Ferrets are frisky and curious pets who love to explore their whereabouts and spend quality time with their owners. They adore cuddling, running around, and receiving all the love and care they deserve.
However, sometimes they are unable to contain their happiness any longer, and ferrets begin to frolic around, tossing and turning as if they have no control of their body. Some owners can’t help but laugh at the sight when they see this.
If you see your ferret do this for the first time, then you have just witnessed a ferret’s war dance. Let’s talk about why ferrets do this hilarious dance and what it means!
A Ferret’s Playful Nature
If you think that a ferret is a poised companion because he sleeps approximately 15 hours a day, then prepare yourself for the ride of your life.
Although he only spends a couple of hours awake, your ferret will seize every moment to play and dash around as if there was no tomorrow.
Usually, they play an hour or so, while taking naps between playtimes to revamp their energy. Ferrets are, without a doubt, hilarious pets.
You might be reading a book peacefully on the couch when suddenly, a black blob sprints vehemently through the room. In a split second, your ferret is on your lap looking at you, and out of nowhere, he grabs one of his toys and starts trashing it around.
Believe me; you will spend memorable moments frolicking with your ferret and watching his charming rants. But, out of all the antics your ferret will do, nothing is more amusing and entertaining than the famous “weasel war dance”.
What is the Ferret War Dance?
Ferrets love to engage in different gameplay, from mazes and puzzles to playing a game of tag and seeking toys. However, sometimes ferrets get so excited and giddy that they start to jump around uncontrollably to express their content. This is known as the popular weasel war dance” and it is quite a hilarious sight to behold.
The war dance can be described as a series of movements that a ferret and other Mustelids perform to attract the attention of a specific target.
Wild animals, such as weasels and stoats, employ this dance to mesmerize and confuse potential prey, like rabbits and mice, to gradually approach them. Once they are close enough, these Mustelids can secure a more successful kill.
Research has also shown evidence that some rabbits have “died out of fright” when witnessing this performance. Other investigations have also associated this dance to a possible infection caused by Skrajabingylus parasites, but further trials are needed to fully approve this theory.
While other Mustelids do the war dance as a hunting strategy, ferrets perform it to express their joy and excitement. Your ferret will start to jump and hop around, arch his back, puff out his tail and even do some somersaults.
Sometimes, your ferret is unable to control himself and become extremely clumsy. It is highly probable that he will crash against other objects and walls or try to make a dash towards you, but fall as his legs have a mind of their own.
Ferrets also produce interesting sounds, like cooing, when they perform it.
These sounds are known as “dooking” and ferrets normally make them when they are happy or satisfied. You will probably fall to the ground and start to laugh uncontrollably when you see your ferret wobble around.
Because of this, some people prefer to call it a dance of joy since ferrets are extremely happy, and it is not a sign that your ferret plans to hunt or attack something.
This dance may last a couple of minutes, but the amusement that it produces lasts for a lifetime.
Believe me when I say that you are doing a wonderful job taking care of your ferret if he does his “dance of joy” every once in a while. This means that he is happy and enjoys spending quality time with you.
As many people claim, actions speak louder than words. A ferret’s war dance not only announces his happiness towards his owner, but also the quality of life he is receiving. Pets symbolize true friendship and your ferret will enjoy playing with you for the rest of his life!
