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Welcome to the Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Ferrets! This is Chapter 1: What is a Ferret?
If you already have a solid understanding of what a ferret is, and where they originated from, you can skip to Chapter 2 (though we’d still recommend skimming the handy Animal Kingdom Chart in this chapter for a refresher).
For everyone else, this chapter will help build your foundational ferret knowledge as you begin to learn more about this incredible pet.
Why are They Called ‘Ferrets’?
The English word ‘ferret’ is derived from the latin word for ‘thief’, furonem. If you are new to ferrets, it is worth mentioning that ferrets are notorious for stealing and stashing just about everything (pens, keys, phone, charger, wallet, your heart..) so the name is quite fitting to their nature. What is a ferret? In short, they are thieves!
The full scientific name for a ferret is Mustela putorius
furo. In latin, this translates to “stinky mouse-killing thief”. It’s
harsh, but accurate. Read on to understand the ‘mouse-killing’ part…
What Are Ferrets Related to?
credit: ferret.org
One of the most common misconceptions surrounding ferrets is
that they are a rodent (think hamster, guinea pig, rat, gerbil). Contrary to this
popular belief, ferrets are in fact carnivores (think dog, cat) and were actually
used to hunt rodents throughout history.
If you take a look at the Animal Kingdom Classification Chart above, you will see that ferrets are part of the Carnivore order (just like dogs and cats, meaning they eat fresh meat prey), and within that they are part of the Mustelidea family.
Relatives of the ferret: badger, mink, otter, stoat, wolverine
Mustelids (weasels) have
elongated bodies, short legs, round ears, and thick fur. Other animals in the
mustelid family include badgers, otters, minks, and wolverines.
“How can this be? Ferrets look like big rats,” you may be thinking. You are not alone! We can perhaps chalk this very common misunderstanding up to the fact that domesticated ferrets are often grouped with other critters (primarily rodents) in pet stores in the ‘small mammal section’. We assure you that this ‘giant rat’ is actually much more closely related to your dog or cat than your hamster.
Are you ready to impress your friends with a little zoology knowledge? Check out Chapter 2.
5 replies to “What is a Ferret? The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide”
T
Tory Hayner
I love moose so much, you are so pretty. 6 facts about a ferret 1. a ferret year is 36 days and 12 hours, 10 of those is 1 human year so he is 60 in ferret years. 2. i color coloring sheets with ferrets printed on them. 3.i have 3 stuffed ferrets. 4. ferrets are just too cute. 5. you are one of the best youtubers. 6. i love ferrets.
I am looking for your spectacular calendar ?!? Where O’ where has that little critter went?!? Anymore? I just adopted another ferret. His name is “Opie” he’s 4 hrs old and his a rough player. I rescued my original little ball-of-fur-love..”Leo” short for Leonardo because he’s THAT special❣️ Leo was the runt of a litter and the ‘breeder” (grrrr) was letting “nature take it course”. 😧 Like, who DOES that!?!🤯 – So I took my own course and took him home with me. 😁He is now 3.5. That all being said, I truly want to be the best ferret friend/companion….mom than I can. But it just pulls out my heart when the squuking becomes a sequel. I don’t know what to do? Intervene by breaking it up? Let well enough along? Opie is so much larger in strength and in muscle mass and dimension for only being 1/2 year apart…when he punches he physically pins Leo and I know from first hand play account with Opie myself, he bites extremely hard. I’m at my wits end. Please respond …and I’d like to purchase your calendar could you tell me when you will have more? Or where I can go and get one please. Love your channel news website ❣️ I have subscribed. 🙂
hi i recently got two baby ferret. one of them is acting very aggressive (its more than teething). im at the point where i dont know what to do this her she has drawn blood on me everyday since i got her. her aggression comes out of nowhere. i dont know what to do and i need some help. I have to wear gloves, socks, sweatpants, and a long sleeve shirt when playing with her because i never know when she is going to come up and bite me. her and the other ferret will be playing and then she will come up to me and bite me full force. please help me im begging.
Hi there Laura, sounds like your ferret may have some past history issues. Can you email me directly at hello@themodernferret.com with some photos of her cage setup and I can see how I can help!
If you are new to ferrets, make sure to read this before you potty train your ferret. In this article you will learn why ferrets need litter boxes (and what happens if you don’t give them any!), as well as everything you need to know about your ferret’s potty habits. PLUS We will answer all …
In this article you will learn where and how to ferret proof your bedroom. Want to learn about the most likely causes of danger to your ferret? Check out What is Ferret Proofing? If you’d like to learn how to ferret proof a different section of your home, click one of the links below: Kitchen Bathroom …
Welcome to the Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Ferrets! This is Chapter 4: How Smart are Ferrets? If you already have a solid understanding of where ferret intelligence ranks among other household pets, you can skip to Chapter 5. For everyone else, this chapter will give you a new found respect for these incredible animals. Myth: Ferrets are Untrainable …
In this article you will learn everything you need to know about how to cut ferret nails -and why you should. Are you new to ferrets? Check out our Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Ferrets! At the end of the article, we also answer all of the most common questions surrounding how to cut ferret nails. …
What is a Ferret? The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide
Welcome to the Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Ferrets! This is Chapter 1: What is a Ferret?
