From:
sukiec@optonline.com
Date: 2003-03-22 18:38:27 UTC
Subject: RE: A new ferret or two and some questions
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <27449208.1048358307642.JavaMail.root@scandium>
>problem, we are novices at this, but I have heard the younger ferret
>make almost clucking sounds now that she is here, very odd to me, I
>don't understand what that is. Should I be worried about it?
Perfectly normal. In fact, in internet dicscussions on ferrets before the word "dook" was invented -- can't recall by whom but it was an FML member -- these vocalizations were often called "clucks". Individuals vary in how much they talk. Interestingly, deaf or partly deaf ones MIGHT be more inclined to being big talkers than hearing ones but certainly there are a number of hearing ones who remain big talkers throughout life.
> Second was that now with this crap cat food I am going to need to
>ween them to something else, how does that work?
Mix good foods with the original. Sorry, I am time rushed so i did not notice what they were fed earlier, but, anyway, create a mix and let it sit for maybe a week so the smells blend and then give that . If that doesn't work then pulverize the old food and coat the new foods in the powder. Of course, you may be lucky and the ferrets may just readily change. Do expect the possibility of changed feces for a while during adjustment since that often happens.
>Third is how big is too big? I am afraid that fatty is overweight or
>possibly diseased and overweight from that.
Pays to get a vet appointment with a ferret knowledgeable vet. Overweight isn't healthy for anyone, and if there is not a health (such as adrenal neoplaasia) or medication (such as prednisone) cause then gradually increasing exercise will build muscle and take off the excess fat -- two healthy things to do.
>Third is that there was some war today between sock and sweat pea, I >am told this is dominance but I only trust you guys! I just want to make
>sure they aren't hurting eachother, how do I distinguish this?
Are you seeing blood or real injury?
I just noticed below that Scoks has a heart condition. Check with his treating vet how much wild interaction is okay for him. If the vets says that precautions are needed let's talk scents later on...
> Last I want to say that Socks came to this website with a problem >about his heart. Since then he has improved leaps and bounds. Thanks >to all who were there with love and support on what I could do, you >comments have made Socks alive and active, and with a 10% estimated >decrease in the size of his heart with about a 50% increase in his play.