Animals in Research

Ferret for Research Naps with Her Kits in the Nest

Group: Other Animals
Species: Ferret
Research Areas: Influenza, Vaccine development

Ferrets spend 75% of their day sleeping, but are very active when awake. They like to explore, forage, play, hide, rest, and groom and their housing should afford them opportunities to engage in all of these species-typical activities.  Enclosures often include hammocks, resting shelves, hiding places, ladders, and toys.  Ferrets also love to dig and burrow and are provided with chipped or shredded wood bedding to stimulate this natural behavior.  Ferrets with litters spend the day nursing, grooming and napping with their kits.