Apart from a few main differences, the variances within ferrets can go unnoticed. Most people are not very aware of any difference between the male and female ferret, especially someone who just bought a pet ferret for the first time. The resources for this information are out there, but it can be difficult and confusing to know where to look when you’re new to ferrets.
For someone who is looking for a ferret as a housekeeping pet, it is pertinent to comprehend the differences between a male and a female ferret.
It’s good to stay educated regarding the best ways to deal with these hyper animals, especially when they get aggressive.
Here we’ve covered some of the main frequently asked questions about male and female ferrets. Be sure to let us know if you have more to add or further questions!
What Is The Biggest Difference Between A Male And A Female Ferret?
The main difference between a male and a female ferret comes down to ‘Nature’.
Females, also known as ‘Jills’, are known for being more affectionate. On the other hand, male ferrets, ‘hobs’, aren’t so affectionate; they appear a bit rude and stay busy in their playful routine.
But it is hard to judge them by the way they act at times.
Sometimes a male ferret can be just as affectionate as the female, and a female ferret can be just as rowdy as a male. Either way, you can also notice the difference in sizes between the male and female ferret. A male ferret will usually be several inches larger than the female, and slightly heavier as well.
Let’s move forward to the small but rather important details that can help you decide if you want a male or a female ferret.
Which Ferret Has The Worst Smell?
Both male and female ferrets have a slightly sweet and pungent smell.
They always carry this smell, but owners get used to it with time. The smell can be irritating to some people but it is tolerable enough, and you will get used to it.
However, male ferrets are known to have a worst smell than female ferrets, especially if they are not being neutered. Due to the increase in hormones, their bodies start producing more oils and make them smellier.
The smell of a female ferret that hasn’t been spayed will also increase, but it’s not as intense . For that reason, if the smell is your main concern, opt for the female pet.
According to people who have had a long experience with ferrets, if you think bathing a smelly ferret is going to help get rid of the smell then you are utterly wrong.
Bathing indeed enhances the smell.
Once the oil on their fur washes away, their skin produces more oils rapidly along with the funky smell.
To learn more about dealing with bad odors, check out this article.
What Happens If They Don’t Mate?
When in heat, the hob looks for the jill. If they already have a jill in their cage or as a companion, things will go as expected, but if the jill isn’t present, be ready for potentially violent behavior.
Male ferrets not only become violent for their masters, but also around other ferrets. They often start biting other ferrets until they find a female ferret to breed with. Their agitated mood often spoils the atmosphere of other ferrets as well, especially if they are living in the same cage.
It can be immensely hard for new ferret owners to deal with the ferret in heat. It is a nasty business and it may persuade you to spend more money for the female ferret.
The other option you have is to get them neutered.
It solves all their heating (sexual) problems.
When it comes to a female ferret, things get a bit tricky. If a female ferret is not spayed and still doesn’t get to mate for a long time, it starts getting dangerous for them. The heat in their bodies leads them to their death. Male ferrets can survive the heat without the female partner, but female ferrets can’t. If they are not spayed and don’t engage in sexual activity either, their bodies develop a disease called ‘Aplastic Anemia’.
This disease is life-threatening and extremely painful for a female ferret to suffer from.
If you’re interested in nurturing the relationship of your ferrets so they can breed successfully, we recommend you read up about ferret breeding first.
Is It Good To Put Them In The Same Cage?
Normally, if you have a big cage then it is less likely to cause any problems. For a first-timer, we recommend getting only one ferret. You need to know first about all their needs and lifestyle before introducing another partner inside the cage.
Of course, you can keep both male and female ferrets or the same gender ferrets in the same cage as long as you fulfill their needs and give them wide enough space. But you will have to be careful and get them neutered/spayed if you don’t want more ferret babies in your house.
Ferrets don’t take much space but they do like to run around and play which is why you should let them out for a couple of hours each day.
It is suggested by many owners that adopting ferrets in pairs is for the better because that way they don’t feel lonely. However, this suggestion is for those who already have experience with ferrets and understand their nature.
If you already have a ferret and are planning to introduce a new sexual partner for them, be extremely careful. You need to keep them both under your supervision for the first few weeks in case the ferrets don’t get along (which happens in some cases). Don’t simply leave them alone and expect things to go smoothly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when dealing with ferrets, especially more than one, you just need to pay close attention to their actions.
If they are being distant and scared of the other ferret then it is highly possible they are not getting along well. There will be silent hissing and even biting if it gets too aggressive. And if the ferrets accept each other as friends or companions then they will be affectionate towards each other and even take naps while cuddling together.