From:
sukiecrandall@telocity.com
Date: 2001-11-19 19:14:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Photoperiods and Adrenals
Do remember that the animals from which they are descended
were largely burrow-dwelling crepuscular (dawn and dusk)
hunters so except when food and shelter were scarce the levels
of light in which they lived (and to which they were adapted) are
lower than they get even with night covers.
They do tend to learn when they can be awake for play and
cuddles with their prized humans. though.
Your appraoch sounds interesting. During the day, or when we
have the lights on and they are out, we leave black polar fleece
blankets handy for them and have other hidey-spots. They sure
appreciate that. We just don't have the money to let them have
an area all their own; such is life.
--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., leanneb33@a... wrote:
> Thanks for the quick answer:
>
> Another hypothesis is.. I have been thinking in great depths
about this
> adrenal problem that we all seem to be facing. My guys as
stated receive
> natural lighting all day and evening. I do not cover their cages
for fear
> that it would led to unatural lighting.. IE: undercover whew
daylight, cover
> pitch black. I don't think a sudden change in lighting is good
either.
> What I have been contemplating is taking them back to a more
natural state in
> which they don't have free feed all day.. and that they have a
"den" instead
> of hammies to sleep in. Ie no curtains on windows therfore
premoting natual
> light morning and evening. Thank goodness I have only my
ferts to spoil with
> what I think is best and don't have to worry about anyone else
with no lights
> at night.
> I am going to make a "den" of sort for them that is black
material inside so
> to promote real darkness and a hole that much like a den they
can enter and
> exit upon waking etc.... therefore hopefully taking them back to
a much more
> natural state as far as light is concerned.
> Care to share your feeling on this?
> Interested in everyones opinions
> Leanne