Minks and ferrets belong to the same family, which also includes other animals like otters and weasels.Minks are members of the genera Neogale and Mustela . There are two species of minks: the European mink and the American mink.European mink species are endangered and are on the verge of extinction. They are not domesticated animals like ferrets. Ferrets are members of the genus Mustela. There are 20 types of ferrets in the world. Sable ferrets are the most common ferrets, and cinnamon ferrets are the rarest ferrets. Unlike ferrets, minks are solitary animals that only come together during the mating season. Minks need a habitat that is close to a water source. Hence, they are found in areas next to rivers and streams. Ferrets either build or occupy the tunnels of prairie dogs in grassy plains. The diet of both animals includes small mammals, mice, and birds. Minks can also consume larger prey. Both species lead semi-aquatic lives.To learn more about the relationship between a mink and a ferret, keep reading. You can also check out our other articles on what minks eat and the mink vs the weasel.How closely related are mink and ferrets?Minks and ferrets are members of the same family.They do share a few qualities and behaviors, but this is pretty much the extent of their relationship. According to reports, ferrets are just domesticated variants of the European polecat. The American mink is the only one of the two mink species that has no kinship with ferrets. It’s almost as though these two have nothing in common. Since European minks are closely related to polecats, they are automatically related to ferrets as well.Mink vs Ferret AppearanceSince minks and ferrets are from the same family, they share quite a lot of similarities.Both minks and ferrets have narrow and smooth bodies. Domesticated ferrets are often confused with minks as they look alike. These animals have tiny legs, eyes, and ears. The body size of a ferret is 20 in (50 cm), while the body size of a mink is 23 in (58.4 cm). Wild minks are heavier than ferrets and can weigh up to 7 lbs (3 kg). Domesticated minks and ferrets are almost the same size, weighing between 2-4 lbs (0.9-1.8 kg). Both these animals have waterproof fur with oily guards that helps them repel water.Mink vs Ferret Coat ColorsThe fur of an animal varies from others due to the presence of melanin. The amount of melanin and the type of melanin produced determine the color of the fur coat.Minks are known for their fluffy fur coats. They come in all brown shades ranging from reddish-brown to dark brown. The sheen and quality of their fur have grabbed a lot of attention. Minks are bred for fur farming. When compared to males, females have lighter and glossier fur. Wild minks usually have dark-colored, soft coats. The fur of domestic minks has different colors.Ferrets come in a wide range of colors. The basic eight colors are albino, chocolate, black, cinnamon, black, dark-eyed white, sable, and champagne. Some of them also have mixed markings. The fur color of ferrets can change. This happens when they shed their coat in autumn and spring. Ferrets can also turn yellow due to overactive oil glands.Coats from the fur of American mink are costly. They can cost between $1000-50,000. Fur from female minks is priced higher due to quality. High-quality mink coats can last up to 20 years.Ferret vs Mink TemperamentA ferret has a much more amiable personality. This is why it is a popular pet all over the world. It is a wonderful family pet as it tends to develop strong bonds. Ferrets are social mammals that thrive in small groups and can be on their best behavior when they are trained and handled from a young age.A mink, on the other hand, is a solitary animal. It is also nocturnal and very active. Though minks can be friendly at times, for the most part, they are aggressive. Minks, especially males, exhibit territorial behaviors from time to time and are known to fight among themselves. Due to their hostile and aggressive behavior, even breeders try to keep these animals in separate cages. Minks also need a lot of swimming space. For these reasons, they are not popular among pet owners.Both minks and ferrets are not pet-friendly and can hurt other pets.Pet ferrets are known for getting into trouble. They are inquisitive creatures that are interested in small items like keys and pens. They hide it in areas where they do not belong.Mink vs Ferret HealthThe life span of minks in captivity is 10 years. Their longevity is shorter in the wild since the chances of being hunted by predators are relatively high in the wild. Ferrets can live for 5-10 years.Pet ferrets can get colds and cases of flu from their owners. Ferrets can also get adrenal cancers, parasitic infections, heart problems, and dental issues. Minks are also prone to many health issues, including urinary tract infections, mink viral enteritis, bacterial diseases, hemorrhagic pneumonia, mastitis, and Aleutian disease.Ferret vs Mink Food and DietMinks and ferrets are both strictly carnivorous mammals. They only have slight variations in their diet.Meat is an essential part of a ferret’s diet. This animal cannot skip meat, as its body needs protein and fat-rich foods that have low carbohydrate content.Minks are opportunistic hunters whose diet changes according to the availability of prey animals. Their choice of food remains the same throughout the seasons. In summer, minks eat rabbits, small frogs, mice, crayfish, muskrats, and shrews. Since minks do not hibernate, they hunt even in winter. In winter, they are less picky and hunt more than they need. Since predation is high during this period, they stock up on their food. They eat earthworms, lizards, fish, and other waterfowl that are easily available.Mink vs Ferret CareBoth of these carnivores hunt and eat other small animals in the wild. Minks prefer bigger animals, while ferrets feed on tiny invertebrates, bones, and uncooked meat. Minks also eat fish, eggs, and birds. In captivity, their diet is pretty much restricted. A mink’s diet frequently contains cat or dog food. Likewise, most owners choose to feed cat food to their ferrets.Ferrets are gregarious. So they do not do well when left alone. It is best to keep them in small groups. Their mental engagement requirements are also high. So supplying them with a good amount of toys and a few hours of exercise is essential to keep them from getting bored and aggressive. Your ferret will sleep all day and might give the notion that they do not require much attention. But this is not the case. These inquisitive creatures need something to play with or work on when they are awake. Minks need swimming areas. Keeping minks away from water is almost impossible. They also need large play areas. They will thrive if a setting in your house resembles their natural habitat.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for ‘Mink vs ferret’ then why not take a look at ‘Pet mink’, or ‘Ferret facts’?
Minks and ferrets belong to the same family, which also includes other animals like otters and weasels.
