Buzz Feed What Pet is Perfect for You
Getting a pet weasel is one of the most exciting things that you can do! These small but bold animals can make excellent pets, but there are certainly things that you should know about them before you add one to your family. Today, we're going to share with you 20 things that you should know about weasels before you make the decision to get one.
Let's get started!
#1: Weasels Are the Tiniest Carnivorous Mammals
Did you know that your pet weasel is a carnivore? It's true! This little critter is actually the smallest mammal that's also a carnivore. This specially refers to the Least Weasel, which is the smallest member of the entire weasel family. These usually weigh in at just 4.5 ounces or even less. They're usually six inches in length or less.
#2: Don't Cross a Hungry Weasel
If you're considering getting a weasel, you should know that they're not too pleasant when they're hungry. That's just one reason why feeding your weasel the correct diet is so essential.
Weasels are small, which means that their stomach is unable to hold much prey at once. This also means that they have to eat frequently–they are required to eat up to 60 percent of their body weight per day in order to maintain their strength and health.
#3: Weasels are Connected To Skunks
Image Attribution: PDI
What if we told you that weasels are cousins of the stinkiest mammal, the skunk? It's true! Similar to their cousins, you might find your weasel deploys a stink bomb when they feel cornered–and this can happen regardless if they're actually being cornered or not!
#4: Weasels Love Leftovers
Like we said, there are few things weasels hate more than being hungry. That's why you'll find that your weasel will attempt to store food for later. When they're out and about in nature, this often seems to be similar to hoarding. However, many animals use this technique, including squirrels.
#5: Weasels and Ferrets Are Related
Did you know that your pet weasel is connected to not only the skunk but also the ferret? It's true! The weasel belongs to the same family as the ferret, which makes them cousins.
The weasel, however, has a different body shape than the ferret, which is often longer. There are other members of the family; these include mink, polecat, and otter.
#6: The weasel Can Attack Much Larger Prey
Image Attribution: Pexels
Just because weasels are small doesn't mean they're not mighty! These animals are known for attacking prey that are larger in size than them. They don't shy away from a challenge just because of its size!
#7: The Weasel Is Known for Doing a So-Called "War Dance"
If a weasel corners its prey, it gets excited and does a war dance of victory before it goes in for the kill. You can find that other members of the family also do this dance. The ferret also performs similar movements.
#8: Some Species Are Almost Extinct
Sadly enough, some weasel species are nearing extinction, which means that humans really need to intervene to make sure we don't lose these adorable little creatures. Most weasels in the United States are definitely not in danger of becoming extinct–but the same cannot be said for those in other parts of the world.
#9: Your Weasel Could Glow Under Ultraviolet Light
While a lot of weasels have a brown coat and white underbelly, some of them are all white. If you look at these weasels under an ultraviolet light, you will find that they can even glow purple. Pretty cool if you ask us!
#10: A Pet weasel Can Sleep Nearly the Entire Day
If you get a pet weasel, expect to see them catching some serious zzz's. Your pet weasel can actually sleep 20 hours a day, which is even more than some cats.
You should be cautious, however, not to overfeed them because of the fact that they sleep so much and don't have plenty of opportunities to work the weight off.
#11: Weasels Are Not Right for All Households
Image Attribution: Pexels
The weasel is a hunter, which means that it will attack other small pets you might have living with you. This can include mice, birds, rabbits, hamsters–even cats or small dogs.
Therefore, you should only keep a pet weasel in your home if it's the only pet you have. You should also note they're tiny and easy to step on, which can cause biting.
#12: Weasels Are Safe for Human Beings
As you know, some animals carry diseases or parasites that make them dangerous to have around human beings. We're happy to share that the weasel doesn't have any bacteria hazards or parasites that make them dangerous to have in the presence of people.
#13: Weasels Enjoy Being Around Humans
Did you know that your pet weasel will value being around their human? It's true! You will find that your pet enjoys spending time with you but can also be rather curious. This means that they can sometimes get underfoot, and that can lead to getting stepped on.
These animals get aggressive when they get stepped on, so be cautious!
#14: Weasels Love Their Weasel Friends
You should certainly consider having two pet weasels, as they really enjoy being in each other's company. If you have them spayed or neutered, it can be two different genders, or they can be two of the same.
Companionship is important for these animals, so getting your weasel a friend can be helpful.
#15: Check Your State's Guidelines Before Getting a Weasel
Did you know that weasels and ferrets are not legal to own in all states across the USA? That's one of the reasons why it's so important to take note of your state, county, or city's legislation around weasel ownership before you purchase one.
#16: Weasels Need To Run
Your pet weasel has a high energy level which means that they need to get that out! You'll have to allow for several hours of activity for your pet weasel–and that's just per day.
If there's a pet weasel living in your home with you, you can allow them to roam around and explore. In addition, you can play games with them if they appear to be sluggish–that will get them motivated again.
#17: Weasels Are Known for Chewing
When they're pets, you will find that weasels enjoy collecting items to build a nest. That being said, they also like to chew these items. You might notice this–it will especially occur with plastic cups or other objects.
In addition, if you have children and they leave their toys unattended, they might attempt to steal toys and other action figures. They like chewing!
#18: Weasel Can Get Hairballs
If you have a pet weasel, you should definitely keep an eye out for hairballs! Your pet can develop these, and they can cause great problems for your animal. These are caused when your weasel cleans themself, similar to how a cat would.
If your weasel vomits, you will find that they can become tired and even dehydrated–not ideal! As always, take your pet to a trusted veterinarian if you suspect that they're having any sort of health trouble.
#19: Be Prepared To Have a New Best Friend
Image Attribution: Pexels
We mentioned how much weasels enjoy spending time with their humans, and we want to add that you should expect yours to want to be with you when you're hanging around the house. These animals are extremely observant, active, and smart.
Therefore, when they're not snoozing, they'll want to be as much in your business as they can be. This will make household chores such as sweeping your floor plenty of fun, we'll add. Add a weasel into the mix of just about anything, and your life will be more exciting!
#20: Weasels Sleep So Much That There's No Separation Anxieyt
When they're not with their humans, weasels spend plenty of time sleeping–20 hours a day, as we mentioned! Therefore, you should never worry about your pet getting separation anxiety.
Wonderful Weasels
If you're considering getting a weasel pet, you will be thrilled to know that there are so many reasons these animals make wonderful additions to your home.
Just be sure you know what you're getting into first, and you'll be happy with your new pet.
SOURCES:
18 Things to Know Before Getting a Weasel as Pet | Pet Keen
15 Things You Need To Know About Pet Weasels | Animal Hearted
Separation Anxiety in Dogs | VCA Animal Hospital
Source: https://www.reference.com/pets-animals/weasel-pet?utm_content=params%3Ao%3D740005%26ad%3DdirN%26qo%3DserpIndex&ueid=0e22bb7a-eba8-4bb3-a5b5-e09d96027c84
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