Post by Kim on Jul 11, 2010 7:42:49 GMT -5
Adrenal Disease: What is adrenal disease? What are the treatments? What is the average cost?
Adrenal Disease is the name for tumors that are on the adrenal glands. Ferrets can get adrenal disease at any age, but most commonly are 2+ years before they start showing symptoms. Some of the common symptoms are hair loss on the tail, hair loss on the back, aggression, lethargy, sleeping more than usual and drowsiness. Some of the options to treat adrenal disease include melatonin implants (approx. $50/ea.), lupron injections (approx. $40/ea.), deslorelin (approx. $70/ea.) and adrenal gland surgery (approx. $600).
Bathing: Ferrets only need to be bathed twice a year. Their skin needs the natural oil that their bodies produce. Using critter or baby wipes on them in between baths is fine. If a ferret is bathed too often their skin will become very dry and scaly.
Books: These are books that are good for both a first time ferret owner and a long-time ferret owner. Ferrets for Dummies 1st & 2nd edition by Kim Schilling, Complete Care Made Easy Ferrets Providing the Best Home for Your Ferret by Karen Dale Dustman, Ferrets a Complete Pet Owner’s Manual by E. Lynn “Fox” Morton, and Animal Planet Ferrets by Vickie McKimmey.
Butt-dragging: Why does my ferret drag its butt after going to the bathroom? This is actually a normal and common behavior. It is simply their attempt at wiping their butts. You can put down newspaper or pee pads to keep them from ruining rugs or carpet.
Cardiomyopathy: What is cardiomyopathy? What are the treatments? What is the average cost?
Cardiomyopathy is a condition in which the heart is enlarged. Some of the signs are a decrease in energy, coughing, difficulty breathing and sleeping more than usual.
Cleaning: What cleaning products can I use for my ferrets cage, playpen, laundry and toys? Regular Palmolive soap and water, Tide original scent, Bounce original scent, Swiffer wetjet, Lysol wipes, Good & Clean wipes, and paper towels.
Deaf: Some ferrets are born deaf. When your ferret is not looking directly at you there are a number of things you can use to see if your ferret is deaf: Clickers, squeaky toys or clapping your hands.
Digging: Ferrets love to dig and tunnel. Dig boxes can be made out of non-instant rice, ping pong balls, small whiffle balls, human baby teething toys, Easter eggs, packing peanuts and shredded paper. You can use a regular cardboard box, a large cardboard moving box, a large plastic box and there are all sorts of ideas online for ways to custom make your own dig box.
Distemper: How often ferrets should get distemper shots and rabies shots. Distemper is a very serious virus that is airborne and is almost always 100% fatal to any ferret not vaccinated against it. The good news is that distemper at this time is not very common in the ferret community. Ferrets often come with their first distemper shot if they come from a large breeder. They should be vaccinated at 8 weeks, 11 weeks, 14 weeks and then an annual booster shot. The best distemper vaccination to use is Merial’s. Ferrets should be vaccinated against rabies at 12 weeks and again annually.
Dooking: What is dooking? This is a sound that ferrets make to signify happiness and joy while playing. They get very excited about playing with other ferrets, toys and you. The noise kind of sounds like they are saying “dook….dook” or chirping happily.
Dragging: Ferrets drag other ferrets around by the neck in order to show dominance. Most of the time it is harmless and you just need to let the ferrets figure out their hierarchy on their own. If you have a ferret that drags others around too often you can scruff that ferret by the back of the neck and drag them around the floor with your hand. This will show them that you are the dominant one.
Duk Soup: What is duk soup? A soup designed to get ferrets to take their medication without a fight. There are many different recipes. The easiest one to make is to put ferret kibble in water and to let it soak until it becomes mush.
miamiferret.org/duck_soup.htm
www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?aid=1931
Ears: How often do I need to clean my ferret’s ears? How do I know if they have ear mites? Ears should be cleaned about once every 2 weeks. You can pour about 3 drops in their ear canal and rub the liquid in good by rubbing the outside of the ear. The ferret will probably shake its head and some of the contents will come out. Ear mites are usually present if you see a large amount of dark gunk in their ears and can be confirmed by a vet using a magnifying glass to see if there is anything moving on the ferret.
