Asking Dr Williams specifically, and anyone else's advice is also much
appreciated,
 
I've become worried about ferret obesity in my Jerry.  He is, to say the
least, FAT!  Ever since I first brought him home, six years ago, he has
gained more weight every time we see the vet - usually at least once every
other month (I tend to be a somewhat paranoid mommy).  Ive done some
searching in the archives, but couldn't come up with any definite answers
except that it's probably boredom and no exercise.  Here's the thing.  My
boys aren't caged.  They do have a single room, used as a cage, which is
absolute paradise!!!  Every new toy or fun thing I can think of -- and it
changes regularly to prevent boredom.  This and they routinely get about
three hours out to explore in and destroy my house every day!!!  They do
have a constant supply of food, but I've been told that this is not a
problem for fuzzies.  Stimy, who has been on the exact same schedule for
years now, also with unlimited food, is perfectly fit and trim and strong!
AND Jerry and I do ferret abdominal exercises every day!! (hehehe)  It's
so cute..while we're playing, he rolls onto his back (not too difficult)
and once he's there I scratch his sides and he tries to "bite" my fingers.
First the right side, then the left, then the right, etc etc etc until he's
tired.  Looks kindof similar to a human trying to get rid of luv handles.
It's really more play than exercise....because it doesn't seem to help at
all!
 
Can anyone help me out?  What do I do to take the weight off?
Fert-o-suction?  Do you have any possible explanations for why Jerry might
be so fat?  What, specifically, are the health problems that I should watch
for that are associated with obesity in ferrets?  He's almost 7 now and I
don't want this to cut his little life short!
 
Thx for your attention,
Kim and the tremendous two, Jerry and Stimy
 
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[Posted in FML issue 3294]