Ferret-polecat domestication: genetic, taxonomic and phylogenetic relationships

Basic Anatomy, Physiology, and Husbandry

“…8,19 Ferrets were also used for their pelts and the town of New London, Ohio, became known as Ferretville because of its huge breeding population of ferrets around 1915. 5 The ferret's litter size average of eight is larger than the polecat's at six. 19 The pet ferret has changed from its wild progenitor in the process of domestication in the areas of physiology, reproduction, and behavior.…”

“…5 Over the centuries, numerous references have been made to the use of ferrets in Europe for rodent control in homes, farms, and ships and for hunting rabbits both for damage control and for human food, as well as for their pelts. 5 Over the centuries, numerous references have been made to the use of ferrets in Europe for rodent control in homes, farms, and ships and for hunting rabbits both for damage control and for human food, as well as for their pelts.…”

“…19 At the turn of the twentieth century, hunting with ferrets was banned in some states to protect against destruction of the native rabbit population. 5 Ferret coat color has changed, as is the case with most animals that are domesticated. Reproductively, ferrets mate two or more times a year compared to polecats at generally once a year.…”

“…19 The pet ferret has changed from its wild progenitor in the process of domestication in the areas of physiology, reproduction, and behavior. 5 Other changes include a 15% to 20% smaller cranial capacity, a wider postorbital constriction, and dental crowding. 5 The ferret's litter size average of eight is larger than the polecat's at six.…”

“…Reproductively, ferrets mate two or more times a year compared to polecats at generally once a year. 5 Behaviorally, ferrets appear to be more gregarious than their wild counterparts, but this may be due to juvenilization, which is a common side effect of domestication that allows ferrets to live in "litter groups" rather than their more naturally solitary lifestyle. 5 Ferret coat color has changed, as is the case with most animals that are domesticated.…”