I have two ferrets from a litter which was born 6 years ago today (May 21).
Jessica and Runty don't look a thing alike.  Jessica is a sable and has had
two litters in her life, having come down with mastitis during the second
litter at their age of three weeks.  Jessica lost all of her nipples, gor
gangreene, and had to go through skin graphs to put her back together again.
(now yOu know why I don't recommend breeding - Jessica and I were lucky!)
 
Runty was the runt of the litter, a fine silver panda in his earlier days and
was neutered before his first birthday.  He is almost all white now, very
pale where it should be pink, and totters a lot more than other 6 year old
ferrets.  Jessica still bounces and plays like a kit - even to the point of
digging in a fresh pan of clean litter.
 
I took them both outside to romp in the grass.  Then, while Jessica got run
of the house, I gave Runty a bath.  Both got their nails trimmed and are now
sleeping after a very active day, especially for two oldtimers.
 
Just wanted to share...
 
Pam
[Posted in FML issue 1201]