Sometimes when you have a sick ferret, the vet will tell you to monitor their body temperature. Knowing if your ferret is feverish will help you figure out if a medicine is working or if an infection is present after surgery, so it is important to know the correct way to do this.
The normal body temperature for a ferret is anywhere between 101 -103 degrees. (37.8 – 39.4 C). Depending on what time of day it is, and if your ferret is experiencing other symptoms a high or low body temperature can be a very bad thing that requires a visit to the emergency vet. You cannot judge a ferrets temperature just by touching it, unfortunately. There is only one way to know for sure what your ferrets body temperature is and that is with a rectal thermometer.
Naturally ferrets tend to squirm and grumble quite a bit during this procedure so it can be rather tricky to accomplish. You may need to ask someone for help keeping your ferret still. Another idea, is to wait until your ferret starts to get sleepy, when he is less likely to fight you, and take his temperature then.
To begin with, always lubricate your thermometer first. (Any kind of water based product such as ky jelly will be fine.) and make sure you shake down the thermometer first. The starting temperature should be less than 94 degrees otherwise you may get a false reading.
Next if you have someone helping you, have them place a hand gently but firmly over the ferrets body to keep it still. Otherwise take your ferret by the scruff and lift him just about an inch from the surface of the floor or table. Doing this usually tends to have a sedating affect. Once your ferret stops squirming use the other hand to slowly place the thermometer approximately an inch into the rectum. Hold it there for 2 minutes, or if you are using a battery operated thermometer until it makes a beeping noise.
A word of caution. Sometimes after having their temperature taken ferrets will want to poop, so be ready just incase by making sure to have them on a towel or newspaper.