Message Number: YG7125 | New FHL Archives Search
From: Donna R Clark
Date: 2001-09-09 00:44:00 UTC
Subject: Kits & Vaccinations

Hello All;

I hope this finds everyones babies healthy and happy.

As you all can see from the title that this question is regarding kits and
their initial vaccination.

I am under the impression that kits have a natural immunity to both
distemper and rabies for the first 8 to 19 weeks of their live. That they
receive this immunity from their mothers milk.(right or wrong.)

The reason I am asking this, is that I will be receiving a baby in a couple
of weeks and I would like to integrate him into my business right away. If
the baby does not have a natural immunity should I hold off on integrating
him until he is up to date on his vaccinations.

I have owned ferrets for about 7 years and this may be one of the first
times I have actually helped in the parenting of a baby ferret. Mine have
all been at least six months of age or older and they already had their
vaccinations. I have seven adoptees and one that I bought. The one really
great thing I can say about a baby ferret is that I will not have to change
diapers or do formula and bottles.

On to my second question. My friends ferret passed on this morning.
Drizzle started acting sickly a couple of days ago. Yesterday Drizzle was
sickly enough that she was whisked off to see a vet(a very ferret
knowledgeable vet.) The vet diagnosed Drizzle with renal failure. This
morning her kidneys completely shut down and Drizzle crossed the bridge.

My question is; can ferrets mask or hide the fact that they are
uncomfortable due too an illness? She had to be uncomfortable for a while
if she was in renal failure. Renal failure is not something that happens
over night. And my friend knows each and every one of her ferrets to be
able to tell you if one of them is not feeling well or is just having a
really bad day.

By the way, she was an older lady ferret.

She is now with her mom and one of her children and feeling much better and
she is much happier.

Thank You in advance for the answer to my questions,

Donna Clark