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Pet Ferret Facts - Health Problems and Characteristics

Article Summary: An introduction to pet ferrets. This article reveals that ferrets are very unique pets to own. They are named after the Latin word “furonem” which means “thief.” They were named this because of their propensity to hoard and save food and toys in hiding places. Ferrets are now some of the most popular household pets out there.

Not many people own ferrets as the thought of having one is rather special. Ferrets come from the Latin word 'furoneum' which essentially means 'thief'! This is a clue to their behavior as they have a tendency to save and hide their food or playthings in several hiding places. Keeping ferrets as a pet is slowly gaining popularity as they can be curious little animals and friendly as well. They make wonderful pets but bear in mind that litter training them would need endurance on your part.

Ferrets were domesticated as few as 2,500 years ago. Since then, they have always included humans as part of their social group. They were the preferred animals of the nobility and royals in the Middle Ages for their engaging and sociable behavior as well as their striking features.

Ferrets are part of the weasel family, which can include a lot of members. The weasel family are mustelids. They have over 65 different species of cousins in the weasel family, including otters and badgers. If you were to closely observe a ferret, you will begin to understand how similar they are to these creatures instead of the rodents they are usually contrasted with. Ferrets come in different shades of brown with black highlights although they are sleek and have short fur. There are ferrets which are albinos and they are easily identified by their pink eyes and white fur, similar to other animals which have an albino strain.

Male ferrets are usually about 18 inches and 2-3 pounds, while females are a little smaller. We still have no clue why ferrets have a tendency to hide and hoard food and playthings. It could have started off as a method of saving food during the cold winters, quite similar to the behavior observed in squirrels. It could be how this trait began, but it is still observed to this present day.

Ferrets are commonly blamed unfairly for being odorous. This is not the case. They do have a slightly dank smell about them due to their natural oils, however, you can take away these glands that are responsible for such odors. Usually, if your ferrets have a strong odor, it is due their cages being unsanitary or due to owners not giving them adequate care. Should you neglect your ferret's living space or litter box for a number of days, be prepared for the odor!

Additional care needs to be given to ensure that ferrets do not give off an unpleasant odor and are maintained in tip-top condition. Sadly, they are susceptible to a number of ferret illnesses and their short life spans can be drastically reduced. The diet of the ferret should be very high in fat and protein. They require a diet consisting of 35% protein and approximately 15% fat in order to be well maintained. For the first few years of a ferret's life, you will have to be very careful about what you feed them to make sure that they grow up strong.

Of course, if you are in a tight spot, you may give your ferret cat food, however, this cannot continue over long periods of time. Bear in mind, cat food will not have all the necessary nutrients and minerals that ferrets require.

Ferrets are naturally smart and can be taught to perform little parlor acts, but you will need to be patient during training. They have an innate liking for holes as they were originally bred to chase rabbits from their burrows. They are descended from polecats and love to sleep. Usually, a ferret can sleep for as long as 18 hours but you will definitely be in the know when they come out of their slumber! Such pets are intelligent and devoted, and a joy to be around, making them wonderful pets.

Article Source: http://www.upublish.info

About the Author:
Moses Wright
Moses Wright is a ferret pet lover. He loves to help fellow pet owners solve their home pet problems. He provides free ferret facts info, health care problems and supplies review on his web site.