Ferret at home danger. Wild forest ferret - what it eats and how it lives. Ferret Control Methods

26.10.2019

The common ferret is a species of carnivorous mammal that belongs to the weasel family. There is also a domesticated form - ferret or albino ferret.

The ferret is very common throughout Western Europe. Large populations of these animals live in England and in the European part of Russia, with the exception of North Karelia, the Caucasus and the Lower Volga region. Over the past decades, ferrets have populated the forests of Finland. You can also meet them in the forest part of Northwest Africa. In the past, the ferret was brought to New Zealand and settled down well there.

The common ferret prefers to settle in small forests or simply groves that alternate with fields and meadows. It is often found in the floodplains of small rivers and near other bodies of water. The ferret can also inhabit city parks.

Ferrets are characterized by a sedentary lifestyle, they are attached to a particular habitat. They arrange their shelters in heaps of deadwood, laying firewood, rotten stumps, haystacks and other natural shelters. It happens that these animals occupy the nests of badger or fox holes, settle in rural sheds, cellars, baths. The ferret almost never digs its burrows.

The ferret is a dangerous predator. He is able to cope with prey, the size of which exceeds his own.

How to avoid being bitten by a ferret

As a rule, representatives of the weasel family and ferrets, including those, do not attack humans. They can pounce only when they feel cornered. Domestic ferrets can also show active aggressiveness under certain conditions. The simple recommendations below will help you protect yourself from the bites of these animals.

First, don't put your hands in natural piles and burrows where ferrets can hide.

Secondly, when meeting a ferret, do not try to catch it.

Thirdly, if the ferret is in the habit of stealing your poultry, remove all boards and other similar shelters around the chicken coop, do not arrange any dumps near it that the animal can use as a shelter.

Fourth, do not take a decorative ferret in your arms if he is frightened. Remember, ferrets are very scared when they are outside for the first time.

Fifth, to catch a ferret, throw a coat or any other heavy fabric over it and only then pick it up and take it to a quiet place. You can catch the animal with your hands in thick gloves.

Sixth, talk to the ferret calmly, do not make sudden movements, do not make noise until he calms down.

Seventh, never disturb a female with offspring. Protecting her cubs, she can attack strangers passing by their cage.

Eighth, if your ferret bites a lot, lock him in a cage for a certain amount of time. Every time you try to bite, say "No!" sharply.

Ninth, try to find out the cause of the pet ferret's regular bites and eliminate it. It can be poor health, discomfort, unsatisfactory living conditions.

Eleventh, use the punishment system to wean the animal from biting. Lift the ferret by the withers or press it by the withers to the floor for a couple of minutes.

Twelfth, take your biting ferret to the vet.

What are the effects of a ferret bite?

The ferret is armed with large, sharp and non-retractable claws and impressive teeth, among which large, curved fangs stand out. Therefore, its bite can lead to both small scratches and vein rupture. Experienced choreographers do not even pay attention to minor injuries, comparing them with the bite of a cat or a small dog.

Ferrets, biting a person, can infect him with some dangerous diseases, among which rabies occupies the first place in terms of danger. The virus enters the wound, multiplies in it, and then penetrates into the nerve endings. Then, along the peripheral nerves, it is sent to the central nervous system and simultaneously affects other organs. Rabies is a fatal disease.

What not to do when bitten by a ferret

If the ferret has bitten you and does not let go, in no case do not pull the animal away from you. Otherwise, he will tighten his jaw even more, and you will have to feel even more acute pain.
Don't hit the ferret or shake it. When stressed, a ferret can become more aggressive.
Don't try to stop minor bleeding. Dangerous microorganisms also leak out of the wound with blood.
Do not apply a tight bandage.
Do not close or stitch the wound yourself.
Do not rely on your own strength and knowledge in the treatment.

What measures can be taken in case of a ferret bite

1. First of all, try to grab a ferret that is holding onto you tightly by the nose with your fingers. This should make him let you go. If this does not help, put the animal under a stream of cold water or stick a hard, blunt object in its mouth to open its teeth.

2. If you have been bitten by a ferret that has previously been properly vaccinated, simply wash the wound and treat it with any antiseptic. If the injury is deep enough, see a surgeon.

