Help my ferret died

Question
Hi, I have 3 ferrets 2 boys and a girl and one of my ferrets just recently died, and i think my girl is just starting to realize and she is running around making that ookie noice that that make when they are playing? im not really sure if the other boy even realizes but i just dont know what to do and would like to hear back on what i should do in this situation...and what are the signs that my others are sad?
HELP PLEASE


Answer
Hi Elyssa:

I'm so sorrry to hear of the death of your ferret.  It is usually hard on their cagemates and they actually can even stop eating and also die after a shock like this.

Try to spend time with your little girl, comfort her, give her extra love, attention and hopefully she will be able to get thru this very difficult time.  

Some people believe it is better to allow the cagemates to see the dead ferret, as they 'understand' death - however, that has not been the case with my ferrets and my experience; so use your own judgment on that one.  

Probably the best thing you can do is spend more time with her, play games with both of your remaining ferrets that will help time pass and keep them from obsessively thinking about the missing ferret.

You may want to write a little bit about your deceased ferret and you can post a little tribute to him at http://www.petloss.com .   They have a canndle ceremony (I think it's on Monday nights, but check to be sure) where they honor all the pets who have passed on during the previous week. There is also a memory board there where your tribute will stay and you can go back and read it later.  Some very nice and understanding people operate that website and I highly recommend it.

From my experience I think it is best not to make any large changes in the cage or your routine for a while after a death.  It seems the ferrets need to get back to where they are in familiar territory and familiar routine that helps them heal.

This is just a very difficult time for everyone. Pay attention especially to whether they are eating and drinking - maybe make them some 'soup' with baby food chicken and a little water warmed, or use one of the many ferret 'soup' recipes online - just watch that it doesn't contain sugar or ingredients that are sugar based, as that is really bad for them. Sometimes a nice warm bowl of soup and lots of cuddling goes a long way in those first few, very difficult days.

Remember that they will be picking up stress from you also, so try to keep their routine as 'normal' as possible during this difficult time.

I wish you the best of luck. If there is anything else I can do. don't hesitate to write again.

sincerely,
jacquie rodgers