Emergency: What signs should I look for in order to know if I need to take my ferret to the emergency vet?
You need to take your ferret to an emergency vet for the following reasons: Any wound that requires more medical attention than you have the knowledge to give, bleeding (more than can be stopped with styptic powder), eye issues (cloudy eyes, squinting, discharge or unable to open the eyes) and Gums (white or bluish in tint).
Other signs of an emergency to look for are: Being unresponsive, a bloody nose, broken bones, burns, diarrhea, extreme lethargy, frostbite, hypoglycemia, hypothermia, limping, a rash and seizures.
Some more signs of an emergency can be: Bite marks (or if you know your ferret has been bitten), inability to poop, inability to pee, not drinking water, not eating and excessive itching.
If your ferret is acting strange in such a way that it has made you nervous you should at the very least call an emergency vet and find out if you should bring your ferret in to see them.
Exotic Vets: You can use these links to find a good exotic veterinarian in your area. There are certain things that a ferret owner should look for in their vet. You’ll want someone who works with ferrets often and has done many ferret surgeries throughout their career. Kits (baby ferrets) need booster shots throughout the first several months of their lives. Ferrets also require annual distemper and rabies shots. Be sure that you feel comfortable asking your vet questions. You want someone who is open and responsive to your questions and input.
www.quincyweb.net/quincy/vet.html
www.yext.com/vets/
www.veterinarians.com/
Ferret Proof: Ferrets love to explore, tunnel, investigate and sniff out everything they can. Any place that a ferret can stick their head into they can stick their whole body into. This means making sure that there is nothing dangerous on the carpet, tile, linoleum, vinyl or hard wood floors. You’ll need to make sure that they cannot burrow into your couch or chair as there are dangerous objects that can hurt your ferret. Also you’ll want to lay on your back with a flashlight and look for any hidey holes throughout your home. Ferret proofing is a very serious and necessary task to ensure your ferret’s safety. Please read up on how to best ferret proof your home.
www.everythingferret.com/ferret_proofing.htm
www.all-about-ferrets.com/ferret-proofing.html
www.ferret-universe.com/care/ferret_proofing.asp
Food: A list of the top 5 top quality ferret foods along with a picture of each (Zupreem, Totally Ferret, Mazuri, etc.) And a list of what each one has in regards to protein content, ash, what it’s actually made out of. Explain that ferrets are obligate carnivores. They do not have the ability to digest fruits and vegetables. www.ferret-universe.com/care/food.asp “Ideally, the first two ingredients should be meat-based…”
History: Ferrets are descended from the European polecat. Weasels are their well known counterparts.
Influenza: Ferrets can get the flu. Explain that they are susceptible to human flu and to H1N1. Give some ideas of how they can help take care of their ferrets when there in influenza in the house such as bringing the ferrets to a friend’s house, wearing sterile gloves, wearing a face mask, etc.
Insulinoma: What is insulinoma? What are the treatments? What is the average cost? Insulinoma is tumors of the pancreas. To learn more about this condition please read “Ferrets for Dummies” by Kim Schilling. The average cost of treatment fluctuates. There is a surgical procedure that can be done and several different medications out there.
Intestinal Blockages: Why do ferrets get intestinal blockages? What can I do to prevent them? Ferrets have very small, narrow intestines and therefore it is far easier for things to get stuck in the intestines causing a blockage. Ferrets are known to go after foam, rubber, sponges, fibrous material on tennis balls, rubber bands, erasers on pencils and anything else tiny that they aren’t supposed to ingest. Blockages can also be caused by excessive grooming or a good-sized hairball that has accumulated over time from natural grooming. You can give your ferret ferretone and veterinarian prescribed Laxatone to help keep their intestinal tracts in better condition. Keep away any small, dangerous materials from your ferret. This will help to ensure that your ferret is less likely to get an intestinal blockage.
Litter Training: Ferrets instinctually like to choose a corner to do their business in. If you put a litter box in their cage or playpen area it is good to be sure to leave a little bit of the poop smell in there. That way they will know that they can return to that same box. They aren’t really trained as much as they are taught to remember to go where they smell ferret poop.
Lymphoma or Lymphosarcoma: What is Lymphoma or Lymphosarcoma? Lymphoma and lymphosarcoma are cancers of the lymphatic system. Lymph nodes become enlarged and blood cell counts change. One of the greatest difficulties with this particular cancer is that it is not always noticed until the disease has already progressed significantly.
