From:
"Katharine Long"
Date: 2005-08-14 13:11:17 UTC
Subject: Syringe Feeding
To: "Ferret Health List" <ferrethealth@smartgroups.com>
Message-ID: <000001c5a0d1$a8ce2b60$48102cc7@xphomepc>
Yes, there is a technique to syringe feeding. Definitely go from the side
of the mouth and only give a few drops at the time. I remove the syringe
after each "squirt", giving the ferret a chance to swallow. If the ferret
won't cooperate, then scruff it when syringe feeding. I usually start out
scruffing and then, after several feedings, I can just support their back
and head, holding them upright, to feed. ALWAYS feed in an upright
position, not on their backs or tummies.
=
The key to successful syringe feeding is using a good syringe. I have foun=
d
the very best, by far, to be the "O" ring syringes. These syringes have a
rubber ring inside of them, not the stopper-looking thing normally found in=
cheaper syringes. The o-rings are very durable and last through many, many=
feedings without sticking like the others do. You can manage a good,
smooth, steady flow with them; no jerking. I normally feed with 20mL
syringes as those are the largest I can comfortably manage. Fill, warm in =
a
cup of hot water, and feed. Once a week, I take mine apart, put them in a
cup of water and bring to a boil in the microwave. After they are dried, I=
put a little bit of vegetable oil on the rubber ring and they are good as
new!! The o-rings cost more but are worth it. The numbers don't tend to
wear off easily either through multiple feedings. I also use the o-rings
(1mL) for dosing meds. They hold up without the numbers rubbing off.
=
I order syringes with a wildlife rehab organization, so we can order large
quantities of multiple sizes. I do the ordering for them and they let me
take what I want of each size. Two places to order o-ring syringes are
www.thesquirrelstore.com <http://www.thesquirrelstore.com/> and
www.medcareproducts.com <http://www.medcareproducts.com/> (this site is
worth going to just for the entertainment value). You may want to get
together with some other people, or a local shelter, to order in quantity.
=
Syringe feeding can be scary at first. You do worry about aspirating them.=
But, if you calm down, take your time, and pay attention to what you're
doing, you will be successful. I learned to syringe feed (and tube feed) o=
n
baby wildlife, many weighing less than an ounce. I did aspirate a few alon=
g
the way, unfortunately. But, I learned from each and every one. When the
time came that I had to syringe feed a ferret, I felt more comfortable doin=
g
it. Animals can definitely sense when you're nervous