Animal Facts

Ferrets are small, long mammals with short legs that belong to the weasel family. There are two types of ferrets: the black-footed ferret and the domestic ferret. Domestic ferrets, usually kept as pets, vary in pelt colors from white to black with a dark mask and tail. In general, ferrets can grow to about 25 inches long, and male ferrets, called hobs, weigh much more than female ferrets, called jills. The life expectancy for a ferret is an average of 8-11 years. All breeds of ferrets are strict carnivores, and love to eat meat. One more trait that makes ferrets well known is their musky odor.

Playful and mischievous, both breeds of ferrets often will take interesting items lying around the house or crawl into the tiniest of places. However playful they may be, ferrets must be kept inside or in cages, because, as the escape artists that they are, they will run away if placed outside. Though they are quite playful and active, ferrets sleep periodically throughout the day and tend to be more active at dawn or dusk. Ferrets make great pets for someone who is willing to care for them and play with them often.