N-Bone: What is an N-Bone? Chicken chew sticks that help teach ferrets not to bite and keeps their teeth healthy.
Nipping: They nip and bite at times. If your ferret is biting you can scruff it by the back of the neck, hold it up in front of you and tell it “No” in a stern voice. This usually needs to be done consistently for up to 72 hours. By that point the ferret should learn that they’ll get more positive attention if they don’t bite you.
Other Pets: Will my ferret get along with my cat? Will my ferret get along with my dog? Ferrets are fearless. They usually get along great with cats especially if they are introduced as kittens and kits. Sometimes they get along well with dogs but dogs can be a little too rough for them. You’ll probably find your cat more afraid of your ferret than vice versa!
Poisonous products around the house: Tylenol, aspirin, caffeine, chocolate, coke, nail polish, raisins, grapes, peanut butter, perfume and insecticides. Please look at these links as well as your ferret books to learn about other common household items that are poisonous to your ferret.
www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=11+2065&aid=3109
www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/all-the-secrets-behind-ferrets-and-poison-123542.html
www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/
www.squidoo.com/ferret-care-professor?utm_campaign=lensmaster-discovery&utm_medium=sidebar&utm_source=dazsgeo
Scruffing: What is scruffing? Does scruffing hurt a ferret?
Scruffing is when you pick up a ferret by the nape of their neck using one hand balled up around the nape of the neck skin.
Scruffing does not hurt a ferret. The nape of a ferret’s neck has thick skin and scruffing them is not inhumane & does not hurt them.
Scruffing can be used to hold a ferret still so that you can clip their nails. (An alternative is to put ferretone on their belly and let them lick it off while you clip their nails).
Scruffing can also be used to teach a ferret that it is NOT okay to bite a human. When the ferret bites you automatically pick him/her up by the nape of the neck and say “No” in a loud, commanding voice. Most ferrets will usually yawn when you scruff them. Make sure that if you use this tactic that you are consistent and do this every time they bite you. Consistency is key!
It is absolutely normal for ferrets to drag each other around by the nape of their necks using their teeth. That is the way the ferrets establish dominance. Once in a while you’ll hear the ferret being dragged making a noise to let the other ferret know that they are being hurt. A lot of the time the ferrets will wrestle their issues out with each other. The ferrets may continue to drag each other around each time they are playing together. That is fine. As long as nobody is getting hurt and no blood is being drawn.
What do you do when a ferret continuously drags another ferret around by the nape of their neck in its teeth? The continuous dragging is an unacceptable behavior. Especially if the ferret that is being dragged is making noises of displeasure or crying out for help. Scruffing is also a good training tool if you have a ferret that is out of control with other ferrets.
Step 1: In this case you can scruff the out of control ferret by the nape of his/her neck while they are laying on their side on the floor and then drag them gently across the floor in front of you no more than 2 feet. This is a training tool. It is not meant to harm or hurt your ferret. It is meant to show your ferret that you are the dominant one and that dragging the other ferret(s) around is not okay.
Step 2: You may repeat the scruff and drag technique up to 5 times within an hour. If your ferret still continues to behave the same way you can continue to use this technique for several days in a row.
Step 3: If the ferret still is out of control after that then the next time you do the scruff and drag technique hold the ferret still and steady for at least a minute before you let him/her go. You may continue to do this up to 5 times within an hour. If your ferret still continues to behave in the same way then you can continue to use this technique for several days in a row.
Shaking: Why does my ferret shake? When ferrets first wake up they will sometimes shake in order to raise their body temperature. Other reasons can be excitement and fear.
Sick: Ferrets sneezing is very common. It does not mean that they are sick. They are close to the ground and often get particles in their whiskers and in their noses that makes them sneeze. Coughing is not common and is usually a sign of illness. If the coughing is persistent for a couple of hours that is usually a good indication that they need to see a vet. Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, anemia, fleas, mites and parasites are all reasons to see a vet as soon as possible. Hair loss anywhere on the ferret and swollen vulvas are usually an indication of adrenal disease. A ferret savvy vet should be consulted. Fatigue could be a serious symptom indicative of adrenal disease, insulinoma, lymphoma, etc. or it can just be that your healthy ferret is more tired for a few days. It is best to check with your vet just to be sure your ferret is okay.
