Mustelidae threads must not die /an/. For those who don't know
For those who don't know what a Mustelidae is, they are known commonly as the Weasel family, but include animals such as otters, honey badgers, wolverines, and of course ferrets.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mustelidae
Post your favorite slinkies here.
Damn, I fucked up the OP post. Oh well. Gonna dump some of my otter pictures.
Also, if anyone knows of any documentaries focusing on mustelidae, share that info. There's a couple good ones on YouTube. One is "Raising Sancho" about an orphan giant otter, and another is called the Otters of Yellowstone, which follows a family of otters for a year at Yellowstone.
There's also a good one on Netflix about honeybadgers, but I can't remember what it's called.
These aren't documentaries, but these YouTube channels specialize in otters.
>Japanese dude with two pet Asian small clawed otters
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoEPrNozmzUU1Uwuq8UGFuA
>Japanese aquarium that posts a good deal of videos of their Asian small clawed otters, as well as a few their sea otter.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZReVjLno1RDp27Km5ZyOBA
>Different Japanese aquarium that post videos of their two African clawless otters and their Asian small clawed otters. This one might end up making you feel bad though, because the enclosures are not very big and don't look very comfortable. I hope they get taken out for walks and such like the otters in the above channel do.
https://www.youtube.com/user/TheFutamiseaparadise
>Some chick from the Philippines who post videos with English subtitles about the orphan Asian otters she raises. Also has videos of Pangolins.
https://www.youtube.com/user/webdiva888
>A shop in Japan that has two Asian otters.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCejRMnKrtAISomV2nbzU9MQ
And last bit of Otter info I have for now. Apparently there's a place in Southern California called Nurtured by Nature that does swimmings with otters. Their website says it's a non profit for children with disabilities, so I don't know if just anyone can do it, but Nathan Fillion (the guy from Firefly) apparently was able to do it, so maybe you just that kids with disabilities for free or something.
https://www.youtube.com/user/nurturedbynature1/videos
>>2072185
James Gunn was there too apparently. Looks like you just reserve a date and they donate the money to kids. So it's not just reserved for disabled kids.
> long mammals
Does this count?
>>2072208
Ideally no, but technically yes.
Fuck yes long mammals
>>2073743
Longest mammal c:
hnnng
>>2073762
I love African clawless otters so much. They're like the Asian ones, but the size of the a medium dog. And they have such a dopey friendly face.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXtMh2wlez0
My ferret went to the vet to get blood work done. If everything goes well he'll get his teeth pulled in two weeks. Please post cute ferrets.
>>2072167
>>2076100
He bled from his mouth the other day when eating kibble. I fed him blended up raw until today. Luckily he's eating the kibble fine.
>>2076102
Thank you anon.
>>2076105
well what's going on in here?
Friend's ferret waking up in between naps.
>>2078288
a hydrocephalic mustelid of some kind
>>2072208
related because the dachshund was originally bred to hunt badgers and go into their holes. It's an example of (artificial) convergent evolution because we bred the dog to be more like the mustelid it was meant to hunt.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHxc66iRR3o
I was thinking of getting a ferret
what should I know in advance and any good places to read up on em?
>>2078819
Be prepared to let them out for a decent period of time. I usually let mine out for about 2 to 3 hours before putting them back into their cage.
>>2079000
This. I had two ferrets for the full ride (8 years) and they can't be in a cage as often as other pets are.
Now, I was a bit extreme. Every morning around sun up, we'd let them out of their cage and let them run the entire house until the early evening. Obviously most people aren't able to do this, nor want to.
Ferrets definitely aren't a pet for beginners. They need a bunch of your time to be healthy and happy. They're also prone to stealing. Seriously. They will try to steal whatever they please. Then they will drag it to a place they deem appropriate. Under beds, couches, etc.
So if you get one, be careful they don't steal any sandals, slippers, bras, wallets, phones, wireless mice, keys, etc.
>>2079026
They are fine for beginners. They just have to let them out to play, feed them good food, and clean their poo. Second easiest pet to own, cats #1.
