Ferret behaviour and body language explained

Ferret sounds and what they mean

Ferrets are fairly quiet, but they have a small set of sounds that are easy to learn. Here is what our sources say each one means.

The British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) describes the happy chuckle as "chooking" and says high-pitched chattering can signal pain, including in rough play with another ferret. The MSD Veterinary Manual says young ferrets may hunch, puff up and screech when startled by a sudden noise or movement, while adults only do this when truly attacked.

Ferret hissing: should I worry?

Usually not. BVNA calls a soft hiss a warning that the ferret is unhappy and wants to be left alone. Ferrets hiss at each other in play, at a strange smell, or when picked up while they are busy. Back off and give them a minute.

Worry when hissing comes with other stress signs. The RSPCA lists hissing, biting, hiding, screaming and fleeing as signs of stress, boredom, distress, illness or injury. A ferret that suddenly starts hissing when touched in one spot may be in pain there.

My ferret is making weird breathing noises

Ring a vet the same day for any breathing noise that keeps going, and straight away if your ferret is struggling to breathe. The MSD Veterinary Manual lists difficult or shallow breathing as a sign that needs a vet immediately. Here is what different breathing signs can point to, from our sources:

• Sneezing with a runny nose, tiredness and poor appetite: often flu. Ferrets catch human flu, so MSD says sick owners should avoid handling them. Most recover in 7 to 14 days, but they should see a vet.
• Laboured breathing with tiredness, weakness or a swollen belly: can be heart disease, which MSD says usually affects ferrets over 4.
• Coughing, choking or gagging: can be something stuck. MSD lists choking as an emergency.
• Heavy breathing on a hot day: possible heatstroke. Ferrets cannot cope above about 26°C (79°F), says Burgess. Move them somewhere cool and ring a vet at once.
• Eye and nose discharge with a rash on the chin: can be canine distemper, which is fatal. Keep vaccines up to date.

A single sneeze after a dig in the bedding is usually dust. That is our own reasoning, not a vet rule, so if it repeats, watch for the other signs above. Our ferret health guide covers each condition.

Ferret body language

A ferret's body says more than its voice. These are the signals to know.

• Weasel dance: hopping sideways, arching the back, twisting and jumping with the mouth open. Wood Green and BVNA both describe it as pure excitement.
• Bottle-brush tail: a puffed-up tail during the dance means excitement. A puffed tail with an arched back, hunched body and screech means fear.
• Crashing into things: MSD says running, twisting in the air and bumping into objects when first let out is normal.
• Shivering on waking: normal, says MSD. It warms them up.
• Very deep sleep: young ferrets especially sleep so deeply they can be hard to wake. MSD notes this as normal.
• Backing into a corner: a ferret about to use the toilet. They back up, go, and sometimes scoot. RSPCA Australia says this marking increases when a new ferret arrives.
• Licking your hand: often affection, but RSPCA Australia notes a lick can be followed by a nip.
• Standing up and scanning: curious and checking things out.

Ferrets are also known for carrying off and stashing small things, from socks to keys, under sofas and in corners. Ferret-proof the room and check their favourite hiding spots when something goes missing.

How do ferrets behave at different ages?

Ferrets change a lot in their first year. Knowing what is normal for the age saves a lot of worry.

3 month old ferret behaviour

A 3 month old kit is a bundle of energy that bites in play. Wood Green says nips during play are part of ferret nature, and RSPCA Australia lists youth and teething among the main reasons ferrets bite. They grow out of most of it with gentle handling, plenty of play and a toy to bite instead of you. Our guide on how to tame a ferret walks through the method.

Ferret dominance and aggression with other ferrets

Some rough play is normal, but fighting that draws blood is not. Wood Green says neck-scruffing and chasing are a normal part of ferrets sorting themselves out and rarely cause injury. RSPCA Australia, on the other hand, says ferrets are not thought to form a pecking order. Either way, the same signs tell you when it has gone too far:

If you see the signs on the right, separate them with a towel or cat carrier, not your hands, and ask a vet or a ferret rescue for advice. Unneutered males are more likely to fight, which is one reason the RSPCA advises neutering. RSPCA Australia also warns that a ferret away from its group for a couple of days, such as after a vet stay, may come back smelling like a stranger and be attacked, so reintroduce slowly.

What is abnormal behaviour in ferrets?

Any sudden change is the biggest red flag. The RSPCA says changes in behaviour can be early signs of illness or pain, and ferrets feel pain the way we do. Watch for:

• Reluctance to move, trembling, collapse or weakness in the back legs
• Crying, whimpering or teeth grinding
• Loss of appetite or weight loss
• Hiding, biting or hissing that is new
• Over-grooming or sleeping far more than usual
• Drooling
• Sexual behaviour or aggression in a neutered ferret, which Wood Green links to adrenal disease
• Straining to wee or poo

Boredom causes some of these too, but rule out illness first. Our ferret enrichment guide covers boredom, and our ferret health guide covers the medical side.

For the full routine, start with our complete ferret care guide, our ferrets as pets guide and our ferret playtime guide.