Smell: Ferrets have a natural musky smell and that it won’t go away. But they do not have to smell worse than that. If the cage, litter boxes, play areas and bedding are washed at least every 3 days the smell will not be as bad. And the litter should be scooped daily.
Time Requirements: How much time does my ferret need to spend out of its cage? How much time should I spend handling my ferret? A ferret that is not bored should only sleep about 18 hours a day. It is okay to put your ferrets in a cage at night to keep them safe. During the time you are home it is important that they get at least a minimum of 2 hours outside of the cage to play daily.
Toys: What toys are definitely safe for all ferrets? What toys are safe for most ferrets? Do I have to watch my ferret at all times when they are playing with their toys? Be careful with any fibrous toys and bedding because ferrets can easily dig at this material and risk the chance of ingesting it and causing an intestinal blockage. Rubber toys are loved by ferrets – but if they manage to chew the rubber and ingest it then they run the risk of an intestinal blockage. Hard plastic baby toys are good. Crinkle tunnels and crinkle sacks are good for them. Also safe are ping pong balls and small whiffle balls.
Treats: What types of treats are on the shelves that are actually bad for ferrets? Ex: Peanut Butter, Raisins and Bananas. Some of the good treats for ferrets are: FerreTone by 8-in-1, N-Bones, Marshall Pet Bandits bacon flavor and Tomlyn Products Laxatone that is sold only by veterinarians. Some of the bad treats for ferrets are: anything peanut butter flavored, anything raisin flavored, chocolate, caffeine, salt, sugar, seeds, nuts and depending on their digestive system they may be better off not being given dairy products. www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/
War Dancing: What is war dancing? Is it a good thing? Ferrets love to play fight with each other as well as their humans. They do this by bouncing and hopping backwards, forwards, sideways, sometimes they do somersaults or body flips. Ferrets that really love to play will have their teeth showing as they back up and then hop towards you with their feet bopping on the ground. War dancing is a very good thing. Just be cautious of your ferret’s surroundings. Sometimes they’ll get so excited that they’ll bump their bodies or heads into something.
Adrenal Disease is the name for tumors that are on the adrenal glands. Ferrets can get adrenal disease at any age, but most commonly are 2+ years before they start showing symptoms. Some of the common symptoms are hair loss on the tail, hair loss on the back, aggression, lethargy, sleeping more than usual and drowsiness. Some of the options to treat adrenal disease include melatonin implants (approx. $50/ea.), lupron injections (approx. $40/ea.), deslorelin (approx. $70/ea.) and adrenal gland surgery (approx. $600).
Bathing: Ferrets only need to be bathed twice a year. Their skin needs the natural oil that their bodies produce. Using critter or baby wipes on them in between baths is fine. If a ferret is bathed too often their skin will become very dry and scaly.
Books: These are books that are good for both a first time ferret owner and a long-time ferret owner. Ferrets for Dummies 1st & 2nd edition by Kim Schilling, Complete Care Made Easy Ferrets Providing the Best Home for Your Ferret by Karen Dale Dustman, Ferrets a Complete Pet Owner’s Manual by E. Lynn “Fox” Morton, and Animal Planet Ferrets by Vickie McKimmey.
Butt-dragging: Why does my ferret drag its butt after going to the bathroom? This is actually a normal and common behavior. It is simply their attempt at wiping their butts. You can put down newspaper or pee pads to keep them from ruining rugs or carpet.
Cardiomyopathy: What is cardiomyopathy? What are the treatments? What is the average cost?
Cardiomyopathy is a condition in which the heart is enlarged. Some of the signs are a decrease in energy, coughing, difficulty breathing and sleeping more than usual.
Cleaning: What cleaning products can I use for my ferrets cage, playpen, laundry and toys? Regular Palmolive soap and water, Tide original scent, Bounce original scent, Swiffer wetjet, Lysol wipes, Good & Clean wipes, and paper towels.
Deaf: Some ferrets are born deaf. When your ferret is not looking directly at you there are a number of things you can use to see if your ferret is deaf: Clickers, squeaky toys or clapping your hands.
