While puppy mills are illegal in many places, there are often no regulations on how ferrets should be bred. Therefore, you must do your research, especially if you want your ferret to live a full lifespan. There is no difference between a male and a female ferret in terms of lifespan.
In captivity, most ferrets have been sterilized, anyway, though the exact age that they are sterilized varies. Lifespan should not be a significant part of your decision-making process when you consider what ferret to get.
There are a few differences in sex, especially among intake animals. However, these are typically small and largely anecdotal. There is no objective study that shows a significant behavioral difference between these two sexes.
The average ferret lives between 5 and 7 years. Before the s, domestic ferrets lived to be closer to 10 years old. However, most are now bred in captivity, not wild-caught. This has caused their lifespan to decrease, primarily as breeders focus more on temperament and aesthetic traits. However, an unhealthy ferret may live and make a great pet in captivity, especially if they have a good temperament.
Where you get your ferret from matters too. Most pet stores sell lower-quality animals. We recommend choosing one from a breeder instead. Kristin is passionate about helping pet parents create a fulfilling life with their pets by informing them on the latest scientific research and helping them choose the best products for their pets.
She currently resides in Tennessee with four dogs, three cats, two fish, and a lizard, though she has dreams of owning chickens one-day! Skip to content. Aug 24 View this post on Instagram. Kristin Hitchcock.
Share this article. What did you find helpful? What was not helpful? Say more Sign me up for the PetMD Newsletter. Submit Feedback. Still have questions? Continue to Chewy. Your vet will advise you on a proper diet and housing for your pet and check for any signs of disease.
A faecal sample will be examined for worms and a vaccination program set up. Ferrets should be vaccinated at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age against canine distemper, which is a fatal disease in the ferret. A booster and checkup will be required once a year.
At 5 years of age a complete geriatric work-up is recommended for the early detection of heart disease and cancer, commonly seen in older ferrets. Please note that ferrets are banned as pets in Queensland and the Northern Territory. In the ACT you need a licence to keep ferrets. Owning a Pet Ferret. Looking for a vet in your area?
Our Vet Locator can help you find your nearest vet in Australia. Preventing or treating such health issues ensures that your furry friend will be around for longer.
Ferrets also suffer from problems of the adrenal glands and pancreas -- both of which can affect life expectancy if not addressed properly. According to Cullen's Archangel Rescue, unspayed females suffer from high estrogen levels, which in turn causes serious anemia -- so serious, in fact, that the ferret will eventually die.
To keep your girl around for as long as possible, make sure you spay her. Boys don't have this problem, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't neuter him, too.
Tammy Dray has been writing since She specializes in health, wellness and travel topics and has credits in various publications including Woman's Day, Marie Claire, Adirondack Life and Self.
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