I've spent a considerable time discussing caging and caging conditions
because it represents one of the most important aspects of a ferret's
life.  No other single factor, excepting diet perhaps, has such an
impact on the ferret's short- and long-term health.  Ferret owners HAVE
to understand the negative impact of caging on ferrets in order to
comprehend the importance of a vigorous enrichment program.  The reason
is obvious: it is clear ferret owners will cage ferrets.  The only real
solution is education to improve caging and reduce stress.
 
It is extremely important to understand enrichment is NOT just to
stimulate a ferret's mind.  Enrichment also reduces frustration and
boredom.  It can help curtail aggression, or help to socialize ferrets
unfamiliar with each other.  It can help bond a ferret to their owner.
Enrichment reduces stress, and clearly diminishes other stress-related
diseases.  Enrichment helps reduce the types of stress that lead to the
General Adaptation Syndrome (or its psychobehavioral counterpart, the
Conservation-Withdrawal Syndrome), and ultimately--if long-term--to some
level of immune-system dysfunction.  Enrichment--of all types--has been
shown to reduce levels of adenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), a pituitary
hormone associated with stress hormones such as glucocorticoids and
corticosterones (here's one for you scientific types to consider: some
of the side-effects of long-term steroid (glucocorticoid) use in humans
include acne, aggression, and Cushing's Syndrome.  Long-term stress in
animals results in an elevation of both corticosteriods and
glucocorticoids.  Ferrets--for unknown reasons--can get tail acne
(rat-tail) and suffer a high incidence of adrenal disease similar to,
but NOT the same as, Cushing's Disease that can make them aggressive.
Is it possible stress is an exacerbating or triggering factor in adrenal
disease in ferrets?  Even if it doesn't cause or worsen the disease, can
a stress reduction help control symptoms or progress?).  Zoos around the
world have incorporated enrichment programs into their animal welfare
regimes, and most animal testing programs have legislated enrichment
requirements into their testing protocols.  There is NO doubt enrichment
programs benefit members of the large-brained taxa, including our pet
ferrets.
 
Ferrets are unique as individuals.  Stress that causes severe problems in
one ferret may have little effect on another.  In some cases, two ferrets
may be affected equally, but one may show outward symptoms, and the other
may not.  Regardless of the impact or severity of stress, ALL ferrets,
even those living in a free-roam situation, can benefit from enrichment.
 
Bob C
[Posted in FML issue 4188]