[ Usenet FAQs | Search | Web FAQs | Documents | RFC Index ]
Part1 - Part2 - Part3 - Part4 - Part5 - Single Page
Top Document: Ferret FAQ [2/5] - Ferret Care
Previous Document: CONTENTS OF THIS FILE
Next Document: (4.2) Is this ferret male or female?
-
Search the FAQ Archives
Part1 - Part2 - Part3 - Part4 - Part5 - Single Page
Top Document: Ferret FAQ [2/5] - Ferret Care
Previous Document: CONTENTS OF THIS FILE
Next Document: (4.2) Is this ferret male or female?
(4.1) Which color is the best? Male or female? What age?
As with people, a ferret's inherent personality is more important than color or gender. Choose whatever color you like best. There's no consistent personality difference between a (neutered) male and a female. Males are generally considerably larger, around 18" and 2-5 pounds (that's 45 cm and 0.9 to 2.3 kg, in the US; European-bred ferrets differ a bit) compared to 15" and 0.75-3 pounds (40 cm and 0.4 to 1.3 kg) for females. Males' heads are usually wider, which can give them a more cat-like appearance. If you're getting an unneutered ferret, bear in mind that the cost to spay a female can be higher than the cost to neuter a male. (Unless you're specifically planning to breed them, you will NEED to "alter" your pets [9.1].) There are two contradictory opinions regarding what age ferret is best for a new owner. Adults tend to be a bit calmer and may already be litter- and nip-trained [7.2] [7.1], but they are larger and may have acquired bad habits, too. Kits are very cute, and their small size and (for a young kit) sleepiness can be less intimidating for a new owner, but they require more care and a lot more training and will become very active before too long. Ferrets under 7 or 8 weeks probably shouldn't be away from their mothers yet, and many breeders prefer to keep their kits for 10 weeks or more.
Top Document: Ferret FAQ [2/5] - Ferret Care
Previous Document: CONTENTS OF THIS FILE
Next Document: (4.2) Is this ferret male or female?
Part1 - Part2 - Part3 - Part4 - Part5 - Single Page
[ Usenet FAQs | Search | Web FAQs | Documents | RFC Index ]
Send corrections/additions to the FAQ Maintainer:
pamg@SPAMalumniSTOP.rice.edu (Pamela Greene)
Last Update September 08 2008 @ 00:12 AM