Moving

Question
Good Day!! Thanks for taking the time to answer my question. We are a large pet family moving from Texas to Tennessee in the coming months and need to figure out the best way to do that with all our animals, since your a ferret expert I am hoping you an let me know some of the ins and outs of ferret moving. We are moving by car (actually a 12 passenger van) Our main cages, aquariums and similar enclosures will be moved in a truck that will take 3 days to get to our location. So The essentially will be without their cage for 4 days.

Any reccomendations would be helpful as I plan my move.

Thank You

Answer
Hi Kim:

You want to be sure especially that the temperature NEVER gets above 80 degreees inside the van. There are TWO things you must remember to cool a ferret - it takes MOVING AIR and it takes WATER (because ferrets don't sweat). Either ONE will not work to keep the ferrets cool. You can keep air moving in the van with wet blankies and re-wet them throughout the day (every hour or so depending on the temperature), or you can pack buckets of ice with the edges of the blankies dipped in them so them suck up the cool water from the melting ice. The melting ice will also cool the air. One person should ride in the van with the ferrets with the sole purpose of checking to be sure nobody is panting.  A panting ferret is a dying ferret.If a ferret starts to pant, you have MINUTES to cool them down or they are dead. Put cool water on their feet and face to quickly cool them. All should have more water than usual while traveling and be offered foodo constantly too. Ferrets sleep most of the time while traveling, so are great travelers, it's just a matter of keeping them cool. A hammock is the best for a ferret to sleep in while traveling - litterbox, food and water all available constantly.

Nighttime temperatures under 50 degrees will require more blankies (heavier) and double/triple bunking will also help keep them warmer. Keep the van locked tight - again, one person should stay in the van with the person overnight also to keep them from being stolen or tend to any problems that might arise.

Hope those tips help. Travel safely!

Sincerely,

Jacquie Rodgers