Physiology

                          ----------



The gestation period of ferrets is 42-44 days (average, 42

days).  The average litter size is 8 (range, 2-17).  Kits are

born deaf, with their eyes closed.  Their eyes open and they

begin to hear between 3 and 5 weeks of age.  Their deciduous

(temporary) teeth begin to erupt at 2 weeks of age, at which

time they begin to eat solid food.  Kits generally are weaned

onto commercial kitten chow at 4-8 weeks of age.  Kits reach

their adult weight at 4 months of age.  Males are typically twice

the size of females, but both sexes undergo periodic weight

fluctuations.  It is not uncommon for the average ferret to add

30-40% of its body weight in fat deposited beneath the skin in

the fall, and lose this fat the following spring.  The average

lifespan of ferrets is 9-10 years.