Many pet owners have chosen the ferret as their friend and companion. If you are one of the more adventurous pet owners who fancy keeping a ferret over a cat or a dog, it's important to be aware of the myths, as well as the truths, about ferrets.

Ferret Behavior

Myth	Truth
Ferrets should spend most of their waking time in a cage.	Since ferrets sleep about 16 out of every 24 hours, keeping them in their cage while they are asleep will be for their own comfort and safety. However, when your ferrets are awake, it's a necessity to let them out, and keep them out, as much as possible. Ferrets need to be out of their cages so they can exercise, play with each other, and interact with the people in the household. Be sure you have ferret-proofed the house before letting your pets out, and that your ferrets have supervision when they roam around.
Ferrets are nocturnal.	Just because ferrets sleep for most of the day does not mean they are nocturnal. Ferrets sleep most of the night, too.
Ferrets easily adapt to living in the wild.	Ferrets do not adapt on their own to living in the wild. If your ferret manages to escape to the outside, and you don't find him within a few days, he will eventually die from one of many possible causes. Ferrets have been associated with humans for more than 3,000 years, and they have lost the instincts, including hunting and eating prey, to live in the wild.
Ferrets are so prone to biting that they do not make good pets.	Ferrets may bite, but they bite indiscriminately if they have not been properly trained. Kits will bite often at first, until they have been trained not to. Still, trained ferrets will sometimes bite if they are scared or hurt. Wearing gloves is not necessary for handling a well-trained, properly treated ferret.
Ferrets are a major source of rabies.	Ferrets are rarely infected with the rabies virus. In any one year, there are very few reported rabid ferrets, and even fewer substantiated reports of rabies transmission from ferrets to humans.
Ferrets smell extremely bad.	Ferrets do have an odor, especially during mating season, but it is only strong when they have not been fixed (neutered and descented). You can lessen a fixed ferret's odor by bathing him once a month, keeping his bedding and litter fresh, feeding him only high quality ferret food, and keeping his ears clean of ear wax.
Ferrets must be kept outside.	Ferrets should not be kept outside for many reasons: they are sensitive to extreme heat and cold; they are susceptible to predators and parasites; and they are likely to ingest something hazardous, like toxic plants.

Your Ferret's Dependency
An important factor to consider in dealing with your ferret's natural behavior is his total dependence on you for food and water, medical care and companionship.

Scientists describe the behavior of the adult domestic ferret as juvenile, meaning he has evolved into one that no longer has the instincts and behavior patterns of an adult wild ferret, including hunting prey and escaping predators.

This has made the ferret an extremely social animal, and without other ferrets or pets with whom to socialize, your ferret will have only you as his sole friend and companion. Your ferret will, therefore, completely depend on you to keep him healthy, and well away from predators, toxic hazards, and all other risks.

The Importance of Routine

Ferrets have a limited attention span, which makes them a bit difficult to train. This is why as a ferret owner, you will have to bear in mind that routine is one of the more effective ways to make your pet remember his training. Consistent routine and reinforced training will make your ferret understand that he should come to you when he's called, to use his litter box as necessary, and to refrain from biting.

Regular times for play, sleeping, feeding and grooming will also create a stable cycle of activities that your energetic and unique ferret will truly appreciate.

Remember that with the proper understanding of a ferret's natural behavior, taking care of a healthy, happy and well-trained ferret can be just as much fun and exciting as taking care of a dog or a cat.