animals by color according to the intensity of the color. They distinguish the pastel group of ferrets, mother-of-pearl, sable, golden, black, the pastel self group, and the marked group of animals. In particular, this classification is recognized in Russia.
You can also classify animals according to their local habitat. For example, on the African continent, the African ferret is widespread, the fur of which seems to have been painted by an artist, and in Siberia there is a Siberian ferret, which has adapted to the harsh climatic conditions.
Steppe ferrets
Today this group is the most numerous. In addition, members of this group are the largest. The body length of an adult is 70-74 cm.The length of the ferret's body is measured from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail. Of the entire length, about 20 cm falls on a lush tail. The weight of an adult does not exceed 2 kg.
Steppe ferrets are found in nature in different areas. They can be found both in Western Europe and the Far East. It should be noted that in the places of distribution of steppe ferrets, there are different climatic conditions to which the animals adapt quickly enough. This is a characteristic of the steppe ferret. This adaptability is explained by the fact that animals are unusually skillful in organizing their diet depending on the living conditions. It is also worth noting that they have very thick fur that can protect against the harshest frosts. Well, one can envy the ability of this small animal to defend its life from enemies.
Power features
All ferrets, and steppe is no exception, are a crepuscular animal. Accordingly, ferrets go hunting (they get their own food on the hunt) in the dark. A well-developed sense of smell and ability to see in the dark allows them to successfully hunt. It is also worth noting that ferrets have powerful legs that allow them to chase their prey. On the front limbs, powerful claws are located, allowing them to attack the prey, and, due to their small size, ferrets successfully penetrate holes. The predator attacks the prey most often in the burrow.
The ferret cannot hunt large animals, so small fluffy animals attract its attention. This group includes gophers, shrews, pikas and voles. Ferrets also hunt young gophers. The ferret will not give up on the bird either, but he is not inclined to pursue a purposeful hunt for birds. Their victims are birds that dozed off on the ground or a low tree. A snake can also be a victim of a ferret. Ferrets generally do not feed on dead animals. Only a weak animal, which for one reason or another cannot hunt (illness, for example), is able to force the ferret to eat the fallen animals. Also, prolonged fasting can be the reason for this behavior. Ferret mainly feeds on fresh prey.
The color of the steppe ferret
Ferrets have excellent fur. And this, perhaps, is their main drawback, since people have long begun to hunt for this fur coat. It should be noted that today hunting for some species of ferrets is prohibited, as they are on the verge of extinction. Hunting for other types of ferrets is allowed, but only within reasonable limits.
The hair on the body of an animal has different lengths. The upper tier is the longest and rather rare. It is painted in dark, close to black, colors. The black color itself is no exception, but it is quite rare in color. Fluffy and dense undercoat, which is clearly visible under the outer dark hair, light. On the belly and paws, the hair is dyed in darker tones than on the back. The bushy tail is half light and half dark. Sometimes most of the tail is colored light, and only a third is dark. The dark coat is located at the tip of the tail, and the light coat is at the base. There is a dark mask on the face.
Enemies
Carnivores hunt steppe ferrets, which are larger in size. These are primarily wolves and foxes. Dogs are also natural enemies of steppe ferrets. Do not mind eating tender meat of animals and large birds (hawks, for example). But it is worth paying tribute to the agility of these animals, which often manage to hide from enemies.
Even if the ferret is cornered, it continues to resist. These animals have one peculiarity. They are capable of "injecting" an extremely unpleasant odor that baffles the opponent. During the time until the opponent realizes what happened, the dexterous polecat manages to hide.
Reproduction
The steppe ferret lives, as a rule, in the burrows of its victims or in burrows abandoned by large animals.After settling in, the animal equips the dwelling. First of all, it enlarges the hole to the desired size. Since most ferret victims are small, their burrows are also somewhat small for a furry hunter. The diameter of the entrance to the ferret house varies from 8 to 12 cm.