>>2079000
>>2079026
>>2079031
Letting them out is no problem, I'm home for most of the day and I wanted a pet who doesn't mind me spending time with them (but i can't get a cat or dog.)
Can they be litter trained easily? Of course, they smell but is there any way to make them smell less than say a rabbit?
>>2079049
Depends on the ferret I think. I trained mine both the same way. One's perfect, the other uses the box 90% of the time (but always goes near the box, so I put down plastic carpet runners).
The smell depends on the diet, and if the ferret is desexed/descent (if your in America they will be unless you buy from a breeder maybe). Clean the box daily and change the bedding once a week-ish. If it still smells clean the cage (including the litter box). That always helps, but you can also get those cage sprays (never spray when the ferret is in there obviously) or an odor absorber.
>>2079067
Ah cool, we had a rabbit before that was somewhat "hard" to feed ( we had to walk 4 miles to get her hay.)
I hear they mostly eat meat and the like? I assume fresh meat would be pretty easy to come by since we have farmers trying to get rid of laying hens.
Are they like cats and dogs where they can't eat bird bones? They naturally go after eggs and the like, so.
What do you guys feed yours?
>>2079071
They're usually imprinted on kibble so it can be an issue trying to feed them raw. Mine ate eggs and liver pretty easily. Now they eat hearts, gizzard, and muscle meat as well (all chicken). They all seem to like fish oil from what I get. Make sure you feed them balanced raw though. They'll need bones (which mine refuse to eat). Holistic Ferret Forum has some food instructions.
>>2079083
Coolio, kibble would be helpful to buy them.
I'll check that website out asap.
Any tips you can give me for em? They seem to like to nip and what not, is that manageable or do they need to be trained not to do so?
>>2079084
You can always scruff them. Somebody else might be more helpful because mine are pretty good as far as biting goes.
If they are stubborn aggressive biters (like breaking skin and refuse to let go), flick their nose
I recently introduced a ~9 month old girl (age is an estimate since she is a rescue) to my 10 month old boy, who has been a single ferret for a while. It's been a week, and I'm thinking about putting both ferrets into the same cage soon. For the most part, they seem to like each other. But I have a question for any ferret owners - how much fighting is too much fighting? These are my first two ferrets, and he, being bigger, tends to beat on her a little sometimes. I know ferrets play rough, but sometimes he latches onto her neck or ear (hard) and doesn't let go. She just sort of lays there and takes it during these moments, and when he shows no signs of letting go I intervene (not sure if I should be). If any /an/ons have experience and want to weigh in, any opinions would be appreciated!
Pic related - playing nicely for a bit. The darker one is our rescue girl and the big light one is our original boy.
>>2073743
beat me to it
>>2081029
Fuck, forgot to rotate my picture!
>>2081029
If the one being bitten cries loudly, and the biter still won't let go, I will break it up. But it's normal for them to latch on, drag, shake, etc.
Long time no see /an/ .
>>2081029
First, they are both beautiful. Second, the female seems to be, from your description, very submissive. When she lays down while he's biting, does she cries? If she cries a lot (cries or "angry dooking"), I think it's time to intervene.
They're both young and seems to get along, for the most part. :)
And just so you knwo, since it's not your case here, another sign of too much fighting is : very fast, powerful fight, when you can't see anymore wich is wich, with scurfed tail, and the worse of all : poo or pee. If your ferret is ever that much stressed that he pee or poo out of fear/stress, it's definitely way too much.
Isidore and Raoul (two males that come from a shelter) are both doing great. I recently discovered a tartar mark on one of Isidore's tooth. That means a shit ton of great things :
-The veterinary will have to remove it under complete anesthesy, that means 120€ + the stress of putting him under complete anesthesy. Yay. And we can only do that until he's five, after that anesthesy is too dangerous. Double yay.
-To try to limit the damages I'm trying to brush his teeth twice a week. Oooh the fun we have. I have to first lure him with a big treat so that when he has it in his mouth, I have the room to operate with the toothbrush. It's great.He doesn't appreciate it one bit.
