How to determine the sex of a ferret: the differences between a boy and a girl and who is better to choose

If a few years ago ferrets in Russia were classified as exotic animals, today they no longer surprise anyone. Fluffy dodgers are loved for their playful disposition, quick wit and soft fur. They are interesting for both children and adults. However, not all pet lovers know how easy it is to determine the sex of a ferret when buying, and in fact the character traits and nuances of the animal's physique strongly depend on this.

Determining the sex of a ferret

Sexual demorphism in ferrets is strongly pronounced. Males are larger, sometimes almost twice as large, more stocky. They have a flat muzzle and thickened strong paws.In order to distinguish young animals by gender when buying, you need to turn the animal on its back and carefully examine the abdomen. Males have a tubercle quite far from the tail. Females have only an anus under the tail.

Determining the sex is, of course, easier when the animal has reached adulthood. Males weigh up to 2.5 kg, females up to 1 kg. Males eat a lot, mark their territory with urine and feces, and smell strongly. For these reasons, breeders strongly advise neutering ferrets at 10-12 months of age.

Mature females are thin, graceful. Their muzzle is longer, and the limbs are thinner and slightly longer. Girls eat less, often hide food in reserve, arranging a hiding place in the corner of a cage or apartment. They are more cautious and harder to tame.

Who is better to choose: a boy or a girl

The question of choosing a pet is always difficult. There are definitely pluses on both sides.

Pros and consLarge size, wool more knocked down and fluffy.You can walk on a harness like a dog.The character is more docile, playful. They love to communicate with the owner: lie on their knees, when they scratch their tummy, they give a treat. Males do not like loneliness, and therefore they will quickly remind themselves of themselves with a painful bite on the leg or arm.They mark everything that is possible, and smell unpleasant if they are not castrated in time.They eat a lot, without a sense of proportion, slovenly.When frightened or in danger, they will bite until they bleed.They will claim the role of the owner in the house, if they are not put in their place at the very beginning.

Pros and consFerrets know how to stand up for themselves, but in games they are affectionate and patient.Get along with other animals and children (under the supervision of adults).More independent, they will always find something to do with themselves.They eat little, carefully care for their coat.More active and nimble boys.They do not like hands and games with the owner.They can periodically show character and do minor dirty tricks in the form of gnawed wallpaper and “excavated” carpets.

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