Fun Facts for New Ferret Owners

By ZuPreem Staff

If you have recently acquired a ferret, but consider yourself somewhat inexperienced, this information is for you. Even veteran ferret lovers may discover something they didn’t know.

What are ferrets and where did they come from?

• The scientific name of ferrets is: Mustela putorius furo
• Ferrets are mammals not rodents and are not even related to rodents. Domestic ferrets are related to minks and weasels, and to the black-footed ferret, a wild, weasel-like animal native to North America.
• Ferrets have been domesticated for thousands of years, as long as dogs and cats.
• About 300 years ago, the first ferrets worked their way to North America from Europe, controlling rodents on ships of the early colonists.
• There are no wild ferrets such as the domesticated ferret we have as pets anywhere.
• Hunting with ferrets is now illegal in the United States. In the past, they have been used to hunt burrowing animals such as rabbits and groundhogs. The ferret doesn’t usually kill the prey, but chases it out of a burrow.

How many pet ferrets are there in the United States?

• In 2003, The American Ferret Association reported there are approximately 4 million ferrets in the United States.
• Ferrets have become the 3rd most popular pet in America, after dogs and cats.
• According to one publication, most ferret owners are upper middle class or professional people who work all day.
• Generally, ferrets are pets of adults, not children, although children enjoy ferrets too.
• The majority of ferret owners has more than one ferret.

How much does the average ferret weigh?

Here’s a glossary of terms. You’ll need to know these when you’re talking to an experienced ferret owner.

Jills – Intact female ferrets, generally for breeding purposes

Sprites - Neutered (spayed) females

Hobs – Intact male ferrets, generally for breeding purposes

Gibs - Neutered males

Kits - Baby ferrets until around the age of 10 weeks

These basic facts are just to get you started. You will learn a lot about ferret health, behavior and nutrition in the years ahead by caring for your own ferret. Then you’ll be the expert.