From:
Caitlyn M. Martin
Date: 2001-10-27 12:52:00 UTC
Subject: Very old ferrets
Hi, Mike, and everyone else,
>
> Some ferrets definitely live past nine years, but it's not that
> common. I've heard of 14 year old ferrets, although those are
> unverified claims.
The first ferrets I ever met were bought as kits from a pet store in 1987.
They died last year at the age of 13, without ever having a major health
problem. They were the oldest ferts I have ever seen. Their owner is a friend
of the family, and we are very sure about how long they lived.
A woman in our local club had a sable ferret she rescued as a one year old. He
died at the age of 11, again with no major health problems. I played with him
as a 10 year old, and he still had the energy and bounce of a young ferret,
albeit for short periods of time. I know a number of people who have had
ferrets see their 10th birthday.
Having said all that, seven to nine still seems to be the typical age at which
ferrets pass away. Of course, I have two happy, healthy seven year olds here,
and I hope to have them around for a good long while yet.
All the best,
Caity and the terrific 10