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Ferrets can be a controversial topic. In some places, they’re illegal to own, and they’ve earned a bad reputation among certain groups. Whether you adore them or can’t stand them, there are plenty of misconceptions about these fuzzy little creatures. Let’s set the record straight with 15 myths you need to stop believing about ferrets.
The 5 Myths & Misconceptions About Ferrets
1) Myth: Ferrets Can’t Be Trained
Fact: One of the biggest misconceptions about ferrets is that they can’t be trained. In reality, these clever little creatures are highly trainable! They can be litter trained, learn tricks, and even play fetch with the right guidance and patience. Ferrets love mental stimulation, so with the proper training techniques, they can become well-behaved and interactive companions.
2.Myth: Ferrets will bite you
Fact: The hard truth is that any animal will bite you if you harass it, and ferrets are no exception. That doesn’t mean they’re ‘naturally bitey’ or mean — they aren’t! But if you aren’t respectful of them, they will use evolution’s methods to defend themselves.
3.Myth: Ferrets must be caged
Fact: Though it requires a lot of work, it is possible to have free-roaming ferrets like you would have a cat or dog. The tricky part is ferret-proofing your house. Ferrets can squeeze their bodies into tiny spaces, so an improperly-proofed place could prove deadly to a curious free-roaming ferret.
For those uninterested in ferret proofing, worry not! Supervised time out of their cage is imperative for your ferrets, even if they aren’t free-roaming!
4.Myth: Ferrets need to be fed fruits & vegetables
Fact: Many people believe that ferrets need to be fed fruits and vegetables, but the reality is that this can make them sick. Some people say that they can be given as treats, but the American Ferret Association advises against feeding any fruits or vegetables.
5.Myth: Ferrets are wild animals
Fact: There is also a prevalent misconception that ferrets are undomesticated wild animals. If you pick up a black-footed ferret off the ground, this is more than likely true (it’s also a crime as black-footed ferrets are an endangered species!). However, the ferrets you get from breeders and pet stores are fully domesticated, captive-bred creatures, not wild animals. Humans have been domesticating ferrets as far back as 63 BCE. So, there’s no need to worry about the ferrets you see in the store being wild animals.
6.Myth: Ferrets should be kept outside
Fact: While many people keep rabbits in outdoor hutches, this is not advised for rabbits or ferrets. If kept in an outdoor cage, they are not outdoor animals and could be susceptible to illness, predation, or other harm.
7.Myth: Ferrets are dangerous
Fact: There isn’t an animal alive who couldn’t be dangerous to you if they needed to be, but ferrets are no more dangerous than any other domesticated house pet.
8.Myth: Ferrets have excellent vision
Fact: People believe that since ferrets are nocturnal, they must have perfect vision since they’d need to see in the dark. Their vision is relatively poor, and they can only see reds and blues. They don’t rely on their vision as much as one might think.
9.Myth: Ferrets don’t need vet care
Fact: No animal can go without vet care! Ferrets will need regular checkups and other care, just like any other animal.
10.Myth: Ferrets can catch colds
Fact: There’s a shred of truth to this one. Ferrets can catch and transmit the influenza virus between themselves and humans, and this virus can prove deadly to them. The common cold, however, cannot be shared between humans and ferrets.
11.Myth: Escaped ferrets will band together and kill our livestock
Fact: This is the reasoning given for some of the places that legally ban the ownership of ferrets. In reality, escaped domesticated ferrets rarely last more than a few days, according to the American Ferret Association. It’s one of the reasons ferret-proofing is so essential when considering ferret ownership.
Whether you aspire to own a ferret or came here looking for affirmation of why you should hate them, there’s so much to learn about these loveable fur-friends. We hope we can help to dispel some of the harmful myths surrounding ferrets and help you make an informed decision on your prospective ownership!
