Ferrets come in a variety of colors, including albino. Often mistaken as rodents, they are members of the mustelid or weasel family, and they are cute, smart, interactive, and fun-loving. They enjoy running around the house and exploring nooks and crannies. They also like sitting on the shoulders of their human family members. They are generally easier to take care of than other animals, like cats and dogs, but they require a great deal of attention.
Ferrets also need help with nail trimming, bathing, and ear and teeth cleaning. While albino ferrets have many of the same characteristics as common ferrets, a few of their unique characteristics are worth investigating. Following are a few fascinating facts about albino ferrets that we think you should know about.
The 7 Albino Ferret Facts
1. They Have a Genetic Mutation
Albino ferrets are pure white because of a genetic mutation defined by the deletion of exon 4 in the tyrosinase gene. This mutation is also responsible for albinism in dogs, cats, rabbits, cows, and rats. Nothing is wrong with albino animals. It just means that they cannot produce pigmentation.
2. They Look Different Than White Ferrets
At first glance, it can be easy to confuse a white ferret with an albino. White ferrets have darker-colored eyes, and their coat can feature slightly yellow highlights that can be seen in the sunlight. Albino ferrets have no color anywhere on their bodies, and their eyes are always red. The red eyes are a sure sign of albino coloring because other ferrets do not have red eyes. Instead, they are typically brown or black.
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3. They Are Curious
Many people think that albino ferrets are more fragile or less active than colorful ferrets, but that could not be further from the truth. Albino ferrets are just as active and curious—if not more so—than colored ferrets. They spend all their waking hours exploring, playing, and checking out new items that they find around the house.
4. They Need Regular Baths
All ferrets can use baths occasionally to keep oils from building up on their skin. However, the oils are important, so a bath every few months is typically sufficient. However, albino ferrets need baths more often to keep their fur pristine. Monthly bathing should keep their coats clean and white without stripping their skin of too many healthy oils.
5. They Can Be Sensitive to Bright Light
Because of the lack of pigmentation in their eyes, albino ferrets are sensitive to sunlight and artificial light. They may squint or close their eyes while the light is shining on their faces, but the light will not injure their eyes or harm them in any way. However, if owners notice that their albino ferrets seem sensitive to light, they should ensure that their habitats are moved away from windows in the home.
6. They Are Just as Healthy as Other Ferrets
Albino ferrets are just as healthy as any other ferrets, even though they have a genetic mutation. The mutation only affects the fur color and eyes of the albino ferret. Their hearts, lungs, cardiovascular system, and all other aspects of their makeup are typically just as strong as those of a typical ferret. However, it is worth noting that all ferrets become more susceptible to health problems as they get older.
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7. They Would Not Do Well in the Wild
Albino ferrets would have a handicap in the wild compared to other ferrets simply because they are so easy for predators to see and cannot easily hide while they sleep. While some albino ferrets may be born in the wild, those born in captivity should not be released into the wild.
Wrapping Up
Now that you know fun and interesting facts about albino ferrets, you are probably ready to go out and adopt one of your own. They make fantastic pets and are fun to play with, and their unique albino look is sure to be a showstopper among visitors to your home. Just make sure you are ready to take care of this curious and loving animal. What features of the albino ferret do you like the most? Let us know in our comments section!
Featured Image Credit: LAWJR, Pixabay