Digging: Ferrets love to dig and tunnel. Dig boxes can be made out of non-instant rice, ping pong balls, small whiffle balls, human baby teething toys, Easter eggs, packing peanuts and shredded paper. You can use a regular cardboard box, a large cardboard moving box, a large plastic box and there are all sorts of ideas online for ways to custom make your own dig box.
Distemper: How often ferrets should get distemper shots and rabies shots. Distemper is a very serious virus that is airborne and is almost always 100% fatal to any ferret not vaccinated against it. The good news is that distemper at this time is not very common in the ferret community. Ferrets often come with their first distemper shot if they come from a large breeder. They should be vaccinated at 8 weeks, 11 weeks, 14 weeks and then an annual booster shot. The best distemper vaccination to use is Merial’s. Ferrets should be vaccinated against rabies at 12 weeks and again annually.
Dooking: What is dooking? This is a sound that ferrets make to signify happiness and joy while playing. They get very excited about playing with other ferrets, toys and you. The noise kind of sounds like they are saying “dook….dook” or chirping happily.
Dragging: Ferrets drag other ferrets around by the neck in order to show dominance. Most of the time it is harmless and you just need to let the ferrets figure out their hierarchy on their own. If you have a ferret that drags others around too often you can scruff that ferret by the back of the neck and drag them around the floor with your hand. This will show them that you are the dominant one.
Duk Soup: What is duk soup? A soup designed to get ferrets to take their medication without a fight. There are many different recipes. The easiest one to make is to put ferret kibble in water and to let it soak until it becomes mush.
miamiferret.org/duck_soup.htm
www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?aid=1931
Ears: How often do I need to clean my ferret’s ears? How do I know if they have ear mites? Ears should be cleaned about once every 2 weeks. You can pour about 3 drops in their ear canal and rub the liquid in good by rubbing the outside of the ear. The ferret will probably shake its head and some of the contents will come out. Ear mites are usually present if you see a large amount of dark gunk in their ears and can be confirmed by a vet using a magnifying glass to see if there is anything moving on the ferret.
Emergency: What signs should I look for in order to know if I need to take my ferret to the emergency vet?
You need to take your ferret to an emergency vet for the following reasons: Any wound that requires more medical attention than you have the knowledge to give, bleeding (more than can be stopped with styptic powder), eye issues (cloudy eyes, squinting, discharge or unable to open the eyes) and Gums (white or bluish in tint).
Other signs of an emergency to look for are: Being unresponsive, a bloody nose, broken bones, burns, diarrhea, extreme lethargy, frostbite, hypoglycemia, hypothermia, limping, a rash and seizures.
Some more signs of an emergency can be: Bite marks (or if you know your ferret has been bitten), inability to poop, inability to pee, not drinking water, not eating and excessive itching.
If your ferret is acting strange in such a way that it has made you nervous you should at the very least call an emergency vet and find out if you should bring your ferret in to see them.
Exotic Vets: You can use these links to find a good exotic veterinarian in your area. There are certain things that a ferret owner should look for in their vet. You’ll want someone who works with ferrets often and has done many ferret surgeries throughout their career. Kits (baby ferrets) need booster shots throughout the first several months of their lives. Ferrets also require annual distemper and rabies shots. Be sure that you feel comfortable asking your vet questions. You want someone who is open and responsive to your questions and input.
www.quincyweb.net/quincy/vet.html
www.yext.com/vets/
www.veterinarians.com/
Ferret Proof: Ferrets love to explore, tunnel, investigate and sniff out everything they can. Any place that a ferret can stick their head into they can stick their whole body into. This means making sure that there is nothing dangerous on the carpet, tile, linoleum, vinyl or hard wood floors. You’ll need to make sure that they cannot burrow into your couch or chair as there are dangerous objects that can hurt your ferret. Also you’ll want to lay on your back with a flashlight and look for any hidey holes throughout your home. Ferret proofing is a very serious and necessary task to ensure your ferret’s safety. Please read up on how to best ferret proof your home.
www.everythingferret.com/ferret_proofing.htm
www.all-about-ferrets.com/ferret-proofing.html
www.ferret-universe.com/care/ferret_proofing.asp
Food: A list of the top 5 top quality ferret foods along with a picture of each (Zupreem, Totally Ferret, Mazuri, etc.) And a list of what each one has in regards to protein content, ash, what it’s actually made out of. Explain that ferrets are obligate carnivores. They do not have the ability to digest fruits and vegetables. www.ferret-universe.com/care/food.asp “Ideally, the first two ingredients should be meat-based…”
History: Ferrets are descended from the European polecat. Weasels are their well known counterparts.
