How Long Ferrets Live For – Average Lifespan of Ferrets (what you need to know)
Just-born ferrets are very tiny creatures – 2 inches only (length-wise) and just 14 grams (half ounce) is how much they weigh. And then ferrets are also born blind, deaf, and with no teeth. The color of their very fine hair is white, which obviously changes as they pass the 3-week infancy stage.
By the time ferrets are 6 weeks old, they become quite independent but learning survival skills and socialization from the mother is still a part of the process at this point. Now, what about how long do ferrets liver for? Let’s get to know that as well.
American ferrets tend to have a shorter lifespan. The reason being the unfortunate popularity of commercial breeders that don’t give the minute attention kiddie ferrets absolutely need during their initial 12-week phase after being born.
Separating kits from their mothers too soon, spaying/neutering ferrets before they reach sexual maturity, and many more such heartbreaking, inhumane practices are accepted as the norm by large profit-making breeders. So it’s best to avoid buying from and supporting these kinds of unethical commercial breeders.
Normal Lifespan of Ferrets
Do ferrets actually live for as long as 10 years? It seems that modern American ferrets now, in comparison to the ones that lived during the ‘80s and ‘90s, have a substantially shorter lifespan. In the past, back when the species started to gain popularity in America (up until then there were just European natives), ferrets lived for a whole decade.
But as they began becoming more and more popular in the US, a greater number of ferrets were imported from Europe, across the Atlantic. But it was in Europe that they lived for as long as 10 years. So, needless to say, the new environment was not the same. On top of that, domestic “money-minded” breeders made matters worse.
So how long do ferrets live for now? The general lifespan range of ferrets at the moment is anywhere between 5 and 9 years. The American Ferret Association states that ferrets from pet stores tend to live for a short span of time in comparison to those you get from breeders (just make sure these are responsible, ethical, professional breeders).
But why the difference between the two? In most cases, ferrets have a comparatively shorter lifespan because they’re neutered/spayed too early. A good sign that a breeder is uncorrupt and actually cares for animals is if he/she tells you to ‘fix’ the ferret only after the little one turns a year old or so. You have to allow the hormones to fully develop before neutering or spaying the animal.
What Factors Affect the Lifespan of Ferrets
Oh, there are quite a few important ones…
1. Environment
Stressful situations should be avoided at all costs. A healthy environment is a must indeed. And it consists of plenty of space for the ferret to play and run about. Ferrets caged up for life are more susceptible to dying young indeed.
If you’re allowing your pet ferret to move around freely, then please remember to keep the environment safe and hazard-free. Remove things like electric wires, sharp objects, toxic plants, etc. And keep the space they inhabit warm and dry, along with a fresh, good supply of air without any drafts.
2. Diet
A well-rounded diet for a ferret includes low carbs and high proteins. The little creature is carnivorous by nature, which implies that the diet should mainly consist of meat. You can choose high-quality ferret-specific food. No doubt, ferret-formulated food manufactured by a good brand is packed with protein (essential to ferrets’ general health).
Lots of protein and even lipids that come from fresh meat are the best to support the active lifestyle of ferrets and to keep them healthy. So please check the list of ingredients on the ferret food packaging to ensure that it contains a higher amount of meat.
Refrain from feeding your ferret cat food. Along the same lines, keep your ferret from becoming obese as that is most likely to reduce their lifespan while also giving rise to many health problems.
3. Genetics
This is where we talk about breeders. If the breeder is a neglectful one i.e. only greedy for money and making profits, it’s most likely that he/she has not cared for the ferret during those first few weeks of the litter.
Around 3 months after being born – this particular time period is of the utmost importance when it comes to shaping the health, behavior, etc. of a ferret. Neglecting such a crucial aspect is indicative of how unreliable and unethical these types of breeders are, no matter how popular or commercial.
So make sure to not support them and instead look for trustworthy, ethical, and professional breeders. Ask about your to-be pet ferret’s relatives, meaning where he/she comes from, who the relatives are, and the like. Because genetics play a major role as far as the lifespan or longevity of ferrets is concerned.
4. Mental Stimulation 
Physical health and mental or emotional health stand on the same ground. So you have to factor in the latter as well, which involves adequate mental stimulation. This includes interaction or socialization with fellow creatures, human engagement, and playing with toys of course.
Just ensure that your ferret’s playtime is well-supervised. And let ferrets out of their cage as much as you can. They’re not meant to be caged, to begin with, please don’t ever forget that. The animal’s instinctual nature is to be intelligent and curious. And no doubt, you can nurture this side of their personality through mental stimulation.
Don’t treat them as low-maintenance pets in comparison to cats and dogs. Interact and bond with them and create a healthy, happy, active, and playful environment for them. To not just keep them alive for longer but also for more stable mental health.
5. Health Checkups
Vaccinations for ferrets, first and foremost, are very, very important. Aside from that, regular vet visits are also a must. Health checkups would include blood tests, urine tests, x-rays, and the like. It’s best to speak to the vet about what kinds of tests need to be performed to ensure that your ferret is healthy.
Speaking of health, ferrets are naturally more susceptible to developing lymphoma and adrenal disease. Even dental issues are quite common, which means frequent dental cleaning and checkups are a priority as your ferret grows older.
Conclusion
In conclusion, how long do male ferrets live and how long do female ferrets live? To be honest, there’s no such difference in the lifespan of male and female ferrets. But ferrets, overall, live anywhere between 5 years and 7-9 years.
Back in the days i.e. before the ‘80s, the average lifespan was as long as 10 years. It’s because of unreliable, irresponsible breeders that their lifespan has now reduced since they focus more on appearances rather than mental and physical well-being.
