From:
Cecilia McNamara
Date: 2001-12-31 15:46:00 UTC
Subject: Re: [Ferret-Health-list] Cold? / Weight
Dear Soledad Gomez:
I don't think you have to put a ferret "on a diet" myself. They will eat when they are hungry and if given enough exersize should not become fat.
We adopted a male 2 years ago that at the time weighed 3.5lbs (he was FAT and had been cage bound since birth) and now that he has been playing with
others and out everyday he only weighs 3.lbs and is bounding with energy. Are yours getting to run around for about 4 hours a day? The kitten food
they were on is better for them. Maybe you could mix some in with the other. They should have a variety of things to eat so that you can ensure a
better opportunity for them to get the nutrition they need from the foods. Ferrets can eat cooked chicken and eggs too. Ours love turkey. They are
carnivores naturally and need high protein diets. Say, 38% protein and about 20% fat. They also need Taurine
Also, the coughing and wet nose thing. Just make sure your ferrets have lots to drink and be watchful. If its a cold of some kind he will probably
need to attend the vet for antibiotics. But usually they just need hydration and rest. Gatorade is good. They may not like it but it stops them
from becoming dehydrated.
Each ferret is special. Love them
:)
Cecilia
Soledad Gomez Flores wrote:
> Hi
>
> I have a ferret since Dec. 10th. First I like to thank all of you who so
> gently answered some messahges I posted here. I have 2 situations now that I
> like to share with you and look for some answers:
>
> First:
>
> I noticed yesterday he was making a strange noise. I was almost like a
> cough. He did that noise a fewe times that day. Also he sneezes more now
> (Normally, he only sneezes when he is exploring and smelling the house and
> finds a spot with some dust. I think that is normal)
>
> I checked his nose and it seems a little wet. But his activities are normal.
> He runs, jumps, plays, hides things... He eats and drink normally and his
> bathroom habits are the same. So, I'm a little confused, because he doesn't
> seem to feel bad.
>
> Is this a cold or the flu? What should I do?
> Should I take him to the vet inmediatly or it can wait until wednesday?
>
> Second:
>
> My vet put Ringo in a diet, because he is fat. His weight is about 1.3 Kg (I
> think that is about 2.2 pounds ). He is 7 months old and 52 centimeters
> (about 20.4 inches) long. Here in Chile where we live there are no ferret
> food, so all the ferrets eat premium cat food. Ringo was eating Iams Kitten
> (that was also what he was eating in the store) and now he is eatin Hill's
> r/d. He has to eat that for 21 days. He had no problem when I changed his
> food. He is eating normally.
>
> My question: Is there a weight table for ferrets? Which is the ideal weight?
>
> And finally: I don't think there's a relation between the change of food
> and the cold symptoms because the change was ten days ago and the symptoms
> began yesterday but... Could it be? maybe low defenses because the diet
> food?
>
> I'm sorry for the long message... Please, help a confused new owner
>
> Thanks to you all and a Happy New Year to all creatures, human and fuzzy.
>
> Soledad
>
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