small diverse carnivores

general characteristics

domesticated small mustelid derived from polecats

no specific licences required

polecat- rabbits, rodents, amphibians, birds, earthworms

wide range of habitats, adaptable predator

often kept for vermin control or companion animals

tubular body + short limbs to move easily in confined spaces/tunnels

various colours - polecat, albino, silver, sandy

sexual size dimorphism - males = 45-60cm, females = 30-42cm

lifespan 6-12yrs, sexually mature in yr after birth

behaviour

easily tamed with regular handling - mothers with kits can be defensive

highly inquisitive predators with typically active for short periods, sleep 18-20 h day/night

need safe resting and hiding places - dark and enclosed

most active at dusk, highly explorative and playful

require high level of enrichment to stimulate activity and interest

neutered animals highly gregarious - social housing strongly recomended - single housing for intact males during breeding season, females with litters or late pregnancy 

scent and vocal communication important - natural mustelid scent from skin and anal glands - anal glands emit foul smell when frightenes and will scream and hiss

ferret housing

outdoor systems provide greatest space, oppurtunists for enrichment, natural light cycles

compartmentalised spaces - sleeping, latrine, food storage larder, multiple escape holes, exploration and play

typical indoor/ cage systems - minimium 10m² require daily exercise outside cage

feret housing considerations

susceptible to damp and heat stroke - dont thrive >30 degrees, ideal 15-24, well ventilated, dry, draught-free avoid toxic fumes in enclosed spaces

relatively easily enclosed - agile and squeeze through gaps but not great jumpers/ climbers, provide secure tubes and ladders for getting around - have a tendency to fall, need solid floor

need dry, separate enclosed nest area - for sleeping, raised off ground, out of direct sun, cloth = best, provide multiple resting sites

agile, highly motivated to explore tunnels and burrows - wide range of enrichment - tubes, toys, hammocks, avoid rubber toys, electrical wires, poisonous plants that can be chewed

water for drinking/ paddling

usually urinate and defecate in same area away from other areas

ferret diet

very short GI

strict carnivores, need high conc of fat and easily digestible meat-based protein 

lactose intolerant 

eat little and often 

bones and raw food diet considered best for specialists 

neck/jaw and mental excerise

requires care and effort to balance appropriately and keep fresh 

dried food scattered/hidden to stimulate foraging 

adjust amounts for age, health, level of activity, breeding 

fresh water always available 

ferret reproduction

40-44 gestation

6-9 kits of 8-10g

eyes open from 4 weeks

dam provides meat to kits from 4-5 weeks, 6-8 weeks to weaning 

puberty at 9-12 months 

highly seasonal, drive by photoperiod

jill requires 14h light period to breed induced ovulators

artificial lighting in indoor housing can provide continuous breeding season 

serious problems for intact females not mated due to continuous high oestrogen - bone marrow depression and anaemia 

asian small clawed otters

aquatic specialists

extended family groups, highly social

live in = rice fields, mangroves, marsh, riverbanks

clams, snails, crustacea, crayfish, occasional fish captured in forepaws 

temperature acclimation

warm, dry shelter

nutrition

reduced activity periods

only specialist species hibernate 

meerkats

small diurnal mongooses

arid, stony, open areas of kalahari - little predator cover 

diet in wild largely small insects/ other invertebrates, fruit, reptiles, small mammals, eggs

long claws on forepaws adapted to dig 

highly social family group of 3-40

groups strongly territorial 

cooperative breeders, foraging, sentry duty, baby sitting and feeding 

dominant female produces most offspring

1-6 offspring after 10-11 wk gestation

male dispersal at 18-36mo

captive meerkats

require heating

indorr and outdoor enlosure, part in full sun

need digging substrates - soil, pebbles, dust-free wood chips 

framework to prevent burrow collapse or artificial burrow

relatively simple environment - ability to scan for predators with clear view, look out posts, many bolt-holes, safe nest site, avoid objects moving overhead 

use communal latrines and marking points

dominant female controls group membership - evictions can be fatal in captivity 

need to stimulate foraging behaviour 

high propotion of insects

lean meant and mice

chicks and eggs too high in cholesterol

fruit

vitamin and mineral supplement

high quality cat food may cause obesity

always provide fresh water

hand-rearing

abandoment frequent in captivity

litter size sometimes too large

consult zooa and breeder associations for best milk substitute

strong +ve response to contact with humans, lead to aggression toward unfamiliar people, often bite even familiar family members, difficulties in future breeding 

dangerous wild animals act

respinse to public concern

licence issued by relevant local authority

inspection