Types Of Ferret

Ferrets are usually classified according to their color and their type. Ferrets come in a wide spectrum of colors but the two types of ferrets are: wild ferrets and domesticated ferrets. The domesticated ferret is called by the scientific name Mustela putorious and the wild ferret by the scientific name Mustela nigripes. Both domesticated and wild ferrets are part of the weasel family. Domesticated ferret is very popular because it is friendly, intelligent, playful and sociable. Domesticated ferrets are raised by many animal lovers as pets and may also used them as hunting partners in searching for rats, rabbits and mice in the fields.

The domesticated ferret is said to descended from the European polecat, the difference been that the polecat is slightly smaller than the domesticated ferret. They are polygamous and produce one or two offspring consisting of six to seven litters per young over a gestation period of forty-two months.  The albino ferret is probably the most popular type of domesticated ferret.

The wild ferret is somewhat bigger than their domesticated counterpart. The black-foot ferret is probably the most common type of wild ferret.  The black-foot ferret is an endangered species and is protected by the wildlife authorities. Their population is usually affected by the prairie dog population and also human destruction.

Other interesting facts about the black-foot ferret are:

  • Camouflage

Their physical colors blend well with their natural environment. They usually stick closely to the ground so that they will be free from predators who roam as freely as they do.

  • Not allowed as domesticated Pets

They are not allowed for domestication or breeding. And in addition to that, you cannot duplicate them. These animals naturally run wild, few as their numbers are now. Only conservation efforts would be a viable excuse to have these ferrets in your home. You will have to secure a permit or may be forced to have them sheltered in a conservation area made just for them.

  • Masculine males 

The males are much heavier than the females sometimes as much as 2 pounds heavier than the females.

The domesticated ferret t comes in different coat colors and patterns but this has not changed much due to selective breeding. You might see some domesticated ferrets that are albino in color with yellowish white fur, pink eyes, nose and claws.  Among the variation of coat colors are the following selection:

 

  • Champagne

This is a lighter version of a chocolate colored ferret. Sometimes they have a mask with either black or burgundy eyes. This color has tan guard hairs with a white to cream colored undercoat and a beige, pink or a pink with beige or light brown ‘T’ shaped outline on the nose

 

 

  • Sable

This is probably the most common ferret color. The sable ferret has mostly raccoon like colorings with a mask on the face, dark paws and tail.

 

 

 

  • Cinnamon

The undercoat is either white or of-white. The guard hairs are reddish brown (the color of cinnamon). The pad leather and nose are either light pink or a darker shade of pink/brick and the eyes are brown.