From:
"graninoregon"
Date: 2007-12-27 05:04:51 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] New ferret won't eat
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
A lady gave my son two male ferrets which, he in return gave them to
me for Christmas. I do not know their ages; but they are full grown.
One seems to be OK, more outgoing and adjusting as long as I keep him
away from my other 4 ferrets. I didn't think they were strong enough
to go through the "initiation" phase. I decided to let the two out by
themselves as they are pretty withdrawn. It appears they have always
lived in a cage. I am not only infuriated with the prior owners but
heartbroken to know these little guys have been caged. One, Bandit,
seems to have poor muscle mass. He's unsteady but once he gets to
moving, he is better.
However, Bandit will not eat. I got him to take water yesterday; he
acted as if he never had water before. I stopped twice as I was afraid
too much may make him ill.
They were given cheap cat food from the dollar store. I have my guys
on 8 in 1. I have tried mixing both dry foods and I think he ate some
yesterday and they day before but not positive. Yesterday being
Christmas I did not pay as close attention.
Today I tried to get him to eat all varieties to no avail. I got the
Gerber chicken w/gravy (daughter picked up at store for me and did not
get #2) and he won't touch it either. I mixed a little with the dry
food, no luck. Mixed FerretVite and he did eat a little bit; not even
1/4 teaspoon. Tried food alone, no luck. Put a little in his mouth
hoping after a sample, he may decide to eat it. No.
He was much more active today. Yesterday all he wanted to do was get
somewhere dark and sleep. I kept him walking for little bits at a time
throughout the day.
I guess where I am going from here is the forced feeding. I have never
done this and am very concerned. I have read about it here on this
board from time to time but not really sure if I just put it on the
tongue.
Yesterday I started giving both of them FerretVite which they both
lapped up.
I only got them 2 days before Christmas and didn't become concerned
right away. I thought it's just the household change but when I
couldn't get him to eat....I know how serious a ferret can get in a
very short amount of time.
What should I do from here?
Linda
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