I cannot believe I have not covered this topic before, but here we are! We have touched on this subject before in Spring fur and weight loss, Weight watchers and The leaves are falling and so is the temperature, but we’ve never actually just discussed what you as a novice owner can expect to see in October and the surrounding months depending on the weather (in the UK).
This is the time of year we are thinking about the dark nights and the coming cold, and so are our ferrets. This blog post is only relevant to those ferrets that live outside, or in natural light and exposed to the weather.
The first thing you’ll probably notice is that your boy(s) testicles shrink or disappear altogether. Eventually they will retract fully but it’s not abnormal, especially in fully grown boys, to see them have tiny little peas instead of their usual size. This change is generally accompanied by a decrease in smell and eventually a change in colour as the oils come off onto the ferrets’ surroundings. The next thing you’ll likely notice is that he’s playing nicer with the other ferrets, and everything is generally more relaxed. These changes are most noticeable in boys, but they are also happening to girls. They just don’t go into a new season and their behaviour and oil changes are less noticeable. You might find any in a really maternal girls getting easier going and then suddenly one day you realise that they’re not being such twats anymore. In short, this is the time to get them bonded together.
The next thing you’ll probably notice is their weight gain. Our girl kits in particular this year. Ooft. I have never seen such tubby fuzzles. They are Heavy. Our boys aren’t as plump but right now they’re powering through a combined 3+Kg of meat a day easily. Cannot wait until we get some game to supplement our food bills. Like little bears they put on the weight in winter to keep them insulated from the cold, and a bit of extra in case there’s not much food around too. Not really a problem for our domestic ferrets but something left over from their northern European ancestors. Can I claim that for my weight gain too? No? Ah well worth the try… You find that their first year is the one that they put the most weight on. If you let them eat to their appetite (which you should) then they will never weigh more than they do their first winter. Subsequent years they will still pack it on just not to the same extent, so don’t worry about matching that first weight. It is also important to not worry about this weight being too high. It is not bad for them, in fact it is Good for them, to put on this weight. (Please see Weight Watchers for info on when to be concerned about weight changes)
The next thing you’ll probably notice is the coat change. Specifically, you’ll probably first note changes in facial markings. You can see some radical changes, from mask less to masked, from solids to self’s, some loose all colour in their faces as they go into winter. You might even see some dramatic colour changes as they darken or lighten for the new weather fashion. These changes are all totally normal, and personally I love to see them! Shortly after you see this you can expect to see your ferrets itching or scratching more. Don’t panic. If the skin is fine and there’s no sign of parasites, I can practically guarantee that this is the first sign of the coat changing on the rest of their body. It can be quite itchy, and they need to help the old coat come away. The only time I would be concerned is if there were bald patches which can either be a sign of stress and over grooming or health problems like adrenal, especially at the base of the tail and hips. You can help them with the coat change by brushing them gently with a comb or giving them an oatmeal bath if needed (water ran through oatmeal to make up the bath) just make sure they’re fully dry before going out so they don’t get a chill. They might look very patchy for a couple of weeks until the new coat is fully grown. Again, as long as there’s no bald spots it is normal.
The new winter coats are often longer and thicker than the summer coats. Like the markings on their faces, it is totally normal to see dramatic changes in colour, tone and markings. Any ferret who has the roan gene in particular can completely change. Silvers, lilacs, Sables and Sandys can all change to light or dark variations, and I have even had ferrets change from standard coloured bodies to pointed/Siamese markings. Because these changes can be so dramatic it is fairly common for them to be moved into a different class at shows. Just ask the organisers, they’ll be happy to help, and better that than you get thrown out your class due to colour. It doesn’t change the colour that they are genetically though or the colours that they can pass on, so these changes don’t get taken into account on things like feritage. Some breeders might note them for their programs though and it’s good to take photos of their new coats at each change so if they go missing you have an accurate picture of their colour and markings to 1. Help find them and 2. Prove ownership.
Along with all these changes as the weather gets cooler, you’ll find them just as playful but more snuggly, cuddly. Part of this is just them trying to keep warm but also the nights are long and dark, and you’ll find yourself wanting to be small enough to snuggle down into their soft, warm, plush coats with them. Just me? Nope, good… So, can you blame them? The weather can make everyone a bit more keen to stay inside cuddled up. I would like to point out though that this isn’t lethargy, just laziness when they’re up they’re just as happy and playful as ever. I don’t suppose being a butterball helps them feel like running around as much either for that matter. It is nice if you have space inside a shed or a big enough enclosure to provide a more toys and games in a more sheltered spot than a more exposed run, so if it’s wet or especially cold they can still get their play time without getting as cold and damp.
Speaking of the weather please do make sure that they are either dry or can dry themselves off before going to their beds. It’s the damp that causes problems and a damp bed can very quickly make a ferret ill, or even cost their life. More about this kind of thought in The leaves are falling and so is the temperature.