MichaelSehlmeyer, CC0, via Pixabay
Want Ferrets to Be Pets?
Ferrets are independent, energetic little creatures with heavy sets of teeth. Whenever I try to pet a ferret, usually all I get are the teeth. This turned me off to ferrets until I got to know their body language and behavior better. Caring for a ferret is not the same as caring for a dog, cat, or guinea pig. You can’t just pick up a ferret and start petting away (which I tried to do). Ferrets are affectionate, but only when they’re in the mood for petting.
Let Them Be Active
Ferrets are meant to be active throughout the day, foraging, tunneling, and socializing with other ferrets. This means that they basically have to run, climb, and play like little kids have to play. This is especially true of baby ferrets (called kits), who seem to love nothing more in life than to play.
When the ferret wants to play, let them play. This is not the time to take care of them. They need to let loose, often through a bouncy war dance.
Make sure your hands are clean of any food smells unless you want to taste. If you’re worried about getting bitten, you can spray bitter apple on your hands (it tastes really bad). If a ferret bites or puts their teeth into you, then pick up the ferret by the scruff of the neck and stare in the eyes, frowning, then put the ferret back and try again.
Use Light Touch
Although ferrets appear to be made of indestructible rubber, they are actually fragile. The average ferret weighs only about the same as a large guinea pig (about two or three pounds). Ferrets appreciate a gentle touch from people, even if they knock other ferrets around like punching bags.
Use as light a touch as possible. The ferret will let you know if they like it. If they really like it, lick you! So, if a ferret turns their head around your fingers, don’t assume you’re going to bite. If a ferret leans back to your touch, you can use a little more pressure. When you stroke their hips, and they like it, they will raise their hips like a cat would.
Most ferrets do not want to be patted on the head like a dog or spanked playfully like you would for a horse or large dog. Those moves will scare them. Let the ferret know you are there before you touch or pick them up. Their main predators are birds of prey, so they can be protective against any large body that seems to sneak up on them from above with extended talons.
Ferrets also like a light “scritching” (which I think is a word invented by Charles Shultz in a nuts strip and has since come into common use). It’s a cross between petting and a light scratch, where your fingers move back and forth as if closing to pick up a pin and then letting go. This movement is natural for most people, and even I have a hard time describing it!
All Ferrets are Individuals
Not all ferrets have the same amount of tolerance for human interaction. They are all individual. Some will cuddle for a few minutes before dancing again, while others will snuggle in your lap all night. In general, the older the ferret, the more responsive they are to your affection.
Try to appreciate the ferret’s individuality and let the ferret come to you for love in its good time. It’s good to handle your ferret daily, just so they learn good manners and are easier to see at the vet. This also means that the ferret is getting used to your touch.
The joy of living with ferrets is that they are ferrets and not any other pet. They have lively characters and senses of humor that are a privilege when one decides you are “ferret” enough to interact.
More Articles on Ferret Care
- How to Bathe and Groom Your Ferret
Did you know that bathing and grooming your ferret has some unique needs? Here’s how to clean them properly. - Ferrets: Digestive System, Nutritional Needs, and Tips
Learn more about how your ferret’s stomach works so you can get a good start on keeping them healthy and choosing the right food.
This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. It is not intended to replace diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Animals showing signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
© 2007 Rena Sherwood
Comments
Rena Sherwood (author) on October 23, 2007:
Smell? What a smell 🙂 Yes, they have a smell that takes some getting used to!
Whitney from Georgia on October 23, 2007:
Ferrets are clean, but I can’t stand their smell.. Ha… They make pretty good pets though.
