We are generally considered a nation of animal lovers, we like to treat our pets as well as we treat ourselves and we often love them like any other member of our family. Although the dog is favored as mans' best friend and animals like cats, birds, rabbits and fish are the most popular of the pets owned today, there are many other animals that also make great additions to the family unit but are often over looked. One such animal that falls into the later category is the weasel.

We are generally considered a nation of animal lovers, we like to treat our pets as well as we treat ourselves and we often love them like any other member of our family. Although the dog is favored as mans' best friend and animals like cats, birds, rabbits and fish are the most popular of the pets owned today, there are many other animals that also make great additions to the family unit but are often over looked. One such animal that falls into the later category is the weasel.

The weasel is a furry animal, with characteristics that include a long slim body, short legs, small head, a pointed snout, with a long tail and neck. They usually have white under bellies and are brown on their heads and backs. In the northern parts of the world where it is very cold and prone to snowy or icy conditions, the weasels appearance changes to white, so that they can become camouflaged.

They usually grow to between 5 and 16 inches in length, so do not take up much space and do not dominate a home like some larger creatures.

They belong to the Mustelidae family, which has many different species and subspecies, they are mammals and are identified by being carnivorous, fur-baring and small.

Weasels eat rabbits, birds, mice and rats, they are skillful, agile and proficient hunters, in their natural habitat but will feed on most fresh meat that is fed to them. They can be a farmers friend or nightmare, because they are excellent at helping with pest control as they can eliminate rodent problems, however they can also be a threat to chickens and will eat them if given the opportunity.

In the wild the weasel makes it's home on the ground out of dry leaves, moss or straw, they seek out hollow trees or suitable holes in the ground. They are predominantly suited for care outside of the home, however can be cared for as an indoor pet, but you will need to keep an eye on them as they can be destructive and messy.

They can give birth of up to five young in a single litter, depending on the demand and appearance of the offspring, they sell for between £10/$15 and £50/$70.

Although the weasel does have a reputation for being vicious and even bloodthirsty if tamed when babies they make excellent pets. They are smart animals that can be taught tricks and if reared properly are easy and safe to handle.

If you are interested in weasels you may also be interested in different species like;

• Stoats.
• Ermines.
• Minks.
• Ferrets.
• And pole-cats.

wrenfrost56

wrenfrost56 is a writer at Expertscolumn.com.

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