Ferrets start breeding with mating games, and the animals mate in late winter or early spring. Females are hatching for 40 days. Accordingly, the offspring is born somewhere in May or early June. Small predators breed quickly. After giving birth, half of the burrow in which the parent ferrets live is set aside for the nest. Animals cover it with fallen leaves or dry grass.
Newborn animals are absolutely helpless. Little ferrets are born blind, and their body is not covered with hair. Ferrets are excellent mothers. They leave the nest only when absolutely necessary. After 30-35 days, the pups open their eyes. At this age, the female ferret begins to acquaint babies with the smell of prey, and after another 2 months, a caring mother brings offspring to the first hunt.
As a rule, the offspring spends with their mother for several more months, and with the onset of cold weather, recent babies leave their parents' home and occupy the burrow of their prey. It happens that the ferret cub does not leave the parental home after this time, but stays with the parents until spring. But such cases are extremely rare.
The ferret, without aggression, meets with its relatives and is not inclined to fight for territory. Most likely, this is due to the fact that he does not have to build the hole himself. In fact, he originally settled on someone's territory.
Black-footed ferret
This ferret is the smallest of its brethren. It is also sometimes called American. The animal received this name because of its range. This small animal has gracefulness. Its body length does not exceed 50 cm, and its weight is 1 kg on average. Very rarely, these animals weigh more than a kilogram.
Due to human poaching, the American ferret has practically disappeared from the face of the earth. Today, the population is trying not only to preserve, but also to increase. In this regard, some ferrets are in captivity, and after the ferrets mate and the offspring become completely independent, young ferrets are released into their natural habitat. Do not assume that bondage involves cells and enclosed spaces. Ferrets, which are used to increase the population, are in reserves. All conditions for comfortable living have been created there.
Despite the ongoing work to increase the population, today this animal is listed in the Red Book.
The habitat of the animal is North America. Based on which family the ferret belongs to, it is easy to guess that it is predominantly nocturnal. Many members of the weasel family go hunting in the dark. During the day they rest. The small animal boasts excellent hearing and sense of smell.
Power features
Not only human poaching, but also the peculiarities of the diet have led to a decrease in the population of these representatives of the weasel family. The black-footed ferret obtains food on the hunt. As a rule, mouse-like rodents and small birds become its victims. But the basis of the diet is steppe dogs. This small animal should eat about 100 prairie dogs per year. But as soon as the lands of North America began to be allotted for farming, the population of steppe or, as they are also called, prairie dogs, significantly decreased. This is due to the fact that the farmers themselves began to destroy animals that are not averse to eating plants and herbs growing on farms.
Prairie dogs, which are diurnal, become easy prey for black-footed ferrets at night.
Color
This graceful animal is similar to the rest of the mustelids.Its body is elongated, its small head is streamlined, its legs are short, and its tail is of medium length and is covered with fluffy short hair. The fur at the base is colored in light colors, and at the ends - in dark ones. The transition from light tones to dark is smooth. Cream and yellow shades prevail in color. The short legs and belly are darker and sometimes black. The tip of the tail is also painted in a dark color. A dark mask adorns the face.
Reproduction
Regardless of what kind of predator we are talking about, the breeding process is not much different. The only difference is that the duration of pregnancy in a female black-footed ferret is, on average, 45 days. Sometimes offspring appears only on the 47th day. Only females are engaged in raising offspring. No more than 5 helpless animals are born. Broods are more numerous among steppe and forest ferrets.
An animal called a ferret lives for about 4 years. But if all the necessary conditions are created for American ferrets in captivity, then their life expectancy can increase by 5 years.
Forest ferrets
This member of the weasel family is medium in size. Ferrets are found in Europe. Body length does not exceed 45 cm, weight - 1.5 kg. This animal is not averse to eating not only meat, but also animal eggs. In addition to small rodents, toads, frogs and snakes become its prey. Due to its small size, the animal is able to penetrate almost any hole, which greatly simplifies the hunting process.
