Thinking about getting ferrets again- need health advice.

[fuzzylvr]

I was heavily involved in ferrets about 15 years ago....I had ferrets for about 15 years prior to that and was heavily involved with rescue, rehabilitation and fostering. With a turn of unfortunate events in my personal life, plus the overwhelming emotional distress of continuous ferret disease after I lost my last ferret to insulinoma I got out of ferrets completely. We have a great club here in Tucson AZ and had a great vet back then but some of the latest health information as to the "How's and Why's" of ferret disease was unavailable then. Before I get involved with ferrets again I want to make sure I am completely informed.

First question- has the genepool of the ferrets improved in the US? All of my ferrets were Marshall Farms ferrets in the past as were most of the ferrets that came through our shelter- they all became diseased eventually, usually beginning around age 3- Insulinoma...Adrenal Tumors...or some sort of cancer...is there any hope of getting a ferret that you can keep healthy for a long trouble free life?


I have become aware and informed with newer information that wasn't available back then- a ferrets diet definitely impacts ferret health...and certain "Ferret Foods" can actually be instrumental to bringing on ferret disease...although I know that many people recommend a totally RAW diet as being the best approach, what about

Wysong Ferret Epigen 90 Digestive Support - Dry Ferret Food
Can this be used- or some other high quality dry kibble instead without impacting ferret health negatively?

If I choose to get ferrets again, what can I do to ward off disease? I have heard about implants- would this be recommended as a preventative to be administered as a baby?.....Keeping ferrets in totally dark conditions for at least 14 hours a day...and feeding as close to raw as possible and would like input form anyone that can elaborate on this information or add to it.

What is the best resource for acquiring my potential ferret in the US- I would rather avoid another Marshall Farms ferret- so are there any other breeder sources? I live in Tucson AZ- have no intention of breeding, so want desexed, descented ferrets just to love and make a part of my family. Would love to hear everyones input!



 

[raynebc]

I'm not sure I've heard anything suggesting the gene pool has improved. I've been administering the DES implant to my ferrets to prevent adrenal disease, and they live in a room with very limited artificial lighting (the ceiling light in that room coincidentally doesn't even work), I feed them a frankenprey diet. And even though I had the means to prevent one or two serious illnesses, I just recently lost a ferret to cancer anyways. All we can do is our best.

Some kibble are better than others for sure, but all kibble are generally considered to have negative health impacts (tooth damage, dehydration, carbs/sugars).

[Heather]

Farm ferrets are still farm ferrets genetically speaking. They're bred so supply a public that has a huge demand for special colours and markings.
It's basic knowledge now that kibble and various ferret treats are contributing to insulinoma. So, feeding a species appropriate diet devoid of carbs and sugars goes a long way to eliminate this disease entirely. There is a genetic predisposition in some ferret toward this disease...triggers but if you follow the diet specifically, you should be able to avoid this disease entirely.
Adrenal isn't so easy but by using the DES implant as a preventative can help prevent adrenal. You can also use the same implant to treat adrenal (just given every 6 months instead of annually, which you would use as a preventative)
Breeders, there are a few. Many will ship to approved homes, it's like researching anything else. Breeders will make a request that you desex your ferret during a given period or ask you to use the DES to chemically castrate. Descenting is an unnecessary mutilation and most reputable vets will not perform this surgery unless there is a health issue involved.
ciao

[fuzzylvr]

Jul 11, 2018 22:54:59 GMT -5 Heather said:

Farm ferrets are still farm ferrets genetically speaking. They're bred so supply a public that has a huge demand for special colours and markings.
It's basic knowledge now that kibble and various ferret treats are contributing to insulinoma. So, feeding a species appropriate diet devoid of carbs and sugars goes a long way to eliminate this disease entirely. There is a genetic predisposition in some ferret toward this disease...triggers but if you follow the diet specifically, you should be able to avoid this disease entirely.
Adrenal isn't so easy but by using the DES implant as a preventative can help prevent adrenal. You can also use the same implant to treat adrenal (just given every 6 months instead of annually, which you would use as a preventative)
Breeders, there are a few. Many will ship to approved homes, it's like researching anything else. Breeders will make a request that you desex your ferret during a given period or ask you to use the DES to chemically castrate. Descenting is an unnecessary mutilation and most reputable vets will not perform this surgery unless there is a health issue involved.
ciao

Great input thanks!!