Difference Between Mink and Ferret

July 2023 ยท 5 minute read

The Mink and Ferret are both mammals belonging to the Mustelidae family. They are both carnivorous mammals and are somewhat similar-looking. Although both Mink and Ferret have some similar features, they differ from each other in many ways. 

Mink vs Ferret 

The main difference between Mink and Ferret is that one makes a family pet while the other is too wild for a domestic household. A ferret can usually be kept as a pet, whereas Mink is wild and cannot be kept in a domestic setting. They are generally maintained in the zoo or farmed for their lovely, glossy fur.  

Mink is a semi-aquatic carnivorous species of mammal belonging to the Mustelidae family. They are carnivorous creatures and feed on mice, frogs, birds, and eggs. Minks can dive up to a depth of 12 feet underwater. As Minks are too wild to live in a domestic setting, they are usually kept in zoos or farmed for their beautiful, glossy fur. Captive minks need plenty of space and access to water to replicate their natural habitat.  

Ferrets are sub-species of mammals belonging to the Mustelidae family. They are carnivorous creatures and feed on small prey like small insects, raw meats, and bones. Ferrets are friendly and naturally curious creatures. Furthermore, they are intelligent and can be kept as house pets and trained by the owner. Ferrets do not require as much space as Minks and can comfortably settle in a family home for them to freely move around. However, Ferrets are illegal in some parts of the world. 

Comparison Table Between Mink and Ferret  

Parameters of Comparison  Mink  Ferret  
 Type    Minks are carnivorous species of mammal.  Ferrets are carnivorous sub-species of mammals. 
 Temperament   Minks are not suitable as pets. They have to be maintained and kept in zoos or captivity.   Ferrets are friendly, playful and can be raised as family pets.  
 Behaviour   Minks are territorial, solitary creatures and tend to fight with each other. This mostly takes place between the males.   Ferrets are friendly, playful, and naturally curious creatures. They are extremely suitable as family pets.  
 Food habits   Minks are carnivorous and prefer to feed on big prey, like frogs, birds, mice, and eggs.   Ferrets prefer feeding on small prey like insects, raw meat, and bones.  
 Lifespan   Minks have an average lifespan of 9-11 years.  Ferrets have an average lifespan of 5-9 years.  
 Space    Captive minks need plenty of space and access to water to replicate their natural habitat.   Ferrets do not require as much space as Minks and can comfortably settle in a family home for them to freely move around.  
 Farmed   Minks are farmed for their beautiful, glossy fur.   Ferrets are not farmed. 

What is Mink? 

Mink is a semi-aquatic carnivorous species of mammal belonging to the Mustelidae family. They are carnivorous creatures and feed on mice, frogs, birds, and eggs. Minks can dive up to a depth of 12 feet underwater. 

Minks are territorial, solitary, nocturnal creatures and tend to fight amongst each other. This mostly happens between the males. As Minks are too wild to live in a domestic setting, they are usually kept in zoos or farmed for their beautiful, glossy fur. Captive minks need plenty of space and access to water to replicate their natural habitat. 

Minks are carnivorous and prefer to feed on big prey, like frogs, birds, mice, and eggs. They have an average lifespan of 9-11 years and are farmed for their beautiful, glossy fur. 

What is Ferret? 

Ferrets are sub-species of mammals belonging to the Mustelidae family. They are carnivorous creatures and feed on small prey like small insects, raw meats, and bones. Ferrets are friendly, playful, and naturally curious creatures. Furthermore, they are intelligent and can be raised as family pets and trained by the owner. 

Ferrets do not require as much space as Minks and can comfortably settle in a family home for them to freely move around. However, Ferrets are illegal in some parts of the world. 

Ferrets prefer feeding on small prey like insects, raw meat, and bones. They have an average lifespan of 5-9 years. Unlike Minks, Ferrets are not farmed. 

Main Differences Between Minks and Ferrets 

  • Minks are carnivorous species of mammal, whereas Ferrets are carnivorous sub-species of mammals. 
  • Minks are territorial, solitary, nocturnal creatures and tend to fight amongst each other. This mostly happens between the males. On the other hand, Ferrets are friendly, playful, and naturally curious creatures. 
  • Minks are too wild to live in a domestic setting, and are hence, usually kept in zoos or captivity. On the other hand, Ferrets are friendly and playful and can be raised as family pets and trained by the owner. Ferrets are extremely suitable as family pets. 
  • Captive minks need plenty of space and access to water to replicate their natural habitat. On the other hand, Ferrets do not require as much space as Minks and can comfortably settle in a family home for them to freely move around. 
  • Minks are carnivorous and prefer to feed on big prey, like frogs, birds, mice, and eggs, whereas, Ferrets prefer feeding on small prey like insects, raw meat, and bones. 
  • Minks have an average lifespan of 9-11 years, whereas Ferrets have an average lifespan of 5-9 years. 
  • Minks are farmed because of their beautiful, glossy fur. On the other hand, unlike Minks, Ferrets are not farmed. 
  • Conclusion 

    The Mink and Ferret are both mammals belonging to the Mustelidae family. They are both carnivorous mammals and are somewhat similar-looking. Although both Mink and Ferret have some similar features, they differ from each other in many ways. 

    Mink is a semi-aquatic carnivorous species of mammal belonging to the Mustelidae family. They are carnivorous creatures and feed on mice, frogs, birds, and eggs. Minks can dive up to a depth of 12 feet underwater. As Minks are too wild to live in a domestic setting, they are usually kept in zoos or farmed for their beautiful, glossy fur. Captive minks need plenty of space and access to water to replicate their natural habitat. 

    Ferrets are sub-species of mammals belonging to the Mustelidae family. They are carnivorous creatures and feed on small prey like small insects, raw meats, and bones. Ferrets are friendly and naturally curious creatures. Furthermore, they are intelligent and can be kept as house pets and trained by the owner. Ferrets do not require as much space as Minks and can comfortably settle in a family home for them to freely move around. However, Ferrets are illegal in some parts of the world. 

    The main point of difference between Ferret and Mink is that Ferrets can usually be kept as a pet, whereas Mink is too wild to be kept in a domestic setting. They are generally maintained in the zoo or farmed for their lovely, glossy fur. 

    References 

  • https://www.nature.com/articles/167150a0 
  • https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/016518389400138A 
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