Ferret

=Ferret= The scientific name for ferrets is a somewhat controversial area - //Mustela putorius furo// is traditionally used, although recent scientific evidence has suggested they should have a name of their own, //Mustela furo//. By Jackie http://www.rollmop.org/ferrets/images/easter_ferret.jpg http://www.kekkai.org/nezumi/images/Dec04/nudes/ferret.jpg

http://weah4.tripod.com/id4.html
 * Fer****rets are inquisitive, busy and very adaptable. They love company, whether it's human, ferret, or a special canine or feline playmate. They are not rodents. In fact, they were domesticated several thousand years ago specifically to hunt rodents and keep households clear of pests. They are not wild animals and cannot survive without human care and protection. They are related to their wild cousins, the Black-Footed ferret in the same way that dogs are related to wolves. Domestic ferrets do not interbreed with Black-Footed ferrets and private ownership of the endangered Black-Footed ferret is prohibited by law.**

Males tend to be larger than females in length and weight. Females are 13-14 inches long and weigh anywhere from 0.75 to 2.5 lbs, whereas males are on average 15-16 inches long and weigh 2-3.5 lbs. http://exoticpets.about.com/cs/ferrets/a/ferrets101.htm

The dietary requirements of ferrets can easily be satisfied by feeding commercial cat food. The growth formulas for brand-name cat foods, composed of high-quality meat (not plant) protein are preferred (for example, Iams or Science Diet). Dry kibble is recommended over semi-moist and canned foods because the soft foods lead to disease of the gums and tooth roots. Table food also can be offered but should be limited to cooked meat, fish and poultry. Fruits and vegetables may be offered in very limited quantities. http://www.ahc.umn.edu/rar/MNAALAS/ferret.html#General

POPULATION:
unknown

LIFESPAN:
Live 6-8 years on average (sometimes up to 11 or 12) http://exoticpets.about.com/cs/ferrets/a/ferrets101.htm

HABITAT:
Ferrets must be confined within the home and when their activities cannot be adequately supervised. Most ferrets prefer to sleep within a relatively small, enclosed area. A cat- or rabbit-sized wire cage or a suitably sized dog or cat airline carrier works very well. Wood shavings or a few towels can be used on the bottom of the enclosure. Ferrets are especially fond of tunneling under towels and prefer to sleep in this manner. http://www.ahc.umn.edu/rar/MNAALAS/ferret.html#General

RANGE:
Because of the ferrets being domesticated, they can live anywhere.

OFFSPRING:
Most ferrets obtained in North America are spayed or neutered and descented at a very young age before being sold. http://exoticpets.about.com/cs/ferrets/a/ferrets101.htm

INTERESTING FACTS:
The name ferret is derived from the latin furonem, which means "thief." Ferret owners can attest that this is a well deserved name, as they will happily steal anything they can get their paws on and hide it in their house. http://exoticpets.about.com/cs/ferrets/a/ferrets101.htm

For vidoes of ferrets go to http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=ferrets&hl=en and click on which video that you want to see.