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To be able to make a decision whether or not your ferret is well, you need to know what is “normal” for them. Like children, behaviour in ferrets can be inherited or learnt. Some behaviour is instinctive, such as suckling their mother as soon as they are born. The rest of a ferret’s behaviour is learnt from parents and by observation, and then becomes instinctive. Animals continually learn throughout their lives. They rely heavily on sight, sound and smell. Verbal signals are avoided as they could result in detection by a predator. The functions of behaviour are to eat, to avoid being eaten, and to reproduce. Ferrets are diurnal animals so have short sleeps during the day
and the night. They like company, preferably another ferret.
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If you provide the correct care, diet, environment, exercise and attention to your ferret it will normally stay fit and healthy, and will be bright, alert and eating and drinking normally. Younger and older pets are often more susceptible to illness due to lowered resistance. Handling and grooming your pet every day gives you the opportunity to examine him for signs that may indicate illness. Ferrets should be bright and alert. Monitor their food intake to check that they are eating and drinking normally. Any change in normal behaviour may indicate an underlying
problem. eating or drinking more or less than normal
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Getting to know your ferret by handling and grooming
is the most essential aspect to recognising if there is a problem.
These are some of the most common illnesses and health problems that
ferrets can suffer from:
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Healthy eyes are clear and sparkling. If the eyes are
dull, take your ferret to the vet immediately. |
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If you notice any wax in the ears, or if your ferret
is pawing its ears or there is a lack of balance and direction, you
should take your ferret to the vet. |
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Stress such as weaning, separation, overcrowding and
poor husbandry can lead to illness. Symptoms will include sneezing,
coughing, fever, nasal discharge and lethargy. Seek veterinary treatment
as your ferret may require a course of antibiotics. Ferrets are also
able to contract kennel cough, often leading to pneumonia. Avoid
boarding ferrets in kennels near dogs, or consider vaccination before
boarding.
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This can be due to a sudden change in diet. New foods
should be introduced gradually over a minimum of two weeks. Diarrhoea
should correct itself within a couple of days.
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This can be associated with parasites, bacteria or
a virus and can affect ferrets at any age, although kittens are most
susceptible. In all cases it is important to find the cause as ferrets
fall ill quite quickly, resulting in dehydration, poor condition
and, in the worse scenario, death. In all cases seek veterinary advice.
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This may often be associated for foreign bodies present
in the alimentary canal, such as hairballs and partially eaten toys.
Groom your ferret regularly (especially during a moult) to reduce
the loose hair which can heighten the risk of hairballs. If your
ferret is vomiting it is always sensible to seek veterinary advice
in case there is a more severe underlying problem.
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Ferrets are very susceptible to Canine Distemper which
often leads to fatality. Signs of the virus include discharge around
the eyes, nose and chin (eyes may be closed). Other symptoms are
loss of appetite, a rash and lethargy. It is highly infectious and
can be picked up from dog urine on the soles of your shoes. To prevent
infection ask your vet to vaccinate at 9-10 weeks.
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Jills are induced ovulators and may often have prolonged
seasons if not mated. High and prolonged levels of oestrogen in the
body can cause aplastic anaemia. To prevent this occurring if you
are not breeding from your jill, you should have her neutered or,
when in season, present her to a vasectomised hob. He will mate her
and finish the season without production of a litter.
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Ear mites are common and will be apparent if your ferret constantly shakes its head and scratches its ears. It can lead to inflammation of the area and generally be uncomfortable to the animal. Regularly check your ferret for fleas and flea dirt. If fleas are found, you will need to treat with a product recommended for use on ferrets. Don’t forget to treat their cage and run as well. Always seek veterinary advice for treatment.
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