“What is My Ferret Doing?”

Let’s face it, ferrets are funny little animals. They have all sorts of quirks- no two ferrets are alike. However, there are some behaviors that are common in most ferrets. Below, I have listed some common ferret behaviors and some explanations for
them.

Alligator roll-
Ferrets generally exhibit this behavior when they are playing with other ferrets. One ferret usually grabs the other ferret by the scruff and “flips” the other ferret over. This action is important in establishing dominance between two ferrets. The “alpha ferret” is the one doing all of the flipping, while the more submissive ferret is the one constantly getting flipped!

Sometimes a single ferret will roll around by himself or herself. While excited during play. Young ferrets and ferrets who have not been nip trained will sometimes try to “scruff” and roll a human by grabbing loose skin on the back of a hand, socks, or feet. This is all done in good fun, however, if it is painful the behavior should be discouraged. Ferrets have much tougher skin than humans, so what may feel like a “pinch” to another ferret can feel like a bite to a human. Pet Emergency Clinic near me.

Backing

into a corner– Ferrets do this for different reasons. If your ferret backs up into a corner or wall while hissing and getting all “puffed” up, your ferret is telling you that he or she is frightened.

It is important to not try to grab or pick up a frightened ferret. If your ferret is frightened, just speak soft kind words and leave him or her alone. Your ferret will soon recover once he or she feels that the threat or danger is gone. Another reason ferrets back into corners is a more common one. Ferrets will often back up into a corner to use the bathroom!

If you see your ferret backing into a corner, and he or she is not frightened look out. Your ferret is about to use the potty on the floor! It is helpful to quickly
place your ferret into the nearest litter box as soon as possible (before the deed is done).

Bottle brushtail–

Ferrets will often get a “puffy” tail when they are frightened or excited. If a ferret has a bottle brush tail and is backing away from you and hissing, he or she is frightened and needs to be left alone until calm. However, if your ferret gets a “puffy” tail while exploring a new environment (like going outside for the first time), or during vigorous play, he or she is just very stimulated and excited.
the precursor to having a “wired weasel” on your hands! Our ferret Ed often gets a puffy tail when we let him out to play in the morning in our new house. A short time later he is taking off around the house like a rocket!

Chasing–

Ferrets LOVE to play chasing games. They will chase one another and they will chase you (and want you to chase them). Ed and Ginger love to chase me when I run around the house dragging a blanket.

Many new ferret owners get frightened when their ferret jumps around and “lunges” at them and then starts to run around like crazed animals. Don’t worry. Your ferret is just trying to entice you into a game of chase. If you decide to turn the tables and chase your ferret back, just make sure you have several feet between you and your ferret. Ferrets can stop
suddenly and get stepped on!

Dance of Joy–

This is one of my favorite aspects of ferret behavior. The “dance of joy” consists of a ferret jumping around from side to side, flipping on the floor, bouncing off of furniture, and generally losing all control!

Your ferret may slightly open his or her mouth during the display and make “chirping or dooking” sounds. Basically, your ferret is telling you that he or she is full of energy, incredibly happy, and ready for some serious playtime! Many first-time ferret owners can be frightened by this display (I have had people write to me thinking that their ferret was attacking them). Don’t worry. Your ferret is simply bursting with joy and energy. Pet Emergency Clinic near me

Dooking–

This term refers to the sound a ferret makes when excited and happy. My husband prefers to call it “chirping.” The next time you play with
your ferret, listen closely. Sometimes it is hard to hear the soft vocalizations ferrets make when excited. My ferrets “dook” quite loudly when playing with one another and when I take them outside.

Food digging–

This is often an “unwanted” ferret behavior, however many ferrets do it. Ferrets are born to dig, and to them, a bowl of chow is as good as
a pile of dirt when it comes to digging. I have learned to live with this behavior and have not attempted to get my ferrets to stop. Most ferrets will just eat the food that they dig out of the bowl. It is nearly impossible to stop ferrets from exhibiting behaviors that are a part of their nature.

Food and water bowl tipping–

This is another unwanted ferret behavior, however many ferrets do it often. Ferrets are playful animals and will play with their food and water if given the chance. Sometimes ferrets will tip over their food and water if they are bored from being caged too long.

Your ferret may be trying to tell you that he or she is upset or lonely. Other times, a ferret will knock over the food or water bowl to play in the spilled food or water. Many ferrets love to play in shallow water and dig for food. A bowl of water is just plain irresistible to a ferret and it can eventually get knocked over during play. Purchasing heavy ceramic food bowls or food bowls that attach to the side of the cage can help in solving this problem. Pet Emergency Clinic near me.

little water in their food

Ferrets do also tend to like to mix a little water in with their food. I discovered my ferrets “scooting” the food and water bowl (they are attached) across the kitchen floor until some of the water splashed into the food side of the bowl.

They then drank the water out of the food side of the bowl and ate the food. If your ferret does this, try moving some of the ferret food aside and splashing a little water into the food bowl. This may help in keeping the food and water bowl from getting tipped over accidentally. Just be aware that moist food spoils quickly, so you should remove any uneaten portions and replace them with fresh food. Pet Emergency Clinic near me.

Hissing–

A hissing ferret can be an unhappy or angry ferret. Always use caution in trying to pick up a ferret who is backing away and hissing. You
could get bitten. Ferrets usually hiss to show fear or anger. However, ferrets can sometimes hiss when engaging in play with one another. If your ferret hisses while displaying an arched back and “bristled” fur, just speak softly to your ferret and leave your ferret alone. He or she is not a happy ferret and could bite. Only pick up your ferret after he or she has calmed down.

Litter box digging–

Ferrets LOVE to dig, and litter is no exception. To avoid litter box digging, try keeping a small piece of stool in the litter box at all times. A squeaky clean litter box can be a wonderful digging toy for a playful ferret. If your ferret can smell excrement in the box, he or she may see it as a place to do business and not a place to play. You can also purchase some “play sand” or potting soil from a hardware store and make a
“sandbox” for your ferret to play in. If you give your ferret appropriate places to dig, he or she may leave the litter boxes alone. Pet Emergency Clinic near me.

Obsession with a particular object–

Ferrets can and do become obsessed with particular objects or toys. Your ferret will probably pick his or her favorite toy and hide it in
a secret hiding place. If you find the toy and remove it, your ferret could become very anxious, angry, or stressed. For example, our ferret Ed is obsessed with his Winnie the Pooh stuffed animal with a built-in teething ring/rattle  (see picture below).

He doesn’t chew on it, he just moves it to different places around the house. At any given time of the day, my husband and I can hear the jingling of the rattle as Ed moves it to a new hiding place. If I find his toy and jingle it, he will come running out of any hiding place to get it back.

He will then look for a new hiding place to store it. Ferrets can also fight with one another if one tries to take the other’s favorite object. Your job is to make sure your ferret becomes attached to a safe item. Ferrets are notorious for stashing things that they like all over the house (even car keys and wallets!).

Object “scooting”–

This is another one of my favorite ferret behaviors. Ferrets will sometimes try to move large or awkward objects by grabbing them with their paws, holding them close to their chest, and “scooting” backward. The funny aspect of this behavior (besides the fact that they look funny) is that they often just move around in a circle, not really getting anywhere at all! Ed and Ginger often try to move plastic Easter eggs (and pantyhose) in this fashion. It always gives me a good laugh! Pet Emergency Clinic near me.

Running into things –

Believe it or not, ferrets actually have very poor eyesight. They can only see about two feet in front of them. Their peripheral vision (side to side) is better than their frontal vision. This is why a playing ferret may run head-on into a wall or piece of furniture while running. Ferrets also have very poor depth perception and may suffer from “high-rise syndrome.”

For this reason, it is not advisable to let your ferret run around on a balcony or high patio. Ferrets have also been known to scratch through window screens and fall to their deaths. Be sure to watch your ferret closely if you have a two-story home with an open balcony on the second floor. Many people put Plexiglas barriers around open banisters on the second floor. Pet Emergency Clinic near me.

Screaming–

If your ferret lets out a scream, you can be sure your ferret is not a happy camper. Ferrets can let out a scream when very frightened, injured, or unhappy. It is not a sound you want to hear.

If your ferret screams due to an injury, you want to get him or she checked out by a vet as soon as possible. Sometimes, ferrets may scream during rough play or dominant wrestling. This is especially true when a new ferret is introduced into the family.

