Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to our Faq section here we are going to answer some of the most common asked questions about ferrets.

Q: How long do ferrets live?
A: Ferrets generally live between eight to ten years.

Q: Do ferrets bite?
A: Ok this is an confusing topic when it come to ferrets. Any animal has the potential to bite if it feels threatened. Even dogs and cats have the potential to bite. Ferrets have gotten a bad rap in this area of dissuction. Ferrets generally do not bite (unless they have never been handled by humans). However, if a ferret has been abused, mistreated, or is sick or injured it may bite. There are many more dog and cat bites on record than ferret bites. What is mistaken for biteing is when ferrets "nip" either as a kit or when the ferret is playing with you. Ferrets generally play ruff expecially as kits. They like to nip at your feet, toes, soxs, hands, etc. to intence play. They arent trying to bite you to hurt you they are just playing with you. Ferrets skin is tougher then human skin and they dont understand the diffrence so they need to be taught to play diffrently. You should encourage "gentle mouthing"  behavior, as this is the main way a ferret will interact with it's environment when playing. Gentle play and a sharp "no" if the ferret nips too hard (sometimes coupled with a gentle "scruffing" or a nip deterrent like Bitter Apple),  is a good way to end the behavior.  Nipping too hard is a behavior that can be broken with patience and training.

Q:What are ferrets? Do they make good pets?
A:Ferrets are domestic animals, cousins of weasels, skunks and otters.They are friendly and make excellent pets. If you've never met one before, the easiest way to think of them is somewhere between cats and dogs in personality, but rather smaller.

Q:What's good about ferrets as pets?
A:Ferrets are a lot of fun. They are very playful, with each other and with you, and they don't lose much of that playfulness as they get older. A ferret -- or better, two or more -- can be a very entertaining companion. They are smarter than cats and dogs, or at least they act it. They are also very inquisitive and remarkably determined, which is part of their charm but can also be a bit of a bother.

Q:Are ferrets wild? Why are there ferret permits?
A:Domestic pet ferrets, Mustela furo (sometimes called Mustela putorius furo), are not wild animals. They have been domesticated for a very long time, perhaps two or three thousand years.Domestic ferrets are generally believed to be descended from the European polecat; they were originally used as hunting animals to catch rabbits and rodents

Q:Are ferrets legal where I live? Do I need a license?
A:Depending on where you live, ferrets may be completely unregulated, require a license to breed but not to own, require a permit to own, or be entirely illegal. This varies by state or province, county, and city.You can find out about your town by calling the local Wildlife Department or Fish and Game Department, the humane society, or veterinarians (recommended in that order).

Q:Is a ferret a good pet for a child?
A:Many people have both children and ferrets without problems, but there's a difference between having both children and pets, and getting a pet for your child. It's important to remember that a ferret is a lot like a cat or dog, and will require the same kind of attention and care. It's not at all like keeping a pet hamster or guinea pig. If your child is responsible, careful, and not too young, and you're willing to supervise and help out with the care, a ferret will be a great pet. Otherwise, consider getting a low-maintenance pet you can keep in a cage instead.

Q:Do I need a cage? Where can I get one? How should I set it up?
A:Many people keep their ferrets in a cage or very well-ferretproofed room whenever they can't be supervised.A metal mesh cage is probably the best choice.Plain wood cages aren't recommended because the wood soaks up urine and other liquids, so getting the smell out and getting the cage really clean are nearly impossible.

Q:What size cage will I need?
A:If you plan to keep your ferret caged whenever you're not home, and you'll be gone most of the day, a generous cage size is about 2 X 3 feet and 2 feet high (60 X 100 X 60 cm). A second or third ferret could share that size cage.

Q:Where can I get a cage?
A:Of course, pet stores and catalogs have lots of cages. Many of the condos or cages for sale in pet stores are made by Midwest and are available online.

Q:What should be in the cage?
A:In the cage, you'll want some sort of "bedroom" for your pet. A ferret won't be very happy sleeping on the open floor of a cage, even on (or, more likely, under) a towel or shirt, but any small cardboard box or basket works well as a bedroom. Other than food, water, a litter pan, bedding, and a bedroom, what you put in your ferret's cage is largely up to you. Enough room to stretch and move around is important, and different levels, ramps, tunnels made from dryer hose or black drainage pipe, and so on will probably be appreciated.