From:
"MC"
Date: 2005-12-11 21:17:56 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] sweets/ ferret diseases
To: <ferrethealth@smartgroups.com>
I would be very concerned about the wrapping the candies were wrapped in.
I am sure there are many opinions on sweets and ferrets but I always look to
the wild obligate carnivore for answer to the 'Is it right for my ferret'
questions.
A weasel, of any kind, in the wild, will gorge themselves on ripe fruit or
honey if found. It may have no nutritional value to them, but..like us,
they have a sweet tooth. **I** believe that a little sugar is never going
to hurt a healthy ferret. Likewise, I don't believe the refined chocolate
we are exposed to, such as M&M's, Hershey's (And all brands) etc, will have
any effect on a healthy ferret, other than very runny stools..
This is not to say it is okay to load them up on sweets....mine do not get a
daily dose of sugar...just infrequently. A number of years ago, one of my
more enterprising ferrets discovered and stole, a 5 pound bag of M&M's, and
after hiding it (Very well, I might add) he ripped it open and shared almost
half the bag with the rest of the clan. I discovered the theft when I
noticed multi-colored and runny stools..but it still took me several hours
of searching to find the stash, all the while the little brats were raiding
it and then laughing at me. None suffered any the worst for the dessert...I
however, paid the price, with 4 very 'active' ferrets for a few hours.
Seriously, start looking at Bella's stools very carefully for bits of tin
foil or candy wrapping. If you have any hair ball remedy, feed that to her
liberally. If she shows any signs of straining or discomfort, contact your
vet immediately.
As for the more common ailments of ferrets..no...I do believe that is very
distorted information you received. Many ferrets live a long and disease
free life. I would caution you though, to start a medical fund, for the
'just in case' happenings that can occur. Put $5.00 or $10.00, or $20.00 a
week into a jar and don't miss a week or 'steal' from the jar for any
reason. You will always have a fund for vet visits, if needed!
MC
----- Original Message -----
From: "sweets02813" <sweets02813@cox.net>
my first question is how toxic is sweets to a ferret it seems my kit bella
has stolen a bag of Xmas stocking candy I had hid or so I thought well
she has hid the bag on me I found one choc bell eaten through with just the
paper and a few crumbs left and another with teeth marks left in it
also since I am a new mom I have been reading that many if not all ferrets
end up with one or two of disease dreaded diseases lymphoma adrenal or
insulinoma is this true? have all u of u ferret owners experienced one or
more of these in your babies? please help to ease my worries as I rescued
her from an old garage with no food, shelter, and the ppl wanted her to die
I'm hoping for a long happy life with bella but now I'm concerned
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