Ferret Day

Ferret Day is April 2nd

Ferret Day is a day to celebrate one of the less common domesticated pets. Most people don’t own ferrets due to the many stigmas that surround them. Movies, books, and other forms of entertainment have often depicted these animals as smelly with a tendency to bite. This stereotype, like many others, is not an accurate description of these animals. Ferrets are loyal and affectionate and often a very rewarding pet to own. Ferret Day was created in 2014 to promote these positive attributes of this animal. This holiday also serves as a day to educate ferret lovers about nutrition and care for their ferrets so they can care for their beloved pet as best as they can. 

History of the Ferret

The ferret has been domesticated for almost 2,500 years. The ancient Romans often used them on their hunting expeditions. When Europe expanded to the Americas, they brought their ferrets with them to help with managing the rodent population. These animals are still used in this way to this day. The ferret is often used to manage species such as rabbits which tend to quickly overpopulate areas. Researchers will often use ferrets in their experiments as test subjects. Virologists, endocrinologists, and neuroscientists have been known to use ferrets in various experiments. In the United Kingdom ferrets are a popular attraction at fairs and festivals. At these events there are often ferret racing competitions in which the ferrets race through pipes. Their owners watch and often bet and which ferret will emerge from the pipe first. In modern times the ferret is often a household pet owned by almost 7 million people in the United States alone. 

Ferret Day was officially created in 2014 but was celebrated unofficially for many years before this. Carol Roche is the original creator of this holiday. She started the holiday after buying herself a pet ferret and immediately falling in love with how sweet and playful it was. She is quoted saying her pet ferret was, “as affectionate and social as a puppy and independent and playful as a kitten”.

Ferret Fun Facts

Ferrets have a long history

The first mention of the ferret goes all the way back to 450 BCE! Greek scholar Aristophane often wrote about an animal that many believe resembles the modern day ferret. Ferrets have often been the subject of art and literature. Leonardo Da Vinci had even depicted this animal in one of his paintings. The painting is a portrait of Cecilia Gallerani and in her hands is her beloved pet ferret.

Ferrets are dancing queens

When threatened, many ferrets will begin to dance. In domesticated ferrets this dance usually occurs while playing and is used to show enjoyment. The dance is mainly a few hops sideways and backwards while the ferrets back is arched and the tail is frizzed out. Ferrets are known for their clumsiness and will often collide with other objects while completing this dance. Ferrets also can perform another dance called the war dance. Despite the name this dance is used to show happiness. Unlike the previous dance this dance is usually just a clucking noise the ferret makes while moving. Although the ferret may appear angry this is just one of the ways it shows excitement. 

Ferrets are hard workers

Ferrets are often put to work in a variety of uses. Due to the fact that ferrets are great at burrowing they are often used to pull wires through tubes and other places that humans can’t reach. Often times ferrets are used to pull wires through underground tunnels. These animals are very beneficial and even helped pull wires for London’s Party in the Park concert in 1999. Ferrets can also be used in a cleaning capacity. One ferret named Felicia was used to help clean pipes. The lab only paid $35 for Felicia’s services and she saved the lab thousands of dollars. 

Whether a ferret owner or a casual enthusiast, today is a day to celebrate these wonderful animals. Celebrate by showing extra love to your ferret or a ferret of a friend. Maybe this day will even persuade you to go purchase your own ferret.