2 ferrets

Question
I have two ferrets one is 2 and the other is 4. How do they age? kind of like dogs 1 year is 7. i was wondering because the 4 yr old does move as well as the younger one.

Answer
Hi Brooke:

There is no specific number like there is for dogs, i.e. one year is equal to seven years in human years. For ferrets, it goes something like this:  they are considered "juveniles" or "kits" until age 7 months; then they are "adult". At age 3-4 they are considered "middle age"; age 5 and beyond they are considered "elderly".

Many ferrets will remain very very active until age 4 or 5. Others will start getting diseases like adrenal disease around age 2 to 3. Heart disease can present itself at any age, but commonly cardiomyopathy shows up around 4 or 5. Some diseases, like insulinoma, can show up at a very young age (avoid ALL sweets or anything containing sugar or any ingredient ending in "ose", honey, molasses, etc and insulinoma and insulinoma is entirely avoidable! - READ ALL LABELS!!)

So, as you can see, there is no straight across comparison; regular vet care and owner reading and learning about dangers to ferrets and health problems (to catch problems early) are the greatest way to ensure your ferret lives a long life. My best advice is to read, read, read - everything you can about ferret health and at least 70% of health problems can be avoided by constant and thorough ferretproofing, healthy food and treats, regular vaccinations preceded by benadryl injections to prevent allergic reactions to the shots (and NEVER have more than one shot given at any one vet visit), regular treatment for hairballs (vetasyl & "soup) and introducing our kids to "soup" early on so when they get sick, they will eat/drink instead of dying,sometimes within 24-48 hours because they have not eaten/drank. ALL these things are vital to the health and longevity of ferrets in addition to constant daily observation of our babies and noticing if there is anything at all different in their behavior, poops, eating/drinking, etc and getting vet care quickly at the first sign of any problem. Most ferrets who die under age 5 at home can be avoided by earlier intervention and vet care, including fluids and early diagnosis (especially in the case of intestinal blockages).

Hope that helps answer your question and also gives you some ideas about how to help ensure your babies live the longest and healthiest lives possible!

Sincerely,

Jacquie Rodgers