Chapter_16.pptx

Chapter 16 Ferrets 16-1 Introduction • This chapter will discuss the history as well as color patterns and general care practices for ferrets • You will learn about the common feeds for ferrets and the correct methods for handing a ferret • Common diseases affecting ferrets will be reviewed 16-2...

Chapter 16 Ferrets 16-1 Introduction • This chapter will discuss the history as well as color patterns and general care practices for ferrets • You will learn about the common feeds for ferrets and the correct methods for handing a ferret • Common diseases affecting ferrets will be reviewed 16-2 History OVERVIEW • Family Mustelidae • Weasels, ermines, mink, and polecats • European polecat • Domestic ferret is descendant • Been in U.S. for over 300 years • Used to pull cables 16-3 History DOMESTICATION • No wild colonies exist • Possession of ferrets is legal • • 48 states Regulations • Concerns • • Escape Competing with native species 16-4 History WILD FERRETS • Black-footed ferret • Diet of prairie dogs • 1986, only 18 remained • Captured to start a breeding program • Being reintroduced 16-5 Major Color Groups WILD FERRETS • • • • • • Common sable The white The silver mitt The sterling silver The white-footed sable The butterscotch and the cinnamon 16-6 Characteristics PHYSICAL APPEARANCE • Body • • • • Elongated, lean, slender, and muscular Legs are short Fur is dense and very soft Change coats completely twice a year • Oval heads and pointed snouts 16-7 Characteristics PETS • • • • Little difference with gender Strong musky odors Occasional baths Little odor • • Castrated De-scented 16-8 Characteristics OTHER CHARACTERISTICS • Color patterns may vary when • • • De-scented Spayed Neutered • Not a well-developed sense of sight • Live eight to 11 years 16-9 Housing and Equipment CAGES • Single ferret • At least 12× 24 × 10 inches • Very playful • Suitable toys • • • Cat toys Plastic pipes Plastic milk jugs with holes 16-10 Feeding DIET • Carnivores • Quick metabolism • Dry foods are recommended • • Keeps teeth and gums in good condition Dry foods for kittens will work 16-11 Feeding SUPPLEMENTAL FOODS • Vegetable oil added to diet • • • Older ferrets Aid in digestion Healthy coat • Treats • • Small amounts Meat based 16-12 Handling and Training YOUNG FERRETS • Need time to adjust to surroundings • Speak in a soft, gentle voice • Littermates • • • Play rough Will bite Discipline 16-13 Handling and Training TRAINING PRODUCTS • Ferretone® and Linatone® • • Used as a treat Contain vitamin A • BitterApple® • • Ferrets dislike it Electrical and telephone cords 16-14 Handling and Training LITTER TRAINING • Relieve themselves in a corner • Can be litter trained • Usually relieve themselves shortly after waking • Not as dependable as cats • Accidents will happen 16-15 Diseases and Ailments COMMON AILMENTS • Human influenza and cold viruses • Susceptible to canine distemper • Helicobacter mustelae • • Ulcers Gastric lymphoma • Bowel disease Cont. 16-16 Diseases and Ailments COMMON AILMENTS • • • • • Extremely susceptible to botulism Ear mites Mange Fleas Physical injuries 16-17 Diseases and Ailments GROOMING • Proper grooming and cleaning • Monthly bath • • Shampoo specifically for ferrets Formulated for kittens or puppies • Keep nails trimmed 16-18 Reproduction BREEDING • Females in heat at six to 12 months • Males inactive during winter months • Decline in testosterone • May remain locked for up to 3 hours • Ovulation occurs after mating 16-19 Reproduction GESTATION AND BIRTH • • • • • Approximately six weeks Usually do not need assistance Mothers are very protective Average litter is six to eight kits Can be weaned at six weeks 16-20 Reproduction IN HEAT BUT NOT BRED • Will stay in heat if not bred • • • • Continue to produce estrogen Aplastic anemia Loss of weight General deterioration • Administering hormones can end heat 16-21 Summary • The domestic ferret (M. pulorius furo) is believed to be a descendant of the European polecat (M. pulorius) • Several colors are now being bred: sable (the most common), red-eyed white, silver mitt, sterling silver, whitefooted sable, butterscotch, whitefooted butterscotch, and the rare cinnamon Cont. 16-22 Summary • The type of housing used depends on the owner’s situation • Ferrets are easy to feed; the major part of their diet consists of a highquality commercial dry kitten or ferret food • Ferrets are highly susceptible to canine distemper 16-23