If you are thinking about getting a pet, you might want to seriously consider getting a ferret. They live a lot longer than your average guinea pig or fish, and have been domesticated for thousands of years. Here are a few fun facts about ferrets:

• The average life span for a ferret is 6-8 years, but some have even been known to live to the age of 11 or 12, that’s better than your average gold fish that dies after a week!

• Baby ferrets are called kits and are born with white fur. Female ferrets are called jills, and male ferrets are called hobs. Spayed females are sometimes referred to as sprites, while neutered males are often referred to as gibs, but with all these nicknames, who can keep them straight? Why not call your ferret whatever you want? These funny little creatures are twice as fun when bought in pairs!

• Newborn ferrets are small enough to fit on a teaspoon. Aww!

• Ferrets love to sleep. In fact, they have been known to sleep up to 18 hours a day, and are most active at night, especially during dawn and dusk. Baby ferrets sleep so soundly that they can often be handled by their owners without even waking up. Most ferrets will however, adjust their sleeping patterns to their owner’s schedule, unlike your cat who will just keep you awake all night!

• Ferrets love to jump around. They can often be seen running around and making noises when they are happy. You might here them making a “beeping” noise, or see them jumping in the air with their hair on end. These little guys also love to burrow and hide in small spaces. They can even fit under doors. Get them all kinds of toys and they’ll keep you entertained for hours.

• Ferrets are not afraid of humans, which make them the ideal pet. They are very intelligent creatures and are easy to train. They can even learn tricks.

• Ferrets can learn to use a litter box, which is a lot better than owning a dog and having to stand out in the freezing cold while he does his business.