tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32543245802417888602024-03-13T10:09:47.999-07:00Ferrets in the NorthA source of information about pet ferrets, for new and experienced ferret owners. Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger123125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254324580241788860.post-62661513495860428342020-03-17T19:42:00.004-07:002020-03-17T20:52:35.090-07:00We follow research, not labels. <div style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
Recently, an exotic vet in Prince George has been saying that cat food is not suitable for ferrets.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Our position on this:</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
As a rescue that has for the past decade researched ferret dietary needs and nutritional requirements, there is no evidence to support this claim. There is, however, considerable evidence to the opposite. Zupreem Grain Free diet was strongly linked to bladder stones in ferrets prior to its recipe being changed. Some Marshalls and other "ferret" recipes c<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;">ontain sweeteners such as molasses or juice, which is dangerous for ferrets with conditions such as insulinoma.</span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-size: 14px;">
<div style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
While low-quality, grocery store cat food is not suitable for ferrets, high-quality, high-protein cat food is preferable to a low-quality ferret food. Keep in mind though that not all high-quality cat foods ARE suitable, and reading the ingredients list is key.</div>
<div style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
The best advice is that you be aware of your ferret's dietary requirements as obligate carnivores and look for foods that that have meat and proteins as their primary ingredients, with grains, vegetable sources and vegetable proteins being at the bottom of the ingredient list.</div>
<div style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Some recommended choices:</div>
<div style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
- Wysong Epigen 90 Digestive Support<br />
- Wysong Ferret Archetype Formula (not Archetypal-2)<br />
- Orijen Cat & Kitten Food (original formula)<br />
- Go! Carnivora Cat & Kitten</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<div style="color: #1c1e21;">
We also suggest ensuring that your ferret have access to clean, safe drinking water at all times - even if they dig in it and spill it immediately - as the common link that we have found in ferrets surrendered with stones has not been diet, but lack of access to water.</div>
<div style="color: #1c1e21;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: purple;"><i>I would like to add that we strongly recommend against feeding a ferret only a single kibble type - not only is variety beneficial for ferrets, but mixing more than one kibble reduces the likelihood of the ferret imprinting on a single kibble. Kibble imprint can be dangerous in times of recall or scarcity as some ferrets will be so attached to a single diet that they will literally starve themselves to death rather than eat a new food. Mix it up folks! </i></span></span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254324580241788860.post-8550533148544242542015-11-15T18:41:00.001-08:002018-05-14T16:26:27.996-07:00I'm getting my first ferret.... what do I need?So, you're looking at getting your first ferret... here are some helpful supplies and links =)<br />
<br />
1) First and foremost - before anything else, you should get and read a copy of<br />
<b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;"> <u>Ferrets for Dummies by Kim Schilling</u></span></span> (second edition)</b><span style="background-color: white;">---</span> this is useful both for new and<br />
experienced ferret owners and covers everything from feeding to health concerns, toys and games<br />
to tips to help you bond.<br />
<br />
2) FOOD<br />
<br />
Personally, at our rescue, we have had luck with "Go! Fit and Free" kibble due to its protein and fat content, ingredients list and small kibble size, but there are several options for ferrets on the market. <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/sammysclubhouse/moredooksferretfoodchart" target="_blank">Here is a chart</a> of ferret-appropriate foods, rated based on suitability for ferret's nutritional needs. Personally, I would suggest getting something from the top tier to ensure that your ferret's nutritional needs are properly met. <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/sammysclubhouse/moredooksferretfoodchart" target="_blank">https://sites.google.com/site/sammysclubhouse/moredooksferretfoodchart</a><br />
<br />
Some of our volunteers prefer to feed raw rather than kibble - information on how to transition ferrets to an appropriate raw diet, and mentors to help with transitioning can be found on the holistic ferret forum here <a href="http://holisticferret60.proboards.com/" target="_blank">http://holisticferret60.proboards.com/</a><br />
<br />
And some of our volunteers feed a mixture of kibble and freeze dried raw foods such as Stella and Chewy's Chick Chick Chicken, Absolutely Rabbit and Tummy Tickling Turkey foods, Vital Essentials Chicken (or Turkey) Niblets etc.<br />
<br />
3) TREATS<br />
<br />
Some ferret experts believe that treats are more for the owners than the animals, however it is fun to be able to teach your pet a trick or two and reward them for it. Ferret treats vary, and keep in mind that most ferret treats on the market are high in sugars and actually rather dangerous to the animal's health. Some safe ferret treats include Orijen Freeze Dried treats (stick with poultry flavours; many ferrets do not like stronger meats such as beef or lamb, and many will not eat fish), Wysong Dream Treats, Freeze Dried chicken breast treats, Stella and Chewy's carnivore crunch treats, and other similar treats.<br />
<br />
Chicken, Bacon, Banana and Peanut Butter flavoured Bandit Treats (not raisin; that variety is very high in sugar), and N-Bones are not overly healthy treat, but the occasional one (once or twice a month) will not do much harm.<br />
<br />
Every ferret is individual and will prefer different treats.<br />
<br />
4) OILS (SUPPLEMENT)<br />
<br />
This sounds a bit funny, BUT oil - such as Salmon Oil, Cod Liver Oil or Emu Oil (derived from animal sources) are a ferret essential. If your ferret has a high end diet, it is not essential to supplement the diet, but it is extremely useful as a reward or treat, to help with nail clipping, or to give mixed with a teaspoon of pumpkin once or twice a month during shedding season to help ward off hairballs.<br />
<br />
Ferretone is a common oil; while some ferret owners swear by it and some of our volunteers use it, some of our other volunteers prefer to avoid it simply due to 1) price (Salmon oil is much less expensive) and 2) additives. Ferretone has a large number of questionable additives and while it is unlikely that your ferret will eat enough ferretone in one go to cause a problem, it is possible that the chemicals will accumulate in the ferret's system and exasperate future problems.<br />
<br />
All oil treats are to be given sparingly.<br />
<br />
5) CAT NAIL SCISSORS<br />
<br />
For bi-weekly nail cutting. Here is a link to help explain the "how to's" of ferret nail care. <a href="http://blog.ferretsnorth.org/search?q=nail+cutting" target="_blank">http://blog.ferretsnorth.org/search?q=nail+cutting</a><br />
<br />
6) FERRET FRIENDLY SHAMPOO<br />
<br />
Ferrets should be washed EXTREMELY infrequently - only a few times a year, or when they are very dirty. Ferret-specific shampoos exist and often work well, but cat/ kitten friendly shampoos can also be used (do not use flea shampoos; ferrets are extremely sensitive to harsh chemicals). Here is a link with tips on washing ferrets. <a href="http://blog.ferretsnorth.org/search?q=bathing" target="_blank">http://blog.ferretsnorth.org/search?q=bathing</a><br />
<br />
7) A SOFT CAT BRUSH for brushing to help loosen old fur.<br />
<br />
8) CAT/KITTEN ENZYMATIC TOOTHPASTE AND Q-TIPS for ear cleaning and tooth brushing. Here are links to explain tooth and ear care. <a href="http://blog.ferretsnorth.org/2010/04/grooming-teeth.html" target="_blank">http://blog.ferretsnorth.org/2010/04/grooming-teeth.html</a><br />
and <a href="http://blog.ferretsnorth.org/2010/04/filthy-ears-cleaning-ferret-ears.html">http://blog.ferretsnorth.org/2010/04/filthy-ears-cleaning-ferret-ears.html</a><br />
<br />
<br />
9) SOMEWHERE SAFE FOR YOUR FERRET TO GO WHEN YOU ARE NOT HOME<br />
<br />
You will need either a ferret cage, a ferret room, or both - an area that your new fuzzy friends can hang out in when you are out of the house to keep them safe. When selecting a cage, remember that bigger is always better, and that ferrets are extremely clumsy so cages with shelves or ramps that only cover a portion of the cage might need extra hammocks to catch falling ferrets and prevent injuries. <a href="http://blog.ferretsnorth.org/search?q=cage" target="_blank">http://blog.ferretsnorth.org/search?q=cage</a><br />
