Do Ferrets Eat Foxes? Only Guidance You’ll Need in 2024

Are you wondering, do ferrets eat foxes? Then you have come to the right place.

No, ferrets can’t eat foxes. In this article, you will learn why ferrets can’t foxes, how ferrets hunt, how foxes kill, hunt & eat ferrets, and more.

So, make sure to read till the end.

Do ferrets eat foxes?

No, ferrets can’t eat foxes. The only way a ferret can eat foxes is their meat, but a ferret can’t hunt and kill a fox. However, both animals share the same characteristics in nature ie both are carnivores.

The only chance both animals meet each other is in the wild. However, a fox can’t meet a pet ferret. right? Fox are predators to ferrets so they will always hide from foxes.

The black-footed ferret is one of the prime food of the foxes in the wild. So, eating foxes for ferrets is not possible practically.

In the forest, ferrets, or more precisely black-footed ferrets hunt and eat prairie dogs. They also use shelter use of dogs.

However, to feed fox meat to your furry ferret first confirm whether killing fox is legal in your place or not. Since many states don’t allow killing foxes for many reasons.

Do foxes eat ferrets?

Yes, foxes can easily eat ferrets. It happens in the wild where ferret is prey to many animals like eagles, hawks, Coyotes, Owls, and badgers along with foxes.

The endangered stage of black-footed ferrets is majorly affected by these predator animals. But, thanks to government bodies taking appropriate action to preserve ferrets in the wild.

Do red foxes eat ferrets?

Yes, red foxes eat ferrets every chance they get. A fox always sees a ferret as prey so they will always look to hunt them.

Foxes are known for rough play and hunt style. So, whether it is ferrets or any other animals they will brutally hunt. The hunting of red foxes involves chase, grab, kill, and rough drag.

You can’t even trust an itty bitty fennec fox with a ferret.

So, always beware of red foxes when you visit the wild or zoo or any such places with your ferrets.

Do swift foxes eat ferrets?

Yes, swift foxes eat ferrets by hunting in the forest. Swift foxes are omnivores meaning they can eat both plants and animals.

They are known for being extremely cunning, mischievous, tricksters, and shapeshifters. These qualities of swift foxes helped them majorly in hunting speed and frequency.

Other than ferrets, swift foxes eat frogs, hamsters, squirrels, rabbits, turtles, and more. They have also seen eating dead animals.

Do ferrets eat foxes in California?

First of all, owning ferrets and foxes is illegal in California. So, practically it’s not possible in California.

They can only meet in the wild of California, but there too ferrets can’t eat foxes. A ferret is a prey to foxes. So, there is no possibility of ferret eating fox.

However, wild ferrets eat various animals in California. Ferrets are carnivores so they hunt for snakes, rabbits, mice, and more.

Do ferrets eat foxes in Texas?

No, ferrets can’t eat foxes. Like California, owning ferrets and foxes is illegal in Texas. Also, ferrets are prey for foxes.

A ferret can eat everything they can catch but here they can’t catch foxes. Instead, they are caught and killed by foxes.

Foxes have a dominating nature and when they hunt, they turn into quite wild.

The important thing is, according to the Texas state government, ferrets (black-footed ferrets) are endangered in the state.

On the other hand, wild ferrets eat prairie dogs most of the time. Other than this they eat, rats, cats, hamsters, birds, and so on.

What time do ferrets eat foxes?

Primarily it’s not possible that ferrets will eat foxes at any time of day or night. But, there are two cases when ferrets can eat foxes.

First when foxes are quite small in time and another when foxes are older and the ferret is fully adult. Since ferrets are opportunistic animals they will eat foxes at any time.

Also, ferrets are super active and have quick gastrointestinal transit time, making them look for food throughout the day.

What do ferrets eat in the wild?

In the wild, black-footed ferrets live and their prime food is prairie dogs. More than 90% of the food of wild ferrets comes from prairie dogs.

Black-footed ferrets are much more aggressive, active, and opportunistic, unlike household ferrets. So, they can go up to the maximum limit of their food.

Other than prairie dogs, the wild ferret also hunts and eats animals like rabbits, rats, and other rodents. If there is a shortage of food, they can also eat other animals such as reptiles, birds, fish, and even sometimes insects.

Wild ferrets also documented eating carrion (dead animal) but they prefer to hunt for live prey.

How do ferrets hunt their prey?

Ferrets are known for their highly active and curious nature. When it comes to hunting their prey they become even more active.

Along with a curious nature, ferret has a strong sense of scent, and hearing. Due to this they can smell and feel their prey from a distance which helps them in hunting a lot.

Ferrets also have sharp and strong teeth which play a vital role in killing, grabbing, and dragging prey. On top of all is ferret speed, they run like nothing is there than running.

They are also pro in making sharp turns at full speed of chasing. The lighter ferrets also support them in running, chasing, and hunting the prey.

The anatomy of ferrets plays a vital in role their high speed, strong teeth, flexible body, and more.

The following are major factors that help ferrets catch their prey

• Flexible body
• Balanced weight
• Sharper teeth
• Stronger hearing and smell power
• Curious nature

There is a fact about ferrets, a ferret kills and eats all animals that they can catch.

Can ferrets eat marshmallows?

Yes, ferrets can eat marshmallows but not recommended.

Marshmallows are not good for ferrets because they contain sugar which is not good for ferrets. A ferret body needs protein in maximum amount then fat and carbohydrates.

The ratios are as protein 40-50%, fat 15-25%, and carbohydrates 5-10%. Here, marshmallow is rich in carbohydrates and fats which are not good for ferrets.

Other than marshmallows you should avoid giving peanut butter, chocolate, chips, and ice cream to furry friends.

You can offer treats to your ferrets that contain chicken soup, mutton meat, and eggs, these are the best food for your ferrets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What animals can ferrets hunt?

Ferrets can easily catch and hunt animals like rats, mice, rabbits, snakes, birds, bird’s eggs, and insects.

What is the best meat to feed ferrets?

Chicken, turkey, rabbit, and beef are highly protein-rich meat to feed ferrets.

What smells are toxic to ferrets?

Smells of antifreeze, flavored medication, or pest control are toxic to ferrets.

What are the predators of the ferret?

 Owls, eagles, hawks, Coyotes, badgers, foxes, and Bobcats are some predators of the ferrets.

Conclusion

Now you know- do ferrets eat foxes?

Ferrets can’t eat foxes because foxes are predators of ferrets. However, they can eat the meat of foxes.

So, you can feed fox meat to your fuzzy. It also depends upon the government’s rule of hunting foxes.

However, foxes will eat ferrets at every chance they will get. Also, catching, killing, and eating ferrets is not a big deal for the foxes.