Ferrets do have a pecking order and the submissive ferret may be getting bullied by the “alpha ferret” of the group.
If you hear your ferret scream while playing with another ferret, always check out the situation. You want to make sure there are no bites or serious scratches that need medical attention. If no injuries are taking place, continue to let the ferrets “duke it out” for short supervised periods of time. Ferrets will usually sort out their differences on their own. However, if one ferret is injuring another ferret, they should be separated.

Scratching-

Ferrets tend to be itchy animals. If your ferret suddenly stops during play and scratches like crazy, don’t worry too much about it. Ferrets tend to scratch often. However, always check your ferret over for fleas, skin redness, or skin lesions. If you find any lumps or bumps on your ferret’s skin, go see a veterinarian. If fleas are present, talk to your vet about topical flea products, or use a ferret-specific flea shampoo. Pet Emergency Clinic near me

Be sure to treat your house for fleas as well. If your ferret’s skin looks fine, your ferret is just displaying typical “itchy” behavior.

Sneezing–

Ferrets do tend to sneeze a lot. This is usually due to their close proximity to the ground and their habit of smelling everything in sight. If they sniff something that is dusty, they will sneeze.

However, if the sneezing is accompanied by a runny nose or lethargy, you may have a sick ferret
on your hands. Ferrets can catch human viruses. If your ferret does not improve in a few days, or if he or she starts coughing or has a thick mucus discharge, take your ferret to a veterinarian for a check-up.

Tail wagging–

This is another adorable ferret behavior. If you are lucky, you may see your ferret wag his or her tail very rapidly when excited. This behavior usually takes place when two ferrets are playing in a tunnel or tube. It just means that your ferret is very excited and is anticipating something fun. Pet Emergency Clinic near me.

For example, Ed will wag his tail while waiting for Ginger to join him inside their play tunnel (Ferret Freeway). Ginger has no idea that Ed is in the tunnel when she enters it. Ed wags his tail until he sees her and then lunges forward to surprise her! It really is fun to watch.

Toe Nipping–

Ferrets will often nip toes and feet when they are young. They are basically treating your foot like another ferret. Ferrets will often nip one another to entice play. They also scruff one another using their mouths during play. Because ferret skin is tougher than human skin,  a playful nip can feel like a bite. You should discourage this behavior in young and old ferrets. Wearing socks is usually the best deterrent for foot and toe nipping.

Ferrets seem to LOVE stinky feet. So, if your feet stink (or even if they don’t), try wearing socks around your ferrets at all times. If this does not stop the behavior, purchase some Bitter Apple and apply it to your feet. It tastes terrible and should deter your ferret from nipping. Say “no” very loudly each time your ferret nips your foot.

War dance–

This ferret behavior looks a lot like the “dance of joy,” however it has a very different meaning. If your ferret is arching his or her back with bristled fur, jumping from side to side, backing away, and hissing-look out. Your ferret may be pretty upset. While the general movements of the war dance are similar to the dance of joy, the body language is different.

Ferrets can do the war dance when frightened, injured, or angry. If your ferret has not been descended, he or she may release a very stinky smell during this display. Your ferret is trying to look big and scary and stinky. He or she is telling you to stay away- and you should listen to your ferret until he or she feels comfortable again. Pet Emergency Clinic near me.

wrestling

Ferrets often play with one another in the form of wrestling. One ferret will usually use his or her mouth to “scruff” the other ferret behind the neck. He or she will then try to “alligator roll” the opponent and pin him or her to the floor. This can be done with much dooking and hissing (and sometimes screaming).

Ferrets wrestle to establish dominance and to “mock fight” during play. Ferrets are very elaborate and talented wrestlers. Their antics may look dangerous, however, more often than not they are just playing rough. However, if you hear a lot of screaming coming from one ferret, be sure to look the ferret over for injuries. Not all ferrets like one another and they really could be fighting!

The article was originally published here.

Ferret Sounds and What They Mean Actually?

Ferrets are cute little creatures to pet. And what’s more interesting, they can communicate with some very unique noises. Now, some ferrets live their whole lives making only really a few noises, but mostly, ferrets are really vocal. Let’s take a look at some of their noises and what they mean.

Dooking

Dook, in short, is a ferret smile. It even sounds closely like a chuckle. A ferret starts dooking when it feels playful. If your ferret is around you and it starts dooking, that means now it’s playtime.

Dooking can be easily understood by the ear if it is compared to the clucking of a chicken. A ferret usually jumps up and down and acts really excited while dooking as well. So, maybe the gesture in itself is pretty self-explaining as well. Pet Emergency Clinic near me.

Dooking is on top of our list because almost all ferrets dook from time to time. But it is understandable if a ferret likes to keep itself silent and does not dook that often. It doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not a happy ferret, of course.

Hissing

The hiss of the ferret is well-known among people. It’s a low sound, and it almost sounds like when a human goes “heh.” It can also be compared to the sound of a cat hissing, but, definitely, the one made by the cat is creepier and more screechy.

By the sound of it, you can understand it’s not a happy sound. Ferrets hiss mostly show anger, but they also tend to express fear with it. But researchers confirmed that ferrets tend to also hiss when they are playfully fighting with their mates as well.

If a ferret shows discomfort by hissing, it is better to first tend to the ferret softly and assure it and then leave it alone for some time. They will reduce whatever it is that was disturbing enough themselves. A little too much care might act negatively on the ferret then.

Squeaking

Squeak is made by the ferrets who want to make their mates feel they are owners of them during, well, gameplay. They also start squeaking when the game is taken to a stretch, and it’s become too much for them.

During ferret squeaking, it is better to not pay too much attention at first. Because it can very easily be a playful noise. But, if a ferret starts squeaking too much, it is better to separate the ferrets for some time, before they start canoodling again. Pet Emergency Clinic near me.

Squeaking sounds similar to dooking, but well, you can tell when a ferret is squeaking.

Barking

No, ferrets are not dogs, nor do they bark like one. Because ferrets back in a very contradicting manner. Sometimes, ferrets bark when they are extremely happy and pleased with something.

Other times, ferrets tend to bark to express how terrified they are. So, let’s just say ferrets bark whenever they feel an extreme sort of emotion, and the surrounding will help us understand the rest.

It is better to leave a ferret alone and be on its own when it’s barking, unless it’s terrified and in danger, of course. The barking of a ferret is generally really cute to look at and listen to, bliss to the owner, some may say. But sadly, ferrets don’t bark that often.

Screeching

Oh, that is not a happy sound, Ferrets screech to the top of their lungs to express pain or anger. If he is in pain and danger, you should assist him immediately.

Screech is a ferret scream. It is accompanied by loud chatter as well. This is a noise that should be taken extremely seriously, and your being a little late may result in fatal consequences as well.

Let’s hope we never come across the sound of screeching. But, if an angry ferret screeches, it is imperative to calm it down. Ferrets are usually not hostile, but necessary precautions still should be kept for emergencies like this.

Squealing

Ferrets tend to squeal when they are excited. It just means they want some attention and they want to be played with.

Some ferrets squeal even in their sleep. Research states that ferrets tend to dream like a human in their sleep. The squealing may be a result of a bad dream or a nightmare. Squealing is not a concerning sound and shouldn’t be misconstrued as screeching. Pet Emergency Clinic near me.

Sneezing

Ferrets have a tendency of taking sniff everything they come across. And it results in sneezing from time to time. Ferrets sneeze in the cutest and most ridiculous way.

Sneezing is quite common in ferrets and should not be of any concern. But, if regular sneezing is accompanied by a runny nose or discharges around the eye, that means your ferret caught a cold. You should definitely take it to a vet then.

Whimpering

Sometimes ferrets whimper only because they crave attention. Even though whimpering is not a happy sound, maybe the ferret needs your care and wants to play with you. Do not disappoint your ferret then.

Whining

Whining is almost a similar sound to a whimper, but it indicates illness or pain. Mostly baby ferrets make this noise when they are crying for their mother.

You need to understand the whine of a ferret and attend to it. If it is upset, you should take care of your pet.

Honking

Ferrets mostly honk when they are nervous. Honking is not seen in adult ferrets, but it is common sound baby ferrets make. It means they are looking for something but are unable to find it. Ferrets start honking when they lose direction as well.

Coughing Sounds

It is more serious than a sneeze. Ferrets only cough when they have an allergy or respiratory infection. They may also cough when they have difficulty in breathing because of dust.

Whatever it is, a cough means it’s time to go to a vet, and a second one refers to the fact that you’re already late!

Snoring

Yes, unbelievable as it sounds, ferrets snore just like a human. Of course, not all ferrets do, but the ones that do make it look really cute. Ferret snoring should not be taken as a concern. It is only to look at and giggle about.

