I have had 5 ferrets during my life, in the last 15 years I had up to four all at once. Of these last four 2 were rescues that I got at about 4 years of age. The other 2 were babies. From the day I got them they were started on a high quality ferret diet. They were fed the same brand their entire life. The 2 resuces passed away at about 12 years of age and 1 baby just passed at 14 and the other is still going, None have had any health issues, parasites etc. They were given an occassional yogurt treat but that's it. All were neutered. I can't help but think the steady diet helped with their long life and good health. I don't plan on continuing with ferrets but wouldn't change a thing if I did.