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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 polecat belonging to the mustelidae family. They are considered a type of black ferret, or more precisely, an albino form of it. In zoology, albino ferrets are called "furo". This term describes ferrets that have characteristic external features:
- color: white with rare splashes of cream;
- eyes: red, unchanged;
- nose: small, moist, pink;
- body length: from 55 to 60 cm;
- weight: from 1 to 2 kg for an adult.
White ferrets have a long, flexible 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, and may be slightly darker than the main body color. The endocrine glands are located under the tail. The peculiarity of the animal is that fear and anxiety force its body to produce a special secretion.When released, it causes a pungent odor that repels the animal’s numerous enemies.
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 change, the white fur becomes shiny, acquires gloss and additional volume. There are up to 30 teeth on both jaws of white ferrets, of which 2 fangs grow on each jaw. Wild ferrets live for about 3 - 4 years, domestic pets live up to 7 - 8 years.
Ferrets were domesticated more than 2 thousand years ago. In the territory of modern Southern Europe, they could replace cats, and also took part in hunting rabbits. They were used to catch small rodents and kept next to chicken coops in special pens. Now white ferrets are especially common in European countries, Japan and Russia.
Features of behavior
In numerous photographs, white ferrets most often lie calmly and look at the 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 hard-to-reach places, the ferret can end up in forbidden storerooms, cabinets, and drawers.
- White ferrets are neat and clean. If you create certain conditions, the pets will maintain comfort.
- Thriftiness. This property is associated with the origin of ancestors.At the genetic level, ferrets still continue to care about the future and leave food reserves in secluded places. Owners consider the best option to solve this problem by equipping an additional “hiding place” for ferrets.
- Ferrets need attention. Once white ferrets get used to their owners, they become dependent on them. They can follow a person and demand attention and games, especially at an early age.
- White ferrets are easy to train. The most loyal pets are those that come to their owner in infancy.
Content Rules
White ferrets are kept like domestic 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. 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;
- ladder;
- soft cloths in which pets like to bury themselves;
- small toys made of rubber or plastic;
- drinking bowl, feeding trough;
- tray.
The material of the cage must be durable, since animals often try the bars and can partially gnaw them. The exit from the home must be open so that the white ferret can freely enter and leave his home.
In home photos and videos, albino ferrets often swing in constructed hammocks. Sometimes they fall asleep in a suspended bed and are able to sleep in this position for several hours.
The ferret's toilet is designed according to the principle of the cat's version. It is filled with special granules and changed daily. The tray is also washed daily to prevent the granules from sticking together.
White ferrets are predators by nature, so when they are free, they begin to behave according to their instincts. Young ferrets are not recommended to be allowed outside, so as not to provoke their instinctive behavior. Adults are sometimes allowed out for walks, but 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 is cut into small pieces. Many owners mix several types of meat and cooked grains to increase the nutritional value of the food.
Authorized products:
- chicken eggs - 1 - 2 times weekly;
- bananas;
- vegetables - 3 - 4 times;
- fresh fish - weekly;
- vitamin supplements.
Sometimes you can find recommendations about the use of cat food for ferrets: perhaps this is dictated by the similarity of their contents. In fact, cat or dog food is not always suitable for white ferrets. They can feed on it for some time, but the animals’ stomach 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.
Rules of care
The basic requirements concern feeding rules. White ferrets do not eat well in the morning: this is explained by 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 at approximately the same time.Ferrets are fed small meals up to 7 times daily.
- Water is of great importance for white ferrets; it should be located where the animal can freely approach the drinking bowl.
- Ferrets are bathed 1-2 times a month. To bathe, just take a little water into a bathtub or basin. Some pets love to swim. After bathing, be sure to clean your ears from excess moisture.
- Claw trimming is carried out as necessary. This procedure is mandatory for pets because ferrets use their claws to damage upholstered furniture when they scratch the upholstery.
- Vaccinations for ferrets are carried out in veterinary clinics: vaccinations are a prerequisite for keeping them. It is necessary to vaccinate your pet against plague and rabies.
How to properly care for an albino ferret's fur
The white ferret's fur 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 washed weekly with a special shampoo, which is purchased at pet stores. Shampoos for ferrets come in liquid, dry and spray form. White fur is washed monthly with liquid products; a spray is used if the animal accidentally stains part of its fur.
The fur is carefully combed out with short-hair brushes. After shedding, the old fur should be removed so that it does not mix with the new fluff. Clumps of old fur, if not removed, can form untidy mounds. This can cause the appearance of parasitic insects.
Male white ferrets can secrete a secretion that gives their fur a characteristic yellowish tint, so it is recommended to castrate males if you do not plan to breed the animals
Peculiarities of breeding white ferrets at home
White ferrets can be bred independently, but for this, the owners are required to comply with 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 this, white ferrets are introduced and left in the same cage for several hours for 4 - 5 days. Mating is carried out up to 3 times until the result is achieved. Both individuals must be vaccinated and healthy.
After successful mating, the female is moved into a separate cage and provided with favorable conditions for bearing offspring. The gestation period lasts about 1.5 months. During this period of time, it is recommended to surround the female with care and provide her with vitamin supplements that are developed for this species.
A white ferret can have up to 10 puppies. To improve lactation, females are fed with milk and honey. After the puppies appear, females begin to behave according to one scenario:
- show aggression towards those who approach the offspring;
- They feed the puppies milk for up to 4 months, then they begin to give them their portion of meat.
Young ferrets become playful when they reach 3 to 5 months of age. They resemble kittens and are ready to play with any objects. Gradually, the kids get out of the cage and become independent. White ferrets reach sexual maturity at 12 months.
Conclusion
The white ferret is a pet that has a calm character and impressive 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 animal’s diet so as not to provoke serious diseases.
