>At what age do ferrets enter their geriatric period of life?
 
Most vets argue between three and five years of age.  I liken a ferret's
life span as such:
 
Ferret age = people age
< 8 weeks = infant
2-4 months = child
4-8 months = teenager
8-12 mo = young adult
2 yr = 20
3 yr = 30
4 yr = 40  etc.
 
So, if you are a senior citizen at 55, then 5.5 years in ferrets is
geriatric.  If a ferret lives to 7, 8, or 9, then they have had a good run
at life.  The record I believe is 14 years for a ferret, but I have met so
few 10 year olds, that I consider that tops, and those who make it beyond
are fortunate indeed.
 
Ferrets should have a complete physical every year, and CBC done at 3 as
a baseline, then again at 5 and every year after, especially if health
problems pop up.
 
Pam T.
[Posted in FML issue 2938]