3. If you are bitten by an unfamiliar ferret, wash the wound with a solution prepared from 1 bar of toilet soap or 3 parts of laundry soap and 2 glasses of water. The alkali in the composition of the soap helps to destroy the rabies virus. The duration of the procedure depends on the complexity of the injury. Rinse a shallow wound for 5-10 minutes, a deep one - 10-15 minutes.

4. For minor damage, apply antibacterial ointment. Treat the edges of a deep wound with an antiseptic.

5. Apply a sterile dressing.

6. Try to find out detailed information about ferret vaccinations. This will help the doctor make the right decision about the need for vaccination.

The ferret often attacks people's feet. With poor-quality education, he can bite painfully in the heel or in the toes.
A sudden movement from above can frighten the ferret and make it fiercely defensive.

10 warnings for beginner ferret breeders. The first thing you need to remember about risk is that even one single mistake can cost your ferret its life! Be careful! This can save your pet's life.

Windows and doors.

Locks won't help! It has long been known that ferrets can push them away, open a window and fall out. Make sure all windows and doors are closed when your ferret is out and about. It only takes one minute for a ferret to escape! Also, watch your feet when closing doors so you don't pinch your ferret.

Plants.

Ferrets are burrowing animals by nature, and this carries some dangers. Some soils and plants can be poisonous to them. Even if the plant is not poisonous to the ferret, it can cause blockage in the gastrointestinal tract, because. The ferret's digestive tract is not designed to digest vegetation. Make sure all indoor plants are out of their reach.

Electrical sockets and cords.

Protect all electrical appliances as you would a small child. Buy plastic covers for cords and plugs, they are freely available in computer stores. Make sure they are snug and tight. As an additional precaution, cover the outlet with a special cover.

Electrical cords and computer cables are a very dangerous source of entertainment for ferrets. Try removing those cords. You can tie them together with telephone wires and hang them high enough that the ferret can't reach them. Also keep an eye on cords from lamps, irons, and other heavy objects. Pulling on the cord can cause the ferret to drop the object on itself, causing severe injury or even death.

Rubber.

Something rubbery is sure to get your ferret's attention. The rubber product can be swallowed and cause blockage of the intestines, which can result in a costly operation and, if not lucky, death. Make it so that the ferret does not have free access to rubber things, be careful with rubber parts on the doors, even an ordinary shoe insole or rug at the door or in the bathroom can be dangerous. Veterinarians say that it is rubber things that cause the blockage, the number of rubber parts removed from ferrets is much greater than any other.

Furniture.

Unfortunately, a safe life is not for ferrets. Even ordinary furniture can be a mortal danger for them. Several ferrets have already been hurt by climbing into the interior of sofas or chairs that unsuspecting owners sit on. Ferrets can crawl on interior floors and upholstery, which is very dangerous for them. The host or guest sits, lies down, reclines, or disassembles/assembles the sofa, and the ferret inside can be crushed or pinched. To keep your pet safe, remove these sofas and chairs from your home, or place them in another room where the ferret can't access, or keep an eye on where your pet is at all times.

Heaters and fans.

Make sure they don't work when your ferret is running freely around the room. Ferrets can injure their little paws in the fan, and heaters can be knocked over by them, which can cause burns or a fire.

Shelves, drawers.

Ferrets often use shelves as steps to climb to higher ground. They can easily push back what seems to you to be firmly pushed back. You are better off using child locks on drawers, especially those where medicines or harmful chemicals are stored. Locks can also save you the embarrassment if your ferret brings your underwear into the room while you are hosting. This has already happened!

Bin.

Any rubbish, whether in the kitchen or in the bathroom, must be removed. Ferrets will teach you to order! Leftover food, hazardous waste, paper, and more can kill your ferret. Even a simple toilet paper roll can become dangerous if a ferret sticks its head in it, it will not free itself. Store trash cans in places that are hard to reach for your ferret.

Wash.

Ferrets are very fond of dirty laundry and washing machines. Check the laundry basket and the washing machine itself a few times to make sure your ferret isn't there before hitting start. Ferrets also love all kinds of pipes. Be careful not to let ferrets in where you wash.

Various dangers.

Even what seems unrealistic to you can happen to your ferret. It can be any crack or hole between the wall and the floor, any pipe where your ferret can get stuck. Ferrets, especially females, can climb curtains and clothes hanging on a hanger. Quite unexpectedly, you can find your pet behind the battery or floating in the toilet.

