From:
"brett.burford"
Date: 2008-01-01 06:06:50 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: lump
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
Hello S,
LUMP
------------------------------
Whilst I do not know enough about ferret biology to speculate on this
issue, I suggest that you have a vet with ferret experience examine
your pet as soon as possible. If there is nothing to worry about, it
will do your psychology best to KNOW this. If not, then you can find
out what (if anything) is wrong, and take the best steps in looking
after your ferret's welfare. So in my opinion, play it safe!
FOOD
------------------------------
Regarding food, it is important to ensure that ferrets get the right
levels of taurine in particular. This is not going to be found in dog
food, at least in the necessary levels.
I suggest food in the following preferences, though I'm sure others
here will have something to add. This has been through my discussions
with others.
1. Raw ox heart & lamb heart (for taurine). Other raw meats like
diced or mince beef, minced chicken and chicken necks. This will be a
good diet in my understanding.
2. Ferret specific dry food. Whilst not as good as the above, it can
be used in combination with the raw foods (hearts is best). It does
contain the necessary levels of taurine, and should be used at
minimum. Bear in mind, there has been some thought about how good
this 'commercial' food is for a ferret.
3. At worst, consider dry kitten food (again for the levels of
taurine). I see this as a last case resort if one has run out of
other more appropriate food.
So certainly make some changes to the diet of your little ones, it
will ensure that they have the best chance for enduring health.
CAGING
------------------------------
Without seeing the cages, it is hard to comment. Though if they are
only at the bottom currently, then you may be best to use the smaller
cage so they can access hammocks until something else can be sorted.
I understand how budget can be a problem, but if you are creative, you
may be able to find cheap solutions to improve the larger cage. You
may be able to create some 'platforms' a little higher up, with ramps
that lead to these and the hammocks too. I would suggest not making
them too high, though, as ferrets often learn about gravity the hard way!
I do hope that my comments help in some way. I'm sure others here
will have things to add, and better advice again.
Regards,
BrettJB
--- In ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com, "shadowsrdancing"
<shadowsrdancing@...> wrote:
>
> I just received two sweet tempered ferrets from a friend as a gift. I
> have some basic questions and a serious one. First and most important
> there is a nearly golf ball sized lump on the lower belly of one, grey
> and hairless. I was told that it has been there for years and that
> they were told to let it be. what could this be?
>
> My other questions are about housing and food. They are currently
> eating puppy and cat food with occasional cooked and raw meat scraps.
> They are housed in a nearly fridge sized cage, but it is taller than
> wide (though I could tip it over I suppose.). They can't seem to climb
> very well so they just hang out on the bottom.
>
> I am currently on a tight budget, but I might be able to manage some
> changes...what would you guys suggest? I do have a smaller cube cage
> with shelves--should I just switch to that so they can get to the
> hammocks?
>
> Thanks
> s
>
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