First of all, let's figure out where the ferrets live. As a rule, they are located near water bodies. Also, animals can equip burrows on forest edges, but they choose an area overgrown with bushes. The polecat is not an overly shy animal. He can equip a dwelling even near human houses.
Like its brothers, the forest polecat will not dig a hole on its own. He settles in a burrow abandoned by a badger or fox. A fluffy animal can also settle in a hollow of a tree or in a haystack. The polecat does not make an emergency move. On the floor in the hole, he lays hay or dry grass. Sometimes the animal covers the floors with rodent skins.
The characteristics of the forest ferret will be incomplete, if you do not note the fact that the animal, if necessary, can go hunting during the day, and in severe frosts it does not leave the burrow for several days in a row.
Color
What does a ferret look like? The animal of this species differs significantly from its black-footed and steppe counterparts. Its color is dominated by dark tones. Also, among the forest representatives of the weasel family, the black ferret is not uncommon.
In addition to the guard hair, the animal has downs. As a rule, the color of the guard hair and the down hair differ by several tones. But the entire color palette is reduced to brown, black and their shades. Dark brown may be present. The underpants are colored lighter than the guard hair. The legs, tail and belly of a ferret are darker than the back, neck and head. The muzzle is decorated with a white mask.
Zoologists believe that the decorative domesticated ferret appeared thanks to the forest polecat. This black ferret was tamed by humans in the distant past.
The harm and benefits of ferrets
If we talk about the dangers of these animals, then they are carriers of such a disease as rabies, so the bite of a ferret is very dangerous. If you feel sick after being bitten by the ferret, or if there are other signs of discomfort, you should see a doctor immediately. Wild animals can also harm farming. They steal eggs, especially quail eggs. On this, perhaps, the disadvantages of the fluffy animal end. On the plus side, ferrets kill small rodents.
If a ferret begins to walk into the house, it is difficult to scare him away. Sometimes there is no other way out than to catch the pest. And you can catch a ferret with a trap or a trap. Meat is the best bait for a fluffy animal. They walk carefully, so traps should be placed correctly.If there is no meat at hand, you can put bird feathers in the trap.
Ferret in the house
A ferret at home is no longer a rarity. But if now ferrets are kept exclusively for aesthetic pleasure, then earlier they were used for hunting rabbits.
You need to understand that the decorative animal is absolutely not adapted for life in the wild. He is unable to obtain food for himself or find water.
Outwardly, the decorative ferret looks like its wild counterparts. The length of her body is about 45 cm. The colors of decorative animals can be very diverse. A brown or golden ferret is not uncommon. Spotted and red ferrets, pastel animals are also touched.
Care features
The animal needs to be cared for in a certain way, so you need to think about whether to get a ferret. First of all, it should be noted that small animals have a special smell. Accordingly, if there is a ferret in the house, then the smell will be heard in all corners. At the same time, in no case can it be said that the animal stinks. It exudes a musky scent that just not everyone likes.
The animal molts twice a year. The first molt occurs at the beginning of spring, the second at the end of autumn. During these periods, it will not be superfluous to comb out the ferret, otherwise the wool will fly around this house and settle on clothes. If, for example, there is a black ferret in the house, then its fur on clothes will be hardly noticeable. If a red ferret lives at home, then the wool on furniture and clothes will be visible to the naked eye.
Separately, I would like to talk about boys. Upon reaching puberty, their temperaments sometimes become obnoxious. The way out is castration. It is made at the 8th month of the ferret's life. And the sex of the animal can be determined immediately after birth.
Before you get a ferret in your home, you need to arrange a place for it. It is also important to take into account the fact that some people are prone to ferret allergies.
Character
In essence, these beautiful animals are kind and affectionate. Each of them has an individual character. Some are unusually inquisitive, some are amazingly smart, and some are extremely playful. When choosing names for ferrets, it is necessary to take into account the individual characteristics of the character. Ferret nicknames can be very different. Here you can give free rein to imagination. It should be remembered that short names are suitable for animals. But before you name your pet, you should know its gender.
