Male ferrets

Male ferrets are called hobs until they are neutered then they become gibs. A typical male can weigh between 2 and 3 1/2 pounds (.9 to 1.6 kg), and unaltered male can get to weigh 4 to 6 pounds (1.8 to 2.7 kg). They can measure 15 to 16 inches ( 38 to 40.6 cm)

Female ferrets

Female ferrets are called jills until they are spayed then they become sprites. A typical female ferret weighs between three quarters to 2 and a half pounds (.3 to 1.1 kg). They can measure 13 to 14 inches (33 to 35.5 cm) long.

*Babies are called kits until they are about 6 months old. A group of ferrets is called a business of ferrets.
**These are average sizes and weights but ferrets are as individual as we are, so these figures may vary.

Life Span of the ferret

The average life span of a ferret is 6 to 8 years, although this can vary significantly. At a year old ferrets are considered full grown. At 4 to 5 years old, ferrets are considered geriatric.

There are several color variations in ferrets. Here are the most common:

Sable: Guard hairs range from dark brown to black. The undercoat on the back, neck, and belly is cream colored. The legs and tail are the same color as the body but with no undercoat. The mask is a full band across dark brown or black eyes, giving a raccoon appearance. The nose is pink, patchy brown, or sometimes black.

Silver: Color variations of silvers vary from the lightest of silvers to a deep pewter color. The eyes are dark brown to black. Noses can be pink, patched or black. This color ferret usually lacks a full mask but typically is found to have a couple of smudges of color around the eyes.

Albino: Albinos range from yellowish white to snow white to an apricot color. All have light to medium pink eyes and pink noses.

Dark-eyed White: Color is the same as the albinos with the exception of eye color which can vary from burgundy to brown to black. This color of ferret is prone to deafness.

Cinnamon: The cinnamon's coat can range from strawberry to blonde to reddish brown. Legs and tail are slightly darker, while the mask color is a shade lighter. A full mask is not always present. The nose should be pink and the eyes can be black, red, or ruby.

*Other variations include: dalmation, stiped white, light and medium patterned (roan), chocolate, shaded silver, platinum, and various shades of sable.