Be extremely careful and this can save the life of not only your ferret, but also yourself.

Used materials from the magazine "Ferrets" for 2003

Ferret (ferret) - a predatory mammal, belongs to the marten family, the genus of ferrets and weasels ( Mustela), subgenus Putorius.

Ferret - description, characteristics, structure. What does a ferret look like?

The body of ferrets, like most mustelids, is elongated, flexible and very squat, due to disproportionately short legs. The limbs of the ferret are very strong and muscular, thanks to which the animals move easily by jumping and swim well. The toes end in long strong claws, which allows ferrets to deftly climb trees and dig deep holes.

The average body length of adult males is about 50 cm, female ferrets are always smaller and grow up to 40 cm in length. The weight of a ferret, depending on the species, ranges from 300 g to 2 kg.

The ferret has a long flexible neck, a neat oval-shaped head and an elongated, slightly blunt muzzle towards the tip of the nose. Ferrets are especially proud of their fluffy tail, which grows up to 13-18 cm in length.

Ferret fur usually consists of a thick, soft undercoat and outer hair that is usually lighter at the base and darker at the tip. After the autumn molt, the ferret's coat acquires a characteristic sheen and becomes especially beautiful.

The color of the fur depends on the species and can vary from a light sand color to almost black or completely white in albino ferrets.

All trochees (except species with a white color) have a peculiar pattern on the muzzle that resembles a black mask.

Near the ferret's tail there are special glands that secrete a specific secret, which has a sharp, pungent odor and is used by animals to scare off enemies. Of all the senses, the ferret has a well-developed sense of smell, it is on it that the animals rely on when hunting.

In total, the ferret has 28-30 teeth: 12-14 incisors, 12 false-rooted teeth, premolars, and there is also a pair of canines on each jaw.

The life expectancy of a ferret in the wild is about 3-4 years, in captivity, ferrets live up to 5-7 years.

Enemies of the ferret in nature

The main enemies of ferrets in the wild are larger predators: often young ferrets become prey to feathered predators - and. In some areas, the ferret is a valuable commercial animal, so the animals are ruthlessly exterminated for the sake of warm, soft and beautiful fur.

Types of ferrets, photos and names

The classification of ferrets includes 3 main types:

, he is light ferret or white ferret, also known as steppe, light coloured or white ferret(Mustela eversmanni)

a large ferret growing up to 52-56 cm in length with a body weight of up to 2 kg. The length of the tail of adults is 18 cm. The light ferret has a long, but sparse brownish outer hair, so a dense underfur shines through the fur - an additional hairline of a lighter tone. The limbs, tail or its tip are dark in color, and the muzzle is covered with a mask. The steppe ferret eats quite diversely. In the warm season, pikas and invertebrates become its prey. To a lesser extent, amphibians and birds are food. In winter, the diet narrows down to hamsters and voles, which can be caught in the steppe. Since digging up rodent burrows becomes impossible, the animals are content with carrion and food waste, which they find near people's dwellings, and in the spring they pick up dead fish in river floods. In the presence of a sufficient amount of food, the animals avoid settlements. Steppe ferret females are extremely fertile and bring about 7-10 and even up to 18 cubs. On the European territory, ferrets live in the Czech Republic, in the east of Austria, in the south of Slovakia, in Ukraine, Hungary, Romania, in the north of Bulgaria, in Moldova, Poland. In addition, ferrets are found in Central and Central Asia, in the steppes, forest-steppes and semi-deserts of Russia from its European part to the Far East, as well as in the eastern part of China.

- The only subspecies of the light ferret is Amur steppe polecat (Mustela eversmanni amurensis)

The body length of the animal reaches 56 cm, the length of the tail is 18 cm, and the weight is no more than 2 kg. The color of the fur is dominated by white and yellowish tones. The belly of the animal is light, the tip of the tail and paws are black, on the muzzle there is a pattern in the form of a mask. The main part of the subspecies population is concentrated in the northeast of China; in Russia it is found in the steppe landscapes of the Middle Amur.

forest ferret, he is ferret or black ferret, which is also called normal, dark or black ferret(Mustela putorius)

