ferrets

The answer to that question is, “It depends.”

Factors include:

1. Age when ferret was neutered
2. From mass-producer of ferrets (Marshall Farms/Path Valley/FFF) or privately bred
3. Current age of ferrets

If you’re talking about a ferret from a big breeder like Marshall Farms, etc., those ferrets were neutered and descented at 4 weeks of age. They’re basically sexless, except for a difference in size. Ferrets do have personalities, and obviously you have to take that into consideration, but in general any pairing will work if they’re young.

If you’re talking about a late-altered ferret (one that was neutered at 6 months or older) then in general a male/female combo works best.

Taken as a whole, a male/female combination is most likely to work, whatever the age. However, if the ferrets are under 6 months of age, they’re usually open to any age or sex.

What you need to watch out for are the females over 2 years of age. For whatever reason, females tend to get less and less willing to accept a friend as they get older. You’re most likely to succeed introducing a large male to a female over 2, but that’s not a certainty. They seem to get more territorial as they get older.

Of course, not ALL females are like that. If a ferret has been raised alone, you’re more likely to have problems. If it’s been raised in a large group, you’re less likely to have problems.

Once a ferret is 6-8 months of age, it’s basically an adult and has formed a strong personality. This is when you start to run into problems with one ferret not necessarily liking another.

The best way to find a friend for your ferret is to try it out with the new ferret. Obviously this isn’t always possible at a pet store, which is why I strongly suggest going to a shelter. That way you can try them out and you’ll know ahead of time if they will get along. You don’t want to get home and have World War III breaking out in your living room!