Influenza: Ferrets can get the flu. Explain that they are susceptible to human flu and to H1N1. Give some ideas of how they can help take care of their ferrets when there in influenza in the house such as bringing the ferrets to a friend’s house, wearing sterile gloves, wearing a face mask, etc.
Insulinoma: What is insulinoma? What are the treatments? What is the average cost? Insulinoma is tumors of the pancreas. To learn more about this condition please read “Ferrets for Dummies” by Kim Schilling. The average cost of treatment fluctuates. There is a surgical procedure that can be done and several different medications out there.
Intestinal Blockages: Why do ferrets get intestinal blockages? What can I do to prevent them? Ferrets have very small, narrow intestines and therefore it is far easier for things to get stuck in the intestines causing a blockage. Ferrets are known to go after foam, rubber, sponges, fibrous material on tennis balls, rubber bands, erasers on pencils and anything else tiny that they aren’t supposed to ingest. Blockages can also be caused by excessive grooming or a good-sized hairball that has accumulated over time from natural grooming. You can give your ferret ferretone and veterinarian prescribed Laxatone to help keep their intestinal tracts in better condition. Keep away any small, dangerous materials from your ferret. This will help to ensure that your ferret is less likely to get an intestinal blockage.
Litter Training: Ferrets instinctually like to choose a corner to do their business in. If you put a litter box in their cage or playpen area it is good to be sure to leave a little bit of the poop smell in there. That way they will know that they can return to that same box. They aren’t really trained as much as they are taught to remember to go where they smell ferret poop.
Lymphoma or Lymphosarcoma: What is Lymphoma or Lymphosarcoma? Lymphoma and lymphosarcoma are cancers of the lymphatic system. Lymph nodes become enlarged and blood cell counts change. One of the greatest difficulties with this particular cancer is that it is not always noticed until the disease has already progressed significantly.
N-Bone: What is an N-Bone? Chicken chew sticks that help teach ferrets not to bite and keeps their teeth healthy.
Nipping: They nip and bite at times. If your ferret is biting you can scruff it by the back of the neck, hold it up in front of you and tell it “No” in a stern voice. This usually needs to be done consistently for up to 72 hours. By that point the ferret should learn that they’ll get more positive attention if they don’t bite you.
Other Pets: Will my ferret get along with my cat? Will my ferret get along with my dog? Ferrets are fearless. They usually get along great with cats especially if they are introduced as kittens and kits. Sometimes they get along well with dogs but dogs can be a little too rough for them. You’ll probably find your cat more afraid of your ferret than vice versa!
Poisonous products around the house: Tylenol, aspirin, caffeine, chocolate, coke, nail polish, raisins, grapes, peanut butter, perfume and insecticides. Please look at these links as well as your ferret books to learn about other common household items that are poisonous to your ferret.
www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=11+2065&aid=3109
www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/all-the-secrets-behind-ferrets-and-poison-123542.html
www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/
www.squidoo.com/ferret-care-professor?utm_campaign=lensmaster-discovery&utm_medium=sidebar&utm_source=dazsgeo
Scruffing: What is scruffing? Does scruffing hurt a ferret?
Scruffing is when you pick up a ferret by the nape of their neck using one hand balled up around the nape of the neck skin.
Scruffing does not hurt a ferret. The nape of a ferret’s neck has thick skin and scruffing them is not inhumane & does not hurt them.
Scruffing can be used to hold a ferret still so that you can clip their nails. (An alternative is to put ferretone on their belly and let them lick it off while you clip their nails).
Scruffing can also be used to teach a ferret that it is NOT okay to bite a human. When the ferret bites you automatically pick him/her up by the nape of the neck and say “No” in a loud, commanding voice. Most ferrets will usually yawn when you scruff them. Make sure that if you use this tactic that you are consistent and do this every time they bite you. Consistency is key!