Teeth Grinding

Ferrets tend to grind their teeth in pain and start making clattering noises using their teeth as well. This is something we need to take seriously and contact a vet for any signs of physical discomfort.

Ferrets always communicate effectively using different kinds of noises. They are very vocal animals. It is upon us to understand their need and cater to them that way. Be a responsible owner; know your ferret’s noises!

Conclusion

Here you go. Now, when your ferret makes a noise, you’ll know what he exactly means. Having difficulties remembering all the sounds and their meanings?

Well, you can save the post, and every time your ferret makes an unfamiliar noise, you can look it up on the internet. Nevertheless, I hope you won’t have any problem understanding your pet from now on.

The article was originally published here.

Ferrets as Pets: Is a Ferret the Right Pet for You?

The PetCoach editorial team is comprised of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and longtime industry veterans who are dedicated to providing the highest-quality health…

Ferrets have become the third most popular house pet in the USA, and their owners now represent a large cross-section of America. Most pet ferret owners are upper-middle-class or professional people who work all day. Frequently they are single women or childless couples over 30 years of age. Generally, ferrets are pets of adults, not children. The purchase price of a ferret can range between $75 and $200, but owners must keep in mind the additional lifelong costs when considering a ferret as a pet. These costs will include food, housing, and veterinary care. Pet Emergency Clinic near me.

Are ferrets good pets?

Ferrets are very playful animals that act silly and express their love of life in a way that many of us find totally enchanting. They explode out of their cages at playtime, leaping and twisting and scampering, with an obvious joy that is contagious to the people observing them.

They have a distinctive, bouncing movement that is often referred to as a ‘weasel war dance,’ because they often open their mouths and hiss as they jump around. People who have never seen this before may feel that they are going to be attacked, but it is just an expression of the ferret’s exuberance. Pet Emergency Clinic near me.

A group of ferrets released to play together is more entertaining to a ferret-lover than an Oscar-winning action feature, and ferrets work for free and do their own stunts. In the excitement, they often accidentally run into walls or furniture, and apparently do not notice the pain that these collisions must cause.

Young ferrets have enormous energy and are usually not interested in being held for even a moment, struggling to be off again as soon as they are picked up. A ferret endears itself to its owner just by its way of moving, rather like a large, furry inchworm.

Ferrets like to take naps in unexpected places – in a bureau drawer

Ferrets like to take naps in unexpected places – in a bureau drawer, in a basket full of laundry, or under a sweater dropped on the rug – leaving a few whiskers or a limp paw visible to charm their owners. When awakened suddenly from a sound sleep, most ferrets will immediately begin to play. As they grow older, they often become very affectionate and enjoy being picked up and cuddled, and may even fall asleep in your lap. Pet Emergency Clinic near me.

Mature pet ferrets almost never bite, even when accidentally stepped on or hurt. The odd one that does is usually tolerated because of other things about him or her that make an occasional nip just part of the animal’s appeal.

Ferrets as Pets: What to Know

Ferrets require neither human nor ferret company for security or amusement most of the time. They are not nocturnal, but go to sleep when nothing exciting is happening, and wake up whenever a human comes to entertain them (or to be entertained by them). Ferrets do not become neurotic as some other house pets do when left alone for long periods of time.

They are excellent pets for people who go to work early in the morning and don’t get home until evening. They require little out-of-cage exercise and no out-of-doors exercise and are much safer when kept inside a ferret-proofed house.

Because they can be caged, ferrets can be prevented from damaging the house while their owners are away. Apartment landlords often accept a ferret as a cage-dweller like a hamster or a guinea pig even if she really spends most of her time free in the house when the owner is at home.

few sounds after they are 6 or 8 weeks old

Ferrets are quiet. They make very few sounds after they are 6 or 8 weeks old. Neighbors in an apartment nearby would not hear any vocalization, although the ferrets might rattle the door of their cage when they hear their owner returning home.

A single pet ferret may be very happy with only human company and becomes devoted to the major person in its life.

However, most young ferrets are compatible, multiple housing is feasible, and groups of ferrets are great fun to watch. They usually prefer to sleep together and readily share their food. Ferret-watching becomes a regular and favorite pastime for the owners. Ferrets do not require as much human attention when they are allowed to play together and amuse each other. However, they also do not bond as firmly to their owner as single ferrets do.

Ferrets can be litter or paper trained, with some patience. Although they are not as reliable as cats, they will usually use a litter box in their cage. When free in the house, ferrets select a few corners as toilet areas and will train you to put litter boxes or paper in those spots.

How much care does a ferret need?

A ferret requires very little special care to be comfortable.  Caged ferrets need to be allowed out to play for at least an hour or two every day in a room that has been ferret-proofed. Young, healthy ferrets can be left alone for a weekend with a dependable water source and enough food to last the time they are unobserved, but it is safer to have someone check on them daily. Pet Emergency Clinic near me.

The article was originally published here.

Hissing for no Reason

Recently, my husband and I finished ferret-proofing our house and our little lady has had the run of the living area while we are up. She’s out of her cage on most days from 9 AM (ish) to 10 PM (ish). We have noticed that she will sometimes randomly walk up to us and start hissing. My husband thought at first that it couldn’t be a hiss since we have done nothing to provoke it.

I have done some reading and know that fuzzies hiss when they are upset, agitated, scared, angry, and (sometimes) when playing. None of these things are going on! Usually, we are just walking through the living room or sitting in front of the couch. We give her plenty of attention, play with her, and give her a place to use the potty and food and water. I have no idea what’s up with her. We thought maybe it was a dominance thing, but I’m not sure and I’m really not sure how to respond to it. I’ve never had this problem with her before. Pet Emergency Clinic near me

If it matters, she’s about 10-11 months old, spayed, and the only pet in the house.

Ferret Body Language

If only they could speak. How many times have you thought that as you wondered what was going on in your ferret’s mind? Actually, ferrets do speak! But you have to learn to listen with your eyes and not just your ears. Ferrets can tell us a lot about their moods and interests if we watch their body language. Here are some common emotions and how a ferret relays them to us and to other ferrets.

Excited/ Happy

When a ferret is happy or excited in a positive way, it holds its head up and is eager to interact with you or other ferrets. Your ferret may hop around in excitement doing the Weasel War Dance or other silly antics. Your ferret is enjoying life and isn’t afraid to let everyone know it.

Excited/ Curious

A ferret that is excited and curious about something generally holds its nose to the ground and runs around sniffing things. Maybe a mouse or another pet ran through the room or maybe you tracked in a scent on your shoes, such as dirt, grass, or wet leaves. This behavior is often accompanied by a “dooking” sound. The more excited your ferret is, the louder and faster it makes the dooking noise. Some ferrets also swish their tails back and forth very rapidly when they are excited. Not all ferrets do this, but it is a sight to see if they do! Pet Emergency Clinic near me.

Wants To Play

A ferret that wants to play may show this in several ways and not always in ways that you appreciate! One common way that a ferret indicates that it wants to play is by running up to you and then backing away in a “catch me if you can!” manner. If this doesn’t work, and if your ferret is very persistent, it may resort to a nip on your shoe, pant leg, or ankle. Your ferret is letting you know that it wants your attention right now!

To avoid reinforcing the bad behavior, try to appease your ferret’s request before it gets to the nipping stage, or try to ignore the nipping so your ferret learns that you won’t respond to this behavior.

If your ferret continues to nip and you can no longer ignore it, pick your ferret up and put it back in its cage until you are done with whatever you were doing. When you are done with your task, be sure to go back to your ferret and let it out and spend some time with it. That way your ferret will learn that you are willing to play with it, but not when it misbehaves. Pet Emergency Clinic near me.

Wants Something

This is a nonspecific request that usually manifests itself as a persistent stare. Your ferret will lock its eyes on you and you will have to figure out what it wants. Sometimes you can figure it out if the ferret is standing and staring in a certain spot. If your ferret is near the cabinet where you store its treats, then you can probably assume that it wants a snack. If your ferret is standing by its cage door, then it may want in or out. Use your skills of observation to figure out what your ferret may want. Pet Emergency Clinic near me.

Fearful/ Anxious

A ferret that is fearful or anxious about something will usually cower down and look sideways or over its shoulder at the thing that is upsetting it.

Your ferret is in a “fight or flight” mode. Your ferret may also hiss while doing this to vocalize that it is upset. Hissing also can be just an indication that your ferret doesn’t like something; this means that hissing by itself is not necessarily an indicator of fear.

