Ferrets are creatures of habit.  A change in environment, even a chair
that's moved, or a box that wasn't there yesterday gets their immediate
attention & must be investigated.  Ferrets have a VERY strong sense of
what is "Thiers" (people included).
 
Total environment changes can be very stressful, especially to a ferret
that's been in a stable environment for several years.  Young ferrets,
less than 2 years old, are not quite as susceptable.
 
To reduce environment change stress, retain as many familiar things as
possible.  DON'T wash her bedding the day before you move.  I wouldn't even
wash it the week before or the week after.  (You CAN live will a little
smell for that long, for your baby's sake!) Don't re-arrange her cage.
Don't put fresh litter in the pan in the new home for the first day or
two.  Just scoop out the wet litter from the old home.
 
In the new home, try to place as many familiar things as possible near her
cage.  For instance, if her cage used to be on the right side of your chest
of drawers, try to put it there in the new home, as well.  You can
re-arrange your furniture again in a week or so after moving.
 
I'd even borrow a few items of clothing (that have been worn but not
washed) from your current roomates and place them somewhere in the new home
for a week or so.  Smells (even unpleasant ones) are an extremely important
part of a ferret's territory.
 
Ferrets are very adaptable but changes to routine and environment are best
made slowly.
 
Debi Christy
Ferrets First Foster Home
[Posted in FML issue 3383]