Ferrets, A Business, Anal Glands, and the Weasel War Dance Ferrets spend 14–18 hours a day asleep and are most active around the hours of dawn and dusk, meaning they are crepuscular.[8] Unlike their polecat ancestors, which are solitary animals, most ferrets will live happily in social groups. A group of ferrets is commonly referred to as a "business".[9] They are territorial, like to burrow, and prefer to sleep in an enclosed area.[10]
Like many other mustelids, ferrets have scent glands near their anus, the secretions from which are used in scent marking. Ferrets can recognize individuals from these anal gland secretions, as well as the sex of unfamiliar individuals.[11] Ferrets may also use urine marking for sex and individual recognition.[12]
As with skunks, ferrets can release their anal gland secretions when startled or scared, but the smell is much less potent and dissipates rapidly. Most pet ferrets in the US are sold de-scented (anal glands removed).[13] In many other parts of the world, including the UK and other European countries, de-scenting is considered an unnecessary mutilation.
When excited, they may perform a behaviour commonly called the weasel war dance, characterized by a frenzied series of sideways hops, leaps and bumping into nearby objects. Despite its common name, this is not aggressive but is a joyful invitation to play. It is often accompanied by a soft clucking noise, commonly referred to as "dooking".[14] In contrast, when scared, ferrets will make a hissing noise; when upset, they will make a soft 'squeaking' noise.[15]