<br />
10) FLEECE BLANKETS, COZY BEDS AND HAMMOCKS. <br />
<br />
Ferrets LOVE hanging beds, hammocks, cuddle cups and sleep sacks. They love to bury themselves in soft, snag-free fleece blankets. Dollar stores often sell suitable fleece blankets, and local thrift stores often have oodles of suitable blankets in their baby section. I suggest avoiding beds topped with "sweatshirt" type material which can snag easily and catch ferret nails. Ferret beds can be bought at your local pet store, online or hand made. We at Ferrets North Information and Rescue Society make and sell novelty beds and hammocks to help raise funds for vet bills. Our fundraiser store can be found on facebook (we do take commissions).<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/FerretsNorthStore/?fref=nf">https://www.facebook.com/FerretsNorthStore/</a><br />
<br />
11) HEAVY CERAMIC FOOD AND WATER DISHES<br />
<br />
Or water dishes that can be secured (screwed on) to the side of a cage; I suggest having one or two water dishes in the cage, and a third large one out in the ferret play area. Heavy dishes will reduce spillage (of food and water), but ferrets LOVE to make messes and WILL dig in their water dishes. Water bottles are NOT recommended as they often lead to dehydration and can damage ferret teeth.<br />
<br />
12) TUNNELS, TOYS AND DIG BOXES.<br />
<br />
Remember to select ferret safe toys. Tips on doing so can be found here. <a href="http://blog.ferretsnorth.org/2008/12/toy-tips.html">http://blog.ferretsnorth.org/2008/12/toy-tips.html</a><br />
And be creative - ferrets need enrichment. Here are some tips on do-it yourself toys <a href="http://blog.ferretsnorth.org/2008/12/penny-pinching-tips-for-ferret-toys.html">http://blog.ferretsnorth.org/2008/12/penny-pinching-tips-for-ferret-toys.html</a> and I highly recommend dryer tubes - 10" plastic, aired out with the sharp metal bits at either edge taped off with duct tape to make them safe. I also recommend dig boxes to help entertain your ferret, and remove dead hairs. Here is a link to various types of dig boxes that you can create at home. <a href="http://blog.ferretsnorth.org/2011/04/dig-boxes.html" target="_blank"> http://blog.ferretsnorth.org/2011/04/dig-boxes.html</a><br />
<br />
And, of course, because ferrets are very interactive, here is a link to games that you and your ferret can enjoy together. <a href="http://blog.ferretsnorth.org/2011/10/ferret-games.html">http://blog.ferretsnorth.org/2011/10/ferret-games.html</a><br />
<br />
13) PUPPY PADS AND LITTER BOXES<br />
<br />
No ferret will be perfect at the litter box, but getting proper litter boxes, the right litter, and adding puppy pads throughout the house and in front of boxes can help a good deal. Avoid those "corner" triangle shaped litter boxes. We often get them in with ferrets (along with reports of ferrets never using the boxes) and have a lovely stack of them for our basement. They are awkwardly shaped, and generally speaking, ferrets prefer larger boxes that they can fit their whole bodies in. Here is a link that talks a bit about litter training <a href="http://blog.ferretsnorth.org/2011/02/de-miss-tifying-ferret-toilet-habits.html">http://blog.ferretsnorth.org/2011/02/de-miss-tifying-ferret-toilet-habits.html</a>, and another that discusses various litter types <a href="http://blog.ferretsnorth.org/2009/07/scoop-on-ferret-litter.html">http://blog.ferretsnorth.org/2009/07/scoop-on-ferret-litter.html</a>.<br />
<br />
14) A LOUD SQUEAKY TOY.<br />
<br />
This isn't for playing- some ferrets can be trained to come to loud squeaking. This can be useful if they escape from your house, get into a wall, or you need to find them in a hurry. Here is a link to help explain squeak training. <a href="http://blog.ferretsnorth.org/2009/12/squeaky-weasels-squeak-training-your.html">http://blog.ferretsnorth.org/2009/12/squeaky-weasels-squeak-training-your.html</a><br />
<br />
15) MOST IMPORTANTLY - a ferret proofed house.<br />
Ferrets proofing is never done, but ignoring risks can lead to an unfortunately accident, and lifelong guilt. Ferret proofing - room by room - can be found in Ferrets For Dummies or on our blog.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254324580241788860.post-83060546153710313652013-10-04T10:17:00.003-07:002013-10-04T10:17:43.465-07:00FERRET CALENDAR CONTEST RULESRULES AND REGULATIONS:<br />
<br />
1) Pictures must be submitted to a special
Ferrets North Information and Rescue Society inbox created just for
this contest. The e-mail address is: contest@ferretsnorth.org<br />
<br />
2)
Photos must be high quality, large file sizes so that they are clear and crisp
when enlarged. This ensures that the ferrets in the pictures look their
best on the calendar.<br />
<br />
3) You must have the rights to the photo
which you are submitting, and by submitting the photo, you are agreeing
to allow us to publish the picture of your ferret(s) in this contest,
and for this calendar.<br />
<br />
4) To 'vote' for a picture, click on the
photo in the photo album (a specific album will be created on facebook and made open to the public after submissions have closed), and press
"like". The photos with the most 'likes' will win.<br />
<br />
5) We do our best to include as many photos of ferrets as possible on the calendar, and try to include at least one submission from each person in the calendar. The top 3 get their own month, the top voted gets a prize. This year, the prize is a special one: a SUPER CUTE pig touque by Knitwits (adult sizing)! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0166/8534/products/A1139_Peaches_the_Pig_Pilot_Hat_large.jpg?477" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0166/8534/products/A1139_Peaches_the_Pig_Pilot_Hat_large.jpg?477" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
6)
We will be taking submissions beginning October 4th and ending October 14th. Voting begins October 16 and ends the following Wednesday. After voting ends, a winner will be announced. Calendars should be finished and ready to order by the end of October so that they can arrive in time for Christmas!<br /><br />
8) Anyone can enter, and can submit a maximum of 5 photos each. That is five per person, not family. <br />
<br />
9) Photos MUST be of ferrets, though other animals can be in the picture as well =)<br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254324580241788860.post-52397006838099569782012-11-15T23:02:00.000-08:002013-02-22T12:44:38.984-08:00Why should everyone feed their ferret "soup?"<span style="color: purple;"><i>For the purpose of this blog, the term Dook Soup will be used as a catch all term for Duck Soup, Gravy, Dook Soup, Soupies and other similar foods. We chose to use the term "Dook Soup" because we find the term cute, and less confusing to new ferret owners. </i></span><br />
<br />
I have been asked quite a few times in the last few days WHY I encourage people to learn to make dook soup and introduce the snack to their ferrets. Most people point out that introducing new foods to mature ferrets can be difficult, and that the foods they feed are sufficient in proteins and nutrients - so, they ask, why is it necessary to go through the trouble of making and then introducing dook soup?<br />
<br />
First off let's look into what a proper dook soup is: a good, home made dook soup is essentially a high protein, vitamin rich "shake" for your pet. If properly made, it is nutritious, high in protein, low in sodium, low in carbohydrates, free of harmful sweeteners and well balanced. It can be tailored to meet your ferret's specific needs, can easily be syringe or spoon fed to a sick ferret and can be used to sneak certain medications in to your ferret's food... so if your ferret is healthy, why feed it?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8O6gNuB63OY/UKXijH1WULI/AAAAAAAABsU/24oqH8uIcds/s1600/8182426120_f68d6b942f_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8O6gNuB63OY/UKXijH1WULI/AAAAAAAABsU/24oqH8uIcds/s1600/8182426120_f68d6b942f_m.jpg" /></a></div>
Well, the unfortunate but true answer is this: just because your ferret is healthy today does not necessarily mean that he or she will be healthy tomorrow. Accidents happen, sicknesses creep in, diseases strike - and now you have a less than health ferret no longer able to eat their normal food... what do you do? Mix a high protein meal replacement for your ferret --- that's right - dook soup! So now you have a ferret with compromised health; the animal is likely already stressed and not feeling well... does this sound like the best time to be trying to introduce a new food to your fuzzy friend? Imagine if, as a child, your parents tried to feed you some strange food you'd never seen before when you had a really bad case of the flu... imagine how that would have made you feel, and how willing you would have been to try it. So why would you do this to your fuzzy? <br />
<br />
