A species from the Mustelidae family, the closest cousins to ferrets are badgers, otters and skunks. Scientifically known as the Mustela Furo which is a Latin name of the domesticated ferrets and the wild black-footed ferrets are known as Mustela nigripes. The ferrets that you find in pet stores have been specifically bred to be domesticated and therefore make good pets for someone who wants to deal with a small animal constantly. Domesticated ferrets require a lot of attention. Wild ferrets are just that a wild animal. I strongly suggest that all wild animals be left to their natural habitat. Bringing them into our homes not only can be cruel but also harmful to their natural survival instincts.
If you are bound and determined to keep a wild ferret, be ready to experience a lot of adventure. You should know that it is a losing battle trying to domesticate a wild animal and ferrets, although extremely cute, are no different. Extremist’s pet lovers would rather work with a wild ferret because they are extremely adventurous and resilient enough to recover from any kind of nasty attacks because of their nature. They are definitely full of surprises and you will learn something new about them every single day, unlike ferrets that are tamed and mild in their behaviors. Wild ferrets are curious animals and love to explore places and things on their own, it are therefore best that you keep them occupied at all times with toys and enough playtime. Like many wild animals they are trainable, however don’t think that training a wild ferret is domesticating them. A wild ferret is definitely not a good companion for a small child.
You can never really own a wild ferret. Their wild nature is what has given them their survival skills and most wild ferrets will always be looking for an opportunity to get back to their own familiar surroundings. They are not considered to be loyal animals; they need their freedom and if it’s not given to them, could retaliate by tearing your furnishings apart. You need to give them their freedom so that they can go and come as they please. Freedom for your ferret could also mean that they could leave at anytime.
Wild ferrets are prone to early deaths and higher risks of diseases. This is because wild ferrets are scavengers and tend to eat everything and anything that they find lying around. Their eating habits have been identified to be one of the major causes of death among wild and domesticated ferrets.
Wild ferrets need to be kept away from toddlers since children become very playful around pets. The child’s playfulness may be seen as a danger situation to your wild ferret. This situation may cause the ferret to react in a defensive manner that may be harmful for the child and the ferret. Even a normal cuddling or petting could make your ferret feel as if they are being attacked and could end up biting or scratching the child.
There are just common sense reasons not to bring a wild ferret into your home. There are so many domesticated ferrets available for you to choose from and trust me they are active and more than a handful. You will have plenty of adventurous times without the need of bringing a wild ferret into captivity. The most common wild species is the black-footed ferret and as beautiful as they are do you really want to place them in a ferret cage? I don’t think so!
Author Resource:
Randy Beckett is an expert on ferrets with over 20 years experience. For great information on Wild Ferret , visit " target="_blank">http://www.ferretfriend.com
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