When it comes to the topic of “if ferrets need a friend”, there are a few different schools of thought on the matter.
Some people believe that ferrets do best when they have another ferret companion to keep them company, while others think that this is not necessary and that ferrets can do just fine on their own, so you’re probably wondering do ferrets need a friend?
As a whole ferrets don’t necessarily need a friend, but they may enjoy the company of another ferret. Ferrets are social creatures and do best in pairs or small groups. If you have more than one ferret, it’s important to provide them with enough space to play and explore.
But there is a lot more to know, so let’s explore the topic more in depth.
Do ferrets need to be in pairs?
Many ferret owners enjoy having two or more ferrets as they tend to be very playful animals that enjoy being around others. It’s important to give proper training to your ferret though as some can be quite territorial and not get along well with others.
The misconception that getting another ferret is always a good idea because ferrets are social animals who typically do well when they have a friend is widespread in the mustelids community. This isn’t always true.
In the wild, ferrets are solitary creatures that hunt alone and while the domesticated ferrets are different, they might share some of the same characteristics.
A single ferret might be just as happy as a ferret with a friend and it all depends on the individual animal’s personality.
This natural inclination towards socialization carries over into captivity, and ferrets kept as pets often become attached to their human owners.
However, if you notice your ferret might need a friend, then the best option is to bring in a ferret shelter to see if there are any ferrets that get along well with your current ferret.
Ferret history
Ferrets have been popular pets for centuries, and their popularity continues to grow today. They are members of the Mustelidae family which includes weasels (otters), and badgers. Ferrets were originally bred as hunting animals, used specifically in tracking down rabbits or other small prey with pinpoint accuracy thanks largely due to their exceptional sense o smell.
The first ferret sightings in North America were made by European settlers who brought them home as Farming stock during 17th century colonial times, though it wasn’t until later on that these adorable animals would be introduced as pets.
How many ferrets should you have?
As any ferret owner knows, these playful little creatures can make wonderful pets. They are intelligent and curious, and they have a knack for getting into mischief. But how many ferrets should you have?
The answer depends on a number of factors, including:
- Home size
- Lifestyle
- Level of experience
For most people, two ferrets are the perfect number. They will provide each other with companionship while still leaving plenty of time for human interaction.
And if one ferret happens to get sick or injured, you will still have another to keep you company. Of course, the final decision is up to you, but two ferrets are usually the ideal number.
If you’re thinking about getting a second (or third!) ferret, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, you’ll need to have enough space for two (or more) ferrets.
A single ferret needs a minimum of 3-5 cubic feet of space, so you’ll need to provide at least twice that for two ferrets.
You’ll also need to be prepared to spend more time cleaning and caring for multiple ferrets.
Two ferrets will produce twice the amount of waste, and they will need to be groomed more often.
Finally, you should have a good understanding of ferret behavior before bringing home a second (or third) ferret.
Are ferrets social or solitary?
Ferrets are small, furry mammals that are closely related to weasels. They have long, slender bodies and pointed faces, and they typically grow to be about two feet in length. While they are often kept as pets, ferrets are not well-suited to living with other animals.
In the wild, ferrets live in small family groups, but they are generally quite solitary creatures. Each ferret has its own territory, and they will only come together to mate.
Male ferrets also tend to be very territorial, and they will often fight with each other if their territories overlap.
How do I know if my ferret needs a friend?
The best way to tell if your ferret needs a friend is by their behavior. If they seem lethargic, not interested in playing or are sleeping more than normal, then these could be signs that they might need a companion.
If you’re thinking to move in another state, perhaps for holidays or, work
Of course, If you think your ferret would benefit from a friend, then the next step is to find a compatible ferret. It’s important that you take the time to do this as two incompatible ferrets can fight and injure each other because they are very territorial animals.
In addition, having two ferrets gives you the opportunity to observe their natural behavior and watch them interact with each other. While keeping two ferrets does require more work, the rewards of owning a bonded pair are well worth the extra effort.
