Changes

==Physiology==

==Physiology==

Please find details of Ferret physiology within the WikiNormals section. Physiological information available includes “[[General]]”, “[[Guinea_Pig_Biochemistry|Biochemical]]”, “[[Haematological]]” and “[[Breed]]” parameters.

Ferrets are obligate carnivores that typically have a total length of ~50cm (with a ~13cm tail) and weight between 0.7 - 2kg. Ferrets have a natural life span of between 7 - 10 years and males are substantially larger than females. Ferrets become sexually mature at around 6 months.

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Ferret gestation is 42 days and litters usually contain between 3-7 young. The litter are usually weaned between 3 - 6 weeks and are totally independant of the parents at 3 months. Females can have up to 3 litters annually.

Ferrets are crepuscular and therefore they spend between 14-18hrs per day asleep and are most active around dawn and dusk. Ferrets have scent glands near their anus which are used for scent marking. Ferrets have also been shown to use urine marking.

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==Anatomy and Histology==

==Anatomy and Histology==

This section has been included to allow familiarisation with the peculiarities of ferret anatomy to provide a context for some of the disease and pathological headings found below. Therefore only anatomical areas with specific features warranting emphasis have been included below;

This section has been included to allow familiarisation with the peculiarities of ferret anatomy to provide a context for some of the disease and pathological headings found below. Therefore only anatomical areas with specific features warranting emphasis have been included below;