The National Ferret
Welfare Society
(Last update 7th February 2012, 2011)
First UK prosecution for cruelty to ferrets. Report: (jpeg sizes 109Kb and 74Kb)
The NFWS goes to Court: Report
Recent Updates to:
Showdates - 7th February 2012
Articles from From Ferrets First - 2nd February 2011
Ferreters offering services - 2nd November 2011
Working Ferrets - 30th January 2011
THE TRULY NATIONAL SOCIETY WHERE THE WELFARE OF THE FERRET COMES FIRST
Ferrets are NOT wild animals; they are domesticated descendants of the wild polecat, members of the Mustelidae family of animals that include the stoat, weasel, otter and badger.
Ferrets are kept by a wide variety of people, either as working animals or as pets. They range in colour from pink-eyed albinos, through increasingly darker markings, to the polecat coloured ferret, which retains the dark mask of the wild polecat.
A working ferret is one that is used for flushing wild rabbits out of their burrows, which is a humane and environmentally acceptable means of pest control.
Pet ferrets can be great companions. They play actively, especially with a companion and like nothing better than to rummage in whatever is available! Ferrets that are neutered lose the strong musky smell and have no more body odour than other pets.
For whatever reason you keep ferrets, the NFWS can be a source of information that members can consult to help them look after their ferrets better and work them properly.
The Society has many active, individual members and affiliated clubs, spread throughout the United Kingdom and as a field as Europe, Australia and the USA.
The affiliated clubs and organisations, support the objectives of the NFWS
Ferret clubs combine advice on the husbandry and welfare of ferrets, and information and instruction on the use of working ferrets, together with the social activities and companionship associated with any club.
There are also separate welfare and rescue organisations, run by active members of the NFWS, who sadly are too often asked to help where ferrets have been neglected or abandoned by their keepers.
What is the ferret population of the UK? ... Who knows? It could be as many as one million, or even more, since there are many ferret keeper who do not belong to any of the recognised bodies.
The NFWS aims to promote responsible ownership.
....... Look after your ferret properly and it will work its heart out for you, or be an excellent companion.
At country shows and similar events, you will often find a ferret show run by a local club, or the NFWS. There may be judging or classes for the best albino, coloured or polecat ferret. Or just a display of ferrets where knowledgeable owners are prepared to pass on welfare informtion to interested visitors.
Both these activities encourage improved welfare conditions for the ferrets.
You may also see ferret racing. Ferrets are naturally curious and will usually find their way along the racing tubes without any persuasion from their owners. Racing is also used to raise funds for a club.
NFWS Mission Statement
1. The promote the wellbeing of ferrets through articles written and published by the NFWS, veterinarians and ferret specialists world wide
2. Offer/provide advice on a variety of ferret subjects from common illnesses, nutrition, sanitation, interaction, ferret safety and the advisability of breeding.
3. Promote the on-going liaison with veterinarians and all medical organisations and agents associated within the 'ferret world' with the aim of raising the general awareness of ferret health and ferret needs.
4. Advise and educate ferret owners, clubs etc., on their basic responsibilities towards ferrets on such diverse subjects as when considering breeding ferrets and when working ferrets in vermin control. The list is large!
5. To promote confindence in ferret owners to approach the NFWS and/or veterinarians to seek advice when their ferret's health and behaviour causes concern
From Dawn Bradfield
Can you please forward this survey to all the people you know in the UK that own ferrets? I’m hoping that with the “cascade effect” I can get replies from the majority of ferret owners in the country.
There is also going to be an “online” version of this questionnaire but can you please only complete ONE.
If you know anyone who isn’t on the internet that owns ferrets could you please print a copy of the form and give it to them to complete.
If you run a rescue or welfare centre can you please include ONLY those ferrets you currently have living with you.
We are trying to get a full picture of the incidence of adrenal disease in ferrets and the attached survey is part of our enquiries.
My contact details are on the form itself and I would like to ask that the completed for be returned to me as soon as is physically possible. I am setting a deadline for returns of 6th April 2012.
Survey regarding Adrenal Disease in UK
Risk Assessment Form (.doc file)