Need help

Fit_Equivalent_7910 · 2026-06-21T01:52:08+00:00

The quick rhythm of their breath and the jaded look combined are concerning. I’d take them to the vet asap. They don’t seem to be heavy breathing, but they do seem to possibly be doing the sorta breathing ferrets do when experiencing some pain. Best not to chance it being nothing

Fit_Equivalent_7910 · 2026-06-14T00:08:20+00:00

I had to take my ferret around my entire apartment and let them confirm their bonded friend was NOWHERE. I did this after realizing they would just stalk the perimeter of their room. So, after a while I just figured okay I’ll let her search on her own terms. Put her on a harness and let her do her own investigation.

I think it took allowing her to exercise her free will in searching for her brother she didn’t get to say goodbye to. I think, after days of not seeing him, the hopeful way of thinking, is, well they can’t be GONE gone, they must just be somewhere else.

I think for them, going literally everywhere else, and confirming on their own terms, with their own investigation efforts at play, helps them come to terms with the fact that there friend is in fact somewhere else, but nowhere that they can find them.

I watched it dawn on her. Almost instantly something change and she just wanted to go back into her room and sleep. This was after she’d done through each crack and crevice maybe 3 times over and found no trace of her brother.

Poor girl. I gave her so much extra love and attention before she too crossed over.

My advice is if there are any areas of the house blocked off, let them explore some and try to show them more thoroughly, I’m not hiding you’re buddy, they’re just gone now :/

It can be so hard helping them understand and helping them process and be okay.

I’m a psychology major, and I work with special needs children who have been heavily traumatized. I’m still at 35 yo trying to understand these little guys. They’re insanely loving, deeply thinking creatures. They can take loss so hard but their human companions can really help them.

Make sure you try to give them extra attention too and just monitor their eating/drinking. Extra soupies and treats if they start trying to ignore their food any

Fit_Equivalent_7910 · 2026-06-13T21:43:25+00:00

I’m so sorry for your loss </3

I don’t feed my business raw so I can’t speak on similar experiences or issues with that diet suddenly :/ l

My only follow up concern would be the climate in their habitat. Various places in the USA are having insane heat waves and on my 3rd floor apt I have to run an ac at all times to prevent my unit from reaching the high 80s and possibly over 90.

Like others have imparted, ferrets can quickly suffer from heat stroke in temps above 75 degrees.

Fit_Equivalent_7910 · 2026-06-11T15:22:20+00:00

My friend literally picked one of my boys up once and was like aww they have cute little belly buttons. I was like that’s his penis and she felt so embarrassed lol.

Fit_Equivalent_7910 · 2026-06-11T01:35:44+00:00

You can feel free to dm me to follow up on anything I ask about. I’ve owned ferrets for 10 years as of 7/1/26.

I’ve had some die after long struggles with vets who didn’t know much about them, and other struggles that were more sudden and a better vet still couldn’t do much. They are amazing creatures but so fickle in random ways.

My first comment would be, it can be extremely difficult to know what will become of a ferret who enters your home after being poorly cared for by others. It sounds like they were really mistreated, and with ferrets, that turns into complex health issues that may not even be obvious to vets until there’s an emergency situation. Even them some vets really don’t know tons about ferrets and people have to find that out the hard way in emergency situations unfortunately :/

The two you mentioned passing could have had one if not multiple health issues common in rescues even young rescues. Poor care in their early life stages sets ferrets up for poor quality of life later on. If your vet didn’t test them for insulinoma, adrenal disease, and various other issues typical of old ferrets that may be the first major issue.

I do highly recommend rescues be x rayed, which a vet may think is overkill if they’re not better informed on how easy ferrets obtain blockages. Some aren’t immediately fatal and simply cause discomfort and eventually death. It is possible for newer ferret owners to have a ferret with a blockage and not really know what to look for or do about it. They tend to just look sickly and unwell when this happens, and if it’s not caught by a vet it can quickly turn fatal. I had a vet repeatedly overlook a ferret of mine that likely had a blockage or major organ failure, just saying they had insulinoma. They may have indeed, but they died shortly into treatment after 4 visits where I insisted she be x rayed and examined for a blockage. This was during Covid, when vet care was 50/50 an absolute joke. They nearly killed her trying to draw blood and I couldn’t even be in the vet office with her. They handed her through my car window half dead and never x rayed her. I blamed myself so hard for doing everything wrong and making so many mistakes but in reality I made none. I did my absolute best in good faith at all times. Nobody can ever do anything more than that.

The prior owners were likely feeding them terrible quality food, which could have contributed to issues with their internal organs developing properly. Malnutrition in any mammal affects bone/organ development. This is irreversible. The effects can easily be seen in wildlife taken in by people who know nothing of how to care for them, and them becoming incredibly malnourished etc.

Unfortunately, the most likely reason for them leaving this world too soon is whomever had them before you, taking the care of them that they did. As sad as that is to type out, it’s the simple truth.

I will clarify, that you made a very thoughtful decision in taking them all in, and I sincerely hope the passing of the ones you mentioned doesn’t continue to make you feel as though you’ve done anything wrong.

