Ferret. Dead or Alive

Question
I have heard about the "dead sleep" that ferrets go into. I can't tell if my friend is dead or just "dead sleeping" she was perfectly fine this morning and now she looks like she is dead. I have heard that they can be cold to the touch and stiff. I just don't know if this is rigor mortis or her sleeping. I'm a first time ferret owner and I don't have a vet for her. She was healthy when I bought her and she was very playful this morning when we woke up. She hasn't fallen and I haven't changed anything with her. I live in Reno, NV. If you could help me figure this out, you will be my hero.

Answer
Hi Marina

First, please let me apologize that your question just not got to me.  I hope and pray your ferret is okay and was just sleeping deeply.  There is all kinds of ferret information available at http://www.ferretcentral.org for future use, OR I would like to invite you to join my ferret group on a Facebook called Thundering Ferret Paws.

A feret who is 'dead ferret sleeping' will appear limp and dead, but can be aroused by gently shaking, scratching their back and talking to them, they are just sleeping very deeply.  I hope and pray that was the case with your ferret and all is okay by now.

Ferrets are very different pets with very specialized needed, so being your first ferret, it is crucial that you read and learn as much as possible about safety in his play areas, what he should and should not eat, etc.  It is great to join a ferret group and learn from others experiences also, in addition to having other, experienced ferret owners at your finger tips to ask questions at any hour of day or night.  Because this system at AllExperts is not perfect (I just now received your question!) I hope you will come join us at THUNDERING FERRET PAWS.   Again i hope your ferret is okay and that i will see you soon on the group.

Sincerely,
Jacquie Rodgers