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Micro Ferrets
Ferrets exist in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colorations. Micro ferrets, also known as mini ferrets, are miniature versions of regular-sized ferrets. Due to their tiny size and adorable appearance, many ferret lovers prefer owning one.
Micro ferrets, commonly referred to as mini ferrets or Whippet ferrets, are the smallest ferret type in the world. They have elongated heads, slim bodies, and distinctive arched backs when they walk. They are available in several colors and patterns, including the albino variety.
If you want to learn more about micro ferrets or mini ferrets, or if you want to buy your first ferret but are unsure about their body types, micro ferrets may be for you. Read on to learn everything you need to know about micro ferrets from a small animal veterinarian.
Do Micro Ferrets Exist?
The technical name for a microferret is a “Whippet ferret” and they do exist in the world. Whippet ferrets or mini ferrets are native to the United States. They can be considered true pocket pets because of their extremely small size. These ferrets have a naturally arched back, which is particularly noticeable when they walk.
Since these ferrets are skinny, have elongated heads, and are exceedingly energetic. These lively ferrets enjoy playing and jumping around. They are very social animals and make exceptional bonds with their owners.
However, because these ferrets are so small and slim, they might give you the same vulnerable feeling as holding a newborn human baby in your hands. You can feel the bones and muscles of these ferrets when you hold them, which is a peculiar sensation. Nevertheless, they are not as delicate as they might seem. They are ferrets after all.
Is a Mini Ferret Rare?
Mini ferrets or Whippet ferrets are not rare they are very common. Whippet ferrets are one of the most popular types of ferrets that are kept as pets, especially in the United States. More than 50% of all ferrets that exist in the United States are Whippet ferrets or Micro ferrets.
They are quite popular due to their small size because most people prefer cute, smaller-sized pets. As an added benefit, they take up less living space compared to large ferrets.
What Does A Microferret Eat?
A microferret often requires less food than a large ferret because they are smaller in size and have shorter digestive tracts. A mini ferret’s diet, however, is similar to that of other ferrets, consisting primarily of raw meat or high protein kibble.
Micro ferrets don’t need special food just because they are small; in the wild, they would eat raw meat like other ferrets do. If you do not want to feed your micro ferret a raw meat diet then be sure to feed them only high protein, grain-free ferret or cat food.
How Much Does A Micro Ferret Weigh?
There isn’t any precise information on this aspect of the whippet ferret, however at full maturity, they can weigh up to 1200 grams, but this is rare. When they are adults, they typically weigh between 700 and 1000 grams.
Just for comparison, large-sized ferrets weigh much more than mini ferrets, a large-sized male ferret typically weighs around 4 lb (1.8 kg), and a large-sized female ferret generally weighs about 2.5 kg (1.1kg).
NOTE: Exact data is not available about the weight of Micro ferrets and the data provided above is a general estimation.
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Do Micro Ferrets Exist In The Wild?
Micro or Mini ferrets are exclusively found in captivity, and they are not found in the wild. Since ferrets do not naturally possess the attribute of being small, people have to selectively breed them to get it. If a mini ferret escapes from captivity there are very few chances that it would survive in the wild on its own.
What Is The Color Of A Microferret?
Mini ferrets come in a wide array of hues and patterns. They may have a white coat with variously colored patterns and masks. Additionally, they can also have white fur and ruby-red eyes to be considered “albinos.”
Do Micro/Mini Ferrets Make Good Pets?
Mini or Whippet ferrets make wonderful pets and are also quite popular as a result. They are highly social animals who form close bonds with their owners and have a temperament and behavior similar to other ferrets.
These ferrets are quite active, and they enjoy jumping around, playing with their owners, and participating in ferret-to-ferret play. When they are not sleeping, you will notice them wandering about, climbing, and playing in their enclosure.
Do Micro Ferrets Have Special Needs?
They don’t necessarily have specific needs simply because they are small. They require the same type of care and management as other ferrets. Given that they can take care of themselves, they don’t require much grooming. Their diet is also similar to that of other ferrets, which is primarily meat.
Since they are so small, you should just exercise additional caution when handling them because any mishandling could result in injury. One benefit of having mini ferrets is that they require less living space than large ferrets, which might be advantageous if you live in a small house or apartment.
What Body Types Of Ferrets Exist Other Than Micro Ferrets?
In general, ferrets have three body types one of which is Micro ferrets or Whippet. The other two types are the following:
This body type of ferret is also known as the classic ferret which is a European variety of ferret. These ferrets are quick and due to this, they were used for hunting rabbits.
These ferrets are also referred to as bulldog ferrets due to their exceptionally large size and bulk body. They may appear chubby but in reality, they are very muscular and strong. These ferrets have wide heads and bodies with stumpy legs.
Final Words: Micro Ferrets
Micro ferrets do exist and they are very popular among ferret lovers due to their cute appearance and playful demeanor. The fact that they need little living space makes them an ideal choice for people who are looking for tiny pocket pets.
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