Most ferrets live anywhere from7 to 10 years. My oldest Max is 3, Rory's almost 2, Lola is 1 1/2, Jax is 1, and Lulu is around 9 to 10 weeks.

The same things that are toxic to cats and dogs applies for ferrets. The problem with ferrets is that they have such small digestive tracks. If a dog or cat swallows a small peice of their toy they've bitten off, in most cases they'll pass it...but it can be deadly to a ferret. While most ferrets aren't chewers(ie. wires) they are highly inquistive and need to explore everything. Sometimes part of that exploring is to test out how it feels in their mouth. That's why ferrets can't have any latex dog/cat toys, anything with small pieces that can break off or anything soft and rubbery that could small break apart.

Ferret owners joke that having a ferret is like having a hyperactive 2 year old...always on the go, and always up to know good. Most probably the ferret from your son's class that died ate something and got blockage. Beacause it was a class room, my thoughts would be on an eraser.