Ferret put on weight suddenly

Question
Hi there,

I've got two ferrets, Satay and Chai. When I first got Chai (he was a rescue ferret) he was a chunky butt ferret, with proper care and lots of running around he has shrunk in size and it now quite sleek.

Satay came from a breeder and has always been quite sleek and petite. However, recently I've noticed a change in her. She's changed colour around her head significantly, has super soft and thicker fur and has put on a lot of weight around her mid section.

She is still eating and drinking, she seems to tire out a lot quicker than she used too and she shivers a lot more than she used too. Her poop is fine though I did wonder if she had a blockage and gave her petlax.

I wondered if she was perhaps just going into her winter coat (it's nearly winter in Australia) but Chai's coat condition has stayed the same and he hasn't put on any excess weight.

I worry that Satay may have an enlarged spleen or some other problem that has caused her to become a fat butt. She still jumps around like a lunatic and gets into everything, at the same time, she is much more snuggly.

Love my ferrets they are the joy of my life.

Thank you in advance for your help

Answer
Hi Nicole:

I agree with you that I believe it's the change of seasons that is making your little chunky butt ferret put on weight and get such a nice full coat. Most likely CHai will follow, just a little late this year possibly.

I would only worry if she were lazy and LOSING weight or not eating. As long as she is gaining and her coat is beautiful, that's good news, not bad :-)    Let's hope that Chai get's caught up soon so she won't come in last in the household beauty contest!! <grin>

Don't think you have a thing to worry about, but it is always good to keep up on any changes - thanks for writing!

Sincerely,

Jacquie Rodgers