Albino ferrets: description, features of keeping at home, nutrition

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Many hundreds of years ago, man domesticated ferrets. Now these small-sized predators began to start as pets. Moreover, such pets are no less popular than, for example, cats or dogs. Quite interesting and unusual animals are albino ferrets.

In our article we will talk about this species, describe it. It will also provide useful information about its content. By the way, even Leonardo Da Vinci himself captured the furo ferret in his painting “Lady with an Ermine.”

Appearance description

The white ferret is similar in physique to the representatives of the black forest breed. Note that the first albino forest ferrets were the ancestors of the domestic species. This animal has a long and flexible body. Due to which he can climb burrows in natural conditions. On average, the body length is 35 cm. By weight, ferrets can reach as much as 3 kg.

The white ferret has all the same physical features as its dark-colored brethren. He is just as fast and agile, can jump high and instantly react to a possibledanger. The coat of an albino ferret is snow-white in color. A similar shade of cover is due to the absence of melanin in the body of the animal. This element is just responsible for the color of the eyes and the “fur coat” of the animal.

Note that white ferret cubs with light fur are born. From the second week, their coloring may darken a little, acquire some shade. A recessive phenomenon is the absence of melanin in the body of an animal. Therefore, it cannot be ruled out that albino ferrets may also have a black baby.

Lifespan

How long do albino ferrets live? On average, it is 6-7 years. But sometimes there are cases when they live up to 10. Although such animals also have long-livers who have lived for more than 10 years. In this case, much depends on the conditions of detention, nutrition.

Features of the character and behavior of the ferret

The ancestors of domestic ferrets were forest predators, this leaves an imprint on their character. But all these animals usually get along well with people, while domestic ferrets are not at all suitable for keeping in natural conditions.

To make it clearer what kind of interesting animal it is, you should familiarize yourself with the main features of its character. These include:

1. Love for attention. Similar behavior can be seen in dogs. Ferrets need attention. If it is not shown, then the animal may get bored or start to misbehave. Ferrets need to be socialized and played with.
2. Curiosity. Thanks to hisphysique, the animals get into all the places they want. Therefore, keep an eye on them so that they do not clog anywhere and do not make a mess.
3. Activity. Such ferrets like active games with a person and with their fellows. However, you need to be careful with them, sometimes, overexcited, the animal may begin to show its hunting instincts. As a result, it can scratch or bite the owner. Then you need to put the animal in a cage for a while.

Ferret conditions

Now let's talk about keeping a ferret at home. A pet can be kept in a cage, or it can be free, like a cat. An albino ferret is easy to litter train. To sleep, it is worth building a small shelter, you definitely need to put some kind of bedding in it or, if possible, hang a hammock.

Cage for keeping a ferret. What should be in it?

If you decide to keep the animal in a cage, then remember that it should be multi-tiered and spacious. On the ground floor, it is worth putting a tray (preferably a corner one). It needs to be washed well, as ferrets are clean animals, they may not want to go to a dirty toilet. In the opposite corner is to put a bowl and drinker. On the second floor, you should place a house for sleeping or a hammock. You can install, if the area of \u200b\u200bthe cage allows, pipes for climbing. This design will remind albino ferrets natural holes.

It is very important to observe the sanitary standards of keeping the animal. The cage must always be clean andstay away from drafts. Such animals are sensitive to pungent odors and loud sounds. You need to protect your pet from them. Also, do not place the cage with the animal in direct sunlight. Ferrets love dark places.

Ferret diet. List of required products

Ferrets are carnivores. Therefore, most of all in their diet should be meat. In the wild, they eat rodents and birds. Sometimes so-called farshekashi are prepared for domestic ferrets. These meals are more nutritious than just meat, but they are not the he althiest.

What to feed a ferret at home? A balanced diet includes:

• veal;
• turkey;
• chicken;
• red fish;
• chicken and quail eggs;
• mice.

You can not give such animals flour, fatty, fried, sweet.

How to feed? Recommendations for beginner choreographers

One type of meat should be given at one time. In general, dog and cat food is not allowed for ferrets. But there are some types of products that are suitable for these animals. When choosing food, you should consult with experienced choreographers.

Special attention should be paid to minerals. It is necessary to observe the feeding regime in order for the digestive system of the animal to work well. In the wild, as a rule, ferrets are active at night. That's why they don't eat well in the morning. Their appetite wakes up closer to noon. It is advisable to feed the animal at the same time.

Important to buyfor the ferret only high-quality products. Wash the bowl of the animal should be before each meal. It is worth giving ferrets filtered water, without bleach.

Caring for ferret fur. What to do?

Albino ferrets have very beautiful fur. She is a reason for the pride of the owners. It is very important to keep it in a well-groomed condition for life. Note that this is quite difficult to do. The white "fur coat" quickly gets dirty. Of course, light-colored ferrets need to be bathed more often than dark-colored ones. It is advisable to carry out the procedure once every three weeks using a special shampoo. As a rule, ferrets favor this type of procedure.

To make the coat shiny, it needs to be combed out with a special brush. More often, this procedure should be carried out during molting. At the same time, the animal also needs special vitamins for wool.

Note that during the rut period, males may have yellow spots on their white coat. Since at such a time their sebaceous glands begin to work more actively. If your animal is not intended for breeding, then it must be castrated. So you will save yourself and your pet from many problems.

Small conclusion

Now you know what albino ferrets are. We have described their appearance and character. They also talked about the features of care. We hope that this article was useful to everyone who decided to have this cute and funny animal in the house, but still does not know how to handle it.