What is the average life-span of a ferret?

Question

I have a female ferret and i am curious about finding out how long i can expect to have her around?

Answer 1

6-10 years

Answer 2

between 7-11 years

Answer 3

They can live up to ten years, normally. I actually knew someone who had a ferret that died at the age of 13.

One thing that can cut a ferret's life short under the age of five is adrenal disease. It's when their adrenal glands actually becomes cancerous to them and the end result is normally death. If you get a surgery, it can add about six more months to their life, but that's about the extent of it. It's pretty common for them to have it, too, sadly.

Answer 4

My friend used to have ferrets. You can expect a life span of  3 to 5 years in most cases.

Answer 5

Ferrets usually live 10 years. The Petco signs are false - stating 6 years in the pet shops.

If you don't give your ferret medical attention, then yes - 4 to 6 is what you would expect. But many ferrets need adrenal surgery or insulinoma medications when they get that age. If medical attention is given when sick, they will last 8 to 10 years.

If you are lucky and your ferret gets no illnesses, they will live to 10 or 11. Sometimes 12, but that is rare indeed.

Answer 6

they can live up to 8-10 years however it's not likely because they are prone to so many types of cancers and tumors that are very hard to treat. because of cancer i lost one ferret when he was 2 years old and another when she was 3 years old :(

Answer 7

The average lifespan of ferrets differs greatly. All of mine have been at least 8 before they died of cancer (adrenal) which contributed and caused insulinoma.

Out of all my ferrets who have passed, my little girl outlived the boys and made it 9.

My boys passed between 8-9 years old.

I currently have 2 healthy ferrets, ages 4 and 5.5 and they are not showing any signs of slowing down soon.

Best of luck. Remember that a proper diet and lots of exercise will keep your baby around longest. Because insulinoma is a disease that affects their glucose levels, limit their sugary treats. This includes the FerretVite and similar brand vitamin supplements.

And never give your ferrets treats with dried fruit or raisins!

Answer 8

as long as u want them to live

Answer 9

The average ferret usually lives around 6-10 years.

Answer 10

6-8 years in the norm.  If you have a healthy ferret you can expect anywhere from 6-13.  Keep in mind that there are certain ferret diseases out there that can shorten a ferrets life span dramatically.  Best to know what you are up against.

http://www.ferretuniverse.com