From:
neinta@hotmail.com
Date: 2005-06-22 06:00:39 UTC
Subject: Ferrets too skinny
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <5160273.1119420039208.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
I took my ferrets to the vet yesterday and they got a clean bill of health... except that they are underweight. My Sonic(who is a small female in general) only weighs 1 lb 8 oz and feels skinny but not bony. Chewy (who is longer than most male ferrets) only weighs 2 lb 6oz and feels very bony.
Both are fed Marshall's Premium Ferret food with the occaisional treat of chicken baby food. I've tried supplementing with ferret treats but they've taken to hiding them at the bottom of their food dish and not eating them.
They don't act hungry and they always have a supply of food in their cage as well as in their hidey hole (closet). I've tried feeding them eggs and cooked meat like beef and chicken but they won't touch it. I've also tried mixing their kibble with 8-in-1 ultimate but they picked those pieces out and refused to eat them. At their previous visit, the vet dewormed them but since then Sonic has only gained 2 oz, and chewy has lost about 8 oz. They play and potty fine and don't seem to be showing any signs of distress (other than being cranky that they had to get their shots).
The vet wants them each to gain at least a pound but I'm at a loss as to how to go about that.
Thanks, Neinta and the Dynamic Duo: Sonic and Chewy