Table 1 Physiological values of the domestic ferret
From: Care, management, and use of ferrets in biomedical research
SI. No | General physiological parameters | Value |
|---|---|---|
1 | Weight | Male (hob): 1–2 kg Female (jill): 0.5–1.5 kg |
2 | Length | Approximately 51Â cm, including the tail length of 13Â cm |
3 | Longevity | 5–10 years |
4 | Heart rate | 200–350 beats/min |
5 | Respiration rate | 33–36 times/min |
6 | Systolic blood pressure | Males: 161Â mm Hg and Females: 131Â mm Hg |
7 | Rectal temperature | 38.8°C(37.8–40°C) |
8 | Daily water intake | 75–100 ml |
9 | Food intake | 5–7% of bodyweight |
10 | Sexual maturity | 8–12 months |
11 | Fertility | Males: throughout lifespan and Females: 2–5 years (starting at 9–12 months) |
12 | Gestation period | 41 days (39–42 days) |
13 | Reproductive cycle | Seasonally polyestrous with induced ovulation |
14 | Average litter size | 8 kits (1–18) |
15 | Birth weight of the young one | 6–12 g |
16 | Weaning age | 6–8 weeks |