It is absolutely normal for ferrets to drag each other around by the nape of their necks using their teeth. That is the way the ferrets establish dominance. Once in a while you’ll hear the ferret being dragged making a noise to let the other ferret know that they are being hurt. A lot of the time the ferrets will wrestle their issues out with each other. The ferrets may continue to drag each other around each time they are playing together. That is fine. As long as nobody is getting hurt and no blood is being drawn.
What do you do when a ferret continuously drags another ferret around by the nape of their neck in its teeth? The continuous dragging is an unacceptable behavior. Especially if the ferret that is being dragged is making noises of displeasure or crying out for help. Scruffing is also a good training tool if you have a ferret that is out of control with other ferrets.
Step 1: In this case you can scruff the out of control ferret by the nape of his/her neck while they are laying on their side on the floor and then drag them gently across the floor in front of you no more than 2 feet. This is a training tool. It is not meant to harm or hurt your ferret. It is meant to show your ferret that you are the dominant one and that dragging the other ferret(s) around is not okay.
Step 2: You may repeat the scruff and drag technique up to 5 times within an hour. If your ferret still continues to behave the same way you can continue to use this technique for several days in a row.
Step 3: If the ferret still is out of control after that then the next time you do the scruff and drag technique hold the ferret still and steady for at least a minute before you let him/her go. You may continue to do this up to 5 times within an hour. If your ferret still continues to behave in the same way then you can continue to use this technique for several days in a row.
Shaking: Why does my ferret shake? When ferrets first wake up they will sometimes shake in order to raise their body temperature. Other reasons can be excitement and fear.
Sick: Ferrets sneezing is very common. It does not mean that they are sick. They are close to the ground and often get particles in their whiskers and in their noses that makes them sneeze. Coughing is not common and is usually a sign of illness. If the coughing is persistent for a couple of hours that is usually a good indication that they need to see a vet. Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, anemia, fleas, mites and parasites are all reasons to see a vet as soon as possible. Hair loss anywhere on the ferret and swollen vulvas are usually an indication of adrenal disease. A ferret savvy vet should be consulted. Fatigue could be a serious symptom indicative of adrenal disease, insulinoma, lymphoma, etc. or it can just be that your healthy ferret is more tired for a few days. It is best to check with your vet just to be sure your ferret is okay.
Smell: Ferrets have a natural musky smell and that it won’t go away. But they do not have to smell worse than that. If the cage, litter boxes, play areas and bedding are washed at least every 3 days the smell will not be as bad. And the litter should be scooped daily.
Time Requirements: How much time does my ferret need to spend out of its cage? How much time should I spend handling my ferret? A ferret that is not bored should only sleep about 18 hours a day. It is okay to put your ferrets in a cage at night to keep them safe. During the time you are home it is important that they get at least a minimum of 2 hours outside of the cage to play daily.
Toys: What toys are definitely safe for all ferrets? What toys are safe for most ferrets? Do I have to watch my ferret at all times when they are playing with their toys? Be careful with any fibrous toys and bedding because ferrets can easily dig at this material and risk the chance of ingesting it and causing an intestinal blockage. Rubber toys are loved by ferrets – but if they manage to chew the rubber and ingest it then they run the risk of an intestinal blockage. Hard plastic baby toys are good. Crinkle tunnels and crinkle sacks are good for them. Also safe are ping pong balls and small whiffle balls.
Treats: What types of treats are on the shelves that are actually bad for ferrets? Ex: Peanut Butter, Raisins and Bananas. Some of the good treats for ferrets are: FerreTone by 8-in-1, N-Bones, Marshall Pet Bandits bacon flavor and Tomlyn Products Laxatone that is sold only by veterinarians. Some of the bad treats for ferrets are: anything peanut butter flavored, anything raisin flavored, chocolate, caffeine, salt, sugar, seeds, nuts and depending on their digestive system they may be better off not being given dairy products. www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/
War Dancing: What is war dancing? Is it a good thing? Ferrets love to play fight with each other as well as their humans. They do this by bouncing and hopping backwards, forwards, sideways, sometimes they do somersaults or body flips. Ferrets that really love to play will have their teeth showing as they back up and then hop towards you with their feet bopping on the ground. War dancing is a very good thing. Just be cautious of your ferret’s surroundings. Sometimes they’ll get so excited that they’ll bump their bodies or heads into something.