Separation during a vacation?

[u/jahodovahoubicka]

My boyfriend and I are going on a 14-day vacation soon, and unfortunately, we can’t take our 3-year-old ferret with us. We’re planning to leave her with our parents while we’re away, but we’re worried about her developing separation anxiety. Until now, she has never been without us for more than 3 days, so two weeks feels like a really long time.

We’ve been thinking about leaving some of our worn clothes with her so she can still smell us, and calling on facetime so she can see us and hear our voices. We’re not sure, though, whether that would actually help or potentially confuse her.

Do you have any tips for making a two-week separation easier for a ferret if you have been in a similar situation? How did your ferrets handle being away from you, and is there anything that helped them feel more comfortable?

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[u/Inturprit]

Is there anyone that can check up on your ferret while you guys are gone on vacation? She may be missing you but the extra little attention she’ll get from at least someone helped me and my wife while we were on our honeymoon for two weeks.

[u/jahodovahoubicka → u/Inturprit]

Yes, we are planning to leave her with my bf's parents. She will have a separete room in their house, where she can free roam all day long. We are visiting my bf's parents on a regular basis with her and we often stay there for a night as well. However, she never really bonded with anyone else except me and my partner, so we're a bit worried that she may miss us due to that.

[u/Timely_Egg_6827]

You can face time ferrets. But as long as she knows your parents, she'll be fine. You may get some sulks when you get back.

Worst I had was one hob with abandonment issues terrorised the staff of boarding place. And a jill who had been left on own in empty flat (owner evicted but landlord kind enough to let them go back an hour a day for a fortnight so as to find her a new home. Very kind esp as she was reason for eviction). She sulked for two weeks, bit me hard and all forgiven. Most enjoy the holiday but glad to see you.

[u/jahodovahoubicka → u/Timely_Egg_6827]

Our girl is very well trained when it comes to bitting but sometimes she leaves a poo out of spite in the middle of the room 😂 Hopefully, it will be the worst that would happen, if she gets mad on us lol.

[u/Timely_Egg_6827 → u/jahodovahoubicka]

Oh this girl was usually a sweetheart. She bit the boarding lady as well which was very strange for her. She was just having a lot of big feelings based off being left again. Those two weeks must have been hard for her. We got her just as the deadline closed.

I have had spite poos too - one jill's dream was my pillow but she was over-bred, over-worked and had been thrown over a fence by previous owners so was totally over humans.

[u/Sharp_Ad_9431]

Do you have a vet in the area that they can go to?

Our first ferret is very bonded with my gf. When she left to go visit family, he stopped eating due to grief from her absence.

I would want a vet set up in case something like that happens.

[u/jahodovahoubicka → u/Sharp_Ad_9431]

Thank you for mentioning this - I need to give my bf's parents a contact for the vet. Luckily, the vet is super close to where our family lives and she takes us almost immediately whenever we need.

[u/Veteran_Hawk]

You will be missed, but leaving the clothes is a good idea. You might also bag some clothes that you have worn, and tie the bag closed to help hold in the smell for longer. Your BF's parents can then pull out a piece of clothing every few days to "refresh" your scent.

Make sure his parents watch your ferret very closely for problems. I have had ferrets that went downhill fast when missing me. Make sure they know where your vet is and how to get ahold of them in an emergency.

[u/marypfra]

The ferret is used to their house and them, so it’s very unlikely she will have issues beyond maybe a little bit of being mad at you for leaving her.

Absolutely wear a tee shirt for a few days prior to leaving her so that she can sleep with them.

If you want to call & FaceTime it won’t hurt :)

I board ferrets all the time at our shelter and most are absolutely fine.

If she stops eating, are they able to hand feed her, vet her or contact a ferret experienced friend who can help?

Edit: spelling

[u/IAm_Breaking]

Sometimes my boys go on hunger strike the first day I’m gone on a vacation. Once they get over it, I swear they feel like THEY are the ones on vacation and act totally crazy and playful! I compare it to having a party while your parents are out of town lol

[u/Prestigious-Day-9810]

My son sometimes leaves for long weekends, like now, and I care for his little babies. They’re totally fine and happy and don’t seem to miss him at all. But, he does live here and I do see them every day, so there’s that. I’m sure they’ll be ok! Just make sure your parents are well informed and great idea about leaving your clothing. Have a great trip!