Fear

A ferret that is truly afraid generally runs and hides, if it can. If your ferret is startled by a loud noise or fast movement, it may dash under the nearest sofa, chair, or bed. If it doesn’t sense any further attack, it may peek out to see if the danger is gone or if something else was the target of the supposed attacker. A ferret that is truly afraid may also shriek as it seeks refuge. Pet Emergency Clinic near me.

Hunger/ Thirst

A ferret that is hungry or thirsty generally starts playing with its empty food or water dish. Your ferret may push the bowls around or dig at them.

Your ferret may also look at the bowls and then at you and then back to the bowls several times to drop you a hint. Hopefully, you are on the ball and don’t let it go without sustenance for any length of time. If your ferret is playing with its food dish or water bowl and there is food in there, then your ferret is telling you that it is bored.

Sick

Ferrets that are sick or in pain often squint their eyes and keep their bodies low to the ground. They are not very active and sleep a lot.

If your ferret is not eating, drinking, or pooping, or if it gags or vomits, then get it to your veterinarian right away. Ferrets are stoic little animals and often hide pain so that others don’t think they are weak. Observing how your ferret acts normally can help you determine when it is sick or if something is amiss. Pet Emergency Clinic near me.

Interacting with your ferret can be a lot more rewarding when you understand its body language. Think of it as a secret code between you and your pet. And when someone asks, “I wonder what your ferret is thinking?” you can be sure to let them know!

The article was originally published here.

20 Strange-But-Common Ferret Behaviors

Chances are, you can name at least a few behaviors your ferret does that seem a little odd or even downright crazy. Maybe you pick up your ferret one evening and discover his limp, lifeless body.

Your ferret doesn’t seem to be breathing and you freak out because you think he is dead. Then your ferret suddenly “comes alive” and starts clawing at you. Or perhaps your rambunctious ferret is leaping around the house and suddenly zooms into the wall or a piece of furniture and drops to the floor. Has your ferret gone completely bonkers?

“Probably not,” said Mark Burgess, DVM.

an exotics veterinarian in Beaverton, Oregon. “You may think your ferret is behaving very strangely, but that’s because you’re looking at things from a human perspective. From a ferret’s point of view, the behaviors are perfectly normal.” The only time an “odd” behavior might be something abnormal is if it’s a sudden change in behavior, which might indicate illness, Burgess says. Pet Emergency Clinic near me.

As a ferret owner, it’s helpful to know what some of these “crazy but normal” behaviors are. For one thing, it prevents your worrying when you observe your ferret doing these things. Secondly, it helps you better appreciate your ferret for the fascinating creature he is.

If only we could ask our ferrets exactly what they’re thinking when they do these crazy behaviors! But while we can’t do that, we can make educated guesses about why pet ferrets do certain behaviors, based on scientific knowledge of normal ferret behavior in the wild. Here are some probable explanations for ferret behavior.

1. Why does my ferret sleep so soundly that he appears dead?

This is known as “ferret dead sleep.”

“You can hold him, poke him, yell at him, and the ferret still won’t wake up,” said Mike Dutton, DVM, an exotics veterinarian in Weare, New Hampshire. “The ferret’s just in a very, very deep sleep. Ferrets play very hard, and sometimes they really need that deep sleep to recuperate after all that activity.”

Your ferret will “come to” once he gets all the rest he needs.

2. Why does my ferret dig food out of his bowl?

“Ferrets are burrowing critters,” said Debbie Saunders, co-founder of the Star City Ferret Club in Roanoke, Virginia. “Give them a bin of pellets and watch them go to town!”

She says ferrets are born to dig. In the wild, they dig through piles of dirt. In a home, their food bowl is the next best thing. Digging is a tough behavior to try to stop. Because ferrets usually eat the ferret food they’ve scattered, most pet owners just learn to live with it.

3. Why does my ferret nip my toes?

Don’t be surprised if your ferret comes up to you and chomps your toes.

Realize though, “He’s not doing it to be mean, but rather in an effort to engage you in play,” said James Falkner, director of the Woogie Wescue ferret shelter in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. “Ferrets have very thick skin, and so what is a painful bite to us would not be felt by another ferret.” Pet Emergency Clinic near me.

To try to redirect this behavior, every time your ferret nips your toe, tell it “No” and offer it a ferret chew toy.

4. Why does my ferret hiss like a snake?

Ferrets hiss when they’re mad or scared.

“The ferret is really just trying to tell others that if you start messing with me ‘I’m going to bite you and make you regret it,’” Dutton said.
He advises you not to pick up a hissing ferret, because you may get bitten. However, if you must, wear gloves.

5. Why does my ferret hoard small objects?

Ferrets pilfer jewelry, cellphones, silverware, key chains, and other small objects and tote these off to secret hiding places. They may cart these items with their paws and in their teeth, and even push and scoot their booty with their front paws.

“Their natural instinct is to hoard things. If they kill a mouse and don’t eat it all, they’ll hide it so another animal doesn’t get it,” Burgess said. “When they hoard household items, it’s an offshoot of stashing away prey animals they’ve caught.”

6. Why does my ferret wag his tail?

Like dogs, ferrets wag their tails when they are very happy or excited.

“It’s not as common in ferrets as it is in dogs, but it’s always a pleasant behavior to observe when it does happen,” Burgess said.

7. Why does my ferret scoot his rear end on the floor?

Normally ferrets do this right after using the litter box. Burgess says this is the equivalent of ferret graffiti.

“Your ferret is telling the world ‘I was here!’ As he drags his rear end, he leaves olfactory cues that tell other ferrets he is claiming this area as his.”

8. Why does my ferret scatter litter out of the box?

When it comes to using the litter box, there are sloppy ferrets and there are tidy ferrets.

“The sloppy ones just really get into digging,” Dutton said. “They may dig into the litter and think it feels pretty good doing it, and for some ferrets, that may be self-reinforcing.”

9. Why does my ferret make clucking sounds?

When ferrets are happy, contented, or excited, they often make a chortling or clucking sound known as “dooking.”

“[It] can mean anything from ‘Oooh, a new smell or new ferret!’ to ‘I’m a happy, happy, happy boy!” Saunders said.

Ferrets are often leaping or jumping around the room at the same time.

10. Why does my ferret poof out his tail?

If your ferret feels threatened or frightened, “He might poof out his tail, literally making all the fur stand on end,” Dutton said. “This is the ferret’s way of trying to appear larger and more intimidating, and try to ward off predators.”

The ferret might also be hissing at the same time, Dutton adds.

11. Why does my ferret wrestle another ferret?

This behavior starts out with one ferret grabbing another by the scruff and flipping him over on his back. The two ferrets then roll around together very rapidly on the floor.

“They’re playing and having fun,” Burgess said, “but they’re also figuring out which one is more dominant.”

That’s usually the ferret that does most of the flipping. It might look rough, he says, but it’s usually nothing you have to try to stop. Chances are, the ferrets won’t hurt each other.

12. Why does my ferret grab another ferret and shake him?

Another way a ferret might claim dominance is to bite another ferret on his neck or abdomen to get a good grip and shake him over and over.

“This is usually done by dominant ferrets that are very territorial,” said Donna Spirito, co-founder of the Educated Ferret, a shelter and educational association in South Hadley, Massachusetts. Pet Emergency Clinic near me.

She adds that occasionally a ferret that is new to a home may bite and shake the other ferret residents, to try to “prove himself” to them.

13. Why does my ferret dance for joy?

If you notice your ferret bouncing off the walls, leaping from one piece of furniture to another, and seemingly going a hundred miles an hour, don’t be alarmed. Your ferret is doing what is referred to as the “dance for joy.”

“This is a direct result of an animal having so much joy and energy that it cannot be contained,” Faulkner said. “And they don’t know exactly what to do with themselves, and this is how it comes out.”

The very hyper movement is often accompanied by vocalizations that sound a lot like a human laugh.

14. Why does my ferret do the weasel war dance?

Sometimes ferrets do what looks like the “dance of joy,” but in reality, they’re doing the “weasel war dance.” This behavior looks similar in that the ferret is moving very spastically. However, the difference is that his tail is poofed-out, his coat has bristled and he’s hissing.

“Ferrets do the war dance when they’re agitated or frightened,” Dutton said. “If you observe this, give your ferret some space until he settles down.”

15. Why does my ferret slam into my walls?

While your ferret dances around your home, don’t be surprised if he runs head-on into a wall or piece of furniture.

“Ferrets are generally uncoordinated and clumsy, and their vision is poor,” Burgess said. “Most can only see a couple of feet in front of them, and they have very bad depth perception, which explains a lot of their klutziness.”

