16/02/2008
Telegraph.co.uk
Razor-sharp teeth and a skunk-like smell make
ferrets not, perhaps, the most obvious of pets, but record numbers
of animal lovers are falling for their charms, writes Jasper
Copping.
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Ferrets are extremely playful and inquisitive
animals
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The population of pet ferrets is estimated
to have grown to two million from 100,000 in 10 years. Fans
say ferrets make ideal pets because they adapt to people's
busy lifestyles and are easily house-trained.
They sleep for much of the day and can be left
for long periods while their owners are at work, but are extremely
playful and inquisitive once they wake.
Ferrets, which belong to the same family as the skunk and polecat,
can emit pungent odours, but new dry foods with deodorisers minimise
this, as does neutering males. Ian Kearns, from the Ferret Trust, said the
animal's image had suffered from the oft-repeated clip of Richard
Whiteley, the late host of the television programme Countdown,
being bitten by one in 1977. "If they are correctly handled
and in the right environment, they have no need to bite," Mr
Kearns said. "However, they do have a fascination with taking
things, such as a bunch of keys or the odd sock."
The animals, which live for an average of eight
to 10 years, can now change hands for up to £150 each
and they are bred in a variety of colours.
James McKay, a zoologist and a director at
the National Ferret School, said: "They are real characters
and easy to train. You can walk them on a lead. You can have
them sitting on your lap while you watch TV. But you can leave
them in a large cage if you are busy."
In response to their growing popularity, the
British Veterinary Association's Animal Welfare Foundation
has launched a new practical guide to caring for pet ferrets.
Carl Padgett, the chairman of its trustees,
said: "They make good children's pets and are no more complicated
or costly than keeping a rabbit or guinea pig." |
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