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Behaviors
Ferrets enjoy playing with just about everythingFerrets have a repertoire of
behaviors that can make them both endearing and difficult pets for some people.
Ferrets enjoy picking up objects and carrying them off to "hidey holes". It is
difficult to predict what objects a ferret will decide are worthy of hoarding,
but in addition to play toys owners have found socks, 10 lb bags of onions,
keys, calculators, silverware, sponges, toilet paper rolls, textbooks, game
controllers, etc... Ferrets will also tear open packages and other containers to
see what is inside or explore the inside of the package.
Ferret dragging off toy to hideFerrets have a strong interest in holes, pipes
and other small enclosed areas. Ferrets seem compelled to explore holes. This
makes them useful for rabbiting and tasks such as running pull lines through
conduits but it also makes them prone to getting lost. Ferrets are also very
curious animals and relatively fearless. This often puts them in situations in
which they will confront and try to play with large animals that are dangerous
to the ferret. Ferrets' curiosity can also lead them to wander off until they
are unable to find their way home. Though ferrets sleep more than almost all
domesticated animals, they are usually very active when awake. Their energy
level during play is almost frenetic and can be too much for many other pets,
particularly older animals which may feel harassed by the ferret's tenacious
attention.
A ferret in a War Dance jump.
The war dance
It is easy to confuse this invitation to play and/or expression of happy
excitement with a threatening gesture. Posture becomes rigid with wide open
jaws, momentary eye contact, followed by thrashing or turning of the head from
side to side, arching the back, piloerection and hopping to the side or
backwards while facing the intended playmate. This is often accompanied by an
excited laughing/panting sound that may sound like a hiss. If responded to
appropriately, this behavior will usually break into a game of chase, pounce and
wrestle. Ferrets in war dances are very accident prone, often hopping into
obstacles or tripping over their own feet to great comic effect.
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