The forest ferret is inferior in size to its steppe relative: body length is about 36-48 cm, weight is from 400 g to 1.5 kg, and females are 1.5 times smaller than males. The tail of the male ferret has a length of 15 to 17 cm, and that of females is 8.5-17 cm. Unlike the steppe animal, the color of the black ferret does not have a sharp contrast between the color of the legs and body. The main color of mature individuals is black-brown, and the legs, tail, throat and dewlap are almost black. The muzzle is decorated with a characteristic mask. Pure white or red ferrets are also common in the population. The basis of the diet of the forest ferret is mice and voles, snakes, frogs, birds and their eggs are additional food. Forest ferrets break holes and eat their offspring. Individuals living near settlements will not miss the opportunity to eat rabbits and poultry. Unlike the prolific steppe polecat, the female black polecat gives birth to only 4-6 puppies. Forest ferrets live throughout Eurasia, especially in Western Europe and practically throughout the entire European territory of Russia. The animal prefers groves and woodlands, waits for prey at the edges of forests, in connection with which it received the name "edge" predator. Together with weasels, the black ferret was brought to New Zealand for the extermination of rodents, where it successfully took root and became a threat to the local island fauna.

- Fretka (domestic ferret, African ferret), also known as furo ( Mustela putorius furo)

domesticated form of the black ferret. Scientists and animal breeders use the name "furo" exclusively to refer to albino ferrets, although a domestic ferret can be an animal of any solid color (white, black, brown) or a combined type of color. The body length of an adult domestic ferret is about 51 cm with a body weight of 700 g to 2 kg. The length of the tail reaches approximately 13 cm. Furo is bred both in pure form and by crossing with natural species. The Poles nicknamed the hybrid of the furo and the forest ferret “thuzhofretka”, which in Russian sounds like “chorefrette”.

As a result of crossing the forest ferret with a ferret, golden ferret, the first Russian breed of ferrets.

This is a large animal with thick silky fur, which is distinguished by black outer hair with orange underfur. Females of the golden ferret reach a length of 39 cm, males are larger - their body length is 46 cm.

american ferret, he is black-footed ferret(Mustela nigripes)

a rare species of North American predators, which is under the protection of the United States and is listed in the Red Book as endangered. The body length of the American ferret does not exceed 31-41 cm, and the body weight ranges from 650 g to 1 kg. The fluffy tail of the animal grows up to 11-15 cm in length. The coat is white at the base and dark at the tips, which gives the impression of a general yellow-brown color. The tip of the tail and limbs of the ferret are black, and there is also a distinctive black mask on the muzzle. American ferrets live in the central part of the United States, on the prairies east of the Rocky Mountains. Ferrets feed on mice, voles, ground squirrels, but the survival of the black-footed ferret depends entirely on the population of prairie dogs, which are its main food source. One colony of dogs covers 50 hectares of prairie and can only feed one adult ferret, while one family of ferrets needs about 250 rodents per year to survive. In the 80s of the last century, the remaining representatives of the American ferret species were caught for artificial breeding and released into the wild in some states of the United States and Mexico in order to revive the population.

Honorik is an artificially obtained hybrid of a ferret (bred by crossing the steppe and forest ferrets) and the European mink. Rarely, honoriki appear in the wild in areas where the ranges of these 3 species intersect. Honoriki outnumber their parents in size and equally inherit their traits. Outwardly, the animals resemble a mink, and their black, shiny outer hair with a thick brown underfur is very similar to sable fur. From the ferrets, the animals got large ears with a light border around the edges. Honoriki, like minks, are excellent swimmers, and they adopted the ability to dig holes from trochees. Their own character trait is a rare aggressiveness and inability to get along with people.

Where do ferrets live?

Ferrets live in Europe (including England), the USA, Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, China, the countries of Central and Central Asia, and northwest Africa. At one time, forest ferrets were brought to New Zealand to fight rats and mice, as a result, predators spread there as well. The habitat of ferrets are steppes, semi-deserts, sparse forests and even settlements. Animals avoid open areas and dense taiga. Ferrets are sedentary, strongly attached to their habitat and are typical nocturnal predators. Ferrets rarely dig holes and more often occupy the dwellings of other animals, for example, foxes or can settle in the cavities of old trees, in a haystack, a woodshed or in a pile of deadwood.

What do ferrets eat?

