What Do Wild Ferrets Eat? 8 Animals They Hunt

I make money from qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate.

Wild ferrets are curious creatures who enjoy exploring their environment. Also, they are highly playful and like to play with toys. Because they are so energetic, ferrets require lots of room to play and run around. Since meat makes up the majority of a ferret’s diet, they need a diet strong in protein. As very social creatures, ferrets enjoy spending time with both their human companions and other ferrets. What then do untamed ferrets eat? I talk about it later.

Because their owners were unaware of their pets’ dietary requirements, pet ferrets have frequently suffered from acute malnutrition and even passed away. Just eating dry food or leftovers from the table is insufficient and can have negative health effects. A diet with at least 30% protein and 20% fat is necessary for ferrets.

Ferrets need a lot of area to run about and play because they are such energetic animals. Since meat makes up the majority of a ferret’s diet, they need a diet strong in protein. As very social creatures, ferrets enjoy spending time with both their human companions and other ferrets.

Table of Contents

What Do Wild Ferrets Eat?

Wild ferrets are obligate carnivores, which means that meat makes up the entirety of their diet. They typically hunt ground squirrels, prairie dogs, and other small mammals in the wild. If given the chance, they will also consume birds, reptiles, and insects. Because wild ferrets have such a specialized diet, they frequently face survival challenges when their favored prey is in short supply.

But, you may easily feed them a diet of prepared ferret food or raw meat while they are in captivity. In either case, it’s crucial to keep their diet low in fat and rich in protein to maintain their health. The list of foods ferrets eat is provided below.

1.Ground Squirrels:

One of the most efficient predators of ground squirrels is the wild ferret. Up to 100 ground squirrels can be killed annually by a single wild ferret. Ferrets are drawn to open grasslands and scrublands, which are habitats for ground squirrels. They infiltrate caves and other hiding places using their long, slender bodies, where they quickly bite their prey’s necks to kill them.

2.Mice:

These cute little fuzzies are extremely effective at catching and killing their little prey since they are natural predators. Wild ferrets are still wild animals and are not scared to go after a meal, however domestic ferrets can be educated to live happily with other pets. The greatest answer for a mouse problem might be to hire a wild ferret to take care of it. If you provide the ferret a good place to live and lots of food, it will be pleased to assist you in getting rid of your bothersome rodents.

3.Rabbits:

Another preferred meal of wild ferrets is rabbits. They are a wonderful source of protein and fat and are rather simple to catch. Also, because rabbits are a manageable size for ferrets, they are less likely to suffer injuries while attempting to kill one. In order to assist limit the population of rabbits on your land, you might want to think about employing a ferret.

4.Prairie dogs:

Another popular prey item for wild ferrets is prairie dogs. These rodents are sociable animals that reside in caves. They make a fantastic food source for ferrets because they are also reasonably simple to catch. You can think about hiring a ferret if you have prairie dogs on your property to assist manage the population.

5.Birds:

In the wild, ferrets will consume birds if given the chance. Although they are less frequent prey than small mammals, they can be an excellent supply of protein and fat. If you have birds on your property, you might want to consider hiring a ferret to control the number.

6.Reptiles:

Wild ferrets are renowned for their fascination with reptiles. In the wild, these animals pursue and consume lizards, snakes, and other small reptiles. They frequently devour these animals’ eggs as well. They receive the nutrition they require to thrive from this diet, which also keeps them healthy. Wild ferrets can still be given a diet of reptiles in captivity.

7.Insects:

Even though insects aren’t their preferred food, wild ferrets will consume them if given the chance. Insect larvae and live insects are also included in this. In addition to being a wonderful source of vitamins and minerals, insects can be a good supply of protein and fat. Hiring a ferret to assist manage the quantity of insects on your property may be an option.

8.Chicken:

The preference of wild ferrets for chicken is widely documented. To acquire their drug, they frequently murder chickens. For farmers, this could be a problem that costs them their livelihood. Eggs are another favorite food of wild ferrets. They frequently break into chicken coops in search of delectable eggs. For farmers, this could be a problem that costs them their livelihood. Nonetheless, despite their eccentricities, a lot of people find wild ferrets to be charming animals.

How Do Wild Ferrets Hunt?

Generally speaking, male ferrets are bigger and have considerably fuller coats than female ferrets. Females, on the other hand, tend to be smaller in stature and have sleeker, more refined coats. There are several locations where wild ferrets can be found, including grasslands, forests, and even arid areas.

As ferrets are obligate carnivores, meat makes up the majority of their diet. They pursue many different tiny prey animals in the wild, such as rabbits, rodents, birds, and even fish. Ferrets usually stalk their prey until it is within striking distance when they are out hunting.

Then they will lunge on their target, quickly dispatching it with their razor-sharp teeth and claws. Ferrets drag their dead prey back to their den to consume it. Ferrets are skilled hunters and can take down prey that is much larger than they are. Nonetheless, they frequently take food from the caches of other animals and will scavenge if required.

Do Wild Ferrets Have Any Predators?

Although not being frequently considered, ferrets can make good pets. They are intelligent and playful, as well as being energetic. They are escape artists though, so it’s important to keep them restrained.

The truth is that ferrets have few predators in the wild, despite some people’s concerns about their safety if they are allowed to roam free. The only true natural predators in North America are coyotes, owls, and eagles. Weasels and other small carnivores that prey on ferrets are also found in other parts of the world, such as Europe and Asia.

Nonetheless, ferrets are often protected from injury in the wild. Hence, if you’re thinking about letting your ferret go free, you may be confident that it will be protected from predators.