Let’s know about Male Vs Female Ferret. Ferrets are fun creatures that make great pets for households with or without children and with or without other pets. These cute animals are intelligent, curious and timid, which makes them fun to spend time with. Ferrets can be born with silver, sandy, dew, pole or albino colors. They are ready to breed by about 9 months of age, so males should be neutered by this time if they are living with one or more females.
These animals—technically, members of the mustelid or mongoose family—love to play with toys and will spend hours wandering around the house and investigating whatever they can find. They look forward to at least 2 hours of free time for exercise every day, and will not resist doubling the amount of time if offered. In general, ferrets are amazing, but what is the difference between a male and a female?
If you’re like most potential owners, you want to know the answer to this question before deciding which gender to adopt and take home. We’ve broken down the sexes for you, so you can easily learn the differences and have peace of mind knowing that you’re making the right choice when it comes time to adopt a new ferret to add to your family. Huh.
visual difference
There are some visible differences between male and female ferrets that every potential owner should be aware of, even if the differences are only minor. Here’s what you should know.
size difference
Male and female ferrets vary in size, with males being longer and heavier. Boys can be up to 24 inches in length, while females can be up to 16 inches in length. Males can weigh anywhere between 3 and 5 pounds, while females weigh no more than 3 pounds. The interesting thing is that girls have bigger heads than boys.
Apart from the difference in size, both male and female ferrets look alike. It can be nearly impossible to tell the difference between the sexes by simply comparing their complexion, body size, activity level, or personality.
at a glance
male ferrets
- Average length (adult): 17-24 inches
- Average Weight (Adult): 3-5 pounds
- Lifespan: 5-10 years
- Exercise: 2+ hours a day
- Grooming Needs: Moderate
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Other Pet-Friendly: Often
- Training Qualification: High
female ferrets
- Average Length (Adult): 12-16 inches
- Average Weight (Adult): 1-3 pounds
- Lifespan: 5-10 years
- Exercise: 2+ hours a day
- Grooming Needs: Moderate
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Other Pet-Friendly: Often
- Training Qualification: High
Male Ferret Overview
Male ferrets are just as fun, curious and intelligent as their female counterparts. They can weigh anywhere from 3 to 5 pounds, making them the perfect little house pet for people who don’t have much room for a cage and who want to run a ferret all over the house for a few hours a day. Doesn’t matter.
personality character
Every ferret, regardless of their gender, has a unique personality. Therefore, it is impossible to tell the difference between a boy and a girl solely on the basis of their personality. You should know that ferrets are agitated and can get themselves into trouble if they don’t have lots of toys to play with and interact with people or other animals.
These animals enjoy the safety of an enclosed habitat, but they will not be happy spending all of their time in it. They need an opportunity to get out and run around. The homes they live in must be “ferret-proofed” before one of these animals is first introduced into space. If the entire house cannot be proofed for ferrets, at least one room or attic or garage in the house should be proofed so that they can spend their free time there.
breeding
Male ferrets can begin breeding by about 9 months of age and will do so rapidly if given the chance. If owners don’t want the ferret babies to run around, they should have their male pets neutered if they live with female ferrets. Males do not go into heat cycles as females do. They will simply attempt to breed when the female they reach is in heat.
suitability
Male ferrets are well suited to any home that has room for them to run around and play. Ferrets get along well with children, teenagers, adults, seniors and other friendly animals such as dogs and cats. They should never be left to roam outside as they can easily become prey to wild and neighborhood animals. They can also get lost easily. Ferrets can be taught to walk on a leash, which makes for a safe adventure outside.
Female Ferret Overview
There is not much difference between female and male ferrets. They are both active, playful, family-oriented and curious by nature. Some owners find that females are a bit more aggressive than males when it comes to seeking attention, but that is entirely anecdotal. The biggest difference between male and female has to do with reproduction.
beauty
Both males and females should bathe every few months to keep their hair soft and healthy. Their nails need to be cut once a week so they don’t ruin furniture, injure children, or crack and break, causing pain to the animal. Their ears and teeth should also be cleaned once every two weeks to reduce the risk of infection.
breeding
Once they enter a heat cycle, females do not stop mating until they reproduce. If reproduction does not occur, the heat cycle continues. Unfortunately, female ferrets that do not breed and end their heat cycle are at risk of a condition called aplastic anemia.
Aplastic anemia occurs when estrogen levels remain high in the ferret’s body, and the problem can damage red cell production and even death if not caught in time. Therefore, female ferrets should be spayed before they reach 9 months of age, unless they will be bred when they go into heat.
suitability
Female ferrets are suitable for the same people and household types as male ferrets. If you think your home is a good match for a ferret pet, you should have peace of mind knowing that you are getting a unique and awesome pet whether you choose a male or a female.
our final thoughts
Ferrets are fun and friendly creatures, no matter what their gender. They all love love and attention, and they all enjoy time with their toys. But every ferret is unique in terms of personality. Some are more stubborn than others, while some are more inquisitive. Which gender are you considering adopting, or are you thinking of adopting one of each? We’d love to hear about your ideas and plans! Let us know by leaving a comment below.