Ferrets make good pets but there are many myths and misconceptions about them that prevents people from adopting them. I am going to dispel many of the myths concerning ferrets. If you have believed or heard any of the myths then this will help you to understand that ferret is a wonderful pet.
1. FERRETS MUST BE CAGED :-
This is one of the biggest myths i have ever heard. This is not true at all, however many ferret owners would like to keep the ferret in the cage while they are not at home but this is for ferret’s own safety. Some owners let their ferrets to run in the house just like cats and dogs, but what you need to do, is to make sure that the house is ferret – proofed, otherwise they might hurt themselves.
2. FERRETS ARE THE MEMBER OF RODENT FAMILY :-
Well, even this myth is not true. Always remember that ferret is not the member of rodent family, in fact, they have been used for rodent control and extermination for many years. A ferret is a carnivorous animal which belongs mustelidae or weasel family and is related to the badger, otter, weasel and mink, usually weighing less than five pounds.
3. FERRETS ARE WILD ANIMALS :-
Actually, they are not wild animals, they would definitely have difficult time surviving outdoors with the limited eyesight, inability to endure heat, lack of fear and dehydration.They were domesticated many years back and are considered to be indoor companion animals. However there are black – footed ferrets who were re – introduced to the wild after confined breeding because the animals were facing extinction. But these are found in some specific areas and are monitored by the U.S wild service.
4. THEY DO NOT NEED VET CARE :-
This is absolutely not true as they, too, need veterinary care just like other animals. Annual screenings and exams are quite important for their health ( yes, exercise and nutritional balanced diet are also important ). The owners should take their ferret on a regular basics, even if they do not seemed to be sick. The key is to catch an illness, earlier, so that you can give your ferret a chance of making a full – recovery.
5. FERRETS STINK :-
Now, this is another very popular misconception about ferrets. The majority of many other animals have some sort of smell and in the case of ferrets, it is true. However neutered male ferrets loses their strong odor. Feeding them a good quality of food and by cleaning their cages, help to keep any odors at the minimum. Many ferrets love to playing in water so you can give him some bathe time, usually once a month, then it will definitely reduce odors in the ferrets, if any.
6. ALL FERRETS BITE :-
This is not true as most of the ferrets won’t bite if they are well – socialized from early and handled gently. Even if they do have some tendency to bite then it is probably because of the fact, that they have been handled badly or mistreated by the people in the past who did not know how to properly treat them. Any animal who has teeth, have tendency to bite and the key to prevent from it, is socialization, training and proper – care. remember that ferrets don not always bite, first they try to get away from the harm, however the abused – ferrets might be more prone to biting first in the form of self – protection.
7. THEY HAVE GREAT VISIONS :-
They do not have great vision at all. In fact, the only color they can see is blue and red. They do not see well, maybe that is why they faces difficult time in the wild woods.
8. YOU CAN USE ANY CAT LITTER FOR FERRETS :-
Ferrets have very delicate and sensitive respiratory system. so, you should not use ANY cat litter box for your ferret. Any strong smelling cat litter should be avoided at any cost, also the litter that clumps should also be avoided as these are very hazardous for your furry friend. You should never use bedding or shavings either.
9. THEY ARE DANGEROUS FOR SMALL CHILDREN :-
This myth is true to a certain extent but, here the ferrets are not the one who are dangerous, in fact, small children are dangerous to ferrets as they plat too rough and they might harm the ferret. They may also be a little loud which might make the ferret panic, and as a result, ferrets can hurt the children with their sharp teeth which might be a little painful. Therefore, the owners should never leave their children with the ferrets without any supervision.
10. YOU CANNOT TRAIN A FERRET :-
Ferrets are highly – intelligent creatures and they are sensitive too. As they are intelligent, so you can train him to do many things like using a litter box and that’s why they make ideal pets for most of the owners. They love to interact with people, therefore you can teach him many tricks, for instance, learning commands.