So now I'm also trying to find frozen chicks because the feathers will brush his teeth naturally. But I can't find a quantity of under 10Kg. And no, I don't have the place in my tiny freezer to put 10kg of dead, frozen chicks that maybe they won't even eat. This drives me a little crazy.
To end this too long post on a positive note, he's really making great progress. He's okay with being held (not too long though), he doesn't bite my foot anymore (in socks, bared foot are just too much of a temptation for him), and he plays way more nice with me. No more furious bites when he's too caught in a game. This is great!
And hi Russian guy!
>>2082469
That's funny, I don't have ferrets but I have rats. They won't bite a bare foot, but they do bite them in socks!
>>2082481
Yeah that's funny! Maybe then, in your rats' case, it's the sock's fabric that trigger them and not the smell of the feet itself?
>>2076585
Truly the most ridiculous example of nature
>>2084005
Not really if you think about it. The platypus and the echidna are one of the closest links between mammals and reptiles. It's kind of natural that they would look a bit off when compared to everything else.
>>2079026
Ferrets are also smart. You can get them to poop in the toilet so you can avoid the litterbox dilemma
Couple of ferret questions
I read that they can eat grain free kitten food because they have similar nutrition needs to cats. Was that wrong?
Do they do okay alone or do they need a ferret buddy?
>>2086552
-Weeell... It all depends of the kibble (we are talking kibble, yeah? Wet food is a disaster) you have in mind. Basically, the holy rule of kibble's composition is : as much meat as possible (more than 40%), NO vegetables, NO grains, as little ashes as possible. The best ones are : Ferret Complete from Versele Laga (the crispy one are shit), and the Orijen. But depending of your location, I doubt you will find them. Same nutrition needs? Hmm, yes and no. I don't think cats need taurine as much as ferrets, for example.
-It all depends of the personnality of your ferret, but most of the time, if he has enough toys and playtime (both alone and with you, he needs your interaction), he will do just fine. If you see him motionless, sighing all the time, not playing anymore etc., you can think about getting him a friend.
Remember, your little long cat needs to be at least 3 hours a day out of his cage, playing. Are you thinking about getting one? Best of luck, you'll see these are amazing animals!
>>2086567
Thank you for all the information anon. I work from home so I'd be able to give the ferret at least three or four hours a day of playtime. I also have a doge who is great with small critters.
I am thinking of getting a ferret. I have two very elderly rats right now and I would like a pet that lives longer than they do. There don't seem to be any breeders in my state so I might have to go the Petco route.
>>2086575
No prob! Yeah working from home will be great for your little weasel, I find it more reassuring too, if he hurts himself or vomits you'll see it right away. You should have said first that you have a dog, there is great chance, if the ferret is young (once again), that they'll become great partners. Just always be careful that your dog is not too rough or react violently at the ferret's bitting. Yeah they can bite pretty hard...
I think Russian Ferret Guy had the same way of thinking, about the rat's lifespan. Do you plan to get your ferret after they're gone? (Sorry...) if no, please, PLEASE be careful and isolate your rats away from the ferret. I see tragic accidents every week.
I don't know Petco, All of your ferrets are Marshall one, no? A breeder would be a little better, but yeah, if you don't got any...
>>2078608
>smol doggo vs badger
I wonder who will win?
>>2072167
Man, I want a ferret so frecking badly. They're the cutest pet I've ever seen.
>>2072167
>yfw mongoose aren't mustelids
>or even caniforms
fucking blew my mind
Russian ferret guy, you used to have a pet skunk, right? Got any pictures of her?
>>2089006
>>2089473
>>2089474
>>2089476
>>2089477
>>2089479
>>2089481
>>2089485
One more, shit is depressing me
>>2089487
They are adorable! They've got hella claws.
What are their names? And can you tell me more about how skunks are as pets? I'm curious about getting one in the future (can't do it right now, but one day...I can dream.)
>>2072172
>Raising Sancho
That ending made me tear up
>>2089593
The pink one was mine. Her name is Mika. She was litter-trained by herself from day 1. Very very smart. And stubborn. If they want something they'll try forever to get. Most cuddly, snuggly pet I've ever had. Loves being held. Loves paws, belly, face, every where but her tail, to be scratched and rubbed. When she meets new person or animal she stomps her front paws and points her butt. Cutest thing ever.
