From:
"Amanda"
Date: 2010-12-09 00:42:56 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: Help! Uncontrollable itching/scratching
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
My boys scratch like crazy too, and they don't have fleas (they're on Advantage Multi kitten dose). I'm not sure where you are, or how long this has been going on, but I'm from ON/MI and now into winter, I give a bit of extra Ferretone (3/4 tsp) to help prevent their skin from getting dry from the artificial heating.
Also, try bathing her less, unless she is truly dirty, because it will make her scent stronger. With my boys, I change their hammocks & blankies once a week and use a detergent for sensitive skin that is free of dyes and scent (IE baby detergent, Tide Free, etc).
Their soiled litter/bedding gets scooped out a few times day & fully cleaned once a week. I use pellet litter like Marshall's or Yesterday's news, and for their bedding at the bottom of their cage I use Carefresh Ultra since it's cozy/ You mention there is no red or swollen areas, which sounds hopeful. My Cleetee gets a pink, irritated belly and I finally figured out that contact with urine in the litter boxes irritate his little belly, so I have to wipe his belly a few times a day with a warm washcloth. It could be something as simple as that - you may just have to be a bit of a detective and do some trial and error.
I would switch that wood litter right away, I suspect that may be an issue. I Some wood litters can be aromatic, and can be irritating to skin and respiratory systems of ferties, so that might be something to switch to see if she does better.
8 in 1 makes one of the best ferret foods, but make sure it's the Ultimate. The other brands (Ultra, etc) have corn and grain in them which may also cause allergies & digestive problems.
If you notice any other serious changes in behavior or her physical condition, definitely get little Ella Belle to a vet right away. But in the meantime, try making some changes to her environment and see how she does.
[A number of the wood litters are processed in
a way to greatly remove the aromatic oils; if
unsure check with the manufacturer.
-- Moderator]
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