Is it normal for one of my ferrets to be much smaller than the other?

I would be concerned that your ferret is either constipated, having diarrhea, or perhaps has a foreign body/blockage going on. If she does not eat within a 24 hour period then yes, I would recommend taking her into the vet. Your veterinarian will need to palpate her abdomen, possibly do a fecal exam, and may recommend abdominal x-rays and an ultrasound. Because ferrets are so small they can become dehydrated and weak very quickly if not eating and drinking. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Please let us know if you have any other questions or if anything changes with Zelda. Best of luck!

Ferrets should be plump, but not fat, You should not see the ribs and spine, but should feel the ribs easily, If the ribs and spine are not visible, then she is likely a normal weight. Unfortunately the photo does not show her body well enough to evaluate her properly. Since you only acquired Jasmin recently, I suggest you take her to your vet for a basic initial exam and to introduce her to your vet, who will then also assess her body condition.

If this is a sudden change in behavior then I would be concerned she may not be feeling well or could have a medical cause for the changes. If she is a new ferret and this is how she has always behaved, she may just need time to warm up to you or this may just be her personality. If she is not eating/drinking normally or is not having normal bowel movements or seems lethargic, then these would all be reasons to seek veterinary care.

Thanks for reaching out about Pepper and including photos. With the hair loss on the tail "rat tail", this is highly suspicious of an adrenal disease. A veterinary visit is recommended as soon as possible to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. These endocrine problems are very common in ferrets and only start as hair loss, but other internal changes are likely occurring. Treatments are possible. Good luck.

If this is the only sign your ferret is exhibiting this is probably normal, if your ferret also drinks a lot and urinates excessively i would recommend taking him to the vet in order to have a blood test to check him for kidney failure.

Firmness under the left rib cage could be due to more serious problems like bloat, an enlarged liver/spleen, or an abdominal mass, but if Slinky is now eating/drinking normally and pooping normally (normal consistency and frequency), I would just continue with the ferretlax for 3 more days and perhaps offer Oxbox critical care slurry for added hydration. If tomorrow and the next day the abdomen still feels firm on palpation, it would be safest to schedule an exam +/- ultrasound or abdominal radiograph with your local exotics veterinarian. Ferrets are prone to developing insulinomas and adrenal tumors that usually are not noticeable on palpation but if the firmness persists, it would be best to rule out some of these more serious conditions. Good luck!

It could be stress related to the new home, but given her age, she should be examined by your veterinarian tonight. A young ferret can quickly become dehydrated which may complicate any underlying condition(s). Discontinue solid food for now and offer just a tablespoon or two of water or unflavored PediaLyte every hour until Josie sees the doctor.