If you take the time well before your ferret is sick to mix dook soup on a semi-regular basis, and introduce it properly to your ferret, he or she will become accustom to dook soup and most likely view it as an exciting treat... and everybody knows that it is much easier to feed a sick ferret a treat than a strange and unfamiliar food! This previous introduction can not only make recovery from sickness or injury much easier on the animal (recovery is sped up by proper nutrition and appropriate weight gain; two things which are provided by dook soup), in some situations it can actually mean the difference between life and death for the animal. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ywtDX7xBpVI/UKXiivheBiI/AAAAAAAABsM/LhAlppURR3U/s1600/5534686175_4b232271ee_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ywtDX7xBpVI/UKXiivheBiI/AAAAAAAABsM/LhAlppURR3U/s320/5534686175_4b232271ee_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Here is an example of dook soup making the difference between life and death for a ferret. We had one of our ferrets sneak out under our dog over the summer. The little girl had insulinoma and required daily medication. Despite our best efforts we could not find her. We canvassed the neighbourhood, searched yards, put up posters and, just when we feared the worst, she wandered back into our yard after well over 24 hours - hungry and too exhausted to eat on her own. We offered our little ferret some dook soup in a syringe and, because she was familiar with the food, she took it willingly. Had we not taken the time to introduce dook soup in the past, and had the little ferret not viewed dook soup as a treat, it is most likely that this extremely picky little girl would have perished. Instead, with feedings every two hours, she regained her strength and within two days, she was back to her old self - biting toes and even attempting to sneak out under the dog again! <br />
<br />
So please, for your fuzzy's future, take the time to make and introduce dook soup. There are many recipes available, <a href="http://blog.ferretsnorth.org/2009/07/duck-soup.html">including this one </a> and introducing dook soup takes a bit of time but is relatively simple. Here are some tips: water down the soup at first. It is a bit strong, especially for ferrets that are not used to meaty smells and flavours, so add warm water, some cream (if your ferret enjoys cream), and quite a bit of oil (such as ferretone, salmon oil or whatever similar oil your ferret enjoys most; if your ferret is not familiar with oil, consider introducing that as well - it makes <a href="http://blog.ferretsnorth.org/2010/04/nail-clipping.html">nail clipping</a> a breeze!). Make sure the soup is warm (not hot) and offer it to your fuzzy. When the ferret turns its nose up at the soup (which will most likely happen) rub some on their paws, lips, and (if you can), teeth - you want the ferret to taste it. Expect the ferret to say "yuck! Ferrets don't eat that" the first time. Put the soup in the fridge, reheat later and repeat. Eventually (in some cases that day, in others this may go on for a week or two) your ferret will be more willing to lick the soup off your finger and you can offer them the small bowl or plate. Gradually decrease the amount of extra oil and water (and cream if your ferret likes cream) that you add as the ferret becomes accustom to the taste. Remember to take baby steps here - don't rush it, your ferret will develop a taste for dook soup eventually! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-so1pHFtA9BM/UKXihL05ZAI/AAAAAAAABsE/PXurHB1slBU/s1600/4587070796_2e9f5464eb_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-so1pHFtA9BM/UKXihL05ZAI/AAAAAAAABsE/PXurHB1slBU/s320/4587070796_2e9f5464eb_b.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Good Luck =) Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254324580241788860.post-80589394548505572062012-08-31T16:55:00.000-07:002012-08-31T16:55:00.667-07:00Dosage explanationsWhile scrolling about the internet searching for something totally unrelated, we stumbled upon an amazing medical dosage calculator.<br />
<br />
Now, we NEVER advocate giving your pet a medication that is not known to be safe for ferrets, however there are certain medications that, if administered correctly - with the appropriate dosages - can be safely given to your pet to help them get over a particularly nasty flu or settle their tummy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Medication NOT LABELED for ferret use but still safe for ferret use IN CERTAIN SITUATIONS ONLY include Pepcid AC (NOT chewables), Pepto Bismo (original - tablets are easier to disguise), and Pediatric Benadryl (alcohol free). BUT <u><b>BE SURE TO CONSULT YOUR VET FIRST</b></u>! <b><i>Inappropriately given medications can aggravate a condition, or mask a problem making diagnosis more difficult and allowing the condition to get worse without anyone noticing. </i></b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vcEAupdHdAc/TK6D4czOPII/AAAAAAAAAOQ/rMti4xhHqJo/s320/pepto-bismol_12002_6_%28big%29_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vcEAupdHdAc/TK6D4czOPII/AAAAAAAAAOQ/rMti4xhHqJo/s200/pepto-bismol_12002_6_%28big%29_.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
Pepto Bismo can be used in conjunction with certain medications to help relieve symptoms associated with heliobacteria infections and coccidea in some situations. It can also be used to help treat diarrhea in some cases.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://c790453.r53.cf2.rackcdn.com/271390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://c790453.r53.cf2.rackcdn.com/271390.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Pepcid AC can be used as part of a supportive treatment regiment for ECE, to help settle tummies in ferrets with ulcers, and, in some instances, to help coat their ferret's tummies before administering medications such as prednisone. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://blog.onespotallergy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/benadryl-childrens-liquid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="http://blog.onespotallergy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/benadryl-childrens-liquid.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Pediatric, alcohol free Benadryl has been reportedly used with success to help reduce some congestion in ferrets suffering from seasonal allergies (yes, some do have allergies), bad cases of the flu and even to help reduce risk of a vaccine reaction (some experts claim that administering Benadryl 30 minutes prior to vaccination can prevent an allergic reaction to the Canine Distemper vaccine. This claim has not been verified by substantive veterinary research).<br />
<br />
<br />
Now that we've covered some basic medications and their uses, how do you figure out the dose?<br />
<br />
There are some rough guidelines from other ferret owners who had used and had success with these medications, or whose vet recommended a certain dose for their ferret. Their directions may be something such as 1/15th of a Pepto Bismo tablet, 1 (non chewable) Pepcid AC (10 mg) tablet crushed and dissolved into 10cc of water (shake well before using) and giving 0.25 per kg, or 0.25 - 0.5cc of Pediatric Benadryl.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
However, not all ferrets are the same size and weight. So say, for example, that fuzzy had a flu, went to the vet, and got prescribed 0.2 cc of pediatric Benadryl to help with the symptoms. Then she came home and promptly gave the flu to her brother who is much bigger than she is. You know that the medication is safe, that your ferrets now both have the flu, - how much medication do you give to her brother?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lpetqEctZsY/UEFISM9gPDI/AAAAAAAAAZk/TdJZeHvPJpo/s1600/IMGP1230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lpetqEctZsY/UEFISM9gPDI/AAAAAAAAAZk/TdJZeHvPJpo/s320/IMGP1230.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Well, fortunately, most bottles have a recommended dosage for medicating. Unfortunately, these dosages are not generally calibrated for your ferret... LUCKILY ferretrealm as posted information about how to calculate dosage to ensure that you are giving your pet the appropriate amount of medication! <a href="http://www.ferretrealm.com/medical/dosage.htm">Click to take you to the page. </a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i style="color: red;">Ibuprofen, Advil and Tylenol, like most human medications, should NEVER be given to a ferret UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES as they are HIGHLY TOXIC TO THE ANIMALS. If your pet is in pain, or ill, CONSULT A VET as your vet will have some ferret- safe pain relief, or may be able to prescribe an over the counter or off the shelf SAFE alternative. If your animal requires assistance and you cannot afford a vet, take your pet to the nearest rescue - their life, health and well being is worth it. </i></b></div>
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254324580241788860.post-67398543104448833832012-06-03T21:07:00.001-07:002012-06-03T21:10:44.938-07:00Feeding your fuzzyEverybody wants to feed their ferret a good diet, but the number of food choices at your local pet store are overwhelming; which food is best for your ferret? How do you decode the ingredients list to figure out the best food for your pets?<br />