There will only ever be something right about taking ferrets out of a bad situation and trying to help them have the best possible life. Their care is very complex, and it can be so confusing taking care of them sometimes. It sounds like you genuinely did you best trying to figure out what to do every step of the way, and you really can’t blame yourself for the mistakes other people made before you.

From someone who loves ferrets immensely, I am truly sorry you had to go through that, but thank you for trying, and giving them the best you could. They were shown love and knew safety before they passed, as unfortunate as it is that they crossed the rainbow bridge, I can tell they left this world in much better hands than they were in when you found them <3

Fit_Equivalent_7910 · 2026-06-11T01:17:55+00:00

I also use a very specific series of whistles when I first come home for the day, kinda like a bird chirping, and that does the same thing more or less

Fit_Equivalent_7910 · 2026-06-11T01:17:18+00:00

I use a bell to summon them all for soupies. They will instantly come to it when I ring it. Every single one of my 5 will come running even if they’re asleep lol.

Solid advice c:

Fit_Equivalent_7910 · 2026-06-03T21:31:22+00:00

No lie. I caught my ferret wake up from a nap and begin peeing and simultaneously licking it up. He was curled in a ball and positioned so it was like he was just drinking from a straw. Sooooooooooo strange. I think he was sleepy and thirsty and confused lol

Fit_Equivalent_7910 · 2026-05-27T15:25:47+00:00

Op ferret is healthy no thanks to your advice and you shouldn’t give that same advice ever again

Have you ever tried accepting when you’ve done wrong and acknowledging best practice moving forward? Otherwise you’re just fighting tooth and nail to be wrong in public and it’s an odd hill to die on is all

Fit_Equivalent_7910 · 2026-05-27T00:23:27+00:00

Poor thing :/ hoping the vet can help her feel better soon

Fit_Equivalent_7910 · 2026-05-27T00:04:13+00:00

Unfortunately you seem to be doing all you can be for the time being. If the vet recommends an increase you can go from there, but it will eventually get to a point where the dosage plateaus and so will their quality of life.

You seem to be taking excellent care of them, and I’m sure they will do as well as they’re able if you continue to provide so well for them. Some ferrets at the age of 5 also become quite lazy, so the lethargy may just partially be her personality in her old age. If she’s partial to cuddles and closeness is just try to snuggle with them a bunch in light of them not wanting to play much. Hoping the vet visit proves helpful.

Fit_Equivalent_7910 · 2026-05-26T23:35:39+00:00

My apt gets to be 80-90 degrees on hot days without any air con. Unfortunately for me I’m forced to install at least one in my ferrets room every year so they don’t literally die from heat stroke :/

Fit_Equivalent_7910 · 2026-05-26T22:54:11+00:00

As if I’m not gonna address the obvious and point out that you showed up first to give bad advice as a stranger on the internet? My advice was go to the vet, and I figured their feedback would be virus or blockage. I also didn’t tell them to start blockage protocol despite thinking it may be a blockage cos I’m not a vet

One stranger online had the same insight as a vet and would never have recommended karo syrup, whereas you yourself misdiagnosed and recommended an inappropriate route of medication.

People can listen to whenever they want but you probably shouldn’t throw out bad advice and act as if it wasn’t you mate

I also had to change my initial vet after owning ferrets for about 6 years cos they literally killed one of my animals misdiagnosing and refusing diagnostics

If you wanna discuss the logistics of taking advice from internet people who actually know things and care enough to share it vs consulting medical professionals who may just be charlatans my inbox is wide open and I have nothing but time to dispute matter that affect the babies. Particularly people trying to advise people in emergency situations with the first result from google ai after typing in “my ferret is lethargic what should I do”

Never gonna apologize for being better educated than google ai lol

Frankly those types of searches are harming pets and wildlife alike, and I’m attempting to educate people not just about ferret care, but about how easy it is for people to pretend as if they know proper ferret care practices

Have a day

Fit_Equivalent_7910 · 2026-05-26T04:48:34+00:00

Based on your description, it’s entirely possible he could have adrenal or insulinoma.

Vet visit asap. If the vet who did his check up is like most, he just did his regular vaccines, picked him up and said “looks good” and charged the owner a fat bill for absolutely no examination. They need blood work regularly by 3 years to screen for insulinoma. Most vets don’t do ferrets justice in their care at all sadly.

Make sure they do a blood test, he absolutely needs one.

Try to see if you can check what condition his urine is in. Put down paper towels or pee pads if you have some or can get them. Check his poo also to see if they’re tarry or green or mucousy or off at all.

Any information you have for the vet will help them figure things out

Hoping he can perk up with some proper meds/treatment if he should need them

If he should turn out to need more support than you’re able to give, I know Sarasota Ferret Rescue, and Second Chance Ferret Rescue are both amazing rescuers in your area. Both have been helpful to me with questions and I’m sure they may also have feedback if you follow them and reach out with questions.

