hiccups etc

Question
QUESTION: i am talking about a one year 9ld ferret that looks as if she has hiccups sometimes. is it possible for ferrets to get hiccups or is it an illness. if so could you name them. also i am doing a project on ferrets and i was wondering how well ferrets adjust after being set up for adoption after they have been with you  for a year. don't worry i am not wanting to get rid of them or anything just wondering.

ANSWER: Hello Madeline,

Hiccups happen, especially in younger ferrets and they are usually nothing to worry about. To my knowledge, it is something she will outgrow eventually!

As for the second part of your question, it depends on the ferret and how strongly that ferret is bonded to you as it's human. If you and that ferret are especially close, then usually it takes a quite a bit of time. That is a generalization though. A ferret may have a very hard time adjusting to life without you and its cage mates no matter how long they are with you. It just depends on the ferret. Some ferrets I've seen have adapted to "shelter life" and a "roll with the punches" mentality quite well and others don't handle it well at all. Like I said, it just depends. I'm sorry I couldn't give you a more exact answer! The general answer is: Not very well in most cases. There is always an adjustment period and most are eventually just fine.

I hope that helps and as always, you know where I am if you need anything else!

Sincerely,
Emilee Andrews

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thank you so much. that is so sad how some ferrets have to go through that. one more question my family and i are going on a trip but my grandpa isn't (he moved in) and i was wondering if the ferrets would be ok with just him. by the time we go they should know him pretty well but i just don't know how well they will do without us.

Answer
Hi there Madeline,

By that time, they should be comfortable with him and you should be fine with leaving them with him. My advice is to get him used to them as animals and their different personalities and habits (basically what is normal behavior and what is not!). Get him accustomed to their routines with play, feeding, etc. and write everything down! Write out the feeding instructions, any med info, your vet info, your info, first aid info, etc. I would also call and double check with the vet's office on a possible payment plan of some sort in case he does need to bring in one of the ferrets while you're gone in the event of an emergency. Also, if you have any friends that are "ferret savvy", you might want to leave their numbers as well. They should be just fine! Make sure they have plenty of food around so he can keep them fed!

It is very sad that some ferrets have to go through a shelter situation. In a way, though, in the case of no-kill shelters, those animals are hopefully ending up in "forever" homes and they won't have to go through it again!

I hope this helps and if there is anything else at all, you know where to find me!

Sincerely,
Emilee Andrews