16. Why does my ferret scoot backward into a corner?

If your ferret backs into a corner and his tail are poofed-out, he’s probably scared. But if his tail looks normal, your ferret is probably just backing up to urinate or defecate.

“In the wild, if a ferret were to go potty in the open they know they would be lunch to any flying prey bird,” Spirito said. “By backing into a corner, they have their mouths to protect them. It is part of their inherited instinct and some ability to reason.”

17. Why does my ferret ransack my hamper?

Your ferret might rummage through your hamper, pick out some lightweight dirty clothes items like shirts and socks, and relocate them to his sleeping spot.

“I believe ferrets do this because our scent is on them, and they want to line their bedding area with our scent,” Saunders said, “and they want a soft bed too.”

18. Why does my ferret dunk his head in his water bowl?

Some ferrets like to put their heads in their water bowls, covering their ears.

“In the wild, a ferret might search for food in ponds and rivers,” Dutton said. “Your pet ferret may be trying to do the same thing. If nothing else, he’s just playing in the water and having a good time.”

19. Why does my ferret bite himself?

Ferrets tend to have itchy skin.

“If your ferret bites himself, he is probably just grooming himself to relieve the itch,” Spirito said.

Usually, this is nothing to worry about. However, if you notice your ferret biting himself more intensely or more often than what’s typical for him, have your ferret checked out by a veterinarian. He could have a skin lesion or fleas and need some medical care.

20. Why does my ferret chase me?

Ferrets enjoy chasing games. Sometimes they chase each other; other times they want to chase their humans.

“Your ferret might try to initiate play by coming up to you and biting your toe. Then he’ll run off, wanting you to follow after him,” Dutton said.

It can be a fun game, as long as you are careful to not step on your fuzzies. You may also get some exercise!

The chasing game, along with many other play behaviors like wrestling and nipping, is a reflection of the fact that ferrets are carnivores.

“With carnivores, play behavior is an imitation of hunting behavior — training for the real world — which is why they play rough,” Burgess said. “They’re practicing how to use their claws and their teeth, how to chase prey, pounce on them, and trap them.”

In contrast, an herbivore or prey animal pet (such as a guinea pig or rabbit) doesn’t have to practice hunting, so they don’t play as much. They just need to stay out of sight so they don’t get caught.

“With a ferret, expect a lot of rowdy, playful antics,” Burgess said. “You can’t help but be entertained by all their crazy behaviors.”

Like this article? Please share it, and check out:

• 10 Steps For Fun, Safe Outdoor Walks With Ferrets
• 5 Tips for Grooming Your Ferret
• 10+ Ways To Keep Ferrets Happy

The article was originally published here.

Ferret Hissing – Why Do Ferrets Hiss?

Ferrets are typically very friendly, curious, and overall fun creatures that are typically nothing but bundles of joy. However, sometimes ferrets do things or exhibit behaviors that raise some concerns. There are many different types of ferrets, but all of them are subject to questionable behavior!

Something that many ferrets do that owners almost always find concerning is “hissing”. This bizarre sound doesn’t seem very friendly, but that doesn’t mean that your ferret is angry at you. In fact, is hissing even a bad sound for ferrets to make in the first place?

Why Do Ferrets Hiss?

Ferrets are quite vocal creatures, making many different sounds for many different reasons. You’ll only have to be around a ferret for a day to hear them hiss, dook, chirp, sneeze — all different but normal vocalizations!

So why exactly do ferrets hiss? There’s not quite a straightforward answer, as there could be Several Reasons behind your ferret hissing. A ferret may hiss for one of the following reasons:

• Your ferret is angry – This one seems to be the obvious answer. Hissing, especially in cats, is associated with anger and aggressiveness — a way for an animal to say “back off!”. It often takes a lot to anger a ferret, but if they do become angry or stressed, you may be greeted with one or several hisses. You can usually tell if the ferret is angry if the hissing is combined with raised fur on its arched back. Pet Emergency Clinic near me.
  
• Your ferret is playing – Vocalization is incredibly common when a ferret is playing. Dooking is the most common sound that excited ferrets make, but hissing isn’t uncommon. They could be using this sound in an entirely playful manner. If your ferret is having fun and suddenly hisses, it’s likely just a part of their playtime ritual.

• Your ferret is just making noise – Some ferrets are way more vocal than others, making sounds for no apparent reason. Some owners report that their ferrets make hissing sounds while just walking around or drinking water. This is likely just how they vocalize! Over time, you’ll get to know your ferret and its normal vocalizations.

What To Do If Your Ferret Hisses

If you’ve never heard your ferret hiss before, it can be a bit intimidating to hear it for the first time. The first thing that you should know is that it’s not a big deal. It’s hardly even a deal at all!

As soon as your ferret hisses, address the situation. Was your ferret engaged in an activity that could make them feel threatened or scared? Are they now acting aggressively toward you or your other ferrets? If the answer to either of those questions is yes, the best course of action is to give your ferret time to cool off.

Animals can sometimes become overstimulated and simply need a minute or two away from everything before they can return to their normal happy state. If your ferret is angry hissing, note what made them hit in the first place, put it to a stop, and make sure that it doesn’t happen again. Most of the time it’s nothing, though, so don’t stress!

If your ferret hisses randomly while playing or going about their normal day and nothing seems off, there’s nothing that you need to do. You may do a quick assessment of their living space and general well-being to make sure that nothing is wrong, but no stress is needed beyond that. Pet Emergency Clinic near me.

Remember, ferrets are weird creatures! They’ll hiss for absolutely no reason, so it’s okay if you can’t find anything wrong.

What Does A Hissing Ferret Sound Like?

It’s really hard to imagine what a ferret hissing sounds like if you’ve never heard it before. It’s more of a primal sound, like a high-pitched squawk you may hear coming from a bird. Ferret hissing is quite loud, so you likely won’t have a problem hearing it over the sound of them playing with toys or other ferrets.

This video is a great example of a ferret hissing while just playing around. It sounds intimidating, but the ferret is just having a great time with its owner:

This other video is an example of a ferret hissing while its owner plays tug-o-war with them. This instance isn’t aggressive either, but it’s used in a way that says “back off, this kill is mine!”. My ferrets would do this all the time with their toys:

Final Point

Always know that all ferrets are different. Some will hiss at the drop of a hat, and others will never make a peep. There’s nothing wrong with your ferret if they hiss all the time, and there’s nothing wrong if they’re always silent.

It’s very hard to judge a ferret’s well-being from just one random behavior. If you’re ever concerned about your ferret, assess their environment, their cage, the activities that they’re doing, and their overall health. Hissing isn’t indicative of anything being wrong, but it isn’t harmless 100% of the time either.

Additionally, if you’re uncertain of whether or not your ferret is okay, you can always consult with your veterinarian. It’s better to be safe than sorry with these adorable little carpet sharks!

The article was originally published here.

What Do Black-footed Ferrets Sound Like? And Other Ferret Questions Answered

Today, we’re answering some of the most-searched questions about black-footed ferrets, North America’s only native ferret species! These playful animals were once thought to be extinct but have made an incredible recovery, thanks in large part to the work of the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute.

What do black-footed ferrets sound like?

These vocal critters make a lot of noise. They use loud chatter to sound an alarm in the presence of danger and a hiss to show agitation or fear. Females whimper to encourage their young to follow them around, and males often “chortle” to females during breeding.

What do black-footed ferrets live in?

These animals are nocturnal, typically spending only a few minutes above ground each day during the first few hours following sunrise to hunt and find new burrows or mates. Their remaining time is spent underground in prairie dog burrows away from predators and harsh weather, where they sleep, hunt and give birth. Pet Emergency Clinic near me

Do black-footed ferrets live in groups?

Black-footed ferrets actually live solitary lives, except during the breeding season and while females are caring for their young.

What do black-footed ferrets look like?

These slender, wiry animals are covered in yellow-beige fur. As their moniker implies, their feet are black, as is the fur around their eyes and at the tip of their tails. Black-footed ferrets are well suited to their prairie environment, where their colors help them blend in with grassland soils and plants. Pet Emergency Clinic near me

Do black-footed ferrets eat prairie dogs?

The rumors are true; black-footed ferrets eat prairie dogs. Prairie dogs constitute 90 percent of a wild black-footed ferret’s diet.

Despite their small size, ferrets have a big appetite. Their high metabolic rate requires that they eat large quantities of food. In fact, a ferret may eat more than 100 prairie dogs in a single year. The remainder of their diet includes mice, rats, ground squirrels, rabbits, birds, and the occasional reptile or insect.

