Albino Ferrets: Why Choose One
Ferrets are playful, curious pets, and an albino ferret stands out with its white coat and red or pink eyes. Albinos have the same personality and care needs as any other ferret. Here are some facts to help you decide.
Unique Look
Albino ferrets have a white to cream coat, a pink nose and red or pink eyes. That sets them apart from the more common sable and other colored ferrets.
The eye color comes from a lack of pigment, so you are seeing blood vessels through the eye. Ferret lovers also find albinos easy to spot in a dim room.
Sleepy Animal
Albino ferrets are no more of a "morning animal" than other ferrets. The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that ferrets sleep up to 18 hours a day.
When they are awake, they are bursting with energy. Ferrets often adjust their schedule to their owners and are most playful when you are around. Plan play sessions when it suits you, then let them nap.
Highly Curious
Ferrets are extremely curious and need time outside their cage to explore. Merck recommends at least 2 to 4 hours outside the cage every day.
That curiosity can get them into trouble. Ferrets chew and swallow soft items like rubber, foam and sponge, which can cause dangerous intestinal blockages. Give them sturdy, ferret-safe toys and pick up anything small they could swallow.
Ferrets also love to dig and squeeze into small spaces, including gaps behind appliances and inside furniture. That's why ferret proofing your entire home is necessary to avoid injuries and accidents.
Owning any ferret is a big responsibility. Below are some of the challenges you'll face with an albino.
Extra Maintenance
A white coat shows dirt and yellowing more easily than a darker one. That's cosmetic, though, not a health issue.
Don't bathe your ferret often. Frequent baths strip the skin's natural oils, which can dry the skin and make their musky smell stronger as the skin produces more oil. An occasional bath with a ferret-safe shampoo is enough for most ferrets.
Between baths, spot-clean with a soft cloth dampened in lukewarm water. Keep bedding clean, since dirty bedding is a bigger source of odor than the ferret itself.
Skip antibacterial wipes, sprays and powders not made for ferrets; ferrets groom themselves and can swallow residues. If your ferret develops itchy skin, hair loss or a rash, take it to a vet who treats ferrets.
Health Issues
Albino ferrets get the same health problems as other ferrets. Common issues include adrenal disease, insulinoma and dental disease, so regular vet checkups matter.
Albino animals often have weaker vision than pigmented animals, and ferrets in general rely more on smell and hearing than sight. Your albino will get around fine at home, but avoid bright, direct light that may bother its eyes.
Ferrets are carnivores. Merck says they need a diet high in protein, moderate in fat and low in carbohydrates, and recommends commercial ferret food.
Take your ferret to a vet at least once a year, and right away if you notice signs of illness. Ferrets can also catch human flu, so keep your distance when you're sick.
Sources
- Providing a Home for a Ferret, Merck Veterinary Manual
