Growth and development of the European ferret (Mustela putorius)

Body weight, body length, and other developmental parameters were studied in the European ferret, Mustela putorius, from birth to 26 weeks of age. Males and females did not differ in weight until the seventh week of live, and they did not differ in length until the ninth week of life, when the males began to grow faster. Adult males (1400--1500 g) were heavier than adult females (800--900 g), but females reached adult size faster than males.