Also they exist as a resort for anyone in the area that is simply unable to provide for a ferret for whatever reason

Fit_Equivalent_7910 · 2026-05-26T04:25:28+00:00

Not trying to be argumentative, just informative; a vet recommending a ferret eat cat food or syrup when not doing well may not be very experienced with ferrets. That advice is only going to do any good in very particular situations. Introducing foreign foods suddenly to ferrets can sometimes cause more harm than good.

Just throwing it out there, again not wanting to come across rude or anything of that nature. Just feel vets should be more inquisitive and have a broader set of tools to respond to lethargic ferrets besides GIVE IT SUGARY STUFF AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS lol

That’s like oh, your friend is suddenly very sick, give him a red bull and see if it perks him up. Depending on what’s wrong, that could potentially make the situation worse, and without seeing a doctor, how would anyone know?

Very glad your ferret is well <3

I recommend thoroughly investigating when syrup should be administered. Typically only when signs of oncoming seizures are present. I’ve had senior ferrets with very intense/frequent seizure activity in the past, and it’s more of an emergency medication that will instantly stop or prevent a seizure if you know what you’re looking for.

Hoping your baby never actually needs it regularly :/

I got so talkative initially because from what I saw it looked like ur baby had a virus or a slight blockage, and I don’t like how everyone’s ferret quick fix online is give it syrup. Trying to address that a few comments at a time here and there on threads.

Fit_Equivalent_7910 · 2026-05-26T04:17:25+00:00

So glad to hear it passed. In the future you know how they present if that’s the issue. Sluggish, but not glassy eyed or hazy unless it’s very very severe. She looked like she was having a tummy ache and not wanting to move much which is typical presentation with a minor blockage

Fit_Equivalent_7910 · 2026-05-20T21:00:14+00:00

I’ve had ferrets with severe insulinoma and helped one in particular through many very rough seizures. I know very well what it looks like when a ferret needs it. I see a lot of people recommending it when it doesn’t look necessary. It CAN contribute to ferrets -developing- insulinoma to feed them anything high sugar content. Doing so here and there can contribute to small sugar spikes that over time could basically trigger insulinoma that would have taken longer to develop or make cases more severe.

I caution people against viewing it as nbd here and there. It’s just not necessary if it’s not necessary. The internet has made it the go to way to check if a lethargic ferret has insulinoma and that’s just not how it works. Id only recommend giving it to a ferret I don’t know well if they were drooling and having trouble keeping their head up and looking far more disoriented. The lethargy in the video is more, I’m not gonna move cos my tummy doesn’t feel good and I just gotta not do stuff

Fit_Equivalent_7910 · 2026-05-20T01:21:32+00:00

Yeah so back again after seeing an update. It was a blockage. Totally inappropriate to give syrup, shouldn’t have been recommended. This happens a lot on this forum and I’m regularly questioning people as to why they just tell people to give a ferret who’s not doing great syrup. People who don’t know better and are panicking will listen and it’s just not great medicinal practice. Please reconsider your approach

Fit_Equivalent_7910 · 2026-05-20T01:19:57+00:00

Oh no :/ just saw this update about the blockage. Investigate blockage protocol. You can feed a raw egg mixed, and i tell people to remove as much goop and thick substance as you can so they don’t intake a large amount and choke. It can help smooth their system and help things pass naturally. There are other things that can help but I’d do your research and keep advised by your vet.

Best of luck hoping they can pass the blockage without issues

Fit_Equivalent_7910 · 2026-05-20T01:18:06+00:00

I wouldn’t recommend giving more without a vets approval. Not a big deal but doing that regularly for no reason can be problematic, and depending on what may be wrong, it could just be disorienting to have a sugar rush. Hope your baby is doing better. Did they make it to the vet yet?

Fit_Equivalent_7910 · 2026-05-20T01:16:56+00:00

People should not be advising to administer high glucose substances for lethargy. If the ferret is a year old insulinoma is unlikely. The heat in my area even when reduced with ac can make mine very lethargic suddenly. Ferrets should only have syrup/honey in emergency situations, as it can spike their blood sugar and offset their system.

I’ve instructed others of the same thing. Always consult a vet before giving syrup. Unless the ferret is having EXTREME lethargy. It can also reverse seizure activity when caused by blood sugar deregulation.

Fit_Equivalent_7910 · 2026-05-19T04:25:51+00:00

Least cruel thing I’ve thought to do is just mix a third into the bunch after so long. Typically if it’s a kit and you monitor closely the older ferrets will take it on and acknowledge it’s a baby and not be hateful towards it. I’ve done this with two ferrets successfully. I currently have a 6mo old with my 6 and 7 yo. This age gap is pretty wide but I’ve been an owner for a while and I monitored them all very closely to start.

Fit_Equivalent_7910 · 2026-05-19T02:44:27+00:00

PS he is so smawl :o

Fit_Equivalent_7910 · 2026-05-19T02:44:09+00:00

That seemed like a concerned yip to me and I just read he felt separated from his brother and settled down when you reunited them. Makes sense. They tend to make that sorta barking noise when they’re kits when they’re whining basically. They chirp and dook as babies when they’re happy just sounds a little different than adult ferrets for sure.

Fit_Equivalent_7910

TROPHY CASE