Ok, so there is only one kind of pet ferret. Deal with it.
Ferrets are a type of weasel, obviously. The domestic ferret can weigh anywhere from 1 and a half pounds to 4 or 5 pounds, and are usually 20 inches long. They have a narrow head, small ears, and a moderately long tail, as well as a long lanky body and short legs. This body shape allows them to squeeze into amazingly small and cramped spaces, so it's rather difficult to ferret proof a home. The shape also gives them the odd "ferret-hop" gate.
No one is really certain about the history of ferret domestication. They are very closely related to polecats, and one theory is that they are just decedents from tamed polecats that were caught and trained for rabbit hunting. Ferrets are actually still used for hunting rabbits, but don't ask me how you hunt with a ferret.
Ferrets make great pets, as long as you are willing to take the time to handle your pet, and don't mind picking up (or finding things they stole) after them. They are very social, so it is usually recommend that if you are planning on getting a ferret, you should get 2 so they have company. You should also handle and play with your ferret every day, more so if you only have one. This can be done by letting them romp in a special play area, or allowing them to roam free.
If you allow them to roam, be sure that there is nothing dangerous anywhere on the floor, or furniture the ferret could conceivably get up onto. Or anywhere for that matter. Ferrets are by nature very inquisitive, and tend to take things they like, be it a hairbrush, keys, remote control, or dog biscuits, and horde them, so you want to keep those out of reach as well, or learn where your ferret keeps its hoards and retrieve them after you've put the ferret away. Doing so while the ferret is out won't do any good, they'll just take them again.
It should be said that it is futile to scold a ferret. It's also very hard to stay mad at them. Training is trial and error, with rewards being the most successful way to handle things. When it comes to litter training, they'll mostly train themselves, as ferrets are neat about waste, and tend to pick one corner anyway. Though, naturally, you can't expect perfection from even the best trained ferret, particularly if it's mad at you.
Ferrets do have an oder as they are a muskilid (weasels, skunks, ext), but most of the pets you see on the market have been "desented", or had their sent glands removed. This is usually done when the animal is spayed or neutered. There is a lot of debate on whether this is wise, some siting that desenting causes health problems if it is done too young, but no official study has been done. Desenting does not completely get rid of the oder, though regular bathing helps.
Most pet ferrets you see in stores come from "Marsals Ferret" a commercial breeder. The company also makes ferret food, toys and equipment. You can also go to a small ferret breeder. I will not say which is better or worse, but I will say always make sure your ferret is socialized before getting it, since they can bite hard. Ferrets play with their mouths so they do play-nip, but it should never be painful, and never ever break skin. Females should be spayed for health reasons unless you are breeding, which I wouldn't recommend.
A word of warning, Ferrets have become really popular in recent years, and yet many find their way into shelters, or just end up neglected. Just because they are a small animal does not mean they require minimum care, they are active, social, loving little buggers, and want to be a part of the family. Raised correctly, a pet ferret will romp with other pets, such as cats and dogs, in supervised play. Even though they are a lot of work, the ferret's antics have made them a favorite with many.
I know that's not much in the way of pictures, but... It's late, and I am sleepy. Check out Youtube for fun ferret videos however.
~Sprig
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