<br />
Luckily, you don't have to!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://moredooks.herobo.com/search.php?chart=ferret">This website</a> lists and rates hundreds of foods that are suitable for your fuzzy, with explanations about their rating system. The work is done, so you just have to <a href="http://moredooks.herobo.com/search.php?chart=ferret">click here and find your new food! </a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsRLgVEOtoc/T8w0S_WecSI/AAAAAAAAAZM/YtiJ434xEy8/s1600/DSCF1773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsRLgVEOtoc/T8w0S_WecSI/AAAAAAAAAZM/YtiJ434xEy8/s320/DSCF1773.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254324580241788860.post-78440338799475250622012-02-07T20:39:00.000-08:002012-02-07T20:39:01.997-08:00Petition To Stop Impulse Purchases of FerretsWe have started a petition asking Petland Canada to stop selling ferrets, except through special order. This is an attempt to decrease impulse purchases of animals which require high levels of care. It reads:<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<blockquote>
"Owning a ferret is much closer to owning a cat or dog than it is to owning a hamster or a fish. This applies both to the level of care and attention the ferret needs, as well as its lifespan. There is still a tendency to treat ferrets as if they are caged animals, only interacting with humans for an hour or two a day. The reality is they need much more space and much more interaction than other small pets. They also have a longer life-span. With this in mind they should be treated more like cats and dogs than other small animals. We applaud Petland Canada's decision to stop carrying kittens and puppies and would like to see Petland Canada put a similar policy in place regarding ferrets. </blockquote>
<blockquote>
We, the undersigned, would like to see Petland Canada receive ferrets on pre-paid special order only."</blockquote>
If you are in Canada and are able to post this petition in a public place, you can print it from <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/80877884/Petition-to-Stop-Pet-Land-Canada-From-Carrying-Ferrets">Scribd</a> or <a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B14WnFkqH61sMDFjMWVkNWMtNThjZi00YTZjLWE4MDQtMGJjMTY1NGY5YWM4">Google Docs</a>. Once you've got a set of signatures, email info[at]ferretsnorth[dot]org for an address to send the signatures to. We would like to send all signed petitions to Petland Canada in a single package.<br />
<br />
You can also sign the online version, available on <a href="http://www.change.org/petitions/stop-petland-canada-from-carrying-ferrets">change.org</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/80877884/Petition-to-Stop-Pet-Land-Canada-From-Carrying-Ferrets" style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto; text-decoration: underline;" title="View Petition to Stop Pet Land Canada From Carrying Ferrets on Scribd">Petition to Stop Pet Land Canada From Carrying Ferrets</a><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="1.2938689217759" data-auto-height="true" frameborder="0" height="1200" id="doc_24797" scrolling="no" src="http://www.scribd.com/embeds/80877884/content?start_page=1&view_mode=slideshow&access_key=key-1wxidz873zuxtt6etp58" width="100%"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">
(function() { var scribd = document.createElement("script"); scribd.type = "text/javascript"; scribd.async = true; scribd.src = "http://www.scribd.com/javascripts/embed_code/inject.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(scribd, s); })();
</script>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254324580241788860.post-45094466224844025552012-02-07T08:22:00.000-08:002012-02-07T09:01:02.821-08:00Helping OthersEven though our main goal at Ferrets North Information & Rescue Society is to help ferrets and ferret owners in Northern BC, we do, on occasion, assist with the rescue of ferrets elsewhere. This can be in the form of alerting the appropriate rescue to the situation of a specific ferret, bringing a classified ad in their area to their attention, or even, in extreme cases, raising the money to get a ferret in another part of the province out of harm's way.<br />
<br />
Recently, a classified ad was brought to our attention and, because the ad was in the lower mainland, we brought it to the attention of someone in the lower mainland who is looking at starting up another rescue in that area to help deal with the overwhelming numbers of ferrets in need of assistance and rehoming.<br />
<br />
The ad was for a pair of free ferrets. It stated that the ferrets were approximately 5-years-old and in need of a new home, as it was believed that the female ferret was developing adrenal disease, but was otherwise healthy. The ad did not mention any health concerns with the other ferret.<br />
<br />
After contacting the people numerous times, the rescuer was finally contacted back and arrangements were made for her to pick up the ferrets.<br />
<br />
She was expecting to find a pair of 4-5 year old ferrets - one healthy and one with mild adrenal disease which would need treatment as the disease progressed but was otherwise healthy. <br />
<br />
Here is, in her words, what she found<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mtOc3wnhsNA/TzB83mxCfMI/AAAAAAAAAZE/mLh04SbG_lM/s1600/IMG_3378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mtOc3wnhsNA/TzB83mxCfMI/AAAAAAAAAZE/mLh04SbG_lM/s320/IMG_3378.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
"Zoe and Frank are the sweetest ferrets ...so gentle and cuddly. It is so sad that they have had 4 homes in their 7 years of life [vet records from their first home indicated their true age]. The cage that [the former owners] said was theirs was clearly the rabbits cage, the bedding stunk of mold and not been washed in forever. It was a sad state.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8kssEx5M60w/TzB8VPtbYuI/AAAAAAAAAY0/ld5W5fhE9ng/s1600/IMG_3377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8kssEx5M60w/TzB8VPtbYuI/AAAAAAAAAY0/ld5W5fhE9ng/s320/IMG_3377.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
"The poor boy has cataracts in his eyes; he is pretty much blind. He cannot walk, his hind legs are just being dragged. They are both so skinny skinny and ate like they had not seen food in weeks.<br />
The girl has no hair from the shoulder blades down and hind end weakness, her vulva is swollen and bloody.<br />
They have both been started on prednisone and have had been given Lupron shots.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eui1u0Yv1ME/TzB8o3AJFrI/AAAAAAAAAY8/R3MJqKGtbms/s1600/IMG_3367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eui1u0Yv1ME/TzB8o3AJFrI/AAAAAAAAAY8/R3MJqKGtbms/s320/IMG_3367.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
"The mites have been cleaned out of their ears and the fleas picked from their bodies, they have clean bedding , beds and hammocks. They were being rehomed because the dad did not want the vet bill.<br />
I lost it. I asked them why I should [be responsible for] for the vet bill and was told that because I was a rescue, it was up to me to make them healthy because they [the owners] did not care if they made them [their pets] healthy or not. These two have not been loved in a while, and they deserve to be loved and cherished for their last days here on this planet."<br />
<br />
<span style="text-align: left;">Now, it is not often that people are prepared to take in such sick animals at the drop of a hat, and these two beautiful ferrets have more than their share of health problems. As such, their rescuer could use some assistance in giving these two the best days of their lives. Anyone that is interested in helping can contact her at </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">ferretsfolly@gmail.com</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 14px;"> and find out how they can help. </span></span><span style="line-height: 14px;">One of our volunteers has offered to supply the rescuer with a </span><span style="line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">couple of melatonin implants for the pair, but more help is needed. If you are willing or able to help wit their ever increasing vet bills or in other ways please let her know - any assistance is appreciated. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254324580241788860.post-91665864025030518072012-01-26T09:11:00.000-08:002012-01-26T09:11:00.156-08:00Why rescue?Recently, I found a question posed to both myself and a friend who does ferret rescue in the lower mainland. Paraphrased, the question is essentially this: Why do we choose to invest countless hours, resources and dollars to rescue ferrets?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6wm_Yj8NlqI/TyDugBAsiBI/AAAAAAAAAYk/gpUmbZIkWtc/s1600/100_2939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6wm_Yj8NlqI/TyDugBAsiBI/AAAAAAAAAYk/gpUmbZIkWtc/s320/100_2939.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This is how I view the question: Why do we choose to step in when nobody else will? Why do we choose to give a second chance to an animal who has never been treated well, never loved and never taken care of by the people who purchased it, often on impulse, without a thought for its needs? Why do we take in a damaged animal and give it the help that it needs when so many others would leave it to die? Why do we spend hours teaching animals that, despite what may have happend before, some humans can be trusted, what happiness feels like, what freedom feels like, and above all, what it is like to be truly loved and cared about? Why do we take in broken animals and pay to have them fixed, pay to give them the opportunity to experience what life can offer, what it is like to live without pain, pay to let them live the life that they should have been given the chance to live, had they only been lucky enough to find themselves with an owner that cared rather than the owner that they wound up with?<br />
