This is my attempt at writing up a ferret caresheet. All information was provided by members of Holistic Ferret Forum (www.holisticferret.proboards80.com)

General Ferret Information

Scientific Name: Mustela putorius furo
Common Name: Domestic Ferret
Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
Color:
Ferrets come in a variety of colors and patterns, with colors ranging from, sable, albino, chocolate, champagne, cinnamon, silver, dark sable, and panda. Patterns include mitts, blazed, Siamese, and badger.
Length:
Males - 18"-24" (45 - 60 cm)
Females - 14"-22" (35 - 55 cm)
Weight:
Males – 2-5lbs
Females – 1-2.5lbs
Temperature:
Ferrets fair well in temperatures below 80F. Since ferrets have no way of cooling their bodies, high temperatures can not only make them uncomfortable, high temperatures can kill them. A good range in somewhere in the 60’s or low 70’s, but they can tolerate cooler temperatures.

Housing Information:

Housing is an important part of keeping ferrets. Housing options range from single level cages to elaborate outdoor enclosures. Single level cages are usually only big enough for 2-3 ferrets. Two level cages can house more or give your 2-3 fuzzies more space. Ferrets like soft, fluffy things to sleep in. Many people use blankets and soft hammocks to decorate cages. This gives the ferrets a comfortable place to sleep rather than sleeping on commercial bedding or a hard floor. Cages can be simple or elaborate, depending on your tastes, but as long as the ferret has a comfortable place to sleep and a few toys, his/her time spent in the cage should be fine.

It is important to give your ferret as much out of cage time as possible. Many people let their ferret free roam around the house, using cages only as places for their ferrets to sleep. It is important to ferret proof your house if you plan on allowing your ferret to free roam. Ferrets require at least 4 hours of out of cage play time every day.

Outdoor enclosures and playpens are a lot of fun for many fuzzies. Protect them from sunlight and birds of prey and you should be fine.