How do black-footed ferrets hunt?

Ferrets travel from burrow to burrow in search of a meal, aided by long guard hairs on their forelimbs that can sense movement in the dark, underground systems. Once a ferret locates a prairie dog, it suffocates it with a bite to the throat.

Do black-footed ferrets have predators?

Yes, their primary predators are coyotes, badgers, and owls!

Do black-footed ferrets live in the desert?

Black-footed ferrets once ranged throughout the North American Great Plains from southern Canada to northern Mexico, wherever prairie dog colonies thrived.

At one point, their numbers were so diminished that they were thought to be extinct until a small population was discovered in 1981. The 18 animals were caught to establish a breeding colony from which all wild black-footed ferrets are now descended. Pet Emergency Clinic near me

Today, black-footed ferrets have been reintroduced to parts of their historic range, including locations in Wyoming, South Dakota, Montana, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Kansas, and Utah. They have also been released into Canada and Mexico!

How do black-footed ferrets protect themselves?

The prairie dog burrow systems that black-footed ferrets inhabit offer shelter from predators. They also make use of sharp canines and a good sense of smell.

Do black-footed ferrets hibernate?

These ferrets don’t hibernate, but their activity does decrease substantially in the winter, during which time they sometimes remain in the same underground burrow system for up to a week!

Stop by the Small Mammal House to see black-footed ferrets during your next visit to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo!

The article was originally published here.

What sounds does the ferret make and why

A ferret is a very interesting and funny animal that people often recently breed as a pet. He can be called sociable because he likes to talk. The main thing is to understand what these or other sounds of a ferret mean. By nature, ferrets tend to lead an active lifestyle, but if they adapt to the house, the owner is perceived as part of the pack. If a person wants to know better what a pet feels, he needs to carefully study the description of the most common sounds that this small animal makes. Pet Emergency Clinic near me.

What sounds does the ferret

make? Recently born mammals make the simplest sounds, they are called “children”. The first sounds of a ferret must be heard: so the owner will soon learn to understand his pet.

What sounds are made by ferrets, is also determined by the age, time of day and nature of the animal.

more active at night, and in the daytime he sleeps. The animal can oversleep for 15-20 hours per day, so many owners do not even hear their pets talking, and the presence of their own language in animals greatly surprises them.

The main types of sounds

Among all the sounds that these animals make, it is worth highlighting:

• squeak;
• cry;
• hiss;
• clucking.

If the sounds made by ferrets resemble a squeak, this means that the animal is protected. Most often, a person hears a squeak during a sleep period, when a pet sees a dream in which he fights or runs away from a predator.

If he starts to squeak while he is being picked up,

He starts to squeak while he is being picked up, you need to seek help from the specialist because ferrets emit such sounds when something is wrong with their health, that is, there is a certain discomfort. On examination, the doctor will visually examine the animal, if necessary, take tests.

In order to prevent such situations, it is necessary to undergo an examination every 6 months, even if the animal feels well. tail? It is normal that he begins to scream. In these animals, as in humans, a cry is a defensive reaction, and if a pet feels any discomfort or is unsatisfied with something,

it begins to scream that it has urine. With a cry, he hopes to reach out to the owner and ask: why don’t you notice me? Experts have proven that ferrets make such sounds when they have a sharp change of mood, sometimes even unexpected for the animal itself. A scream can begin when the owner holds several males who begin to fight for the female. The animals also make this sound during copulation. Pet Emergency Clinic near me.

If the owner heard the cry of the animal

If the owner heard the cry of the animal, you need to put aside all things and come and see what happened as soon as possible, it is quite possible that the pet needs outside help.

It is recommended that the animal be released exclusively in the presence of a person, so as not to bring the pet to scream. If there are large plants in the house, you need to carefully monitor your pet so that he does not come up to them, because the ferret is the main color finder, and at every opportunity, he will begin to tear them out.

And in the case of a large plant, this is fraught with negative consequences because it can fall and crush the animal, then it will start to make everyone understandable sounds.

Hissing at ferrets

If often listen to the sounds of the ferret, you can understand what emotion he is experiencing at the moment. Hissing is tantamount to a warning. This sound can be heard by the animal during the game. If someone takes a trophy or favorite toy from him, he begins to hiss.

This is a way to show the degree of dissatisfaction with what is happening. It is also quite possible that a pet wants to drag a toy or a bauble into some secluded place, but it doesn’t succeed, as a result of which it starts to hiss, and you won’t be able to explain that the object simply does not pass through the hole.

It’s very difficult to convince ferrets, as they begin to try to fulfill their plan. Hissing is one of the sounds often made by a ferret; at that moment they look like a snake. If a fight is planned among ferrets, then this sound will be a signal to the enemy, so small predators show their power and significance.

Cackling or grunting

This ferret makes a very often sound. Due to the fact that it has similarities with bird clucking, they call it that. You can hear it during the period of the pet’s first acquaintance with other representatives of the animal kingdom or during pampering and games.

The grunts reflect the animal’s emotional background because it is heard during mating games (one of the methods of attracting a female), calling her flocks, etc.

WHAT DOES THE PUBLISHING FERRIES OUKIE HOW THE FERRERS SOUND? HOME ferret | MY POOR

Ferret sounds

Terrible ferret

Conclusion

It is very interesting to listen to the sounds of a ferret, because his behavior changes, the animal may have a playful or just good mood at that moment, but there are times when grumbling portends danger or the presence of a bad infusion.

In such situations, you need to make sure that your animal is happy with everything, there are goodies and favorite toys around him. If he begins to cluck, the owner just needs to pay a little attention to the pet, then he will be satisfied and calm.

The article was originally published here.

Top 10 Reasons Ferrets Make Good Pets

While ferrets are not for everyone, they can make great pets for the right owner. They are affectionate and bond with their owners, quiet for a large part of the day, and there are few pets as playful as ferrets. However, they seem to have garnered a negative image which is largely undeserved. If you are considering a ferret, learn more about how ferrets make good pets. Pet Emergency Clinic near me.

Click Play to Watch the Top 7 Reasons Ferrets Make Good Pets

A Short, Helpful Guide to Caring for Ferrets

Ferrets Are Cute

With mischievous eyes and sweet faces, ferrets are undeniably adorable. They are small in size and can provide your family with a sweet long-term pet. Most ferrets live for about six to eight years, though some pet ferrets can live up to 12 years.

Female ferrets usually grow 13 to 14 inches long and weigh anywhere from three-quarters of a pound to two and a half pounds. Male ferrets are often slightly larger. They typically grow to 15 to 16 inches long and weigh two to three and a half pounds if neutered. They can grow larger (four or more pounds) if they are not neutered.

Ferrets Are Playful and Curious

They will entertain you endlessly with their antics and will happily play with ferret toys. Watching ferrets play for the sheer joy of it is guaranteed to lift your mood. Owning pets has proven health benefits for the owner because of the joy and affection they bring.

Ferrets Are Sociable, Friendly, and Affectionate

It is often recommended (though not essential) to have more than one pet ferret. Having two or more ferrets increases the fun factor for the owner and the ferrets as they will interact and play together, sometimes with wild abandon. Despite having other ferrets to socialize with, they will still crave attention from their owners. Pet Emergency Clinic near me.

Ferrets Are Intelligent

Some owners are amazed at how adept ferrets become at solving problems. Ferrets are very determined and will work at figuring something out with surprising persistence. They enjoy challenging puzzles and games and it’s recommended to provide them with puzzle-based toys or games.

Ferrets Are Quiet

While they can and do vocalize, for the most part, ferrets are very quiet. The most noise they will make is if they are very frightened or injured. They also sleep away a large portion of the day.

Ferrets Are Small

Ferrets don’t need a huge cage, though the bigger the better. Ideal ferret cages are tall with multiple levels, so they still don’t take up too much room. They do need to spend time out of their cage every day for playtime and exercise.

Ferrets Are Easy to Feed

This is especially true now that a variety of good quality ferret foods have become more widely available. Pre-made ferret food is available in most pet stores or online retailers. While you can offer them a variety of foods, it’s helpful to use high-quality pet food as the base to ensure proper nutrition.

Ferrets Can Be Litter Trained

Ferrets can be trained to go in a box, though not to the same extent as cats and there are bound to be a few accidents. Most ferrets can be fairly reliably trained to use a litter box in and out of their cages. This is a big plus when you have them out for exercise for a couple of hours a day!

Ferrets Are Easy to Exercise

They can get all the exercise they need tearing around your (ferret-proofed) home! With a ferret-sized harness and a little training, you can take them out for a stroll. Few things will start a conversation with strangers faster than walking your ferret in the park!

