Do Ferrets Have Spines? Interesting Facts & Explanation

Ferrets are agile, athletic little mammals. They have a reputation for being accident-prone but also for being inquisitive and capable of getting some very small spaces. They are so adept at getting into tight holes and squeezing around bends that some people question whether they have spines.

Ferrets do have spines, but they have very flexible spines that run right up their body. They also have long necks, and this combination enables them to be able to twist and contort into seemingly impossible positions.

About Ferrets

Ferrets are descended from European polecats. They have long tails and long necks. They are also very inquisitive and their natural desire to chase rodents down holes means that they love to burrow. This can lead ferrets to get into some tight spots while their inquisitive nature means they end up knocking things over and have gained a reputation for being accident-prone.

Why Are Ferrets So Bendy?

With vertebrates in their back, lower back, neck, and even their tails, ferrets can effectively bend every part of their bodies. This can give the small mammals the appearance of not having spines at all. It also enables them to squeeze into tight spaces and actually enables them to stretch their body so that it is up to 30% longer. Their short legs, which are capable of burrowing and digging, also make it easier for ferrets to be able to get into tight spaces.

6 Interesting Facts About Ferrets

Ferrets are incredibly agile and they do have spines. However, there are plenty of unique and unusual facts about these small animals.

1. They Are Tiny When Young

Baby ferrets are called kits. Kits are tiny when they’re born and one can actually fit inside a teaspoon. They are also born blind and have short hair that appears and feels fuzzy. As adults, ferrets grow up to 20 inches long and weigh around 4 pounds.

2. Ferrets Make Very Popular Pets

Ferrets are popular pets. However, they are not as popular as they were in the 1990s when ferret clubs were formed in the U.S. At that time, they were the third most popular pet in the country. While there are still more than 300,000 pet ferrets in the U.S. there are many more rabbits and even reptiles.

3. They Dance

Owners of the small mammal often refer to what they call the “weasel war dance”. In the wild, they use this dance to confuse prey, but pet ferrets are more likely to exhibit the behavior when they are happy and excited. The war dance entails puffing their tails up, arching their backs, and hopping around.

4. They Sleep Hard

Another habit that is common to all ferrets is sleeping. A pet ferret can sleep up to 18 hours a day, and when they sleep, they sleep hard. It isn’t unusual to find a ferret completely prostrate in its hammock with its head lolling over the side.

5. Ferrets Can Be Trained

Ferrets are very intelligent and they love to have fun, which makes it surprisingly easy to train one. Many owners litter train their ferrets to prevent mess around the house, but you can also train a ferret to perform some simple tricks like shaking hands. You can also train a ferret to walk on a leash and harness.

6. Ferrets Are Illegal In California

Owners and fans will tell you that ferrets make great pets. They are fun, funny, and sweet little animals. But, they can bite and they have sharp teeth. They also tend to colonize when they escape, which can have a detrimental effect on the natural populations of other wild animals. They may even carry rabies once they revert to their feral state. This is why keeping pet ferrets is illegal in California and Hawaii.

Do Ferrets Make Good Pets?

Ferrets can make excellent pets, but they are not low maintenance. They need a lot of care and plenty of attention. They need regular handling from a kit, to prevent biting and other antisocial behavior. They can also be a bit smelly and they will steal and destroy just about anything you leave out. On the other hand, they are tolerant of handling, can enjoy falling asleep on your lap, and are entertaining to watch. Because you can teach them and they enjoy playing games, ferrets are also interactive pets.

Do Ferrets Break Bones Easily?

Although ferrets are agile and quite athletic, they are also deeply inquisitive and they can be quite accident-prone. As such, it is quite common for them to break bones. Signs include disjointed limbs and possible lameness. You may also notice a ferret struggling to walk properly, which is another possible sign of a broken bone.

Conclusion

Ferrets can be great pets for owners who have time to dedicate to them. They are high maintenance and they do need a lot of attention, but they are fun and provide plenty of entertainment. Although their ability to squeeze in tight spaces and seemingly bend their entire body in any direction makes it seem as though they don’t, ferrets do have spines.

Featured Image Credit: Couperfield, Shutterstock