FERRETS
The ferret has been domesticated and used for hunting over the last
2000 years. Within the last decade its popularity as a pet has
increased and today there are many ferret clubs and societies catering
for the estimated 275 000 ferrets within the UK.
The female is called a `jill` , the male, a `hob` and the
young are termed `kits`. The average life-span of the ferret is 6-12
years.
Housing
Ferrets are social animals and are often kept in pairs. Given their
ability to chew at materials, the cage should be constructed of good
quality hardwood and heavy duty chicken wire or weld-mesh (2.5cm mesh
size). A cage to accommodate a pair of ferrets should measure 1.6m
long, 0.5m high and 0.5 m deep. The nest box section of the cage should
be about a quarter of this size. Straw or hay is used as bedding and a
litter area can comprise coarse sawdust or wood shavings.
The cage can be kept in a shed or garage over winter as ferrets can
generally withstand our winters but shade must be provided on hot sunny
days to avoid them over-heating.
Diet
The ferret is carnivorous and can be safely reared and maintained on a
diet of cat food in wet or dried forms, as these contain high levels of
protein and fat. Small amounts of milk and raw meat are beneficial.
Fresh clean water should always be available.
Reproduction
Puberty in the `hob` occurs at around 5-8 months of age during the
spring after his birth. The hob is in season from January to August
during which time the testicles enlarge and descend into the scrotum.
From September to December, the testicles shrink and are pulled up into
the abdomen.
Puberty in the `jill` occurs in the spring after her birth. A heat or
season will often continue unless the `jill` is mated and this can lead
to a potentially fatal rise in the female sex hormone, oestrogen.
Following a successful mating, pregnancy lasts 38-44 days. The average
litter size is between 5-12 `kits`. The `kits` are born very
underdeveloped. Any disturbance of the nest or handling of the `kits`
within the first fortnight may result in cannibalism of the young. The
kits are weaned at 6-8 weeks.
***
