Ferrets have bodies that are elongated and thin, similar to those of other mustelids. Their typical length is around 50 centimeters (20 inches), which includes a tail that is 13 centimeters (5.1 inches) long. Their coats may be a variety of colors, including brown, black, white, or a mixture of the three. They range in weight from 0.7 to 2.0 kilograms (1.5 to 4.4 lb) and exhibit sexual dimorphism, with males being much bigger than females in terms of body size. The usual duration of a female's pregnancy is 42 days, and she may have anywhere from two to three litters in a single year. The typical number of offspring in a litter ranges from three to seven, with weaning occurring between the ages of three and six weeks and full independence occurring at three months. They reach sexual maturity in around 6 months on average, and their life span ranges anywhere from 7 to 10 years on average. Ferrets are animals that undergo induction of ovulation.
Behavior
Ferrets are considered crepuscular animals since they are most active in the early morning and late evening hours and because they sleep for 14-18 hours every day.
If they are kept in a cage, they should be let out at least once a day to fulfill their natural curiosity and get some exercise. They require at least an hour of free time and a place to play.
The majority of ferrets prefer to live in social groupings, in contrast to their progenitors, the polecats, who are creatures that prefer to live alone. They are quite territorial, like burrowing, and prefer to sleep in confined spaces whenever possible. Ferrets, much like many other mustelids, have scent glands near their anus, and the secretions from those glands are utilized for scent marking. Ferrets are able to determine from the secretions of the anal glands of unknown persons not only who they are but also what gender they are. It's possible that ferrets employ urine marking for both sexual selection and individual identification. Similar to skunks, ferrets are capable of releasing the secretions of their anal glands when startled or afraid; however, the odor is far less powerful and disappears very quickly. The majority of pet ferrets marketed in the United States are descented (with the anal glands removed). In the United Kingdom and many other European nations, as well as in many other areas of the globe, de-scenting is seen as an unnecessary kind of mutilation.
They are known to engage in a behavior known as the "weasel war dance" when they get aroused. This activity is characterized by frantic sideways hops, jumps, and banging into adjacent objects. It is a cheerful call to play, despite the fact that its popular name suggests that it is hostile. Dooking is the name given to the distinctive, low-pitched clucking sound that is often produced in tandem with it. Ferrets hiss when they are startled, but they make a quiet squeaking sound when they are sad.