I have a ferret and I had him for about 2 and a half years and I'm just wondering how long do they live. I have heard they live only for 8 years. I'm just wondering because I don't know how I'll live with out him.
Thanks :)
2007-08-25 19:55:24 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
8 years is a good average of how long pet ferrets live. As your ferret gets older (4-5), start bringing him to the vet twice a year for check-ups and bloodwork. Also spring for an x-ray or an ultrasound yearly at that point. I know it sounds excessive, but one of my ferrets "hid" his adrenal disease. He had no symptoms (fur loss, aggression) and by the time the vet and I had found it, the adrenal gland had already invaded his vena cava. It was too involved for surgery or Lupron injections to work. That's why I recommend the increase in vet checks and tests as your ferret gets older. You can catch health problems sooner and help your ferret live longer.
2007-08-26 03:37:14 · answer #1 · answered by sispumbaa 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Mine was six years old before he developed cancer in the liver. Most of the ferrets in the USA come from commercially bred stock used for fur, so they didn't care about how long they lived, just how good their fur was.
The ferrets in Australia and Europe and the UK are bred for hunting and live to be 15 years of age. They're also bigger and more robust, healthier and without some of the cancers that kill the ones bred in the US/Canada.
I'd say if you got one in the USA here, the lifespan is between 5 and 8 years on average. I've known one REALLY old one at age ten, but they don't often live that long.
2007-08-27 00:05:04 · answer #2 · answered by Elaine M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Eight years is about average for a healthy ferret, however most ferrets develop some health issues(adrenal disease, Insulinoma, etc) at about 3-4 years old. These diseases require surgical intervention/medical treatment to insure the ferret survives.
You are more likely to have a ferret with some medical issue than not. This is why it is best to save for possible surguries that may cost in the thousands.
2007-08-26 03:19:26 · answer #3 · answered by Prodigy556 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With the advancements in food and veterinary care ferrets are living anywhere from 8 to 13 years of age. There are other factors, such as breeding, and the care they have received at the pet shop, breeder, or shelter but at any rate...
Do your research...make sure your ferret sees the vet on a regular basis...feed your ferret properly...provide lots of love and care (as well as another ferret friend)...and your ferret will live as long as it can.
2007-08-26 09:34:24 · answer #4 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i have 1 ferret hu i have problems with...see my question- ferrets live between 8-12 yrs normaaly world record is bout 19...if u love him den beat dat record.go 4 it
2007-08-26 06:57:13 · answer #5 · answered by noob hustler 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes they only live 8-12 years They are great! I have two and there a year apart so mabey you should look into getting another one then he'll have a copanion and when one dies you will still have another one.
2007-08-28 12:31:43 · answer #6 · answered by AMANDA B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
8 years is correct. I'm sorry....but you can still love him and give him the best of care.
2007-08-26 03:01:42 · answer #7 · answered by cry_wolf 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