Ferrets’ behavioural priorities and preferences as determined in a three- and seven-chamber consumer demand study

Two consumer demand studies were used to determine preferred enrichments for ferrets. Seven female ferrets were housed in a set-up with a home chamber (HC) connected to one or multiple enrichment chambers (EC) and an empty chamber (CC) by weighted doors. In EC, items from the category tunnels, balls, water, foraging, sleeping or social were placed. The ferrets’motivation to reach EC was measured by daily increasing the door’s weight until the maximum price paid (MPP) was reached. Preferences within a category were determined by comparing the interaction time with the items. Motivation was highest for access to sleeping and water enrichments in both studies and for foraging enrichment only in the seven-chamber
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study. Within these categories, the ferrets preferred the hammock and water bath, while there was no preference within the foraging category. The results of these studies suggest that a hammock, water bath and foraging opportunity are preferred enrichment items for ferrets.