No. Ferrets don’t hibernate in winter or summer. When it’s cold, they change behavior slightly, although not hibernating.

Do Pet Ferrets Hibernate?

Ferrets are the domesticated polecats belonging to Mustelidae family. They have different fur colors ranging from brown, black, white, mixed, and albino.

They have a lifespan of 6-10 years and a gestation period of 42 days. Relaxing is their hobby as they can sleep for over eighteen hours and only wake up to eat and play.

Ferrets have a long tail, long craws, short legs, and cone-shaped small body size weighing up to two kilograms.

Their quiet, friendly, inquisitive, and intelligent nature helps them to bond well with people. Sometimes they can be messy if not supervised.

What is Hibernation?

Hibernation is the way animals preserve energy to sail through harsh weather such as winter. This includes slowed metabolism and inactivity. Some animals don’t move for days, while others don’t move at all for the whole winter.

When animals are in this period, they sleep for long hours and can be mistaken for dead. They don’t have time to eat or secrete. This brings us to thinking whether ferrets really hibernate.

Ferrets don’t hibernate. They only change behavior slightly when it’s cold.

Though they like warm temperatures, they sleep in groups when it’s cold. Wild ferrets hide in holes for longer hours before they go hunting.

Best Habitat for Pet Ferrets

Pet ferrets, like cats, enjoy a warm and clean environment. Train them to use a litter box and have warm sleeping cages. The sleeping cage should be a warm, dark place where they can hide and enjoy long sleeping hours.

The cage can be in a garden away from cold and light, or inside the house. Garden cages should be well built as ferrets are burrowers. They can escape through the wire mesh, which is larger than 1 inch by 1 inch.

Although they like sleeping for long hours, they can adapt to the owner's sleeping schedule and then extend. Ferrets are carnivorous, but the domesticated ones have a special balanced food to fit their body need.

Ferrets have a funny, natural smell that becomes unpleasant if not managed, especially in the house. Scented detergents used for cleaning pets, eliminate this smell. Place the litter box on an easy to clean surface because they are messy.

When it's cold, they sleep over each other. You might think they have a problem with other sleeping areas. But no-It's the best way they know to keep calm.

Are Pet Ferrets Friendly?

They are very friendly and rely on you to take care of them. They can live inside or outside the house but, of course, in a secured warm cage. Pet owners know how to befriend the animals, clean them, and feed them as they maintain their sleeping patterns.

Ferrets can't bond with cats or dogs as they will get attacked. They like being alone in the compound and enjoy their time without fear. During their active hours, they play a lot and interact with owners.

When taking ferrets outside for a walk, use a well-fitting harness as they can run away. The walk helps them to get exposed and breathe fresh air. Avoid crowded places as they can get stepped on easily. Carry them with your hands while in such environments.

So, Do Pet Ferrets Hibernate?

From what we have observed, pet ferrets do not hibernate. They only change behavior when it's cold. Whether domesticated or wild, ferrets become lazy and very slow when it's cold. They sleep for longer hours and not active when awake.

They have ''a dead sleep" pattern that can confuse you if you are a first-time ferret owner. They also have other weird habits when it's cold, which can be mistaken for being sick.

Indoor or Outdoor Housing for Ferrets?

Indoor housing means that the ferrets live inside the owner's house. Considering their best temperatures, which is about 21 degrees Celsius, indoor housing is best. 

Temperatures are easy to regulate when necessary. It's worth noting that high temperatures are fatal to ferrets compared to ice-cold conditions.

The indoor environment is safe and makes it easy for the owner to watch the pet. The house also offers a larger area for playtime required when they are awake.

Outdoor housing requires a lot of care, from construction to maintenance. Construct the cage should with secure wire mesh where the pets can't pass through. It should have a warm fitting to ensure that the ferrets enjoy the best temperatures.

Consider a large play area when constructing it, as they play a lot when not sleeping. The litter box area should be ample, and the cage should also be easy to clean. 

If not built well, outdoor cages can be life-threatening to the pets as they can also run away through the cage holes. The cage should be dark enough to ensure their sleep is not interrupted by light.

Why you should Keep Pet Ferrets

They are friendly, quiet, and loving. Unlike other harsh pets, ferrets are cool to stay around.

They are easy to train new habits. Like cats, they understand when trained and maintain manners—especially littering.

Keep the cage indoors or outdoors. The choice is yours. As long as they are warm, they can stay anywhere around the compound.

They feed on factory-made food. They are very adaptive and will not have any problem as long as the food is well balanced.

Thinking of a pet? Go for a ferret. It will not disappoint you as it is cool and friendly. As long as you take care of it, it will forever love you. Ferrets gestate in 42 days, and within no time, your house will be full of ferrets - unless you do something about that!

They are magical pets as they have different behaviors in different weather conditions. Avoid too much heat in their environment as it can harm them. Do not expose them to too much cold or ice. They can freeze. In summer, keep ice cubes around their cage to regulate temperature.

Other Questions

How do I keep my Ferrets Warm in the winter?

Ferrets dislike cold. Although they can walk on ice, they freeze if exposed. To keep them warm during winter, ensure their sleeping cage is well covered with warm linings. The wind should not pass through the cage.

You can also use air warmers and warm fleece blankets to bury themselves and keep warm. For those that sleep inside the house, regulate the temperature to their comfort. Place extra warm blankets in their box to enhance warmth. Place the box in a dark corner, and not in direct light.

How cold is too cold for Ferrets.

Ferrets survive in temperatures between 10 to 27 degrees Celsius. Anything below 10 degrees Celsius will be too cold for pet ferrets and cause them to shiver. Although ferrets like snow, they can't survive for long. Domesticated ferrets do not have thick skin like wild ferrets. Which covers and protects them from harsh weather conditions.

Temperatures higher than 27 degrees Celsius affect its survival. In fact, higher temperatures are fatal compared to low temperatures. Pet ferrets need regulated temperatures to live comfortably.

Should I cover my ferret’s cage at night?

Yes, you should. Ferrets like dark and warm sleeping areas. By covering the cage, you will provide both darkness and warmth. Some cages are warm and dark enough; thus, no need for extra cover.

You should not be surprised if you find your ferrets sleeping under the seat pillows. They like dark warm places.

Garden cages should be covered when the ferrets are asleep because they are exposed to much light. However, as earlier noted, they should be inside a shed. This way, you will protect your ferrets from rain and winds.

Ferrets sleep for long hours and thus need comfortable sleeping spaces. It's best if you considered warmth and darkness when purchasing or constructing your ferret's cage.