The pros and cons of having more than one ferret
Pros
- Ferrets are social creatures. In the wild, ferrets live in groups and are used to being around others. This natural inclination towards socialization carries over into captivity, and ferrets kept as pets often become attached to their human owners.
- Two ferrets mean double the fun. If you notice your ferret might need a friend, then the best option is to bring in a ferret shelter to see if there are any ferrets that get along well with your current ferret. Of course, If you think your ferret would benefit from a friend, then the next step is to find a compatible ferret.
- Rewarding. Ferrets are small, furry animals that make popular pets. Although they require some special care, ferrets can be rewarding companions because are very active and playful, and they enjoy interacting with their human companions.
Cons
- Ferrets are expensive. If you’re on a budget, having two ferrets can be very expensive than having one as you’ll only need to buy more sets of supplies such as cages, food, and toys so that they don’t fight each other for resources.
- Ferrets are smelly. More ferrets mean more mess and a stronger smell in your home as they have scent glands all over their bodies that secrete a musky odor. This is one of the main reasons why some people choose not to have more than one ferret as it can be quite overwhelming.
- Ferrets are high-maintenance. Ferrets require a lot of time, attention, and care so if you’re not prepared to put in the work then it’s best to stick with just one.
Ferrets can be quite costly, especially if they start damaging your how, for example, the most common issue in the ferret community is that when ferrets are teething they tend to chew on everything they possibly can! This includes wires, which can be dangerous for your ferret.
In a recent article, I addressed this concern by discussing how to prevent your ferret from chewing wires.
Just click the link to read it on my site.
How long does it take for ferrets to get along?
In general, it depends on the individual ferrets’ personalities, it could take days or weeks for them to become friends. Some ferrets may never be best buddies but can still live together peacefully.
Ferrets are social animals by nature, so it is not uncommon for them to become friends with other ferrets relatively quickly.
However, there are a few things that can influence how quickly ferrets become friends. For example, if two ferrets are introduced at a young age, they are more likely to form a close bond than if they are introduced as adults.
Additionally, if two ferrets have similar personalities, they are also more likely to become friends quickly.
So, there is no hard and fast rule for how long it takes for ferrets to become friends.
When introducing two ferrets to each other, it is important to do so gradually in order to avoid any aggression or fighting. Begin by placing the ferrets in separate cages that are next to each other.
This will allow them to get used to each other’s scent without being able to physically interact. After a few days, you can let them out under close supervision.
If all goes well, you can eventually let them free in the house.
It is also important to make sure that each ferret has its own food and water dishes, as well as plenty of toys and hiding places. By taking things slowly and giving each ferret its own space, you can help ensure a smooth introduction.
What to do if they don’t get along
If your ferrets don’t seem to be getting along, there are a few things you can try to help them get used to each other.
- Make sure that they have plenty of space for themselves. If they’re constantly in each other’s faces, it’s no wonder they’re fighting!
- Give them each their own sleeping area and play area, and make sure there are plenty of hiding places for them to retreat to if they want some alone time.
- Try feeding them separately. It’s natural for ferrets to want to protect their food, so if they’re having to share meals it can be a major source of stress.
Feeding them in separate areas can help reduce this stress and make it easier for them to get along.
Finally, make sure you’re providing plenty of enrichment for your ferrets. Boredom can be a major contributor to fighting, so keep their minds active with toys, and a lot of playtimes.
Conclusion
If you’re still on the fence about whether or not to get another ferret, hopefully, this article has helped you make a more informed decision. Ferrets can be great companions, but they do require a lot of care and attention.
They are also quite active animals and need plenty of stimulation and playtime. If you think you can provide everything your new ferret needs and are ready for the commitment, go ahead and add another one to your family!
But if you’re not sure, it might be best to wait until lyou have more experience caring for these exotic pets.
