ferret orphan

Question
My youngest ferret, Sammie is all by herself now.  She was brought into a 2 ferret home when she was just 8weeks old.  My male ferret died last year and my female died last week.  Sammie is 5 years old, do you think she is lonely or is it just me?  
Sammie is in a three story cage during the day and we have two 45 minute play sessions outside of the cage in her ferret proof room every day.  
She doesn't get along with other ferrets, but I don't necessarily want to get a young ferret just to add to the brood if it is not necessary.

Thanks

Answer
Hello, thanks for your question...I am so sorry to hear about your ferret's death. You should know that MOST ferrets do bond deeply with their fellow ferrets over the span of their life, and it's not uncommon for a remaining ferret to die simply from a broken heart. So if her last playmate recently died it is very likely she is missing him and will show signs of depression. Watch her very closely over the next few weeks, be sure to spend extra time with her and give her lots of attention and affection. If she stops eating/drinking/pooping, or her poops are not normal, take her to a vet and let them know the situation. You may have to start feeding her A/D if she goes off her food, and give her special re-hydration drinks that the vet recommends. If she was very attached to the last ferret she will probably go through a severe depression, and you will have to fight to keep her will to live.

However, she may be one of the few ferrets who are more independent, but I doubt this is the case. If she isn't very affected by your ferret's passing, you are in luck, and she should be ok. I don't know your ferret or how socialized she has become, so it might be a good idea to get another ferret for her since she was used to it. You don't necessarily have to get a baby, actually I would recommend adopting an adult if you could. That way they can keep each other company, the adult won't be a hyper kit for you and her to deal with, plus you're helping a big need out. There are a lot of sweet, wonderful ferrets that need adoption. A big plus with adopting an adult is their personality is already established, also they are usually already trained and tame. You can bring Sammie in with you when you pick one out and see who she gets along with the best.

If you choose to get another ferret for her, try to get one soon, before she really realizes the other ferret is gone. I think this way she can get used to the new one before her grief of being alone hits. Or you can wait until she is past the grieving cycle and acts more like herself, then it would be fine to introduce a new fuzzie. Like I said, I don't know your ferret so if and when you choose to get another ferret is up to you as her owner. But keep in mind that once a ferret is used to having other fuzzies around, usually that's what they need to continue being happy and healthy.

Hope I've helped, good luck with with her!

~sheila