Ferrets do not have a caecum, and due to the low synthesis of amylase, their body does not absorb plant foods well. The basis of the diet of animals is made up of various types of small rodents: voles, mice, hamsters, water rats. In spring, the animals destroy bird nests, dig hare holes, large species attack muskrats and ground squirrels. An insignificant part of the diet is made up of large species of insects, frogs, fish, and snakes. Animals prepare for winter in advance, storing excess food in their dwelling.

The main method of hunting ferrets is to watch for prey at the entrance to the shelter. In other cases, prey has to run and catch. Often, hunger forces ferrets to eat carrion and food waste, to ruin poultry houses and rabbitries. And the bad reputation of ferrets as arrogant and unscrupulous predators is greatly exaggerated, largely due to the ignorance of the people themselves. Most of the “sins” are hung on the animals in vain and the crimes committed by martens, weasels and foxes are attributed to animals.

ferret breeding

The breeding season of ferrets depends on the habitat and lasts from February to the end of summer. In steppe ferrets, the rut occurs in early spring. In forest ferrets, the rut begins in April-May, sometimes in the second half of June. The puberty of the animal occurs at the age of 10-12 months, and there are no special mating rituals among the animals. Ferret mating is violent and aggressive: the male ferret grabs the female by the scruff of the neck, despite her resistance. Therefore, after the completion of the process, females are often left with a shabby withers, on which traces of the male's teeth are visible.

The pregnancy of a female ferret lasts an average of 1.5 months, and there are from 4 to 18 cubs in a litter. The weight of newborn ferrets is about 5-10 g, cubs are born blind and helpless, but grow and develop quite quickly. Breastfeeding lasts about 2-2.5 months, and the mother begins to feed the 4-week-old cubs with meat.

At the age of 7-8 weeks, young ferrets are already able to hunt, although they continue to feed on their mother's milk. In case of any danger, the mother selflessly protects her offspring.

Up to six months, young ferrets hunt with the female, gaining useful skills, and then move on to an independent life.

Colors of ferrets with photos

According to the Russian classification, there are 3 color options for ferrets:

Pearl color(it includes silver and sable colors). The general color of the ferret's fur is light cream, and may have an ash or silver tinge. The awn is black or brown, the tips of the hair are cream or gray.
Golden color. The general color of ferrets is yellowish or closer to orange. The awn is black, the tips of the hair are red.
pastel color. The overall color is light cream. The guard hairs are light brown and may have a smoky hue. The tips of the hair are light gray or cream.

According to the American classification from the AFA (American Ferret Association), 8 colors and 4 colors of ferrets are distinguished, however, this classification is also not complete and does not include all the color variety of the fur of these animals. Under the color of the ferret, it is customary to mean the color of the guard hair and underfur, as well as the color of the eyes and nose. Coloring implies a pattern that is formed by combining different colors. Another characteristic of ferret fur is marks, spots, which, depending on the location or combination, are divided into several variations.

AFA distinguishes the following colorations of ferrets:

albino(albino, red-eyed white)

Fur with white underfur (sometimes with light cream patches) and an awn of the same shade. The eyes of the ferret are always red, the nose is only pink;

black

The outer hair is black. The underfur is white or golden. Ferrets of this color have black eyes and a nose of the same color (a motley nose is allowed);

sable (sable)

The awn is warm brown, the underfur is white, cream or light golden. The eyes may be brown or almost black, the nose is brown or light brown, there are individuals with spotted noses and with a T-shaped pattern;

black sable (black sable)

The fur is distinguished by a black-brown or dark ash outer hair with a pronounced glossy sheen and underfur from white to cream tones. The eyes of the ferret are dark, almost black, the nose is black-brown, may be spotted;

champagne

The outer hair is colored brown or light brown, the shade of the underfur varies from white to cream, without inclusions of yellowness. The eyes are cherry or dark cherry, the nose is pink, beige or pink with a brown T-stripe;

chocolate

The awn is "milk chocolate", the underfur is white or with a slight yellowish tinge. The eyes of the ferret are dark cherry or brown, the nose can be light beige, pink, pink with dark stripes in the form of the letter T, sometimes there are individuals with a brick-colored nose;

cinnamon

The outer hair is colored in a rich shade of red-brown, the underfur is golden, sometimes pure white. The eyes of the ferret are light or dark brown, the nose is pink or not completely painted over.

dark-eyed white (dark-eyed white)

The awn and underfur vary from pure white to light cream. The eyes of the ferret can be dark cherry or dark brown, the nose of the animal is always pink.