They will eat till they throw up so you literally have to measure they're food. They're very easy to get overweight. She ate so much one night she threw up, then ate the throw up.
She followed me so close I didn't need a leash. She was like my shadow. Extremely playful. She charged at me like a bull and would wrestle and chase me. She never struggled when she was held or snuggled, and would cuddle by my head when I slept.
They make a purr sound when they're upset, like if I didn't let her go somewhere or didn't pet her.
>>2089653
Oh yeah, biggest thing to keep in mind, they throw tantrums a lot. And dig your carpet. She also put a small hole in our wall when she smelled a hornets nest inside it.
Overall, best pet ever besides annoying and tricky diet.,
https://youtu.be/6G947yGLK34
This is Long John (bottom) and Silver (top). They're completely inseparable. It's so cute when they spoon like this. (btw I no longer use the pellet litter that's in this photo, that stuff was horrible)
>>2089487
Your skunks are really cute!, I'm curious, are they de-scented? If not, can you train them not to spray?
>>2089991
They are descented. They smell much less than a fixed ferret.
Nice pirate theme
>>2089991
Ugly rats man
>>2089653
She sounds awesome! How long do they generally live for?
>>2072167
>>2072167
I took an otter photo once
>>2082469
My ferret had awful teeth until I switched him to a primarily whole food diet.
>Chicks
>Mice
>Quartered rats
The frozen rats and mice were easy to buy from pet shops as snake food and after that he never had any trouble with his teeth again
>>2090851
How did you get them to eat them? The bones specifically. My ferrets will only eat raw meat if it's blended and even then its a struggle. Won't touch the bones.
>>2086641
..The dog. I don't understand why you're trying to be a smartass when it was clearly established that the breed was CREATED to hunt said badgers.
Daschunds can be incredibly vicious little fuckers.
>They also refer to European badgers, not African honey badgers.
>>2090851
Yeah... Isidore's teeth are not so bad, they're very nice to be honest, but he has a circular tartar spot on one of his front tooth, and he's not even 3 years old (turning 3 in june). So yeah, I'm kinda concerned. And trying to get him to a whole prey diet just like you, but it will take time.
I tried the chicks like I said, Raoul (he ate some before coming home) ate 3 legs in total and part of a head, but Isidore? Nothing, even when I slashed open the chicks and put some kibble powder on it. He licked the kibble powder, but that's all. Well I'm only just starting, after that if it doesn't work we can try mices, rats, chicken wings, ... So hopefully he will like one of these things!
Oh and there is also the mystery of the disapeared chick. I made the mistake to let the cage open with 2 chicks inside, and the next day, one chick was gone. Poof. I checked all of them little secret spots : nothing. And my flat doesn't smell like hell, so I'm confused : could they have eaten the WHOLE chick, without leaving even ONE feather? Knowing that the day before Isidore ate nothing and Raoul ate just some parts? I don't think so. BUT WHERE IS THIS BLOODY CHICK THEN?
>>2086641
>doggo
The badger's fine as long as it stays perfectly still
Hello from Yo-yo, Cocoa Nib, and Hugo!
>>2072167
Is there any story behind this pic related, OP?
Almost looks like they're trying to take this otter's stuffed toy and he can't bear to give it up?
Anyway, clawless otters are the cutest thing ever.
Have any of you bought ferret kits from overseas? I live in the USA. I've heard that European and English ferrets are healthier than ones from American lines. I'm considering doing this.
only the doggo can save your lunch from the vicious park Badger.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aK9ADFGEP-Y
>>2094880
Yes they are healthier, but how would you do that? Is there an easy way to import a ferret without taking risks for its health?
>>2095896
That's a good question. I don't have the money to fly to Europe but someone on another ferret forum mentioned that they had kits shipped to them.
>>2087490
Most whale are, so I dunno why a blue whale would be any different.
I hope to get a corgi or ferret some time.
Reasonably cute.
I'll just leave this here.
https://youtu.be/nNgv3opJqoQ
