My old guy...
By ravyn1725
@ravyn1725 (52)
United States
February 5, 2007 10:07pm CST
I have four ferrets (two of whom are mine, and two of whom are my boyfriend's) that live with me. All of them are male, neutered, descented, and Marshall ferrets. The oldest ferret is over 6 years old and quite honestly I thought he'd had it about a month ago, but things have changed. He's gained quite a bit of weight--which looks healthy, not like a tumor or anything--and is less mopey and his poop looks better...But he still sleeps 99% of the day. My guys have the run of an entire room and pretty much only hole up in their cage to eat, drink, sleep, and poop. He knows that the cage is open, so he'll come out, walk around, be senile and go to the bathroom in the wrong spot, and then go back into the cage to sleep...How would I know when gramps' time has come? And while I plan on taking him to the vet to make sure his weight is a healthy gain, how can I make sure it's not something bad?
3 responses
@mygreyparrot (1461)
• United States
8 Feb 07
I have an oldy too. He's a little over 8 years old now. He's also a Marshall Farms ferret. He also sleeps a lot, but as long as he's healthy I see no reason to put him down. You'd know if he was in pain, and then I'd say it'd be the right time. Also, adrenal cancer can cause them to swell up.
1 person likes this
@ravyn1725 (52)
• United States
9 Feb 07
I had read that, and I guess that's what I was hoping for--that someone would be able to tell me what certain things look like, etc. I've tried to keep up on learning about my little ferts, but as none of them have been sick other than an occasional bout of the greens, that's not been my main focus. I checked his poop a couple days ago too, and it's actually not looking that great anymore. I don't want to put him down (and actually, it would be his dad's choice) unless he's in pain...I'm just worried that something might happen while I'm away or that he's in pain I just am not seeing the signs. I did flip him over while I was holding him the other day (he's not too old and senile to know how to get a treat!) and gently pressed on his abdoman and he didn't cry or even seem to notice, which is what makes me so confused about the sudden weight gain.
A little off-topic, how many ferrets do you have? And if you have other ones, how old are they? ---I always love talking to other ferret parents. =)
@Lush_heidi (994)
• United States
6 Feb 07
I love ferrets and used to rescue them, when you take little man to the vet, make sure they run blood work and make sure all is well with him, I know I had several that when they got older, they wanted more sleep and to be more lazy. Best wishes and let me know how he is,sweetie!
@ravyn1725 (52)
• United States
6 Feb 07
I'm planning on taking him to the vet now, but he's not acting strange really...just old =) Where did you rescue ferrets? I had looked into adopting one, but four is enough for me right now! Maybe later in life I'll try to have more, when I have more time to train and play with all of them. I'll keep you posted on Frank though!
@James72 (26790)
• Australia
6 Feb 07
I LOVE ferrets! Unfortunately when I was living in Australia it was in a state where they were illegal to keep as pets but when I went to the west coast to visit family and friends or for business whenever I saw a ferret I would always want to touch it and play with it!
I honestly don't know anything about them as pets but as for making sure it is not something bad, I can't really see how you would be able to do that. Expert advice is the only way to eliminate any concerns.
@ravyn1725 (52)
• United States
6 Feb 07
I love my boys =) Ferrets are awesome pets and companions, but they're a handful! Do a lot of reading and research before you go out and buy one--they're a huge committment. (I call them my children). They are hilarious to watch and to play with...I'll try to post some pictures of mine so you can see them =)
