Hi,I'm your ferret.
I'm (not really) sorry about the poop in the corners.
I'm (not really) sorry about making holes in the sofa.
I'm (not really) sorry I nipped you.
I'm (not really) sorry about the vet bill.
I'm (not really) sorry you were late to work because you could not find me.

However
Thank you for making me a part of your life.
Thank you for accepting me for what I am.
Thank you for your love and understanding.
Please remember - I'm a ferret.**

The NSW Ferret Welfare Society inc.
for more information visit our web site
.

TEN THINGS A FERRET ASKS OF ITS KEEPERS

  1. My life is likely to last 6-9 years. Any separation from you will be painful for me. Remember that before you buy me.
  2. Give me time to understand what you want from me.
  3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well being.
  4. Don't be angry at me for long, and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your entertainment and your friends. I have only you and your toes.
  5. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I do not understand the words, I understand your voice when you are speaking to me.
  6. Be aware that however you trust me, I will never forget.
  7. Remember before you punish me that I have jaws that could easily crush the bones of your hand, but I have chosen not to bite you that hard.
  8. Before you scold me for being "uncooperative", "obstinate" or "sad", ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I am not getting the right attention or I am sick.
  9. Take care of me when I get old; you too will grow old.
  10. Go with me on difficult journeys.
    11.

Never say "I can't bear to watch", or "let it happen in my absence". Please never say, "Let the vet do it". Everything is easier for me if you are there.

We are able to introduce you to the world of ferrets. Our aims are to promote the welfare of ferrets, educate interested people regarding the best way to feed, care for, house and entertain ferrets, find homes for strays and unwanted ferrets and provide fellowship for ferret owners. The Ferret Welfare Society produces a newsletter every two months packed with information from vets, overseas and interstate clubs, and society ferret owners. We have our own cartoon and an "Ask the Vet" column. We also have a Web page

If you would like to know more, please contact any of the following people for an information pack and membership application form:

nepean blue contents / animal index / top of page

NSW Ferret Society leaflet on-line ** copyright - the New South Wales Ferret Society

Ferret is the common name for a small mammal belonging to the weasel family.  It has a long, slim body with short legs. There are two species of ferrets - domestic ferret and the black-footed ferret. When frightened, both types discharge a strong-smelling secretion from scent glands under the tail.

Domestiated ferrets, which are domesticated forms of the polecat, are often kept as pets or used for hunting rabbits and rats. Owners usually have the scent glands removed in order to alleviate the animal’s strong musky smell. Generally, male ferrets are 40 to 65 cm (16 to 26 in) long, including the tail, and weigh 0.40 to 1.70 kg (1 to 3H lb). The colour of the domestic ferret varies, with the most common being yellowish-white with dark hair tips and a black mask, tail, and feet. Some ferrets have completely brown, almost black, coats.

The black-footed ferret has a dull yellow coat with brown fur on the head and down the middle of the back. It has a black mask and black fur on the feet, legs, and end of the tail. Males average 50 to 65 cm (20 to 26 in) in length, including the tail, and weigh around 0.96 to 1.70 kg (2.to 3H lb). Females are slightly smaller than the males. Black-footed ferrets are found in the prairies of North America. However, owing to the drastically reduced number of prairie dogs, its main food source, the black-footed ferret became extinct in the wild, but has recently been reintroduced from captive populations.

Scientific classification: Ferrets belong to the family Mustelidae. The domestic ferret is classified as Mustela putorius furo. The black-footed ferret is classified as Mustela nigripes.