From:
"Sukie Crandall"
Date: 2008-10-30 04:47:53 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: New to the Ferret World. Advice on EVERYTHING!
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
Some general rules of thumb:
Unless a ferret has certain health problems (such as
some urinary tract ones) a diet that is high in animal
protein is best. Usually you can not get that with
"grocery store" brand foods/inexpensive foods. Those
tend to have too much vegetable matter and vegetable
protein. If you look in past FHLs you'll notice that
ferrets don't digest those well, some can be gastro-
intestinal irritants, and a diet too high in vegetable
matter can lead to the most common urinary stones
found in ferrets. In addition, there is a hypothesis
that such a diet might also increase the risk of
insulinoma. If you look in the FHL Archives
http://ferrethealth.org/archive/
which are very easily used you will find links to
comparison charts for foods, URLs, and a range of
discussions on what people feed. The Links section
of the FHL will also help you.
Clumping litters have a history of causing problems
for ferrets because they have been ingested, gotten
into ears, eyes, or nostrils, or clung to ferrets rectums,
urethras, or vulvas.
Cedar has a history of causing lung problems for
ferrets. That is a general problem due to some nasty
volatile oils and links to more info are in the archives.
Some ferrets have been allergic to pine.
For treats go with high protein, animal based ones,
and oil ones as great ways to start.
Avoid anything that can cause blockages: rubber
toys, latex toys, etc.
Ferrets need a lot of play and a lot of room, so
expect to have to ferret-proof at least one room
and provide hours of play daily while having the
cage be large enough that the ferret can move
around a lot even as an adult, play, have a separate
spot for a large enough litter pot that it will actually
be used, and far enough away food, water, and
bedding. Exercise is not only good for mental
health, it is also needed for physical health.
Ferret proof, ferret proof, ferret proof!
You may find it best to not have bedding that has
exposed fake fleece. For some ferrets who decided
that they liked to eat in bed those fibers have caused
serious "fur" balls.
Expect to have to save up money for future major
health needs. That is just a basic with ferrets, I'm
afraid.
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