From:
angela@ort.org
Date: 2002-10-24 10:51:08 UTC
Subject: Re: Sudden Temperature Changes with Ferrets
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <12579359.1035456668849.JavaMail.root@scandium>
My ferrets live outside in the UK, so in the winter it gets to about 5 to -5 centigrade (don't understand farenheit). I take them indoors to play for about an hour or so in the evenings where the temp is normally between 19 - 22 centigrade. Sometimes a bit warmer if we've been cooking. Then pop them back out again. They seem fine. They go back into their nest box which is raised off the floor and built into a brick shed. They have fleece and sweatshirts as bedding to keep them warm - they do spend most of their time in their box in the winter.
What I have noticed is if the weather is really cold (in the minus range) for an extended period of time, they seem to use up a little of their body fat as they seem to appear slightly thinner. So occasionally I might keep them in over-night, but I'm not sure it's essential, especially as I now have 3 large boys to keep my little jill warm now. But I haven't noticed any ill effects of being brought in and out of different temps. Maybe if you were to this several times a day it might make a difference.
Living outside they grow a thick downy undercoat and if anything get too hot indoors. Try opening a window and provide water bowls to cool them down when running around indoors like maniacs!!!
Birch