ferrets

This is a question that I’ve been asked from time to time. The answer in a word: no.

Bonded ferrets can and do miss each other, get depressed, stop eating, get sick more easily, are under stress, start up old bad habits (biting, illegal poopage, digging, eating cloth, chewing on things) and generally are not happy campers.

If there is any choice at all, don’t separate bonded pairs.

If for some reason you just plain have to separate them (like when one dies), there are things you can do to make it a little easier.

1. Keep a blanket or bedding item with the smell of the other ferret. Obviously don’t wash it. Sometimes that helps with the transition.

2. Spend a lot of quality time with the ferret. Give it lots of treats, make sure it gets out to play WITH YOU a lot, give it lots of interesting and fun things to do, bring home boxes and bags with novel scents on them.

3. Consider trying out your ferret with another friend. If you can’t have another ferret, try a young cat or older kitten. Dogs sometimes work out well as long as the dog isn’t too rambunctious (no stepping on or mouthing of ferret).

4. Give it Rescue Remedy. This Bach Flower essence is designed to help ease stress in humans and animals. It works pretty well.

5. Talk to your ferret and explain why the other ferret is no longer there. You might feel like an idiot, but whether or not you believe the ferret understands you, if nothing else the ferret might get the emotional drift of what you’re saying. I happen to believe they understand a heck of a lot of what we’re saying.

6. Pay attention to how the ferret is acting. If it is acting sick, don’t assume it’s just depressed … take it to the vet and make sure it’s okay.

7. Make sure the ferret is eating. 12 hours without food is a very long time and not at all good. You might have to force feed the ferret for a time (look up “duck soup” and “force feeding ferret”). Make sure it is not dehydrated (pinch the fur on the back…if it does not fall right back down, the ferret is dehydrated).

8. Take the ferret places. If weather permits (not too hot!) take it for walks. Carry it in a pouch, in your coat or shirt, whatever works. Expose the ferret to new sights, sounds and smells. Give it a reason to live.

I hope you never have to be in the position of separating bonded pairs, but sometimes things happen. I hope these suggestions help.

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