>From:    Troy Lynn Eckart <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Temperatures for ferrets
 
Opinions are fine.  But when you state opinions it does set you up to be
contradicted.  Contradcitions aren't flames and absolutely nothing personal
is intended.
 
I'll quote a bit from the second edition of _Biology_and_Diseases_of_the_
_Ferret_ editted by James G Fox.  A chapter written by Dr Fox himself
entitled "Housing and Management"
 
    Optimum temperatures for the ferret appear to be 4 to 18 degrees C
    (40 to 65 degrees F), with a humidity range of 40 to 65%; unweaned
    ferrets should be maintained at a minimum temperature of 15 degrees C
    (59 degrees F).  The optimum temperature range recommended by the
    Council of Europe Convention for ferrets is 15 to 21 degrees C.
 
That latter wasn't converted to degrees F but that would be about 59 to
about 70 we believe.
 
Dr. Fox for that paragraph cited
    Andrews PLR. The ferret. In: Harlow TP, ed. Universities
    Federation for Animal Welfare handbook on the care and management
    of laboratory animals.  Essex: Longman Scientific & Technical.
 
But yes of course ill ferrets would likely need warmer temperatures merely
to help them keep their body temperatures up.  Elderly ferrets sometimes do
but sometimes don't need the extra help in our expereinces.
 
We see them all huddle together under blankets at all temperature ranges.
Silly critters.
 
Since this list is mostly American and mostly pet owners, most people here
will agree about ferrets being indoor companion pets.  But they certainly
have survived an awfully long time in other roles.  Just because some
ferret owners have different ideas on how to best care for ferrets does not
mean they love their ferrets more or less than anyone else.  Its not really
a good way to debate ferret care by saying others must love their ferrets
less because they disagree.  Thats kind of mean.
 
b&d
--
bill and diane killian
zen and the art of ferrets
http://www.zenferret.com/
mailto:[log in to unmask]
[Posted in FML issue 2877]