QUESTION:
I live in Florida and I am thinking of moving to Colorado. I wonder how the ferrets will do traveling in the car long distance? And any tips you might have would be greatly appreciated.

ANSWER:
Ferrets travel really well, they will sleep most of the time. However you will need a cage large enough to accommodate a sleeping area, food and water, plus a litter box. Do remember that it is extremely hot out and even with air conditioning it can sometimes get hot in the car. Take along some 2 liter soda bottles filled 3/4 full and FROZEN, to put at the side of cage, in the event that you may get stuck in traffic, or have to stop along the side of the road for anything.

Do NOT leave the ferrets in the car without air conditioning going at all times. Be prepared for the inevitable and remember ferrets are escape artists so make sure cage is secure in the car and also in the motel, if you plan to stop overnight.

QUESTION:
Is it safe for ferrets to fly cargo? We are going to be traveling by plane this summer with our ferrets. We were told we could not bring them in the cabin under our seat. So they have to be checked in as cargo. Have you heard of any ear problems as a result of this, or anything else we should be concerned about?

ANSWER:
Sorry to hear that the airline is so stubborn! Since your only alternative is to take the ferrets with you, it would be good to put a container of ice in the carrier so that it will keep the ferrets cool and as it melts, provide them with a drink!

You will need to secure the container so the ferrets are not able to open it or move it around as it will make their bedding very wet. You can hang a hammock or pillow case across the carrier, that way the ferrets will be able to get up off the floor should it get too wet.

Do not use the 'freezer packs' as they have a solution in them that could poison the ferrets. Just take a container and fill 3/4 full and tie it to the side, so they cannot move it. You might want to do some practice at home with it before you go---Angela.

My advice would be to find someone who could watch your ferrets for you whilst you are way! Summer months are deadly for ferrets to travel, due to the heat. Ferrets are cold weather animals and therefore are easily overheated in Summer. Since they only have very limited sweat glands and are not able to cool themselves, they will succumb to heatstroke very easily and quickly.

Are you not able to pay extra for them to accompany you on the plane? If they ride cargo, how long will they sit on the runway before they are boarded into cargo? This is where the problem lies, they may sit out there in the sun before takeoff and after you reach your destination. The airline may assure you that everything is air-conditioned, but it is the time before loading and after unloading, that you should be concerned about.