SOME
FACTS ABOUT FERRETS from the National
Ferret Welfare Society
Ferrets are believed to have been introduced
into this country by the Romans and for the purpose for which they
are used now, that of flushing rabbits from their burrows. At one
time managed rabbit warrens were a vital source of meat for the
people.
The Ferret belongs to the Mustelidae family; badger, otter, stoat,
weasel, mink etc. In North America its' largest relative is the
wolverine, followed by the skunk. Like the skunk the polecat has
a powerful scent gland that is used for marking territory, this
is also prominent feature in our domesticated ferret.
The ferret is the domesticated relation of either the Siberian or
the European (Wild) Polecat (Mustela Putorius). The wild polecat
occurs throughout Europe, in the British Isles, until recently,
it has been confined to Mid and North Wales and remote parts of
Scotland, but is now being found further afield, notably in the
West Midlands. |
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Coloured Hybrid jill
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Photograph by John Allan
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Ferrets may be: Albino (white with pink
eyes), Polecat (so called NOT because they are the actual wild polecat,
but because of the dark banding around the eyes and nose) and, depending
on where you live, Sandy, Fitch or just plain coloured ferrets (a
range of shades between polecat and albino), all have been favoured
by breeders for their shape, size or markings.
Ferrets should not be thought of as 'wild animals'. They were brought
here already domesticated. Ferrets and working with ferrets have
become increasingly popular and can offer many hours of rewarding
activity. They need not, however, be used for rabbiting as great
fun can be enjoyed at the many shows and ferret races held throughout
the country during the summer months. Ferrets make very loving pets
- don't let anyone tell you differently! But ferrets are carnivores
and can't be expected to co-habit with other small mammals although
some may.
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