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Pet Ferret Facts - Health Problems and Characteristics

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. They can be friendly and inquisitive. These social animals make great pets, but they will need some patience to be litter trained.

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. When you look at the ferret, you can see how they are closely related to these creatures instead of the rodents that they are frequently compared to. 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. They probably initially started doing it to hoard food for the colder, more lean months similar to how squirrels act. It could be how this trait began, but it is still observed to this present day.

Ferrets are often accused of having a bad smell. 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. If you forget about your ferret's litter box or cage for a few days, of course they are going to stink!

Additional care needs to be given to ensure that ferrets do not give off an unpleasant odor and are maintained in tip-top condition. Unfortunately, they are prone to a number of ferret diseases and their already too-short lifetimes can become even more shortened. 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. After all, cat food doesn't have all of the vitamins and nutrients that ferrets need.

Ferrets are very intelligent and can be trained to do some tricks, although this will require some patience. 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! These pets are fun, loyal and smart, making them great animals to have around.

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