<br />
Why do we do this?<br />
<br />
Because nobody else will.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NKFCzrSUDbE/TyDwrAnmYjI/AAAAAAAAAYs/mULqzQzZGzk/s1600/102_0092+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NKFCzrSUDbE/TyDwrAnmYjI/AAAAAAAAAYs/mULqzQzZGzk/s320/102_0092+cropped.jpg" width="289" /></a>And above all, because we know what it is like to see an animal experience life, love and simple pleasures for the first time. The first dook and kiss of an abused and frightened ferret, the first time the the ferret gets a toy, a cuddle, a kiss, a gentle hand, a treat, and enough food to eat, warm, soft bedding and love.<br />
<br />
The first time that the ferret gets used to the idea that he or she does not have to be in pain, does not have to suffer, and will not be forced to live out its life alone in a small cage, forgotten by the family that was so eager to buy it only months before. We can see what others may not be able to see when they look down at a rescued ferret. They may see damaged goods, but we see an animal ready to live life and love, if only they are given the chance.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sSizhmOQiag/TyDtCd77r9I/AAAAAAAAAYc/pBBlz0V_mhY/s1600/DSCF1773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sSizhmOQiag/TyDtCd77r9I/AAAAAAAAAYc/pBBlz0V_mhY/s320/DSCF1773.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
Why do we choose to rescue, despite the long hours, hard work, the expense, the frustration and the heartbreak?<br />
<br />
<br />
Because we can see what others can't - we can see potential, and we know that if everyone could see the world as we do, it would be a much better place. This is why we choose to rescue.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254324580241788860.post-74127328886151914752011-11-23T11:26:00.001-08:002011-11-23T13:46:19.202-08:00Ferret Cards!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzoZSNkft0M/Ts1LL8LzmQI/AAAAAAAAAW0/CJaOrv7lAUU/s1600/Photo0226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzoZSNkft0M/Ts1LL8LzmQI/AAAAAAAAAW0/CJaOrv7lAUU/s320/Photo0226.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
So, when it comes to this time of year, people tend to send cards... Christmas Cards, Holiday Cards, Thank you cards... you get the idea. <br />
<br />
Why not send some handmade ferret cards? <br />
<br />
You can choose either to have us use pictures of our volunteer's ferrets, or have us make the cards using photos of YOUR OWN pets! And, to make things even more exiting, you can have us fill out the cards with the greeting of your choice - it can be as simple as a Merry Christmas, or as complex as a poem of your own composition! <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N3e3_ez9XdA/Ts1LA7Mws9I/AAAAAAAAAWk/iDTojKijD98/s1600/Photo0225-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N3e3_ez9XdA/Ts1LA7Mws9I/AAAAAAAAAWk/iDTojKijD98/s320/Photo0225-1.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Cards are $3.50 each or 5 for $15 (before shipping). <br />
<br />
<br />
To make this fundraiser even MORE lucrative, if you are a busy person, we will even ship the card directly to a third party at your request.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Cards are made after the order is placed. To order please e-mail info@ferretsnorth.org and specify number etc. A paypal invoice will be sent to you following the placement of the order and construction of the cards will begin once payment is cleared.<br />
<br />
Thank you for your support.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TINa90ld0co/Ts1LG9DBD1I/AAAAAAAAAWs/hXnJP6ck3zk/s1600/Photo0229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TINa90ld0co/Ts1LG9DBD1I/AAAAAAAAAWs/hXnJP6ck3zk/s320/Photo0229.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Ferrets North Information and Rescue Society. <br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254324580241788860.post-89362918917616159722011-10-20T12:00:00.000-07:002011-10-20T12:00:06.178-07:00It is that time of year - the Ferrets North Information and Rescue Society 2012 Fundraiser Calendar is now available for purchase!!! The ferrets in this calendar are real, live ferrets from around the world and not professional ferret models. Cute, fun and fuzzy, the calendar is just waiting to be ordered! All proceeds go to helping ferrets in need. <object height="330" width="440"><param name="movie" value="http://www.lulu.com/viewer/embed/EmbeddablePreviewer.swf?version=20111018125710">
</param>
<param name="wmode" value="transparent">
</param>
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true">
</param>
<param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always">
</param>
<param name="flashvars" value="contentId=11750226&endpoint=http://www.lulu.com/author/previews/preview_endpoint.php">
</param>
<embed src="http://www.lulu.com/viewer/embed/EmbeddablePreviewer.swf?version=20111018125710" flashvars="contentId=11750226&endpoint=http://www.lulu.com/author/previews/preview_endpoint.php" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" wmode="transparent" allowScriptAccess="always" width="440" height="330"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254324580241788860.post-67850541191641484022011-10-20T11:30:00.000-07:002011-10-20T11:30:00.411-07:00Ferret Games!While at the pet store the other day, I stopped to play with a young ferret. One passer-by commented on how playful this ferret was and mentioned how their ferrets NEVER played with them. They told me that their ferrets were free roam and claimed that the animals were well treated, so this got me wondering why their ferrets did not play. All of the ferrets that have passed through the society like to play, and all of my ferrets love to play with me, my significant other, guests and with our house sitter, but then I was thinking - this may be because we show people how to play with the ferrets and perhaps these other people simply did not know HOW to play with their ferrets. <br />
<br />
Dogs like to play fetch, cats like to bat at dangling string... but what do FERRETS like to do? This is a question that many first time ferret owners face. Their new ferrets may bounce about, dook and WANT to interact with their new owners, but the new owners need to know a few ferret games! Here are some favourites to start first time ferrents off with:<br />
<br />
<b style="color: purple;">MAGIC CARPET</b><br />
For this game, you need:<br />
1 towel, carpet, sweater or some sort of fabric<br />
1 or more ferrets<br />
the ability to drag the material across on the floor.<br />
<br />
Here's how you play: Simply drag the towel (or whatever piece of fabric that you choose to use) along behind you, allowing your ferret to jump on and ride the fabric or chase the fabric as he or she chooses. Be careful not to go too fast or to go around corners too rapidly - after all, you don't want your game ending with a scared or injured pet - but be sure to go a little faster than a snail's pace too, after all, you don't want your ferret to get board THAT quickly! Most ferrets will figure out this game before long, but you can always begin by gently placing your pet in the middle of the towel before starting to drag the towel to encourage them to participate in this game.<br />
<div style="color: #38761d;">
<b><br />
</b></div>
<div style="color: #38761d;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyhNE5MfrKQg0loGPIn_VG10PjMuGKLcmVWEHBi94vVXWlaJUu-VUF1yonJdykgt9C-rOYbHf-HGD_MgtYSwA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<b>FERRET BOWLING</b></div>
For this game you need:<br />
A smooth, flat, sliver-free floor such as a hardwood, linoleum, smooth tile or laminate floor<br />
1 or more ferrets<br />
<br />
Here's how to play: Tickle your ferret and place him or her on his or her back or side. GENTLY slide the ferret across the floor being careful not to send them sliding into walls or obstacles. This gentle sliding of the ferret over a smooth surface is known as "bowling." Some ferrets really enjoy this game and will run back for more, while other find it baffling and would rather not participate. Generally when a ferret has had enough, he or she will bounce off in a different direction as opposed to running directly back at you.<br />
