What Is A Group Of Ferrets Called?

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A group of ferrets is called a business. Although historically, they have been known as a busyness, which derives back to the word ‘besynes’. It is believed that the reasoning behind this collective name, is in reference to their lively nature, and characteristic of being busy.

Groups of ferrets have been described for centuries. In fact, it appears that the debate around what these small mammals should be called dates back to at least, the ‘Book of St Albans’ in 1486.

But of course, language was different back then. “Besynes” was the term of those times.

And it gets a little more interesting still. “Fesynes”, “fesnyng”, and “feamyng”, have also been entries in some dictionaries for a group of ferrets, but these are considered to be ghost words.

‘A ghost word is a word published in a dictionary or other similarly authoritative reference work, that has barely, if ever, been used in practice, and that was previously meaningless.’

And imagine what these Mustelids are like when kept together as a group. It’s going to get quite animated, pretty quickly.

Digging deep burrows, hunting, charging around, and playing with each other is what they are known for in the wild.

There are, of course, other terms used that are regularly used to describe ferrets, and their social dynamics.

Below is a quick overview of key vocabulary of note:
Term Meaning
Hob Male ferret
Jill Female ferret
Gib Neutered male ferret
Sprite Neutered female ferret
Hoblet Vasectomized male ferret
Kits Baby or young ferrets, under 1 year of age
Mustelids A family of carnivorous mammals that includes ferrets, along with weasels, badgers, otters, and minks.


Ferrets are very social animals, and actively seek out the company of others. They commonly live in groups in the wild, and owners should look to keep at least 2 as pets or be able and willing to provide plenty of attention.

Nevertheless, ferrets do not like to be alone, which is quite interesting, considering that this is unlike many other of their polecat ancestors, who are more solitary by nature.

Despite their social nature, ferrets are known for being territorial against other groups and ferrets that they are not familiar with.

However, with those in ‘their group’, they like to burrow and sleep together in an enclosed, protected area.