Fat Ferret

[Meredith]

Greetings...
My female ferret "Mishka", seems to be gaining weight. I had read somewhere
that this is unusual, and that ferrets are supposed to be lean...she isn't
really fat, just plump...Her activity has not decreased, she doesn't appear
to be sick in any way, she has been drinking alot of water, though. It
isn't just a swollen belly, her whole body has gotten plumper...has anyone
else ever had a problem like this? I don't think it's from over feeding
her, she eats a premium ferret food, and I haven't been giving her any
treats/snacks. Besides, I thought ferrets regulated their own intake of
food, and are not likely to over eat...? I'm just a little worried about
her, are there any diseases that may cause weight gain? Any suggestions?
Thank you so much (in advance) *smile*
Meredith

[Mike B]

When we had our first ferret we actually had one vet tell us that he was
too big (about 5lbs) and tried to give us diet food. Soon after we found
out that he was so big because he had not been neutered, Needless to say we
changed vets. I guess the point is that as long as they are healthy and
active their weight should be OK. Also ferrets, like people, seem to seek
their own comfortable weight. We have 2 females (one is about 1.5lbs and
the other is about 2.5lbs) and one male (about 4lbs). And of all of them
the smallest one eats the most.