Why you may want to choose a ferret for your next pet

If you're looking for the perfect pet to bring home to your family, why not think out of the box and choose something other than a cat or a dog? Believe it or not, ferrets are the third most common uncaged pet in the U.S., after dogs and cats. Many people have realized how great these little critters are to keep in their homes, and you might too. Here are some of the basics you may want to read up on before making a decision.

The basics Ferrets have been domesticated for thousands of years. They are a member of the weasel family, which includes skunks, badgers, minks and otters. The average lifespan of a ferret is 8 to 10 years, barring accidents or illness. The most common color for ferrets are variations of black, brown and gray, with darker coloring on the face, feet and tail. Some ferrets are white, and there are even albino ferrets, which are white with pink eyes. Female ferrets grow to be around two pounds, while males typically grow to be double that.

Personality Ferrets have engaging personalities and a very playful nature. They are intelligent, affectionate and loyal to their human companions, often forming a strong bond. They are active animals that shouldn't be caged when they're awake unless it's required, but they do tend to sleep for 18 to 20 hours each day. They are very curious and investigative, which means you should prepare your home so it's a safe place for your ferret to explore.

Care Ferrets can eat either high quality ferret food or dry kitten food. They also enjoy eating fruits and sweet vegetables. Dairy products, grains, breads and nuts shouldn't be fed to ferrets. Ferrets should have their own cage and a variety of toys and accessories, like hammocks and even shampoo. It's important to spay or neuter your ferret in order to keep it healthy and extend it's life. Female ferrets in particular need to be spayed, otherwise they will go into prolonged heat and eventually become sick and die. They should get regular veterinary checkups.

Now that you know some of the basics about ferrets, you may want to do a little research to make sure they're right for you and your household. If you decide to get a ferret, rest assured knowing that you can save money on the costs of accessories and necessities with a Ferret.com promotion code, which can get you free shipping on a $49 order on Black Friday!