Basic Ferret Facts

Ferrets live an average of 6-10 years, with lifespan depending on heredity, care, diet and exercise.

A healthy female ferret will weigh anywhere from 1-3 lbs., and a healthy male ferret will weigh anywhere from 2.5-5 lbs.

A well fed, well bred healthy ferret will have soft, silky fur, and long whiskers.

The normal rectal temperature is 100-103°F (37.8-39.4°C).

The normal heart rate is 216-250 bpm.

The normal respirations are 33-36 per minute.

Normal fasting glucose (at least 4 hours) is between 65-164.

Ferrets usually reach full adult size by the age of six months.

Ferret age is usually determined by the upper canines, a solid bright white tooth would indicate a ferret a year or younger. A yellow completely translucent tooth would indicated a ferret of around six years or older.

Ferrets are nearsighted, and can only see in shades of grey, although it is thought that some can see blues and reds.

Ferrets have an excellent sense of smell.

Ferrets are carnivores (meat eaters).

Ferrets can not survive out in the wild.

It is thought that ferrets have been domesticated for over 2500 years.

Ferrets require a substantial amount of money to acquire and keep healthy. An average pet store ferret is about $100 to $150, whereas a shelter ferret is about $50 to $100. A decent sized ferret cage can run anywhere from $100 to $300. Anything less than $100, unless you build it yourself, is probably not big or safe enough for a ferret. Ferrets require yearly vaccinations which range from $30 to $100 depending on your vet.. In order for a ferret to thrive, it requires quality food that averages $25 per month. A ferret can exist on cheaper food, but we could exist on just candy bars too, that doesn't mean we'll be healthy. Ferrets face various health problems as they grow older which can run into the hundreds of dollars for surgeries, and/or medicines.