<div style="color: #0b5394;">
<b><br />
</b></div>
<div style="color: #0b5394;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwVWceqXJ0xOLgMe8o3u10RPVT_Fpr2yAL6U08KZ4t68s9c7EMzhobBdrMzK1qXiNXOKhXRD-Fc6lkTPB38' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<b>TAG!</b></div>
For this game you need:<br />
One or more ferrets<br />
<br />
Here's how to play: Tag your ferret and shuffle (this is safer than running as it prevents you from accidentally stepping on your pet, and has the added bonus of making more noise, which excites your pet) in the opposite direction. If the ferret runs after you and jumps at you, you are it and it is now YOUR turn to chase the ferret and tag him. Some ferrets take a bit longer than others to get into this game and need to be tagged (and have you shuffle off) a few times to get it. Others love it, but never want to admit that they are "it" - in other words, you get to chase and tag them all the time.<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #b45f06;">
<b>PEEK A BOO</b></div>
For this game you need: something to put between you and your pet - either to cover your pet with or to hide behind.<br />
One or more ferrets.<br />
<br />
Here's how to play: Tickle your ferret, and, once he or she is excited, duck behind a chair arm or cover the ferret (again, gently) with a pillow, towel, blanket or similar item, or hide behind said item yourself. Pop out or remove the items and, in an excited voice (similar to the one that you would use when playing this game with a small child) exclaim "Boo!" Many ferrets will react to your sudden re-appearance with a surprised and delighted look - they will open their mouths and begin to dance when you magically reappear. Some ferrets will go as far as to come looking for you, or to flat ferret when you 'disappear' only to become extremely over joyed by your magically re-appearance.<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #351c75;">
<b>PARACHUTE</b></div>
For this game, you need: <br />
A blanket, towel, shirt or other fabric that you can use to cover your ferret<br />
One or more ferrets.<br />
<br />
Here's how to play: Place the fabric gently over top of your pet and then lift it up as you would when playing "parachute" in elementary school. Flap the piece of fabric up and down above your ferret to let them attempt to catch the fabric. They will generally jump up and grasp the material and may even begin to war dance when they see the fabric jumping around above their heads.<br />
<div style="color: #bf9000;">
<b><br />
</b></div>
<div style="color: #bf9000;">
<b>FERRET FISHING</b></div>
For this game, you need:<br />
A cat teaser toy or similar (toy on a string, attached to a child's fishing rod etc)<br />
One or more ferrets<br />
<br />
This is similar to playing "catch the toy" with a cat. You simply take the teaser toy and dangle it for the ferret - watch as they leap about and run around chasing the toy and attempting to stash it when they finally get a hold of it!<br />
<div style="color: #990000;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #990000;">
<b>TUG</b></div>
For this game you need:<br />
A toy that your ferret likes<br />
One or more ferrets<br />
<br />
This game operates much like "tug" when played with dogs - let the ferret grab one end of the toy, and you grab the other and play a gentle game of tug of war. Be sure to let your pet win - after all, beating them is not exactly a challenge for YOU.<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #351c75;">
<b>'FETCH'</b></div>
For this game you need:<br />
Ferret toys<br />
One or more ferrets<br />
<br />
In this game, you toss toys for your hyper pet and watch him or her chase the toys. The ferret will most likely NOT return the toy to you, but instead with pounce after them, dooking, and may even stash them in their favourite hiding spot. If your ferret regularly stashes the toys that you toss, you can take this a step further and trick non-ferret savy friends into thinking that your pet is extremely well trained to clean up their toys. To use this game as a ruse, simply say something to the effect of "clean up" when you toss the toy, and watch the expression on your guest's face when your ferret proceeds to take the toy and put it away. <br />
<br />
<div style="color: #741b47;">
<b>"TOILET TAG"</b></div>
For this game you need:<br />
1 or more ferrets<br />
1 unsuspecting victim<br />
<br />
Not REALLY a game, but a favourite ferret activity. In this 'game,' the ferrets sneak up on someone using the toilet who has their pants around their ankles. The ferrets jump into the pants and act as though they have just jumped into the most amazing circus tent ever while some take it a step farther and occasionally nip the victims toes, legs or ankles. The victim, of course, can do little about this as they are preoccupied with other activities at the time and unable to remove the ferret from the room.<br />
<br />
<br />
This is only a list of a few of some of our favourite ferret games - there are many more out there and feel free to invent your own, just be sure that they are safe for both you and your fuzzy!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254324580241788860.post-33925406044237972432011-10-03T19:43:00.000-07:002011-10-03T19:44:09.762-07:002012 Ferret CalendarWHAT??!!<br />
We had such fun putting together a calendar contest last year that we've decided to do one again this year!!!<br />
<br />
WHY??!!<br />
We are going to make a
calendar which interested parties can order online... the company from
which the calendar is ordered takes a cut (approximately 20% of each
sale) and gives us the rest. We make the calendar using our time and
photos, they deal with making and shipping. This reduces the amount of money and time that we need to invest in order to see this through;
as a relatively new (and very small) society, we don't have a lot of spare capital
or extra time for fund raising!<br />
<br />
HELP!!!<br />
So - we need
pictures!!! Cute, funny, fuzzy ferret pictures!!! Beginning Monday, October 3, 2011, we would like you to send your favourite 3 ferret pictures to contest@ferretsnorth.org. October 10 we will repost them on
facebook where people will have a chance to take a look at the pictures
and choose their favourites!<br />
<br />
Top 12 will be awarded
their own month in the calendar, with honourable mentions being placed
in smaller pictures throughout the calendar. The person who submits the picture that receives the most votes will receive a free calendar! Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254324580241788860.post-116684563463151382011-06-26T17:11:00.000-07:002011-09-13T18:05:25.557-07:00Fuzzy Love - How to tell that your ferret loves youA ferret will not jump on you, wagging its tail and yipping, it will not sit on your lap and purr... so how you know that your ferret loves you? Well, ferrets are individuals - each one has its own way to show you just how special you are to them, so I asked a myriad of ferret owners how they can tell that their fuzzy loves them. Here is what they said:<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b><br />
<i><b>1) Boy, am I glad to see you! </b></i><br />
<i><b> </b></i>The ferret runs to you when you enter the room. This happens most often with free roam ferrets as the animal is not simply looking to get out of their area to exercise, but some ferrets will immediately run to their owners for a quick cuddle when they come home.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Npbma53XOIc/Tm_8aynVg3I/AAAAAAAAAWI/0JRl3z_cEaM/s1600/DSCF0841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Npbma53XOIc/Tm_8aynVg3I/AAAAAAAAAWI/0JRl3z_cEaM/s320/DSCF0841.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<i><b>2) Ferret kisses. </b></i><br />
This is when a ferret licks their owners on their face - eyes, ears, lips - or hands and arms to show how happy they are to see them.<br />
<br />
<i><b> 3) You're dirty. </b></i><br />
<i><b> </b></i>Your ferret will groom you - clean your ears, eyebrows, arms, legs in the same way that they would clean themselves or another ferret. The ferret wants you to look our best... because they love you.<br />
<br />
<i><b>4) LOOK AT ME!</b></i><br />
Some ferrets will jump at their owners legs, attempt to climb them, scratch or even nip at their foot for a reaction. These ferrets are asking to be picked up by their favourite person, or at least acknowledged. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<i><b>5) PLAY WITH ME! </b></i><br />
A ferret will attempt to engage you in play - again, this is a plea for YOUR attention and them showing that they are happy to have you around. <br />
<br />
<i><b>6) Oh, I'll help! </b></i><br />
The ferret is overly interested in anything and everything that you are doing, and attempting to participate in whatever it is that you are doing with you. This is their way of keeping busy while doing what you seem to be wanting to do.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_1tSOWqWGLY/Tm_8xOw9I1I/AAAAAAAAAWQ/6DWl-v41Qf0/s1600/IMG114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_1tSOWqWGLY/Tm_8xOw9I1I/AAAAAAAAAWQ/6DWl-v41Qf0/s320/IMG114.jpg" width="320" /></a><i><b>7) You will be my couch. </b></i><br />
