Although the Ferret and Mink look similar, there are many differences. The Ferret is a wonderful pet while the Mink can be too wild to live in a household. The Ferret and Mink are subspecies of the same species. This is another fundamental difference.
Visual Differences
A Glance
Mink
- Adult height: 12-20 inches
- Average weight (adult): 4 – 5 pounds
- Life expectancy: 9-11 years
- Exercise for 1+ hours per day
- Grooming: Moderate
- No.
- Other pets-friendly options
- Trainability: Nocturnal or solitary
Ferret
- Adult height: Average Height (Adult): 18-24 inches
- Average weight (adult): 5 – 4.5 pounds
- Lifespan: 5-9 years
- Exercise for 2+ hours per day
- Moderate grooming requirements
- Yes, it is family-friendly
- Other pets-friendly options
- Trainability: Intelligent, curious, and playful
Mink Overview
The Mink is closely related to the Weasel.
Breeds
There are two types of Mink: American and European. Let’s take a look at each in this section.
- American Mink – The American Mink, a semi-aquatic creature, is kept in captivity at fur farms. The Mink is a single animal and can grow up to twice as big as the wild Mink. This is due to selective breeding and better nutrition. Mink can be found in many colors including pearl, blue, white, sapphire, and blue.
- European Mink – The European Mink is approximately the same size and breeds in captivity to produce their fur. European Mink are less aggressive and more adaptable than other breeds. The only color available is dark brown, with occasional white markings.
Habitat
The Mink, a semi-aquatic creature, can dive 12 feet deep underwater. They need a small pond in order to survive. They will follow the shoreline to search for prey. They are strictly carnivores and eat only mice, frogs, and eggs. The young are independent after six months and can only be seen alone during mating season.
Ideal for
Mink require a special environment and care. You won’t find many Mink domestic pets. They are better off living in zoos where they can receive professional care. Mink are kept in captivity at fur farms for their entire lives. Their sole purpose is to produce fur for garment industries.
Ferret Overview
The Ferret is a very popular pet around the world. It looks like the Mink, but it is completely different.
Personality/Character
Ferrets are intelligent, friendly creatures and are naturally curious. Ferrets don’t need a place with water. They are happy to explore your home. It can be trained to use a litterbox and will perform basic tricks.
Health and Care
Ferrets possess scent glands that are similar to skunks. They use these to mark their territory and will leave a strong odor in your home. They are clean and require only occasional baths. These pets can have a number of health issues.
Flu and colds
Ferrets can catch colds and flu from humans and are more susceptible than their human counterparts. If you feel sick, it is best to not touch them and allow someone else to care for them until they feel better. You should look out for signs such as watery eyes, weakening stool, vomiting, or coughing if you suspect your Ferret has something.
Cardiomyopathy
A condition called cardiomyopathy is common in Ferrets older than three years. It results in a thinning of the heart walls. The heart’s ability to pump blood is affected by this thinning. Cardiomyopathy can cause weight loss, lethargy, and coughing.
Ideal for
Ferrets are great family pets and can be kept in any home that has enough space. They are prohibited in California and Hawaii.
Which breed is right for you?
The Ferret is the best choice when choosing between a Mink or a Ferret. The Mink requires more care and will need a bigger environment than most people are able to provide. A ferret is a great choice for a pet and can be kept in a house. They will be a companion for many years due to their curious and loving nature.
We hope that you enjoyed this look at these very different animals. We hope you found this guide helpful and that it has convinced you to adopt a Ferret as your pet.
What distinguishes a mink from a ferret?
These paler minks may have extremely similar coloring to ferrets, which might lead to misidentification. Although their morphology or body form is extremely similar, minks have a somewhat longer tail than ferrets and their hair is usually more smooth.
Will a mink cause you harm?
Mink, like many other fur-bearing animals, have bacterial and parasite illnesses that are not generally harmful to humans.
Can a mink scream?
Minks are normally silent, but in social situations or when frightened by a prospective predator, they may giggle, growl, hiss, shriek, squeal, or bark raspily.
Will a mink attack a cat?
In the wild, they are vicious predators with needle-like fangs and strong claws that will hunt anything smaller, including poultry and even pet cats.
What keeps the mink at bay?
Seal off even the smallest holes to keep minks out of areas you want to keep safe. Caulk, expanding foam, metal flashing, and tiny chicken wire are all good deterrents. Avoid leaving outside pets out in the open, where they might attract wandering minks on the prowl.
Can mink be hostile?
Mink are extremely energetic and aggressive animals. They are good swimmers who can also climb trees. When threatened, they may growl, hiss, shriek, or expel a pungent, musky odor from their anal glands.
Should you report a mink sighting?
Please report any sightings. Any mink sightings in the Western Isles should be reported to the Hebridean Mink Project right away. The Scottish Invasive Species Initiative collaboration coordinates mink control in the north of Scotland (Tayside, Angus, Aberdeenshire, Speyside, Moray, and Highland).
What causes minks to stomp?
Mink establish their authority during confrontational confrontations by arching their backs, puffing up, lashing out their tails, stomping and scraping the ground with their feet, and expanding their lips in a threat gape. If this fails, battles may break out, resulting in head and neck injuries.
What should you do if you capture a mink?
Non-target species must be released, however, minks must be destroyed if caught. It is unlawful to return it to the wild. If you catch a grey squirrel, you must also do this, however, rats can be killed or released at your option.
Are minks superior to ferrets?
The main distinction between the two is that the Ferret makes an excellent pet, whilst the Mink is too wild for a domestic family and must be cared for by a zoo or other particular environment. Another significant distinction between the two is that the Mink is a species, whilst the Ferret is a subspecies.