Can ferrets eat squirrels?

Among all the prey of the ferrets you may have a question- can ferrets eat squirrels?

Being a ferret owner myself I know how much want to know it. The answer is yes ferrets can eat squirrels.

In this article, you will learn about the benefits and risks of ferret-eating squirrels, the pros & cons of eating squirrel’s bones, can ferret and squirrel live together, and more.

I will also be sharing my personal experience. So, make sure to read till the end to know fully.

Technically a ferret doesn’t consider squirrel as their prime food. Also, a pet ferret doesn’t get a squirrel frequently to eat.

As a ferret is an opportunistic animal they eat any animal they are capable of catching. A wild or black-footed ferret easily catches and eats ground squirrels in the forest.

However, a ferret can indeed eat and digest squirrels easily. But, it’s the ability of squirrels for a ferret owner.

Are squirrels dangerous for ferrets?

No, technically squirrels aren’t dangerous for ferrets. Although, being omnivores squirrels aren’t a threat to the ferret.

The only case possible is when there is a wild baby ferret is alone then a wild and fully grown squirrel can attack.

In most of the cases, there is no risk for ferrets from squirrels.

Can ferrets eat squirrel bones?

Yes, ferrets can eat squirrel’s bones. Squirrels have fewer and smaller bones. Also, the bones are highly flexible which means they aren’t wide much.

So, ferrets can easily hold, break, and eat the bones of squirrels. The only condition is that ferrets must be adults.

For a baby or micro ferret and old ferret, it can be complicated to eat squirrel bones.

Is a ferret related to a squirrel?

On a major scale, both a ferret and a squirrel are different or not related. Ferrets belong to the Mustelidae family while squirrels belong to the Sciuridae family.

Ferrets are carnivorous animals while squirrels are omnivorous animals. The only commonality between these two animal creatures is that both eat meat in one or the other form.

Can ferrets eat squirrels in the wild?

Yes, ferrets eat squirrels in the wild. The true nature of ferrets is to get food through hunting. They love catching their prey which involves running, chasing, and catching.

So, yeah wild ferrets love eating squirrels in the wild.

Can ferrets and squirrels live together?

Usually, a ferret is a highly playful, and jolly animal so they easily become friendly to the the animal of their size.

But, as a ferret is a hard-core carnivore animal, you never know when things may be turned out. Also, they have strong predatory instincts while squirrels are mostly involved in running and climbing.

So, if you are thinking of putting squirrels and ferrets together. I would strongly say this is not a good idea.

The only way possible is under strong supervision because you never know when squirrels become food for ferrets.

Do ferrets eat ground squirrels?

Yes, ferrets eat ground squirrels and this mostly happens in forests or any open space.

Ferrets love chasing, running, catching, and eventually eating ground squirrels. This gives them mental stimulation along with fulfilling their hunger.

The benefit of ferret-eating squirrel

Ferrets can’t frequently eat squirrels also it’s not the regular food of the carnivore animal. But, in a few ways and cases, they eat and there are some benefits as well which are mentioned below.

Regular Exercise

Like ferrets, squirrels too are highly active and playful animal creatures. Squirrels love running, hiding, digging, and climbing.

So, it’s clear that ferrets need to put a lot of effort into catching the squirrels. Ferret too likes doing their activities.

In seeking to catch squirrel ferrets do a lot of physical exercise. It helps in the overall health of the ferret.

If your furry friend is being overweight or lazy catching a caring squirrel will fix these issues.

Provide protein

Protein is the major requirement for the ferret body. Eating squirrels will provide it in the proper amount.

Squirrel body maximally contains meat which is great for the ferret to eat and digest. So, yeah eating squirrel is a great deal for your furry friend.

Improve Health

As mentioned above catching squirrels involves a lot of physical activities. This will improve physical health and boost the digestion system of your furry ferret.

The true nature of ferrets is to get food by hunting, and we put them into cages under supervision.

So, overall eating squirrels will improve the ferret in the right and meaningful ways.

Hunting love

Catching squirrels in the wild will give ultimate happiness to the ferrets. Like all mustelid family animals including ferrets love chasing, catching, and eating animals.

As a ferret owner, you can freely leave your furry friend in the backyard to roam, running and of course, catching squirrels.

This will build a great bond between you and your furry ferret. You will also fulfill ferret hunting love.

Risk of ferret eating squirrel

There are plenty of benefits of ferret-eating squirrels but, this can’t ignore the fact that there is also a risk in it. Below are mentioned the risks involved for ferrets in eating squirrels.

Bone stuckness

Squirrel body is highly flexible with a higher amount of meat as compared to the bones. Most of the time they smoothly catch and eat the squirrels.

But, there are times when it becomes hard for ferrets to eat this prey. My vet told me last week that he has dealt with a case of squirrel bone stuck into the ferret’s neck.

So, as a ferret owner, you must be knowing this fact and be aware of it so that such a thing can’t happen to you.

Health Problem

If your backyard or surroundings contain too many squirrels then you need to be alert of it. In such case, your ferret finds this squirrel as their only food which is not good for his/her health.

Any and only thing repetitive is not a good idea and this applies to ferrets as well. So, don’t make regular food instead make regular but not daily.

Infection and disease

Squirrels are mostly found in the wild or outer area which means you can’t monitor what they are eating.

Also, they are omnivores so they can consume fungus or any kind of parasite. This leads to health issues for the squirrel and after eating this will enter into the ferret bodies.

There are also chances that your ferret might die as well.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can ferrets eat any meat?

No, they can’t eat meat.

What are the companion animals for ferrets?

Cats and dogs but under supervision.

What is a ferret’s natural enemy?

Predators such as owls, eagles, hawks, Coyotes, badgers, foxes, and Bobcats

Conclusion

Now, you know- can ferrets eat squirrels?

Ferrets are carnivorous animals which means meat is their prime food. Also, ferrets eat anything that they can catch which also makes them very opportunistic animals.

So, they will eat squirrels at every chance. If you are planning to put them together then strong supervision is the only way.