<i><b> </b></i>The ferret will climb up on to your lap for a nap and cuddle while you are watching TV or doing homework or other similar, stationary activities. More often than not, it is older ferrets that will do this as younger ferrets simply do not sit still long enough.<br />
<br />
<i><b>8) Follow the leader!</b></i><br />
Your ferret will follow you around the house. They want to be a part of your activity and see what you're into, even if all that you are doing is pacing back and forth.<br />
<br />
<br />
Of course, there are many other ways in which your ferret can show you that they love you - this is simply a list of common forms, but as we already mentioned, ferrets are individuals and your ferret may have its own way of telling you that you're their special someone. Also, be sure to keep in mind that all ferrets have, essentially, ADHD - their expressions of affection and wanting your attention may be in short bursts, and they are easily distracted; don't take this personally - a short attention span is part of what makes them ferrets! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e-hoNT8Cvjs/TgKKjm9jlmI/AAAAAAAAAV0/wxmujdP45EA/s1600/100_1176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e-hoNT8Cvjs/TgKKjm9jlmI/AAAAAAAAAV0/wxmujdP45EA/s320/100_1176.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254324580241788860.post-58286033828082813932011-06-22T17:09:00.000-07:002011-06-22T17:09:01.607-07:00The myth about descenting<span id="preview-local-desc"> <div>Recently, while perusing the classified ads, I cam across this ad</div><div> </div><div>"I am looking to adopt two young ferrets into my family. I do have experience with ferrets and absolutely love them. I am hoping to buy two ferrets that already have their scent glands removed and hopefully are fixed. I would prefer a male and a female but that does not really matter."</div></span><br />
<span id="preview-local-desc"><br />
</span><br />
<span id="preview-local-desc">The ad seems friendly, the prospective owner pleasant... so what is wrong with this ad? Well, this portion: "</span><span id="preview-local-desc">two ferrets that already have their scent glands removed and hopefully are fixed." This portion of the ad reminded me of a familiar conversation that I often hear at pet stores regarding ferrets. The conversation goes something like this: "Don't ferrets stink?" "No, these ones are de-scented." In reality, de-scenting a ferret does not affect the animal's day to day odor, so what does de-scenting mean and why is it done?</span><br />
<span id="preview-local-desc"><br />
</span><br />
<span id="preview-local-desc"><b>De-scenting is</b>: the removal of a ferret's anal scent glands. The myth is that this reduces a ferret's overall day to day body odor. The reality is that it does not. Anal scent glands are used by ferrets much the same way that skunks use anal scent glands - that is to emit a strong smelling 'POOF' when upset or startled. The difference, of course, is that unlike a skunk's, a ferret's 'POOF' is short lives and easily cleaned out. The ferret's musky odor comes not from a single set of glands, but from glands located throughout the animal's body. </span><br />
<br />
<span id="preview-local-desc"> <b>So, why de-scent a ferret? </b>Well, the most commonly used argument - that is the one that many large mills that practice de-scenting use is that by de-scenting a ferret, you are avoiding future problems such as impacted or infected anal glands. While my experience with de-scented ferrets is admittedly limited, from what I can gather from ferret owners in Europe and Britain where ferrets are not de-scented, as well as from breeders who do not descent their animals, impacted and infected anal glands are not common. The second possibility - and this is my theory, not confirmed by any large breeder - is that ferrets are de-scented as part of a marketing gimmick. People that know little about the animals or are on the fence about ferrets purchase because they have heard about how ferrets smell are more likely to buy a ferret that is advertised as being de-scented. </span><br />
<b><span id="preview-local-desc"><br />
</span></b><br />
<span id="preview-local-desc"><b>But your ferret doesn't smell that strongly... </b>I've heard this from quite a few people, especially when doing ferret info days. I will hear about how their ferret or their friends ferret has or had a stronger odor, or the babies in the pet store smell more strongly, you must wash yours more often... In reality, my ferrets - de-scented or not - smell like ferrets. Baby ferrets in pet stores smell more strongly, but then again so do pet store puppies - its the location more than the animal. Ferrets tend to smell more strongly when they are stressed. Pet stores are stressful. Many people do not know how to care properly for ferrets, and my guess is that many "friend's ferrets" are not properly cared for - that is to say that their cages are not regularly cleaned and their bedding changed, they are not fed high quality kibble, and are confined to a small space most of the time. Some of the ferrets may also be sick as sick ferrets tend to smell more strongly, others may be well cared for but whole (un neutered) ferrets, or simply washed far too frequently. </span><br />
<span id="preview-local-desc"> </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254324580241788860.post-72008405198473544082011-05-05T19:13:00.000-07:002011-05-05T19:19:46.215-07:00Please keep this in mind when rescuing or adopting a ferret<div class="mall_post_body" style="line-height: 14px;"><div class="mall_post_body_text" style="margin-top: 3px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This is a story, author unknown, about shelter ferrets. Please keep this in mind if you plan on getting a ferret, and consider adopting rather than encouraging pet stores to flood the market with baby ferrets while some many wonderful older kits and adults go without, waiting for a home to call their own<br />
<br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><b>Now that I'm home, bathed, settled and fed, all nicely tucked in my warm bed, I'd like to open my baggage Lest I forget, There is so much to carry- So much to regret.<br />
<br />
Hmmm... Yes there it is, right on the top, Let's unpack Loneliness, heartache and loss, and there by my carrier hides Fear and Shame.<br />
<br />
As I look on these things I tried so hard to leave- I still have to unpack my baggage called Pain.<br />
<br />
I loved them, the others, the ones who left me, but I wasn't good enough - for they didn't want me.<br />
<br />
Will you add to my baggage? Will you help me unpack? Or will you just look at my things- and take me right back? Do you have the time to help me unpack?<br />
<br />
To put away my baggage, To never repack? I pray that you do - I'm so tired you see,<br />
<br />
But I do come with baggage - Will you still want me?</b></span></i></span></div></div><form action="https://www.facebook.com/ajax/groups/mall/ufi.php" class="commentable_item autoexpand_mode" id="feedback_form_184375201613115" method="post" rel="async" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div class="mts UIActionLinks UIActionLinks_bottom groupMallFeedback fsm fwn fcg" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin-top: 5px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LSLV89j1kfc/TcNaaHX777I/AAAAAAAAAVw/bRcIKnW5pLI/s1600/IMGP1686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LSLV89j1kfc/TcNaaHX777I/AAAAAAAAAVw/bRcIKnW5pLI/s320/IMGP1686.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><br />
</span></div></form>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254324580241788860.post-86583690825980555282011-04-10T18:28:00.000-07:002011-04-10T18:28:01.008-07:00A Task for Ferret LoversIt bothers many of us to see our beloved ferrets in pet stores, looking adorable, often in less than ideal situations simply waiting for impulse buyers to swoop in and take them. We tend to feel helpless in these situations, and resigned to the fact that the animals are being kept in sawdust or not given food or appropriate care. There are, however, things that you can do to improve the ferret's condition and plight.<br />
<br />
1) If possible, check the animal over to ensure it is healthy and insist on proper vet care if it is not. Most pet stores do not have staff knowledgeable enough to be able to tell whether the ferret is well. If you suspect that the animal is sickly, politely explain to the attendant, manager or kennel tech (depending on the store), that the animal may be sick and why you suspect this. Giving them valid information will make your claim more credible. Ask which vet the store uses and, if it is not a ferret-appropriate vet, offer the name of a near-by vet that treats ferrets.<br />
<br />