Ferret Have Distinct Personalities

Every ferret is unique and has its own personality. Some are independent and some are very cuddly, but each is an individual! If you are thinking about having a pet ferret, it can be helpful to meet a few pet ferrets first. You’ll see how their personalities will vary and give you a good sense of what it means to be a ferret owner.

The article was originally published here.

Do Black-footed Ferrets Make Noise? And Other Ferret Facts

You asked about the internet, and we answered.

We ferreted out the answers to some of the most-searched questions about North America’s only native ferret species. These playful animals were once thought to be extinct but have made an incredible recovery, thanks in large part to the work of the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute. Pet Emergency Clinic near me.

Do black-footed ferrets make noise?

These vocal critters make a lot of noise. They use loud chatter to sound an alarm in the presence of danger and a hiss to show agitation or fear. Females whimper to encourage their young to follow them around, and males often “chortle” to females during breeding.

Are they active during the day?

Black-footed ferrets are nocturnal. They typically spend just a few minutes above ground each day during the hours following sunrise to hunt and find new burrows or mates. Their remaining time is spent underground in prairie dog burrows — away from predators and harsh weather — where they sleep, hunt and give birth.

Do they live in groups?

Black-footed ferrets actually live solitary lives, except during the breeding season and while females are caring for their young.

What do black-footed ferrets look like?

These slender, wiry animals are covered in yellow-beige fur. As their moniker implies, their feet are black — as is the fur around their eyes and at the tip of their tails. Black-footed ferrets are well-suited for their prairie environment, where their colors help them blend in with grassland soils and plants.

Do black-footed ferrets eat prairie dogs?

The rumors are true; black-footed ferrets eat prairie dogs. Prairie dogs constitute 90 percent of a wild black-footed ferret’s diet.

Despite their small size, ferrets have a big appetite. Their high metabolic rate requires that they eat large quantities of food. In fact, a ferret may eat more than 100 prairie dogs in a single year. The remainder of their diet includes mice, rats, ground squirrels, rabbits, birds, and the occasional reptile or insect.

How do they hunt?

Ferrets travel from burrow to burrow in search of a meal, aided by long guard hairs on their forelimbs that can sense movement in the dark, underground systems. Once a ferret locates a prairie dog, it suffocates it with a bite to the throat.

Do they have any predators?

Yes! Their primary predators are coyotes, badgers, and owls.

Where do black-footed ferrets live?

Black-footed ferrets once ranged throughout the North American Great Plains from southern Canada to northern Mexico, wherever prairie dog colonies thrived.

At one point, their numbers were so diminished that they were thought to be extinct until a small population was discovered in 1981. The 18 animals were caught to establish a breeding colony from which all wild black-footed ferrets are now descended.

Today, black-footed ferrets have been reintroduced to parts of their historic range, including locations in Wyoming, South Dakota, Montana, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Kansas, and Utah. They have also been released into Canada and Mexico. Pet Emergency Clinic near me.

How do they protect themselves?

The prairie dog burrow systems where black-footed ferrets live offer shelter from predators. Ferrets also make use of sharp canines and a good sense of smell.

Do black-footed ferrets hibernate?

These ferrets don’t hibernate, but their activity does decrease substantially in the winter. In fact, they sometimes remain in the same underground burrow system for up to a week.

Stop by the Small Mammal House to see black-footed ferrets during your next visit to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo!

The article was originally published here.

Dook In Peace: Farewell to ferret who walked the streets of Camden Town

The unusual pet would lead to double takes from passers-by

Matthew Hawkins with Dini

“DOOK in peace” messages have gone to a popular ferret who turned heads in Camden Town while out for a walk on its lead after it passed away last week.

Matthew Hawkins, who lives in Camden Street, had trained Dini – named after the escapologist Houdini – to respond to simple commands and to stop biting people.

He definitely had become part of my life.”

He added: “Everyone in Camden would ask me: ‘Should I get one?’ and I would say ‘no’ because it’s quite a commitment – you need to be compassionate. “hey make great pets, very intelligent and you can get real companionship. With a lot of training, he stopped trying to bite. They are predators, so they do want to eat things.”

Dini had been suffering from digestive system problems, and a vet said last week it would be kinder to put him to sleep.

Mr. Hawkins said

: “Unfortunately, a lot of people get ferrets and then they think they are too aggressive and abandon them. When I first brought him into Camden he escaped. It was the first big ferret event in the area. I got to know my neighbors by asking them to help me find him.”

He added: “But you can teach them. Never scold. If you lift and hold them at the back of a neck each time they try to bite, eventually they get bored and realize they shouldn’t be doing that. He also became very responsive to the word ‘no’. I didn’t train him to do tricks.”

“Dook in peace” – a popular phrase among ferret owners – relates to the practice of “dooking”, when a ferret rolls over and “scoots backward” making a noise. Mr. Hawkins said: “It’s a kind of wiggling backward. It’s very funny. I did not know but when a ferret dies it is common in the ferret community to say

The article was originally published here.

Insulinoma: Life-threatening Ferret Disease

This is a serious condition that can lead to coma and death if left untreated

What is Insulinoma?

Insulinomas are growths that occur on the pancreas of the ferret. They can be cancerous or non-cancerous in nature.  It is the tumors that cause the excess production of insulin (a hormone that allows cells in the body to use glucose in the blood), producing a dangerously low blood glucose level (due to the high absorption), also known as hypoglycemia. These tumors can typically range in size from 2mm – 1cm, may occur singularly or as a group of small nodules, and are a recurring problem.

a very serious condition that can lead to coma and death if not treated

This is a very serious condition that can lead to coma and death if not treated.  Ferrets are generally at risk when they reach three or more years of age.  If your ferret seems to be sleeping more than usual, lays on the floor, is non-responsive for a brief period of time, has a loss of appetite, or has any of the symptoms listed above, you should have blood work performed by your veterinarian as soon as possible. Pet Emergency Clinic near me.

Once your ferret reaches the age of 2, it is a good idea to get a “Fasting” Blood Glucose test to have as a baseline, repeating this every 6 months – 1 year. This testing is precautionary and can help you diagnose the disease before any symptoms even begin to appear.

Many veterinarians feel that as strict carnivores

Many veterinarians feel that as a strict carnivore, the pancreas of ferrets is very sensitive to sugar, believing that giving sugary treats and foods may even cause insulinomas. It is important to NEVER provide any sugary treats or snacks such as raisins, fruit, or honey.

Sugars rapidly convert into glucose providing major energy sources for the body’s cells. High glucose levels in the bloodstream create high demand for the pancreas to produce insulin allowing the cells to use glucose.

The chronic high levels of blood sugar and stimulation of the pancreas to produce and release insulin (caused by high-carb diets) are strongly believed to contribute to the development of this disease.

The best and healthiest treats you can offer are those that are animal protein based. Unfortunately, there is no absolute cure for this disease; however, with carefully supervised treatments consisting of surgery (if needed), diet control, and medicines, a ferret’s life span can be increased by 3 or more years.

Signs and Symptoms

The most common early sign of insulinoma is a blank expression as if “staring into space”, for a prolonged length of time. Other symptoms may include mild-to-severe variations of the following:

• Depression
• Weight loss
• Foaming and pawing at the mouth
• Lack of appetite
• Lethargy
• Excessive salivation
• Difficulty in using hind legs
• Vocalization
• Seizures and coma (in severe cases)

If your ferret goes into a seizure, it can be a very frightening experience. It is important for you to stay calm, and focused, and see to your pet’s medical needs immediately. Your ferret may be stretched on its side, have excessive drooling to foaming at the mouth, twitching, shaking, and be unresponsive.

A small amount of honey or Karo syrup

During this time, you will need to apply a small amount of honey or Karo syrup (which you should keep on hand) on their gums and inner lips with a Q-tip (to avoid accidental biting).

You might have to repeat this every few minutes for up to 20-30 minutes, at which time your ferret should start becoming alert again. Giving your ferret the syrup is only a temporary fix.

Your ferret’s body will begin to produce more insulin to break down the sugar you just gave to him/her.  He or she will be at great risk of having a second seizure and could go into a coma and die.

You should get your ferret to your veterinarian immediately! Your veterinarian can give your ferret treatment to stabilize your blood sugar. You should NOT provide honey or Karo syrup to your ferret at any other time!

As the disease progresses, the signs and symptoms will also increase and become more and more severe.

