Ferrets are adorable little creatures that have become a popular pet choice in recent years. They are playful, curious, and full of energy. But like any animal, ferrets have their own unique behaviors that can sometimes be confusing to their owners. In this article, we’ll explore the top ten behaviors of ferrets and what they mean.
1. Sleeping
Ferrets sleep a lot – up to 18 hours per day! This may seem excessive, but it’s completely normal for them. Ferrets are crepuscular animals, which means they’re most active during dawn and dusk when their prey is also active. During the rest of the day, they need plenty of rest to recharge their batteries.
2. Burrowing
Ferrets love to burrow into small spaces and tunnels – it’s part of their natural behavior as predators who hunt small game in underground dens. Providing your ferret with a tunnel or hiding spot will keep them happy as well as provide enrichment by allowing them to exercise their natural instincts.
3. Scratching
Like cats, ferrets need something to scratch on to keep their claws healthy and sharp. Providing a scratching post or board will help prevent damage from clawing furniture or carpets.
4. Hissing
While hissing can be alarming for new ferret owners, it’s actually a sign that your furry friend is feeling threatened or scared. A common reason why ferrets hiss is because they’re afraid someone might take away something valuable (like food) from them.
5. Chewing
Ferrets are known for chewing on anything they can get their teeth into – including wires! It’s important to supervise your pet at all times when out of its enclosure so you can redirect its attention if needed before it causes damage.
6. Wrestling & Playing
If you’ve ever watched two young ferrets playing together, you know how rough things can get! Ferret play can look like a serious fight, but it’s all in good fun. Wrestling and chasing each other is how they socialize with one another.
7. Stealing
Ferrets are notorious for stealing objects and hiding them away. This behavior stems from their natural instincts to hoard food and valuables in their dens. It’s important to keep track of your belongings around ferrets – you never know what might go missing!
8. Dooking
Dooking is the happy dance that ferrets do when they’re excited or playful. It sounds like a cross between a chuckle and a sneeze, and it’s sure to make you smile! Ferrets often dook when playing with toys or during playtime with their owners.
9. Digging
Like burrowing, digging is another natural behavior for ferrets who would dig into the ground searching for prey in the wild. You can provide your pet with a designated digging box filled with safe materials like shredded paper or dirt so that they can satisfy this urge without causing damage elsewhere.
10. Nipping & Biting
While not necessarily desirable behavior, nipping and biting can be an issue with some ferrets – particularly those who were not properly socialized as kits (baby ferrets). Consistent training methods should be implemented to discourage this type of biting behaviour before it becomes habitual.
In conclusion, understanding your pet’s behaviours will help you understand what makes them happy or unhappy which ultimately makes them easier to care for! Ferret behaviour may seem unusual at times but knowing its meaning helps us better take care of our furry friends’ needs while providing enrichment opportunities that cater towards their innate desires and habits such as burrowing, scratching, playing etc…