Working Ferrets

Introduction

The ferret (Mustela putorius furo), a domesticated European polecat (Mustela putorius), and a member of the weasel tribe, has been helping Man in many ways since the animal’s domestication over 2,000 years ago.

Ferrets love making their way through tunnels and pipes to find what lies at the other end, driven only by their innate curiosity and this combination of the ferret’s characteristics makes the animal ideal to help humans in many endeavours, and we utilise them in engineering and agricultural projects.

Our team – humans and ferrets – have vast experience of working on construction sites and farms, threading cables (read more...) and draw ropes, as well as locating blockages in underground drains.

Company Background

James McKay, director of the company, is recognised internationally as a leading authority on ferrets and their uses in industry and agriculture.  With worldwide experience of ferrets, James – a zoologist – has written several books on the subject.

The Company has extensive expertise and experience, combined with an array of specialist tools and equipment, to ensure our service is the leader in the field.

Contact Us to discuss your needs.

Drain Blockage Locating

When a farmer’s field drains become clogged with silt etc., the customary solution is to use a JCB to dig along the drain, often digging up much of the field, until the blockage is found.  This is an expensive undertaking, and much of the drain may need to be replaced as a result of this excavation work.  Using ferrets, we can identify the exact location of the blockage, ensuring minimum disturbance and cost, with very little labour or new drains being required.

When used to find blockages in underground drains, the ferret is equipped with a state-of-the-art transponder, allowing its movements to be monitored from above ground, by our team of technicians.  By placing a ferret in either end of the blocked drain, we can see where the blockage begins and ends, and direct the farmer to the exact area to dig.

The welfare of our animals is of paramount importance to us, and we will not do anything which may affect the well-being of our ferrets at the event; neither will we permit others to do so.

Read our Code of Practice