Mourning Ferret

Question
The other day my first ferret, my baby girl, Ferra died. She was a beautiful sable that had an unusually short tail that she seemed to be born with. She had a previous cage mate Yoshi that died far too soon in his life due to blockage. We had gotten her another friend and I had assured her that he was NOT to replace Yoshi, that he was just another friend to keep her company. She got used to him and cared for him. Kiba loved her dearly and is now left alone after her passing.

I have a few issues and I'm unsure what to do. He hasn't seemed to catch on quite as quick as Ferra who already knew what happened to Yoshi and seemed to find comfort in her new pal after awhile. He's slowly starting to realize she's not coming back. I've been giving him lots of love and some new privileges such as running throughout the house (with supervision of course#, when normally he's just in our #me and my fiance's) room. He's getting to play with all the cats... mostly... And seems to be enjoying it. I was concerned about him eating but he seems to be picking his appetite back up, though I'm still watching him like a hawk.

However, he appears to be horribly lonely and while I try to hold him and talk to him, even sing to him, let him play until he's pooped, as soon as I put him back in his cage, he becomes quite upset and shakes the cage. He used to do this and be restless if he was put up first while we went and found where Ferra was hiding. At first it looked to be this sort of reaction but now he just looks to be very lonely. But he also needs to sleep! He'll run and run even if he's about to drop and I don't want him getting over exhausted. I want to bring him to... pick out his new friend, but here's part of what I'm having trouble with. My fiance and I are going to Disney world soon and will be leaving the poor dear with my mother.

I'm wondering if he'll need, or perhaps even prefer a new playmate BEFORE we leave rather than after. We still have some time before we leave so we'd be able to get the new babe established, however I'm a bit wary of having my mother have to look after him and a hyper baby. I'm rather torn and keep thinking to wait until after the trip but he looks so sad not having someone to curl up with.

Your advice is greatly appreciated, both by me and Kiba :)

Answer
Good for you for putting such thought into this!  I would start by suggesting that you adopt a ferret similar in age to your existing ferret - usually an easier transition.  This would also be easier on your mom as a pet sitter.  Of course, the new arrangement may be a challenge and this may not be easy for someone else to watch over when you are gone.  As long as you have some time to make sure they 2 ferrets get along and are A-OK together then you can ass a ferret soon.  If you are short on time, I am sure he will be fine for the time you are gone.