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My ferret feels warm but acts fine. How to check her normal temp?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Exotic | Unknown - Exotic | Female | spayed | 4 years and 1 month old

My ferret feels warmer than normal. She is acting fine. Eating and potting is good. I don't feel any lumps or bumps on her. What could this be? How do I take her temp and what should it be?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 5th, 2017

I am sorry to hear about your ferret! A temperature can be taken using a well lubricated thermometer rectally (most accurate so recommended if you can), or but holding the thermometer under her armpit and adding 1 to 2 degrees (you will need to press her arm against her body to ensure the thermometer is pressed up against the skin on all sides. You can also purchase a thermometer made to take a temperature from the forehead and press it against your ferrets naked belly/groin area. Most ferrets will hold still if you gently hold them by their scruff with the legs dangling. Lubricate a normal digital thermometer with large amount of ky jelly, Vaseline, or other lubricant and insert about an inch into the rectum. Normal temperature is 100 to 103 degrees so they area little warmer than we are, so it is possible she feels warm to you due to her normal temperature being high than ours. If her temperature is over 103, a vet exam is needed.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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