The Truth About Ferrets: How They Work

Hello again!

Ferrets are really rad little animals, and I'd like to take some time to show you why. So here's some cool stuff about their bodies and how they work. I hope you like it!

Part 1: Ferret Myths and Misconceptions - http://imgur.com/gallery/8SxF0

Ferrets are mostly colorblind and only see shades of gray and some red. They are also very nearsighted; anything more than a few feet away from them is blurry. But they notice movement and shadow at a distance better than we can, and can see exceptionally well up close. This is because they have more rods (for detecting light) and less cones (for seeing color) than we do.

As you might have noticed ferrets front paws are practically little hands. They have 5 toes on both their front and back feet, and though ferrets don't have disposable thumbs, they might as well with how well they're able to get into and onto things.

Ferrets have approximately 200 bones in their little bodies. They usually have 46 vertebrae and 15 pairs of ribs (we have 12). Their elongated necks are not due to extra vertebrae but rather their 7 cervical vertebrae being longer (proportionally) than most mammals. In addition to having extremely flexible spines, their rib cages are collapsible.

This is why ferrets are able to fit into anything they can get their head into (like toilet paper rolls).

I wasn't exaggerating when I said their spines are extremely flexible. They allow them to make tight u-turns in tunnels, change direction while running, and sleep using their butts as pillows.

*this is actually my ferret Cooper. I can assure you that this does not hurt him.

Not only do their backs lend them flexibility, but power as well. For their small size, ferrets are actually really strong. The muscles along backs are capable of releasing a lot of energy, which even with their short stubby little legs can allow them to run really f**king fast. This is also what makes them great little diggers, climbers, and leapers. Their flexible spines and short legs also help in shock absorption so they are less likely to hurt themselves when they hit the ground.

Ferrets can move objects up to 2-3 times their weight. Also, their elongated necks make it easy for them to carry stuff and run without tripping over it. Never underestimate a ferret's ability to steal, as naturally they would be dragging rodents and rabbits out of their dens to take home for dinner.

A ferret's long, flat skull shape makes for a powerful bite, with their biting force being comparable to that of a large dog. This paired with their set of sharp teeth allows them to easily cut through tissue and bone alike. Does this mean a ferret could do some serious damage to you? Well, strictly speaking, yes he could. A ferret's jaws are strong enough to break every bone in your hand, however he wouldn't want to any more than your dog would. Vicious aggressive ferrets are the exception, not the rule, and usually are only like that because of how they were (or weren't) raised.

And here's my offering to the imgur gods, a picture of a very sleepy Cooper. <3