If you have ever owned a pet ferret, you surely know that it is an exciting experience. Ferrets are unique creatures that, while having tiny figures, can also be extraordinarily complex in their personalities. It is unique in the way that these creatures react to situations. They can respond to being cheerful or happy, sad, and even angry. But many pet ferret owners have often wondered, how can we tell if our pet ferret is scared or frightened? What do they do when they are afraid? What does it look like?
When frightened, Ferrets will cower down and turn its head to whatever is causing them to be upset. It is like a kid pouting after not getting their way. This event will be prominent and will certainly let you know of your ferret’s predicament. Other ways a ferret may show you they are frightened or scared maybe by hissing while turning its head the other way. Doing this will put much greater emphasis on the fact that your pet ferret is scared. However, keep in mind that hissing may also mean that your pet ferret just does not like something. In this case, it will not surely be an indicator of fear or stress.
Let’s explore more in detail about our ferret behavior. How it shows fear and emotions in general.
Related article: “Do Ferrets Make Noise?“
Table of Contents
Ferret Body Language
There are many ways ferret can show their emotions, and here we will take a more in-depth look into what types of body language you may encounter from your pet ferret and what it is like.
When they are excited or happy, Ferrets will often jump up in excitement to interact with you. This will be done in very adorable ways, such as doing a “weasel war dance,” as well as many other silly and crazy antics. When happy and excited, Ferrets are very joyful creatures and will most certainly let you know it. If your ferret is curious and enthusiastic, they will hold their noses to the ground and run around sniffing on a variety of different things. They may also make a particular noise while doing this action called the “dooking” sound. The more excited and curious the ferret is, the louder and faster the “dooking” noise.
If you have ever wondered whether your pet ferret was sick or in pain, there are signs you can search for to make it easier. If you have ever noticed your pet ferret squinting its eyes and lying low to the ground, this may very well be an indication that your pet ferret is sick or in pain. They will also not be eating or drinking a lot and being exceptionally low inactivity. These signs may not be apparent right away as ferrets are tough little creatures and try not to show that they are in pain. It may be wise to observe your ferrets’ normal behavior to understand better when acting off.
Noticing these signs will make an essential difference in your ferrets’ lives. They love you as much as you love them, and interacting and talking to them will do more wonders than you think.
Related article: “Do Ferrets Have Good Eyesight?“
How To Tell If A Ferret Is Stressed?
When a ferret is stressed, the signs are like when they are in pain or sick. These signs will include low squinting eyes with noses to the ground, trembling, crying in pain, or teeth grinding. In pain or stress, ferrets will be very reluctant to move at all. It is not uncommon for a stressed-out ferret to get ill much easier. If this happens, it is essential to seek veterinary care right away.
Ferrets are typically happy creatures, although they are born with bad eyesight. These creatures will do what they can to show you they are not in pain when they are; however, if you spend enough time interacting with your ferret, it should not be difficult to notice when something is wrong. Just check for the signs, and always be sure to spend time with your pet ferret.
If you wish your ferret would be happy and not stressed, don’t shout at him. they wouldn’t understand you, and it will just make them more stressed and scared.
When frightened, Ferrets will cower down and turn its head to whatever is causing them to be upset. Other ways a ferret may show you they are frightened or scared maybe by hissing while turning its head the other way. However, keep in mind that hissing may also mean that your pet ferret just does not like something. In this case, it will not surely be an indicator of fear or stress.
Further Reading: “Can You Bath A Ferret?“
Ferret Behavior Problems
In general, your ferret behavior depends mainly on 3 factors:
- Their age.
- Personality. There are more quiet ferrets and some are noisy and jumpy.
- Past experience. If your ferret was kept with his mother for the first 8 weeks it would help him communicate and well behave in a group.
You may notice behavior issues with your ferret at times. If you experience bad behavior from your ferret, it is crucial to know what to do to keep these behaviors you may encounter from happening. Bad behavior can be screaming, hissing all the time, biting, etc.
In such situations you should take into account the following:
Firstly, ferrets need constant areas to be able to hide. They are very fond of hiding as it is their nature to fear many things. Second, you must provide your pet ferret with many treats and toys for them to engage with. Ferrets are curious by nature, and toys will stimulate their minds and keep them from acting out more often. Third, you must make sure your pet ferret is getting proper daily exercise to keep them healthy and strong. There are many other steps you can take, but these three are sure to work wonders.
If you find yourself trying all of this and your ferret keeps his bad behavior, I recommend going to your local vet to get professional assistance.
Related article: “How Often Do Ferrets Poop?“
How To Tell If Your Ferret Is Depressed?
If your pet ferret begins to seem unhappy, they will start showing unmistakable signs. These signs may include running around the house frantically as if they are not sure where they are. Another sign is that they must decide to sleep with a toy, as if for extra comfort that they may lack. Rejecting food from their owners is also a common sign of depression for a pet ferret. If they are to do this, it may be best to seek a new home or begin interacting and treating your pet ferret with more care. Your pet ferret loves you and asks the same love in return.
If the pet ferret is depressed, they could also quit making a “dooking” noise, as mentioned earlier. This noise is the sound they will make if they are happy and excited; therefore, it should be obvious to notice signs of depression in your pet ferret.
Further Reading: “Can Ferrets Eat Bananas?“
Depression signs
- Running around the house frantically as if they are not sure where they are.
- Quit making dooking noise.
- Your ferret is not playing with the toys you give him. I’m sure as a pet owner you used to play together seek and hide, right? Ferrets also love toys they can drag, toys they can hide in, and such. If your ferret refuses to play with you or with his toys, it’s not a very good sign and if it lasts for more than a couple of days, it’s better to see a vet.
- Refuse food and drinks. Ferrets are known to be very picky with food, especially after the first 6 months. If you try to give your ferret his regular food and he refuses, try to show him more love, hug him. If it’s not helping, you should take your ferret pet to your local vet.
When a ferret is stressed, the signs are like when they are in pain or sick. These signs will include low squinting eyes with noses to the ground, trembling, crying in pain, or teeth grinding. In pain or stress, ferrets will be very reluctant to move at all. It is not uncommon for a stressed-out ferret to get ill much easier. If this happens, it is essential to seek veterinary care right away.
Further Reading: “How To Tell How Old A Ferret Is?“
Final Thoughts
Ferrets are incredibly complex creatures though being as tiny as they are, and it is not difficult to know when they are scared. They can make for excellent pets if they are interacted with, raised adequately, and brought up in good homes. However, ferrets are needy and must be presented with caution if you are an owner. These guys require much attention and stimulation, all while possibly going blind or being blind already. They also need a lot of daily routines to keep their stress and minds intact. Play with your ferret, hug him, and show him your love.
Ferrets will likely just shut off when they are scared, depressed, alone, or all the above. They do not like to be messed with while they are upset, so it may be best to keep your distance until they have come too. Just stick to providing them what they need, letting them know you love them, and always looking for signs of fear, anxiousness, or depression in your pet ferret. My final tip for you is to take your ferret with you when you shower, your pet ferret will just love your singing, believe me…