If you already have a solid understanding of what a ferret is, and where they originated from, you can skip to Chapter 2 (though we’d still recommend skimming the handy Animal Kingdom Chart in this chapter for a refresher).
For everyone else, this chapter will help build your foundational ferret knowledge as you begin to learn more about this incredible pet.
Why are They Called ‘Ferrets’?
The English word ‘ferret’ is derived from the latin word for ‘thief’, furonem. If you are new to ferrets, it is worth mentioning that ferrets are notorious for stealing and stashing just about everything (pens, keys, phone, charger, wallet, your heart..) so the name is quite fitting to their nature. What is a ferret? In short, they are thieves!
The full scientific name for a ferret is Mustela putorius furo. In latin, this translates to “stinky mouse-killing thief”. It’s harsh, but accurate. Read on to understand the ‘mouse-killing’ part…
What Are Ferrets Related to?
One of the most common misconceptions surrounding ferrets is that they are a rodent (think hamster, guinea pig, rat, gerbil). Contrary to this popular belief, ferrets are in fact carnivores (think dog, cat) and were actually used to hunt rodents throughout history.
If you take a look at the Animal Kingdom Classification Chart above, you will see that ferrets are part of the Carnivore order (just like dogs and cats, meaning they eat fresh meat prey), and within that they are part of the Mustelidea family.
Mustelids (weasels) have elongated bodies, short legs, round ears, and thick fur. Other animals in the mustelid family include badgers, otters, minks, and wolverines.
“How can this be? Ferrets look like big rats,” you may be thinking. You are not alone! We can perhaps chalk this very common misunderstanding up to the fact that domesticated ferrets are often grouped with other critters (primarily rodents) in pet stores in the ‘small mammal section’. We assure you that this ‘giant rat’ is actually much more closely related to your dog or cat than your hamster.
Are you ready to impress your friends with a little zoology knowledge? Check out Chapter 2.
Want to Jump to Another Section?
Chapter 2: What Do Ferrets Eat?
Chapter 3: Anatomy and Lifespan of a Ferret
Chapter 4: How Smart are Ferrets?
Chapter 5: Top Ferret Myths
Chapter 6: The Real Costs of Owning a Ferret
5 replies to “What is a Ferret? The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide”
Tory Hayner
I love moose so much, you are so pretty.
6 facts about a ferret
1. a ferret year is 36 days and 12 hours, 10 of those is 1 human year so he is 60 in ferret years. 2. i color coloring sheets with ferrets printed on them. 3.i have 3 stuffed ferrets. 4. ferrets are just too cute. 5. you are one of the best youtubers. 6. i love ferrets.
Brenda C
I am looking for your spectacular calendar ?!? Where O’ where has that little critter went?!? Anymore? I just adopted another ferret. His name is “Opie” he’s 4 hrs old and his a rough player. I rescued my original little ball-of-fur-love..”Leo” short for Leonardo because he’s THAT special❣️ Leo was the runt of a litter and the ‘breeder” (grrrr) was letting “nature take it course”. 😧 Like, who DOES that!?!🤯 – So I took my own course and took him home with me. 😁He is now 3.5. That all being said, I truly want to be the best ferret friend/companion….mom than I can. But it just pulls out my heart when the squuking becomes a sequel. I don’t know what to do? Intervene by breaking it up? Let well enough along? Opie is so much larger in strength and in muscle mass and dimension for only being 1/2 year apart…when he punches he physically pins Leo and I know from first hand play account with Opie myself, he bites extremely hard. I’m at my wits end. Please respond …and I’d like to purchase your calendar could you tell me when you will have more? Or where I can go and get one please. Love your channel news website ❣️ I have subscribed. 🙂
laura zumbaugh
hi i recently got two baby ferret. one of them is acting very aggressive (its more than teething). im at the point where i dont know what to do this her she has drawn blood on me everyday since i got her. her aggression comes out of nowhere. i dont know what to do and i need some help. I have to wear gloves, socks, sweatpants, and a long sleeve shirt when playing with her because i never know when she is going to come up and bite me. her and the other ferret will be playing and then she will come up to me and bite me full force. please help me im begging.
Haley
Hi there Laura, sounds like your ferret may have some past history issues. Can you email me directly at hello@themodernferret.com with some photos of her cage setup and I can see how I can help!
alllie swanson
do you still recommend instinct ultimate protein food? and what bowls do you recommend? also a litter box besides a tray and also bed
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