From:
bronxey@yahoo.com
Date: 2002-07-20 01:29:29 UTC
Subject: RE: BABY FERRET, SUDDEN REST
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <28016056.1027128569855.JavaMail.root@scandium>
All three of our ferrets do this. We've comce to call it 'flat ferret'ing, and it is perfectly normal unless your ferret is exhibiting other behaviors such as twitching/shakes, ect.
It's part of their 'you can't see meeeeeee!' behavior, and it's all part of the play routine. They're laying still to not be noticed/watch/listen to something/look cute. I wouldn't worry unless you see other 'symptoms' that go along with the behavior. :)
Is the coughing happening when he flattens, or does it happen more when he eats? Rests? All of ours coughed when they ate, because babies tend to be a little eager when it comes to their food.
If it's happening when he goes to the potty area, take a look at your litter and see if it's dusty or has other problems (We use Yesterday's News, but the shredded variety gave us a problem).
The poops might very well be diet related, but that would be a better topic for the vets, as I am not one. Unless he needs the food supliments (chicken and fish), try taking him off of them for a week. If, however, you've been directed by a vet to give him these, please consult your vet.
In fact, if you're incredibly worried, consult your vet to see if your baby has any problems. With our first, our vet was our best friend!
Author wrote:
> I HAVE A FIVE MONTH OLD BABY BOY WHO IS BEHAVING WEIRD. HE EATS (COOKED)
> CHICKEN, FISH AND KIBBLE. HE PLAYS LIEK A WILDMAN, BUT DURING HIS PLAY,
> HE'LL STOP & DROP TO THE FLOOR AS IF HE WERE RESTING. THEN ABOUT FIVE TO TEN
> SECONDS LATER HE'LL RESUME ACTIVITY. SOMETIMES HE COUGHS A LITTLE TOO MUCH
> TOO. WHEN HE POOPS, HE'LL MAKE A DECENT SIZE, COLOR, BUT THEN FOR THE NEXT
> FEW MINUTES, HE MANAGES TO PUSH OUT LITTLE TINY "POOP-LETS". I NOTICED THAT
> HIS POOP IS DIFFERENT FROM THE OTHER FERRETS' POOP. I HAVE TO BELIEVE IT'S
> BECAUSE HE'S THE ONLY ONE WHO EATS CHICKEN/FISH.
> I'VE ALL READY BEEN THROUGH TWO INSULINOMAS AND I THINK IT'S SAFE TO RULE
> THAT OUT. HOWEVER HE WILL BE SEEING THE VET SUNDAY TO HAVE BLOODWORK DONE.
> ANY SUGGESTIONS?
> THANKS