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Pets always occupy an important place in the lives of their owners. In addition to cats and dogs, animals that belong to the Mustelidae family are in great demand. They are loved for their cheerful disposition, spectacular appearance and calm demeanor. The white ferret is common among lovers of small and furry pets.
Description of white ferrets
White ferrets are a breed of polecats belonging to the weasel family. They are considered a type of black ferret, or rather, its albino form. In zoology, albino ferrets are called “furos”. This term describes ferrets that have characteristic external features:
- color: white with occasional patches of cream;
- eyes: red, unchanged;
- nose: small, wet, pink;
- body length: from 55 to 60 cm;
- weight: from 1 to 2 kg in an adult.
White ferrets have a long, mobile neck with a small muzzle. The tail is the pride of any ferret, it can grow up to 16 – 18 cm. The tail of the animal is fluffy, it can be a little darker than the main color of the body. Under the tail are the endocrine glands. The peculiarity of the animal lies in the fact that fear and anxiety make his body produce a special secret. When released, it causes a pungent odor that repels numerous enemies of the animal.
The fur of white ferrets consists of 2 layers: white thick underfur and guard hair. The photo of the animal shows that the hairline at the base acquires a darker shade, so white ferrets are especially interesting for their color.
After the autumn shift, white fur becomes shiny, acquires gloss and additional volume. On both jaws of white ferrets there are up to 30 teeth, of which 2 fangs grow on each jaw. Wild ferrets live about 3 – 4 years, pets live up to 7 – 8 years.
Ferrets were domesticated over 2 years ago. On the territory of modern Southern Europe, they could replace cats, and also took part in the hunt for rabbits. They were used to catch small rodents and were kept next to chicken coops in special pens. Now white ferrets are especially common in Europe, in Japan and Our Country.
Features of behavior
In numerous photos, white ferrets, most often, lie quietly and look at photographers. This indicates non-aggressive behavior. This type of pet is especially valuable, so the demand for ferrets is always high.
- White ferrets are known for their curiosity. Due to the elongated shape of the body, as well as the ability to penetrate into hard-to-reach places, the ferret can end up in forbidden pantries, cabinets, drawers.
- White ferrets are neat and clean. If you create certain conditions of detention, pets will maintain comfort.
- Thrift. This property is associated with the origin of ancestors. At the level of genes, ferrets still continue to care about the future and leave food supplies in secluded places. The best option that solves this problem, the owners consider the equipment of an additional “cache” for ferrets.
- Ferrets need attention. After white ferrets get used to their owners, they become dependent on them. They can follow a person, demand attention and games, especially at an early age.
- White ferrets are easy to train. The most devoted are pets that get to the owner in infancy.
Content Rules
White ferrets are kept as house cats. They can be taught to go to the litter box and play with balls or toys that kittens prefer.
Ferrets are placed in cages if it is convenient for the inhabitants of the house. At the same time, the cage should be spacious, filled with the necessary equipment:
- a small house in which the animal can be hidden from everyone;
- hammock or swing of the simplest type;
- stairs;
- soft rags in which pets like to burrow;
- small toys made of rubber or plastic;
- drinker, feeder;
- tray.
The material of the cage must be durable, as the animals often try the rods and can partially gnaw them. The exit from the dwelling must be open so that the white ferret can freely enter and leave his house.
In home photos and videos, albino ferrets often sway in constructed hammocks. Sometimes they fall asleep in a hanging bed and are able to sleep in this position for several hours.
The toilet for the ferret is equipped according to the principle of the cat version. It is filled with special granules and changed daily. The tray is also washed daily to keep the granules from sticking together.
White ferrets are predators by nature, therefore, once they are free, they begin to behave, obeying instincts. Young ferrets are not recommended to be released outside, so as not to provoke their instinctive behavior. Adults are sometimes released for a walk, but they are constantly monitored.
What do albino ferrets eat?
Albino ferrets belong to the class of predators, so they prefer to eat meat. Veal, white chicken or turkey meat is cut into small pieces. Many owners mix several types of meat and boiled cereals to increase the nutritional value of food.
Permitted products:
- chicken eggs – 1 – 2 times a week;
- bananas;
- vegetables – 3 – 4 times;
- fresh fish – weekly;
- vitamin supplements.
Sometimes you will find recommendations about the use of cat food for ferrets: perhaps this is dictated by the similarity of their content. In fact, cat or dog food is not always suitable for white ferrets. They can eat it for some time, but the stomach of the animals is not able to digest individual parts of the food. These particles accumulate in the digestive system and over time become the cause of various diseases.
Care instructions
The main requirements relate to the rules of feeding. White ferrets do not eat well in the morning: this is due to the fact that in the wild they are forced to lead a nocturnal lifestyle, so the rhythms of their domesticated life are slightly shifted. In addition, it is important to follow the recommendations:
- Food should be fresh and served around the same time. Ferrets are fed small meals up to 7 times daily.
- Water for white ferrets is of great importance, it should be located where the animal can freely approach the drinker.
- Bathing ferrets spend 1 – 2 times a month. For bathing, it is enough to collect some water in a bath or basin. Some pets love to swim. After bathing, be sure to clean the ears from excess moisture.
- Claw trimming is carried out as needed. This procedure is mandatory for pets, because with their claws, ferrets cause damage to home upholstered furniture when they scratch the upholstery.
- Vaccination for ferrets is carried out in veterinary clinics: vaccinations are a prerequisite for keeping. It is necessary to vaccinate a pet against plague and rabies.
How to properly care for the fur of an albino ferret
The fur of the white ferret requires special care. Photos of a white domestic ferret evoke a feeling of aesthetic pleasure – a well-groomed animal is so beautiful.
White ferrets are bathed weekly with a special shampoo, which is purchased at pet stores. Ferret shampoos come in liquid, dry, and spray forms. White fur is washed with liquid products monthly, a spray is used if the animal accidentally stains part of the fur.
The fur is carefully combed out with short-haired brushes. After molting, the old fur should be removed so that it does not mix with the new fluff. Tufts of old fur, if not removed, can stray into untidy bumps. This can lead to the appearance of parasitic insects.
Male white ferrets can secrete a secret that gives the fur a characteristic yellowish tint, so males are recommended to be castrated if they do not plan to breed animals
Features of breeding white ferrets at home
White ferrets can be bred on their own, but this requires the owners to comply with the mandatory conditions and control over what is happening throughout the entire period: from mating to delivery.
The female is placed next to the male. Before that, white ferrets are introduced and left in the same cage for several hours for 4 to 5 days. The mating is carried out up to 3 times, until the result is achieved. Both individuals must be vaccinated and healthy.
After a successful mating, the female is resettled in a separate cage and provides her with favorable conditions for bearing offspring. The gestation period lasts about 1,5 months. At this time, it is recommended to surround the female with care, provide her with vitamin supplements that are designed for this species.
A white ferret can have up to 10 puppies. To improve lactation, females are fed with milk and honey. After the appearance of puppies, females begin to behave according to one scenario:
- show aggression towards those who approach the offspring;
- they feed puppies with milk for up to 4 months, then they begin to give them their portion of meat.
Young ferrets become playful when they are 3 to 5 months old. They resemble kittens, ready to play with any objects. Gradually, the kids get out of the cage and become independent. White ferrets reach sexual maturity by 12 months.
Conclusion
The white ferret is a pet that has a calm character and spectacular appearance. If you properly care for the animal and take into account its needs, it will become a devoted and attentive friend. Ferret fur requires special care. In addition, it is necessary to monitor the diet of the animal so as not to provoke serious diseases.
