Ferrets

Definitions Under fur – shorter fur Guard hairs – longer fur Mitt – Fur on feet area Bib – Fur below chin and throat Mask – Coloring around eyes

Varieties Common Sable – light-dark fur with mask or hood on face, black nose White – White fur Red eyes

Silver Mitt – Under fur white/off white, guard hairs black and white, White feet and bib Sterling silver - more white guard hairs, no mitts or bib

Characteristics Long slender body Furry Tail From the weasel family Scientific name translates to mean “stinky little thief” Small mammals weighing less then 5 pounds Used for controlling rodents Have anal glands that produce a strong musky smell It is illegal to own a ferret in NYC, California and Hawaii

Housing Ferrets should have a large cage with levels Ferrets like to burrow Ferrets should have a hammock

Feeding Ferret food from pet store Food: Need high protein diet (similar to cats) Treats should be specifically made for ferrets from the pet store Not a good idea to provide sugar treats

What foods should I not feed my ferret? Ferrets should not eat sugary cereal, peanut butter, grains, corn, rice, carbohydrates, raisins, bananas, other fruits, vegetables, dairy products, chocolate, other sweets, or any food with sugar. All of these items are loaded with complex carbohydrates and a ferret's strictly carnivorous digestive tract cannot process these foods. Diets high in carbohydrates may lead to intestinal problems and some types of cancer.

Information Life span: 8-11years Food: Need high protein diet (similar to cats) Sexually mature 10m Gestation 6-8w Litter size 6-8 kits Weaning age 6 weeks Sexing: Anogential distance

Health Problems adrenal disease are tumors on the adrenal glands which are located in front of the kidneys most common symptoms of adrenal disease include: hair loss usually beginning at the end of their tail (though it can appear anywhere on your ferret), muscle loss and/or a potbelly appearance, and weight loss.

Health Problems Insulinoma – disease of the pancreas that causes dangerously low blood sugar The most common early sign of insulinoma is "staring into space", blank expressions, etc. Other signs and symptoms include: depression, weight loss, foaming and pawing at the mouth, lack of appetite, difficulty in using hind legs, and in severe cases seizures

Health Problems Flu/cold – They can catch it from you Should be vaccinated for canine distemper and rabies Physical injuries – can get into small places and get hurt Foreign Bodies – eat something that they should not have Diarrhea – If it continues more then 3 days you should have ferret examined by Vet

Handling Handling: One hand around chest, one around butt Restraint: Scruff and hold in air, Nutrical can be used to distract animal Sexing: Anogential distance

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