Ferrets were most likely domesticated from European polecats over 2500 years ago by the ancient Greeks. The original purpose for the domestication of ferrets was for rodent control and they were often kept as pets by the aristocrats and royal family in medieval times. Sailors often also kept ferrets on ships to control rats as well, and it is thought that that is how they spread around the globe. It is likely ferrets came to North America in the 1700s, and by the 1800s they were commonly kept as pets.

Domestic ferrets can have a wide range of fur colors including: dark-eyed white, sable, black sable, silver, albino, cinnamon and chocolate. Ferrets are carnivores, meaning that they eat meat as a main food source.

Ferrets are polygynous, meaning males will mate with as many females as possible. Domestic ferrets have a seasonal polyestrous cycle, with males coming into rut between December and July and females going into heat between March and August. Gestation length for a female ferret is approximately 42 days. Ferrets can have up to three litters per year, and up to 15 kits. Young ferrets are cared for by their mothers until they are 8 weeks old.

Fun Facts

On average ferrets have a life expectancy of 6-8 years.