What Is a Group of Ferrets Called? Vet-Approved Info & Facts
By Ashley Bates
Updated on
If you are anything like us, you likely rush to the ferret enclosures any time you enter a pet store. These playful, curious pets are often just as excited to interact with you, making the experience all the more enjoyable!
So, whether you have ferrets already and want to know what to call your pack or you’re just wondering what a group of ferrets is called, we’re going to explain here. Plus, we will go over how ferrets interact with each other in the wild and as pets, along with a bunch of other fun facts!
A Group of Ferrets Is Called…
A group of ferrets is called a business. This might seem quite a peculiar term since ferrets seem anything but professional. These goofy, mischievous critters love getting into all kinds of trouble—so, if there’s any business happening, it’s certainly monkey business!
The other term for a ferret business is “fesnyng.” This is a much stranger and possibly more fitting name for these fun-loving pets. It is pronounced “fez-ning” and is a much more creative take, but you can use whatever you prefer.
Other Ferret Terms
A business might describe a grouping of these busybodies, but that isn’t the only term for ferrets. Here are other words relating to ferrets, along with their meanings.
- Hobs — Intact males
- Jills — Unaltered females
- Gibs — Neutered males
- Hoblets — Vasectomized males
- Sprites — Spayed females
- Kits — Baby ferrets (under 1 year old)
How Do Ferrets Interact in the Wild and as Pets?
Interestingly, the domesticated ferrets that we keep as pets (Mustela putorius furo) do not exist anywhere in the wild. The closest wild relative of the domesticated ferret is the European polecat (Mustela putoriu). Polecats are mostly solitary and will only be seen with other polecats if a female has a litter (she will care for her kits until they are about 3 months old) or if a female is in season and accepting of a male in her vicinity for the purposes of reproduction.
However, as pets, things are much different. Domestic ferrets are far more social and enjoy the company of their own species. They are incredibly inquisitive and tend to socialize with other pets, such as cats and dogs, in a friendly manner. Domestic ferrets are considered attention seekers.
How Do Ferrets Socialize?
Ferrets use many methods of communication to interact with their business. These include the following:
- Body language: They love to romp and play with their own kind. Other examples include dancing, wrestling, and stalking other ferrets in their business.
- Verbal communication: Sounds of excitement include “docks,” “barks,” and “clucks.” Ferrets screech to demonstrate terror, pain, or anger. They may also hiss to indicate annoyance or anger.
Should You Own Just One Ferret?
Since domestic ferrets are social, it’s best to own more than one. You should ideally have at least one more ferret around for your guy or gal to interact with. This enhances their welfare by giving them more opportunities to socialize in your absence. However, all pet ferrets should be castrated (if male) or spayed (if female) prior to adoption.
Fun Ferret Facts
If you need more ferret facts, here are some things you might have yet to learn about these cute critters.
1. Ferrets Have Fast Heartbeats!
Adult ferrets have a resting heart rate of between 200 and 250 beats per minute!
2. Ferrets Have Favorable Lifespans
Many small animals you get at a pet shop have a short lifespan, but ferrets can live as long as some dogs! A ferret generally lives up to 10 years when kept as a pet.
3. Ferrets Are Crepuscular
Ferrets are crepuscular creatures, meaning they are most active at dusk and dawn. So, they are not nocturnal, keeping you up all night. But they will frequently snooze during the day. As pets, they often adapt to their owners’ timetables!
4. All Ferrets Are Born White
If you’ve ever interacted with ferrets, you know that they come in a few different colors. Interestingly, all ferrets are born white and slowly develop their color as they age.
5. Ferrets Have a Long History With People
During the first part of ferret domestication, they were tasked with keeping out smaller rodents from grain stores. However, they entered the pet trade sometime in the 1800s.
Conclusion
So, now you know that a group of ferrets is called a business. And they are certainly getting into some funky business, we’re sure. Do you own more than one ferret? Do you have your own business in your household? A business of ferrets can indeed be quite rewarding!
- See also: 14 Fascinating Black-Footed Ferret Facts
Featured Image Credit: Couperfield, Shutterstock
