Laura & CTB Posted February 16, 2007 Share Posted February 16, 2007 Does anyone know if ferrets are dangerous to chickens?? One of our neighbours caught a ferret today and although i think it was probably a tame one as it allowed itself to be caught quite easily, it got CTB and I discussing whether ferrets were a danger to chickens.............. .........anyone know????? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elaine C Posted February 16, 2007 Share Posted February 16, 2007 I think I've read elsewhere on the forum that ferets can be partial to chooks. I'm sure someone who knows will be able to let you know. Though it sounds that the feret caught was probably a tame escapee so probably not going to be a problem to you anyway E Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bronze Posted February 16, 2007 Share Posted February 16, 2007 Ferrets arent natural wild animals anyway so its most likely an escapee. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Looney Posted February 16, 2007 Share Posted February 16, 2007 I've looked this up in one of my books. It says that Ferrets are basically domesticated Polecats. It mentions that Ferrets are traditionally used for flushing rabbits out of their burrows so that they can be caught. Doesn't mention poultry.....however.... Looking up Polecat - it says "Their return [into the UK] is by no means universally popular, for they are fearsome killers of poultry and young gamebirds..." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura & CTB Posted February 16, 2007 Author Share Posted February 16, 2007 Gulp!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bronze Posted February 16, 2007 Share Posted February 16, 2007 So yes they are but what of the chances of their being two in your area Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted February 16, 2007 Share Posted February 16, 2007 Sorry, yes they are. our neighbour keeps ferrets and they often get loose. Luckily he tells me if one is on the rampage - found 'Trigger' on my doorstep waiting to come in one day - so that I can get my chooks in. Check with Louise, she used to keep ferrets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura & CTB Posted February 16, 2007 Author Share Posted February 16, 2007 Great - thanks for all your input...........not worried any more .........................I LOVE this forum!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted February 16, 2007 Share Posted February 16, 2007 I think I read somewhere that they are partial to eggs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted February 16, 2007 Share Posted February 16, 2007 Me too I'll email Louise and point her to this thread. But she doesn't tend to log on at weekends. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
susiej Posted February 17, 2007 Share Posted February 17, 2007 We've got three pet ferrets all hand tame, however I wouldn't let them get a whiff of our new hens. If they were hungry, then they would have a go! They are pretty fearless and the size of the hen would not put them off. An escaped ferret, no matter how tame, if its hungry would I'm sure attack a loose hen. A fully, fed fat ferret would just sleep! HTH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted February 17, 2007 Share Posted February 17, 2007 I love ferrets! but I would not trust one with a chicken. They have a very nasty bite, and even tame ones I wouldnt trust. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura & CTB Posted February 17, 2007 Author Share Posted February 17, 2007 Hmmmm - am now going to do a perimeter fence check, just to make sure there are no gaps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louise Posted February 18, 2007 Share Posted February 18, 2007 Ferrets make great pets BUT their instincts are to hunt so even a tame one is dangerous to other small furry and feathered creatures Mine escaped once and was found in a garden sniffing round the chicken hutch I even had one have a go at one of my cats fortunately it was a long furred cat so it only got a mouthful of fluff Don't trust them with anythjing basically Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted February 18, 2007 Share Posted February 18, 2007 Don't trust them with anythjing basically Like some men then Louise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theherd123 Posted February 18, 2007 Share Posted February 18, 2007 Don't trust them with anythjing basically Like some men then Louise How true!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