According to the AFA, ferrets are classified not only by color, but also by coloration, which is determined by the color of the nose, the type of mask on the animal's muzzle, and the concentration of color on the legs, tail and body. There are 4 types of colors:

Siamese (siamese),
roan (roan),
solid (solid),
standard (standard).

In addition, it is customary to take into account the presence of peculiar white spots on the ferret: depending on their location (on the tail, muzzle, torso, limbs, head or neck), the American Ferret Association designates variations under the names:

Blaze (blaze - flash),
Mitts (mitts - mittens),
Panda (panda).

In fact, these animals with a chic fur coat from the weasel family, despite their small size - adult ferrets weigh about two kilograms - are predators, and in the wild they feed on small rodents.

“However, those ferrets that live at home are not caught in the forest, but are specially bred for keeping at home,” explains Heleri Haiba, who organized an association of ferret lovers in Estonia. - Domesticated ferrets can be trained in the same way as dogs and cats. And lately, ferrets have become more and more popular pets.”

Not bad animals at all.
Haiba has been breeding ferrets for more than one year, so who, if not her, should know that, contrary to popular belief, ferrets are not at all evil animals, although they look like rats that only do what they bite, and which therefore are not suitable for home keeping. very suitable.

“Firstly, a rat is a rodent, and a ferret is a predator, and there is nothing in common between them,” Haiba explains, adding that ferrets, of course, bite, but only puppies sin with this, who, like any cubs, want to play, and they still do not know the boundaries that cannot be crossed in communication with the owners. “Puppies bite because they are used to playing with their peers that way.”

In addition, ferrets have not only beautiful fur, but also a very strong skin, and when they play with each other, they do not feel bites, but they can cause significant pain to a person with their sharp teeth.

According to Heleri, whose pets love being stroked and allowed to sleep in their arms, the "biting period" lasts only a few months, and puppies quickly learn not to use their teeth when playing with a person.

“If that were the case, then no one would dare to keep ferrets at home,” she notes, explaining that animals do not always smell. - Animals secrete a secret with a characteristic and strong unpleasant odor only during the rut.

Neutered and neutered animals do not smell, and under the right conditions and hygiene, no smell is felt at home.

While breeding ferrets, Heleri Haiba has never, according to her, encountered dangerous situations, but still, if there are children in the family, then the animals should not be left unattended. Female ferrets, protecting offspring, can be dangerous for them.
True, in the family of Heleri herself, small children, two Dalmatian dogs, and ferrets get along well with each other.

Playing games constantly
“Ferrets do well in families with dogs and cats,” she says. “A ferret, having got into the family as a puppy, quickly gets used to all family members, including animals, but whether they get along with each other depends on the nature of the dog or cat.”

Since young ferrets are very playful and constantly play games, they can tire adult dogs and cats with their activity. The owners will have to make sure that all pets become friends, constantly pay attention to them and “reward” them for good behavior.

“Ferrets react very painfully if they are not given enough attention, left alone for a long time - then by their behavior they make it clear that they do not agree with this,” says Khaiba. - Ferrets perfectly distinguish between their own and others, and they do not treat strangers in the best way. But a well-bred ferret is very friendly, he always greets his family when they come home, attracts attention, and is generally fun to live with.

“They love opening doors and drawers, climbing in, digging up flower pots, throwing things off the table, and they love to stash what they like,” Haiba says, adding that those who decide to get a ferret can be advised to take care of it in advance to remove anything that could pose a danger to the animal. “Fortunately, unlike dogs, they don’t gnaw on table legs and other furniture, and they don’t have claws like cats do.”

The owners will have to make some efforts to make the ferret a full-fledged member of the family and a pet. He certainly needs to be trained, encouraging sweets.
“A ferret is not a dog that immediately understands and remembers everything.

In order for the ferret to remember what is required of him, he will have to repeat it more than once, notes Heleri Haiba. “The ferrets don’t really have any strong motivation to be obedient, but they can still be taught something by rewarding them with sweets and a kind word.”