From:
Yvon358@aol.com
Date: 2003-05-10 15:55:00 UTC
Subject: blanket biter/blockage issue
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <b9.31b5a903.2bee7ad4@aol.com>
Hey folks,
I've seen this topic before... ferrets that like to actually eat blankets,
fleece, towels, clothing, etc. I thought ya'll were crazy until I recently
adopted one with same problem.
Within the 1st few days of bringing her home, she had eaten a hole, the size
of my fist, right through the middle of my Vellux blanket. Chewed,
swallowed, and passed it. Scared me to death. I've been through the
blockage thing before.
I've had her apx. 6 - 8 months. Prior owner said she was kept caged most of
the time, little attention, however, play time consisted of very rough
handling. This ferret loves getting under blankets, etc. and biting your
hand, extremely hard, right through. She continues to eat material and I
have to give her Petromalt at least 2x per week. I've tried lots of love,
physical handling, sweet calming talks, etc. All to no avail. She has play
time twice daily with 3 other ferrets. They stay out as long as they like
and return to a room of their own.
The times I've actually caught her doing this strange behavior she appeared
to be "suckling". I had a cat once that was taken from it's mother before it
was weaned. The cat displayed the same "suckling" behavior, although, she
didn't actually ingest anything.
Could this behavior relate back to taking her from her mother too soon? (I
have no information as to when she was purchased and at what age.) Previous
discussions, on this list, included speculation regarding nutritional
deficiencies. Did we ever come to a conclusion? She's made it to 4 years of
age without suffering blockage problems. My worry is a diet of blankets and
Petromalt can't be good for her. She eats her kibble, drinks, and uses the
litter regularly. But.... often I see the remnants of her bedding in the
stool.
Any thoughts, ideas, suggestions are welcome. I'm running out of blankets.
Short of living in a concrete cell, I'm at a loss.
-Y-