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| The use of ferrets in research is relatively new. |
Diet
Reproduction
Behavior
Ferrets and Humans
Ferrets in Research
Life in the laboratory
There are two types of ferrets: domestic and black–footed. Black-footed ferrets, native to western North America, are extremely rare and are classified as an endangered species.
Domestic ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) are not rodents, but belong to the mustelid family that includes weasels, polecats, martins and mink. Domestic ferrets are descendants of the European polecat. The ferret’s body is about 17 to 24 inches long with females a little shorter than males. Ferrets weigh about one to five pounds.
Diet
The ferret's short digestive cycle prevents them from getting adequate protein from vegetables so they require strict carnivorous high protein and fat diets. The ferret's diet in the wild consists of whole small prey. In a lab or home setting, ferrets can consume pelleted commercial ferret food.
Reproduction
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Ferret |
Terms |
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Female Ferret |
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Ferret under 1 year old |
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Group of ferrets |
Ferret gestation lasts about 42 days with an average litter size of six to nine kits. Kits are born blind and without fur. A full coat of fur will develop in four to five weeks and kits are weaned at six to eight weeks. The life span of a domesticated ferret ranges from five to six years as a research animal and up to 12 years as a companion animal.
Behavior
Ferrets are well known for their high activity level and curiosity. Ferrets are known to hoard small objects and food which can cause problems when they are kept as pets in homes. The ferret's insatiable curiosity entices them to tear open bags and containers, or crawl through vents, holes or cracks in walls. These expeditions can end in injury or death if they encounter harmful substances, electrical wiring or get stuck.
The ferret's high energy is balanced by a need for rest; they sleep more than any other domesticated animal.
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Facts About Ferrets |
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 In the1960's, Boeing Aircraft Corporation used ferrets to lay guidewires that pull heavier cables through conduits.
Elizabeth I of England gave ferrets as gifts because of their importance to farming and hunting.
Scent marking is used by ferrets to identify males and females. Ferrets can also release scent when frightened, but are not as effective as skunks.
In 6 B.C. Caesar Augustus sent ship loads of ferrets to the Balearic Islands to help control an overpopulation of rabbits released by colonists as game animals. |
Ferrets and Humans
Since their introduction, ferrets have been used to control rodent and snake populations. They were also heping hunters catch small game animals. Called 'ferreting,' this practice has been outlawed in several countries.
During the mid 20th century it became profitable to raise and sell ferrets for fur. Because they can easily crawl through tight spaces, ferrets were often used to lay electrical and telephone cables. However, ferrets were eventually fired from such roles for sleeping on the job.
In the U.S., several states and cities prohibit the keeping of ferrets as pets including California, Hawaii, New York City and Washington D.C.
Ferrets in Research
Ferrets used in research are obtained from ferret breeders or farms that sell animals for the pet trade and for research.
The use of ferrets in research has been increasing since the 1960s when scientists discovered ferrets share many anatomical, metabolic and physiological traits with humans.
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Lack of stimulation in the lab
can cause depression. |
Ferrets are mainly used to research influenza and other viral diseases. They are also used to research canine distemper, which affects dogs and wildlife. Scientists also use the animals to research reproduction, asthma, spinal cord injuries, gastric infections and ulcers.
Because there is less public outcry regarding their research role, ferrets have replaced dogs and nonhuman primates in many toxicology studies on the development of new drugs.
Life in the Laboratory
Because the ferret is relatively new to research, there is little information on making laboratory life comfortable for them. It is certain that the most difficult aspect of laboratory life for ferrets is the decreased opportunity to exercise.
Ferrets can experience muscle weakness or problematic skeletal changes from being kept in cramped cages. Lack of novel play objects, adequate cage space, or social interaction causes stress, depression, and stereotypical behaviors in ferrets.
In captivity, the typically nocturnal adult ferret will be active during the day and enjoy the company of other ferrets. Whether in the wild or in captivity, ferret kits must have the opportunity to play with other kits during their first month. Deprivation during this time has a negative affect on later social interaction, learning, body size, reproductive behavior and activity level.
