Despite their attractive appearance, wild ferrets have an aggressive disposition. This is explained by the fact that the animal belongs to the category of predators. However, keeping ferrets at home is gaining popularity today. This is partly due to the development of a special breed of ferrets known as ferrets. Such pets are less aggressive and easier to train.
Description of the animal
Like other members of the mustelid family, the ferret has an elongated and squat body. Thanks to this structure, the animal is able to penetrate burrows, stealing eggs. The following features are characteristic of a ferret:
- the average body length does not exceed 50 centimeters;
- depending on the type, the weight varies from 300 grams to two kilograms;
- strong paws and elongated claws;
- a long neck crowned by an oval head;
- The length of the tail reaches 20 centimeters.
The popularity of ferrets is partly due to the fact that the animals have thick, fluffy fur, the color of which can change depending on the season.
When getting such a pet, you need to take into account that there are special glands near the tail that secrete a liquid with an unpleasant odor that scares away enemies. At home, as noted above, they contain a special subspecies known as ferrets. Representatives of this species look like forest ferrets. The external similarity is due to the fact that the latter were the ancestors of the frets.
Variety of colors
Depending on the region of residence, the color of ferrets' coat varies from light (white) to dark (black) shades. This diversity is due to the evolutionary development of the animal. The color of the coat “adjusts” to the characteristics of the area in which the ferret lives.
Albino
Albinos (or furos) are descended from forest animals. The hair on these bodies white ferrets, but sometimes there are inclusions of cream shades. Furo has a pink nose and red eyes. This species is rarely found in the wild.
White ferret
White ferrets resemble albinos in appearance.But this species has black or blue eyes. Despite the fact that these pets often suffer from deafness due to genetic predisposition, white ferrets remain in demand among breeders.
Blaze
Representatives of this variety are distinguished by a variety of colors. A distinctive feature of these pets is the white stripe running from the nose and along the neck. On the front legs there are “mittens” of similar color.
Champagne
This variety is characterized by a hint of milk chocolate. But the underfur has a white or light golden color. As you move towards the tail and limbs, the hair color gradually darkens. Eye color also changes from black to pink.
Cinnamon
Cinnamome (cinnamon) is a rare brown-copper color, which is why ferrets with this coat are very popular among breeders. As in the previous case, the hair darkens as it moves towards the tail. Cinnamons have black or burgundy eyes, and the underfur is creamy or beige.
Cinnamon with markings
This variety differs from the previous one in the presence of white spots on the limbs.
Dalmatian
This type of ferret is characterized by the presence of white fur, which is “diluted” with black spots on the head and body. The nose of these animals is pink. But inclusions of black spots are possible.
Chocolate color
Externally, chocolate-colored ferrets resemble sables. However, the former have a beige or wheat undercoat. There is a T-shaped pattern on the nose of the ferrets, the eyes are black, and the muzzle is covered with a pronounced mask. The coat color darkens on the tail and legs.
Chocolate with markings
This variety differs from the previous one by the presence of white “mittens” on the limbs.
Black color
This color is known as black solid.Ferrets with such fur are distinguished by black guard hair, the shade of which practically does not change throughout the entire body and head. The nose and eyes have a similar color.
Silver color
The fur of such animals is pale beige or white. But the coat is distinguished by an ash-gray color. Ferrets with such a coat are prized among breeders. The pets' special features also include white “mittens” on their paws and a pink nose.
Golden color
The hair of this species of animals varies from white at the base, to a yellow or orange undercoat and a brown or black tip. The animal's nose and eyes are black.
Classification by coat type
Depending on the type of coat, the following types of domestic ferrets are distinguished:
- Angora. Characterized by long hair with hairs up to 12 centimeters. Angora males have fluffier fur than females. Externally, these animals also stand out due to their twisted nostrils.
- Half Angora. This species grows 5 cm long hairs on its back.
- Normal coat. The length of the hair does not exceed 3.5 centimeters. Moreover, this variety has a thick and dense underfur.
Ferrets with a sable coat color are popular among breeders. Also in high demand is a variety called panda. This name was given due to the fact that the animals’ head, paw tips, shoulders and chest are white. However, panda ferrets, like a number of other artificially bred pets, suffer from genetically determined deafness.
Among breeders, gradation is used based on the type of markings on the coat. The color of the spots in this case varies quite widely. But only pearly ferrets have gray markings.
Ferret breeds
Wild ferrets are usually grouped into three large groups. However, researchers distinguish 7 breeds of these animals.
Steppe view
Both disadvantages complicate the maintenance of the steppe species in captivity.
Far Eastern
The Far Eastern species is characterized by similar size and body weight to the steppe species.
This breed lives in the wild in the Russian Far East, which is why it got its name.
Forest view
The forest ferret (common, black, dark) is attractive not only with its small body, the length of which does not exceed 50 centimeters, but also:
- light weight, reaching 1.5 kilograms;
- elongated (up to 20 centimeters) tail;
- contrasting colors.
Forest ferrets are not bred at home because:
- the diet includes many small animals, including rabbits;
- The animals prefer to settle in the forest belt.
This species lives in temperate climates.
Fretka
Ferret is a domesticated forest ferret, which is distinguished by the following features:
- friendly disposition;
- ability to get along with other animals;
- susceptibility to training.
When maintaining ferrets, you need to consider that:
- the animal actively sheds in spring;
- Birds and rodents should not be kept with animals.
Ferrets are not inferior in size to forest ferrets.But domesticated animals weigh 1.5-2 times more than their wild relatives.
Golden
The golden appearance is characterized by the following features:
- orange undercoat;
- silky and fluffy fur;
- compact dimensions (length – up to 50 centimeters).
Golden animals are distinguished by the fact that:
- actively shed;
- cannot tolerate being around other rodents.
Due to the fact that golden ferrets descended from forest ferrets, both types of animals have similar character traits.
American look
The advantages of the American type are considered to be the following:
- body weight - up to a kilogram;
- body length - up to 40 centimeters, tail - up to 15 centimeters;
- At the base there are white hairs, which turn black as they move upward.
When planning to keep American ferrets, you need to consider that:
- animals require a lot of free territory;
- The animals feed on gophers and mice.
This species is also adapted to living in temperate latitudes with long winters.
Honorik
Honors are attractive because:
- externally resemble a mink;
- have black shiny fur;
- feel good in the water.
The disadvantages of this type include the following:
- aggressive disposition;
- are unable to live in captivity.
Honoriki acquired these characteristics due to the fact that this species was obtained by crossing forest and steppe ferrets with mink.
