TABLE 6-7.
Ferrets—Physiologic, Anatomic, and Reproductive Data
| Data | Range or value | |
|---|---|---|
| Physiologic data | ||
| Life span | 5–9 yr (average 5–7) | |
| Commercial breeding life | 2–5 yr | |
| Body temperature | 101 –104 F (38 -40 C) | |
| Respiratory rate | 32–36 breaths/min | |
| Heart rate | 220–250 bpm (average 240) | |
| Water consumption | 75–100 mL/day | |
| Chromosome number | 2n = 40 | |
| Anatomical data | ||
| Dental formula | 2 (I3/3, C1/1, P3/4, M1/2) | |
| Vertebral formula | C-7, T-14, L-6, S-3, Cd-14–Cd-18 | |
| Reproductive data | ||
| Gestation | 39–46 days (average 42) | |
| Litter size | 2–17 kits (average 8) | |
| False pregnancy | 40–42 days | |
| Placentation | Zonal | |
| Implantation time | 12–31 days | |
| Weaning | 5–6 wk | |
| Ovulation | 30–40 hr post coitus | |
From Randolph RW: Medical and surgical care of the pet ferret. In Kirk RW, ed: Current Veterinary Therapy X. Philadelphia, WB Saunders, 1989, p 766.