The ferret is no less devoted to the owner than the puppy. True, he is more independent. He goes into his arms with pleasure and is not averse to playing with a person, he loves children.
Conditions of detention
If properly cared for, your pet will have a lifespan of 9-10 years. Sometimes ferrets live up to 12 years old. It should be borne in mind that wild ferrets live in burrows. Accordingly, you need to equip a house for decorative ferrets in such a way that it looks like a hole. The cage must have a cave house in which the pet can rest. There you need to make an improvised bed for the animal. It is also advisable to put several tunnels in the cage (a regular pipe can act as a tunnel), where the tame animal can play. It will not be superfluous to install hammocks and equip a playground.
The size of the ferret cage should be such that it feels comfortable and moves freely between toys. A one-story house for a pet will not be enough. Preference should be given to 2 or 3-storey cells. However, you can make the cage yourself. You will also need a carrier, which will definitely come in handy for transporting a miniature animal. You can also do it yourself.
A litter is placed in the cage. It should always be clean. There should also be a toilet. Containers that can be used as a toilet are sold at pet stores. The ferret gets used to the toilet quickly. It is advisable that the design assumes the presence of a pallet.
Since ferrets have a specific smell, they need to be bathed regularly. It will not be superfluous to use shampoo at the same time.
Ferrets love to walk in the fresh air, but ferrets on a street walk can behave unpredictably, and catching a ferret is not an easy task, so you need to purchase a collar with a leash for your pet. It is better to walk with the animal on the street after it remembers its name and learns basic commands. Ferret lends itself well to training. And raising an animal is not difficult. In the summer, you can keep your pet in the country, provided that someone lives there. In this case, a spacious aviary should be arranged for the animal. In winter, outdoor walking should be short-term.
If the animal walks around the house, you need to hide the flowerpots further away. Despite the fact that ferrets live in an apartment, they have habits that have survived from their ancestors. This is expressed in the fact that they like to dig holes in pots with soil.
Health
Even with the best care, ferrets sometimes get sick. The pet is susceptible to diseases such as rickets, rabies, influenza, aplastic anemia, lymphoma, urolithiasis, congestive cardiomyopathy, stomach ulcers, cataracts, insulinomas.
If the pet coughs or sneezes, refuses to eat or shows any other signs of malaise, vomits, it must be immediately taken to the veterinarian. It is difficult to make a diagnosis on your own, and a specialist will not only do it, but also tell you how to treat a ferret. If the pet has serious problems, and the medications prescribed by the doctor do not help, the animal gradually dies, it is better to put it to sleep.
These animals are susceptible to flea attacks. If the ferret is constantly itching, then, most likely, it is these blood-sucking parasites that torment her. Fleas can be removed with the help of special shampoos.
Well, so that the pets do not get sick, you need to spend a lot of time with them, take them out for walks. If the ferrets are happy, then they are less vulnerable.
Pros and cons
If we talk about all the pros and cons that you need to think about before starting a pet, then it is worth noting that there are more pros. The animal is medium-sized and unpretentious to care for. For its content, a cage is suitable, which you can make with your own hands, and the sleeping fluffy ferret in the photo, as in life, looks unusually cute. Such a sight brings aesthetic pleasure to the pet owner. All these are undoubtedly the advantages of keeping ferrets.
The disadvantages are the specific smell and the time it takes to care for the pet. How much time you need to devote to your pet is difficult to answer. It happens that the ferret does not get off her hands all day, but it also happens vice versa.
Finally, I would like to note that if you get a girl, then you can sell small animals that are in demand today. Mating is not a difficult process, and females carry offspring quickly. Accordingly, ferret breeding can be a profitable business. Keeping boys and girls together is not worth it. Breeders recommend in this case to purchase 2 cells.
In St. Petersburg there is a club "Russian ferret", where you can consult a specialist on all issues. Here you can also show your pet to experienced professionals.