Diagnosis

The most accurate test to diagnose and confirm Insulinoma is to measure the “FASTING” blood glucose levels by a lab, using a simple blood test. The normal range for a ferret is 80-120 mg/dl, with anything under 70 (by lab test) strongly indicating the possible presence of one or more tumors.

Your veterinarian might request several tests to obtain a mean average, as the values can fluctuate. Prior to each test, you will need to fast your ferret for between 4 – 6 hours.  You can also test at home after consulting with your veterinarian.

strongly recommended that you have routine blood glucose tests for your ferret.

It is strongly recommended that you have routine blood glucose tests for your ferret. This precautionary routine will provide you with the needed information to stabilize (with drugs if necessary), a ferret already diagnosed, as well as those in the early stages of the disease, as well as for monitoring and preventive measures. You can try performing the blood glucose tests at home after discussing it with your veterinarian. Pet Emergency Clinic near me.

Brewer’s Yeast contains chromium, which will actually lower (not raise as originally thought) the glucose level, which is the last thing you want to do for a ferret that is suffering from insulinoma.

Treatments

Treatments for insulinomas are generally surgery and medication.  Unfortunately, insulinomas tend to grow back in as fast as a few months.

Surgery as early as possible is the treatment of choice. A partial Pancreatectomy often provides increased survival and often no additional medicine is needed for some time (can be years). A partial Pancreatectomy consists of the removal of the tumors and part of the pancreas (no more than 50-70% can safely be removed). Pet Emergency Clinic near me

The earlier the procedure is performed, the better the results, so you should be expedient in making this decision.

If you decide to wait on the surgery and go with the drug treatment until it’s no longer beneficial, chances are it may not help your ferret that much, as during this time the tumors are continually growing. The drugs have no effect on the cause of the problem which is the growing tumors.

Drug therapy is one treatment available; however, a large majority of veterinarians, feel it is important to consider that drug therapy is only a temporary remedy and rarely effective in controlling hypoglycemia for a long period of time.

It is important at this time, that you ensure your ferret is receiving a high-quality/protein diet. If you are unsure exactly what this means, consult with your veterinarian on a specific diet.

So, If surgery is not an option, or until it is viable, the drugs of choice are Prednisone, which raises the blood glucose levels by mobilizing carbohydrates, and/or Proglycem, which is an anti-hypertensive drug that decreases the secretion of insulin.

if Prednisone is usually the first drug used

Although the cause of insulinomas is not known, there is some speculation as to why they occur.  There seems to be a high incidence of insulinomas occurring at the same time as an adrenal disease.

This could mean that there may be a relationship between the two conditions.  Diseases of the pancreas may also be linked to the amount of sugar and simple carbohydrates a ferret consumes.

There are currently no cures for insulinomas.  Although they tend to be isolated to the pancreas, there have been cases where cancerous insulinomas have metastasized to other organs.

Initial surgery, medication, and feeding your affected ferret frequent small high-protein meals can extend its life by a year or more.

To help prevent insulinomas, feed your ferret a good high protein, low sugar, low simple carbohydrate diet.

Avoid feeding your ferret any treats that contain sugar.  While feeding your ferret a proper diet will not guarantee they won’t get insulinomas, it is a good way to ensure good overall health.

The article was originally published here.

insulinoma

INSULINOMA (or pancreatic cancer)

BODY MECHANISM

The pancreas is an organ located within the abdomen, near the spleen, and is responsible for secreting various hormones into the bloodstream, as well as pancreatic enzymes into the intestines to aid in digestion.

The beta cells within the responsible pancreas, contain cells called the Islets of Langerhans – these are for secreting the hormone, insulin.

Ferrets have a carbohydrate requirement of ZERO

If the high carbohydrate diet continues, the result may be a complete burnout of the cells, which is what happens when a pet or a person develops diet-induced diabetes.

hypertrophy to neoplasia (cancer

However, another possibility is that instead of the cells burning out, they go from hypertrophy to neoplasia (cancer).

Other names for insulinoma include Islet Cell Tumours (named after the Islets of Langerhans), beta cell tumors, pancreatic tumors, insulinomas, or insulinoma tumors.

Diabetes is very uncommon in ferrets, so it appears that their bodies react by developing neoplasms rather than burning out.

The excess levels of insulin produced by these pancreatic neoplasms (insulinoma) drive too much of the glucose in the blood into the cells of the body, causing a dangerously low blood glucose level known as hypoglycemia.

In the early stages of insulinoma,

In the early stages of insulinoma, the bouts of hypoglycemia are sporadic, but as it progresses, the hypoglycemia becomes constant.

Dizziness, fatigue, headaches, and shakiness are all effects of hypoglycemia that humans have reported, and ferrets probably feel similar.

In diabetes, the opposite is true – low levels of insulin production render the body’s cells unable to use glucose, resulting in hyperglycemia (high blood glucose level).

Glucose is essential for a cell’s survival, and “glucose starvation” resulting from hypoglycemia can cause permanent damage – especially to sensitive cells such as neurons in the brain.

WORLDWIDE

. Most ferrets in the USA are fed primarily processed foods containing high levels of carbohydrates (mainly ferret or cat biscuits). This is one of the reasons we do not recommend feeding your ferret any processed food, including biscuits.

In Australia, insulinoma is still uncommon but is surfacing more than it once did.

SYMPTOMS

The first thing you will notice with an insulinoma ferret is that it will
stop whatever they are doing and STARE INTO SPACE.

This is because of a sudden drop in their blood sugar level, which makes them feel dizzy.

This will only last for several seconds, and they will then continue on their way as if nothing happened.

In severe cases, this may progress to screaming seizures – the ferret is not screaming in pain, but their vocal cords become active during the seizure – then eventually coma and death.

DIAGNOSIS

Normal blood glucose level is in the range of 90-125 mg/dL (4.95 Mmol/L – 6.88 Mmol/L) * see note at end of the article about concentration measurements

In one study of 49 ferrets with confirmed insulinoma, all had blood glucose concentrations lower than 60 mg/dL” (#3)

Some vets will diagnose insulinoma without a blood test, based on symptoms and quick temporary recovery by administration of glucose.

EMERGENCY TREATMENT

DO use honey, sugar/water paste, or Karo Syrup (corn syrup) – all 3 have high amounts of simple sugars (< 80%)

Don’t use Nutripet, as although it smells sweet, it contains only 20% simple sugars

Don’t try to get the ferret to drink or put anything down their throat while he/she is seizing – this can cause aspiration pneumonia by inhaling the fluid into the lungs.

TREATMENT

The preferred treatment is surgical, where any visible tumors on the pancreas remove. Part of the pancreas may also remove (partial pancreatotomy).

Even if a ferret is showing little or no symptoms, an extremely low blood glucose level is often enough for a veterinarian to proceed with surgery (if the ferret is up to the surgery & the owner agrees to proceed)

Insulinoma tumors do not usually metastasize (spread to other areas of the body).

Complete removal of all tumors is not often possible because they can be microscopic, so the ferret may show symptoms again not long after their surgery. Dr. Bruce Williams says, “the incidence of recurrence of insulinoma after surgery is high, averaging about 40% over a 10 months span” (#4)

Although surgery is not always curative, it is the only possibility of a cure, so we recommend attempting it unless the ferret is not able to withstand surgery.

Prednisone is a steroid available in either tablet or liquid form. “Prednisone achieves its effects by causing the breakdown of body protein and reformation into glucose by the liver (a process known as gluconeogenesis) and by decreasing the utilization of glucose by many body tissues.” (#4)

Side effects can include weight gain, and over a long period, liver damage.

PREVENTION

A ferret’s natural diet contains virtually no carbohydrates, so providing a diet as close to this as possible (and hence low in carbohydrates) is probably the biggest contribution you can make to preventing insulinoma.

REFERENCES

1. “Rethinking the Ferret Diet”, Dr. Susan Brown, DVM

2. “Islet Cell Tumor in the Ferret”, Dr. Bruce Williams, DVM

3. “Ferrets, Rabbits & Rodents: Clinical Medicine & Surgery”, 1997

4. “Insulinoma in Ferrets”, Dr. Bruce Williams, DVM

CONCENTRATION MEASUREMENTS

All concentrations (blood glucose or otherwise) can measure using weight (grams), or molecule count (moles).

Weight

Mg / dL (milligrams per decilitre)

Traditional unit for measuring
blood glucose

Molecule Count

Mmol / L (millimoles per litre)

SI (Systeme International) world standard unit for measuring blood glucose (used in most places except the USA).

A mole is 6.23 x 10^23 molecules

Written by Shona Whaite

The article was originally published here.

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