Lonely ferret

[Coolandtiny]

I currently have 3 ferrets, ones been sick for a while but is still going strong and the other two are healthy so it probably won't be for a while but I'm unsure of whether I want to get more ferrets. I don't want to give mine up and wouldnt unless I couldn't provide them the life they deserve to be happy and healthy but I'm not sure what to do when 2 of them go and I only have 1 left. They're all social and love playing with each other so I don't know what to do when that time comes. Obviously I'd give all the time I could but that's not always good enough. I'm sure it'll vary depending on the ferret but would I have to give them up? I feel like that could break their heart to lose their other ferret friends and then I leave them with someone else. I'm just confused and I may be over thinking it but their happiness means the most to me and it often pops into my mind and I was just looking for some advice even if it may not happen soon. Thanks for reading

[Corvidophile]

Ferrets can bond very strongly to people when they’re solo, just because their friends have gone doesn’t mean your last ferret has to be rehomed or face being lonely. If they’re similar in age and die when old you’d have an old single ferret anyway, which would in my opinion be far worse to rehome because they still know you and have known you most of their life, it would be a big sudden change. It’s not quite like with rats or similar where it’s so bad to have just one, because ferrets get so much out of cage time and their ancestors (polecats) are not group animals as adults, being social into adulthood was bred into them as a neonatal trait. They do ok. They may become depressed when all their friends pass away though, and I think during this time it’s most important that you stay a constant in their life.

[silentdook]

I agree with Corvidophile. Plus, elderly ferrets tend to prefer fewer buddies, or even go solitary in a group as they slow down themselves. They often don't have the patience to be introduced to younger, livelier ferrets, and some even take to attacking introduced young ones. Keep and enjoy your single elder when the time comes.

[abbeytheferret6]

Great advice ferret owners!