SMART AND CURIOUS: MEET THE FERRET

It is another option for people who wish to have an intelligent and fun companion.

FerretNo very popular in Brazil, though found in some pet shops, looking rather wild, the Ferret has actually been a pet for thousands of years. It was domesticated by Egyptians 3 thousand years B.C., to exterminate rodents from silos and crops. However, its loving character, ability to learn and neatness have placed him as the most popular pet in the USA, right after cats and dogs. It arrived in the States in 1870 in American ships, where they were used to help cats in the elimination of rodents. It is still used in the USA in farms and wherehouses, and also helps hunters by driving rabbits from burrows in England. Small animal from the weasel family, scientifically known as Mustelidae, the word derives from "musk", a discharge with a strong odor, expelled from two glands. These glands are eliminated from the Ferrets imported in Brazil to avoid this odor, more intense in adults, specially males.

INTELLIGENT

It is a small animal, about 40cm, tail not included, and aproximately 1 kilo, very agile, curious and docile. Both females and males make excellent pets. Females are a little smaller, with a narrower face, and delicate and pointed nose. Males, slightly larger, with wider face and round muzzle. Calm, sensitive and intelligent, they learn fast and are easily taught to do such things are rolling on their backs, sitting and coming when called by their name. They grow attached to the human being very easily, and are better tamed if handled since young, though adults, with a friendly disposition, also get attached to people. They are excellent swimmers and appreciate swimming in the bath tub, and taking baths if necessary. Their metabolism is high: the heart beats 3 times per second, and digestion process is very quick, thus the need of constantly leaving dry food available for them. They have a habit of hiding food, storing it for later needs. Consequently, if they're kept in the house, you'll find pieces of food under furniture, etc. Curious and flexible, they can slip through any breach, however small. They love playing with toys (give them latex toys only), and get along with other animals.

Its breeding in Brazil is impossible. The ones that arrive are castrated, by order of IBAMA. Fernando Dal'Aza, Fauna and Flora division coordinator in this entity, says if they are set free, they'll have no predators, and this may endanger our animals." Veterinarian, Dr. Iara Biasia comments this fact: "The Ferret has an enormous ability to reproduce. In New Zealand, where they have no predators either, individuals who ran away from captivity multiplied to the point of causing an ecological problem."

By nature a non-aggressive animal, it may bite if feeling threatened. Like the other pets, it deserves respect and affection.

INFORMATION

Choosing a Ferret: Prefer the ones that are docile, active, with shiny eyes, nose free of discharge. Dry coat, thick and broken whiskers are a sign of disease. To avoid risk of aprehention, it should be registered in IBAMA, with the owner's term of responsability, and a notification of its castration. If any of these documents is missing, buyer should register it in IBAMA, informing its origin. In case this is not done, animal may be aprehended.
Coat: Original color is sable (dark brown and light beige). There are also variations, the McGuinn Sable or Ranch Sabel (light beige and darker brown or black roots), Honey Sable (golden yellow and dark brown); butterscotch or Siamese (light ankle hair), and its variation, the Cinnamon; the Silver Mitts (with white feet or legs), Silver (white with dark brown or cinnamon), and its variation, the Sterling Silver (light grey); Albino (white with red eyes), and White (with black eyes). The face mask is only visible after 2 or 3 weeks.
Equipment: 121 x 64cm cage. Bed in a box or basket tied on top or next to cage, or yet a bird's nest, with a 7,5cm opening. Bedding with old rugs, or towel. Sanitary tray made for cats (water in a bottle, and heavy, aluminum or clay food trough.
Hygiene: Keep equipment clean, changing bedding whenever there is urine, fezes, etc on it. Bathe after 7 weeks, when necessary, with warm water, baby shampoo, or one specific for the species. Towel dry. Clean ears with cotton and cut nails short.
Feeding: Dry cat food mixed with a little cat can food every 2 days (babies, everyday). Feed it fruit, vegetables and chopped beed weekly. Diluted milk (50% milk, 50% water).
Health: Shots for Hepatitis, Panleukopenia, and Cinomosis in three doses at a two week interval each. When animal is 3 months old, Lepthospirosis, and Rabies, at 5 or 6 months of age. These shots are imported. Repeat annually. The majority of these diseases may be transmitted to man. Normal rectal temperature is 38,5°C. When they are stressed or nervous, it may go up to 40°C. It is inclined to catch human diseases such as colds and pneumonia.

We would like to thank the assistance of Dr. Iara Biasia, wild animal veterinarian.
Research and text: Carmen Olivieri

Picture: Solange Castro
Owner: Patrícia Khela Kjan, SP

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