2) Say no to saw dust. Because ferrets are small animals, most people that clean the cage assume that ferrets should be kept in sawdust. Explain that ferrets should be given warm, fuzzy blankets and beds, similar to what one would give to a puppy or kitten and most importantly, explain to the attendant that sawdust has been linked to respiratory infections and lung cancers in ferrets.<br />
<br />
3) Offer up some toy suggestions - most attendants have no idea what toys are suitable for ferrets, so name a few - give them some examples.<br />
<br />
4) If you notice an attendant doing something inappropriate such as feeding ferrets sweets or other foods which can cause health problems, politely inform that they are risking the animal's health. If they respond with "but they like it" or a similar response, follow up with a simple statement of fact such as "I am sure that dogs love chocolate as well, but that does not make it safe for the animal to eat it" - this may help the attendant realize that the animal enjoying the food does not mean that the food is safe for the animal.<br />
<br />
5) If you are part of a ferret organization or club, or simply a ferret enthusiast, offer your contact information and make yourself available to answer any ferret-related questions that the employees may have. Offering to do a free information session for the staff may be a good idea and help with creating a ferret- educated pet store staff.<br />
<br />
6) Rather than simply claiming to be a ferret expert, providing literature, business cards linking you with a ferret organization or bringing pamphlets containing ferret specific information will help give the employees context. Doing so can help transform you from "local crazy" to someone who may actually know something in the eyes of the employees.<br />
<br />
7) ALWAYS be polite and respectful, no matter how frustrating the situation. The old saying "you can catch more flies with honey" lends itself well to this situation. Remember: most of these people are low level employees and are not deliberately harming the animals - they simply don't know any better. You will also gain more ground with the higher ups if you are polite and respectful; make it clear that your focus is simply to improve the situation of ferrets in their store and that your emphasis is on the health of the animal - after all, well adjusted, happy, healthy animals cost the store less and sell better than sick, unhappy and aggressive animals.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254324580241788860.post-82235417692431208602011-04-05T18:02:00.000-07:002014-01-07T14:56:43.916-08:00Dig Boxes<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">What?</span></b> Dig boxes are boxes or containers filled with some sort of material for your pet ferret to dig in.<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Why?</span></b> Dig boxes help satisfy a ferret's natural desire to dig. Some ferret enthusiats claim that having dig boxes available for their ferrets to use can help decrease a ferret's anxiety, prevent destructive digging, provide a source of enrichment, decrease a ferret's natural body odor and even help them shed their old coat. One thing is certain: dig boxes do provide ferrets with hours of entertainment.<br />
<br />
<b style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Styles:</span></b> There are many different styles of dig boxes that you can create. Some people prefer to use regular boxes which can be easily discarded once the content gets old, others prefer clear plastic containers with holes cut in to help prevent the ferrets from flinging the contents of the dig box everywhere, and still others opt for the rubbermaid container with a lid that can be snapped on to protect the contents of the dog box when not in use.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://schroeder-family.us/jpg/rice%20box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://schroeder-family.us/jpg/rice%20box.jpg" height="243" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b style="color: purple;">Content: </b>I asked the online ferret community what they used for their ferret's dig boxes and boy, were there a lot of different materials!<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">When selecting a material, here are some things to keep in mind:</span><br />
1) you want to select a material that your ferret does not eat<br />
2) If you choose potting soil or similar materials, be sure that it is chemical-free<br />
3) Low or no dust materials are the best. Avoid fine powders such a baby powder, chinchilla bath dust, flour, and corn starch as these materials can get caught in the lungs and give ferrets upper respiratory infections.<br />
4) Avoid sawdust. Certain chemicals used as a preservative in some sawdusts has been linked with lung cancer in ferrets; as such, it is best not to risk the health of your animal and avoid all sawdust. Sawdust is also, as the name suggests, quite dusty and has often been attributed to respiratory problems in ferrets. <br />
<br />
<i>This is a list of materials suggested, along with a few benefits and drawbacks of each material:</i><br />
1) <u>Kids' Play sand.</u><br />
Pro: Pre-washed and sanitary, inexpensive.<br />
Con: Dusty, can potentially get trapped in eye, nose and ear openings, very messy.<br />
<br />
2) <u>Packing peanuts</u><br />
Pro: Inexpensive (at times), not dusty, low mess.<br />
Con: Some ferrets enjoy eating this material.<br />
***They do make cornstarch packing peanuts which dissolve when they come in contact with liquid. This type is ideal for use with ferrets, however they are not always easy to find and continuous eating is still not recommended. Biodegradable packing peanuts made of cornstarch can be found online in the US at <a href="http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=17342+17359+18172&pcatid=18172">Drs Foster and Smith website</a> as well as at many post offices in both Canada and the US.<br />
<br />
3)<u> Pasta</u><br />
Pro: Not dusty, inexpensive, textured noodles can help remove old/ dead fur, ferrets enjoy sound of shifting material, low mess.<br />
Con: Some ferrets enjoy eating this material, sharp edges can cause injury, can be expensive<br />
<br />
4) <u>Potting soil</u><br />
Pro: Inexpensive, can help reduce ferret odor (absorbs oil), moderately messy.<br />
Con: Can become moldy, may contain chemicals, can be dusty is allowed to dry out (this can be overcome by occasional dampening).<br />
<br />
5) <u>Jigsaw Puzzle Pieces</u><br />
Pro: Inexpensive (old puzzles can easily be found at thrift stores), texture can help remove old/ dead fur, ferrets enjoy sounds made by shifting material, low mess, low dust.<br />
Con: Some ferrets enjoy eating this material, cleanliness of pieces can be questionable.<br />
<br />
6)<u> Rice</u><br />
Pro: Inexpensive, ferrets enjoy sound of shifting material, low dust, moderately messy<br />
Con: Some ferrets enjoy eating this material.<br />
<br />
7) <u>Dried Beans</u><br />
Pro: Inexpensive, ferrets enjoy sound of shifting material, not dusty, low mess<br />
Con: Some ferrets enjoy eating this material.<br />
<br />
8) <u>Lentils</u><br />
Pro: Inexpensive, ferrets enjoy sound of shifting material, not dusty, low mess<br />
Con: Some ferrets enjoy eating this material<br />
<br />
9) <u>Shredded Paper</u><br />
Pro: Inexpensive, low mess, low dust<br />
Con: Watch for paper cuts.<br />
<br />
10) <u>Wood Pellets</u><br />
Pro: Inexpensive, low mess, low dust, crumbles when contacted by liquid<br />
Con: Avoid chemical laden wood pellets. Some are pre-treated with chemicals to increase burning time. These chemicals may be hazardous to the health of your pet. Opt for chemical free wood pellets.<br />
<br />
11) <u>Plastic balls</u> (such as ping pong balls, or balls such as those found in children's ball pits)<br />
Pro: No dust, low mess, ferrets enjoy sound of shifting materials, easily re-usable<br />
Con: Can be expensive, watch for sharp edges/ broken balls<br />
<br />
12) <u>Plastic easter eggs</u> (the hollow ones that are designed to hide candy in)<br />
Pro: No dust, low mess, ferrets enjoy the sound of shifting materials, easily re-usable, inexpensive (if bought after the Easter rush on clearance)<br />
Con: Can be expensive (particularly in the lead up to Easter), watch for sharp edges/ broken eggs.<br />
*you can fill eggs with jingle cat balls or other noise making items for added fun, or toss in a couple of crochet eggs for the ferret to find. If you wish to seal the eggs to prevent them from popping open, please be sure to use a non-toxic glue.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
When selecting a dig box material, be sure to weigh the pros and cons of each material and remember: no two ferrets are alike! What may be an excellent material for one ferret owner may not be suitable for your ferret, but don't get discouraged - there are plenty of options to try!<br />
<br />
If you can think of a dig box material not listed here, feel free to e-mail it to info@ferretsnorth.org and we will be sure to include it!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254324580241788860.post-13286492804292197672011-03-18T18:59:00.000-07:002013-03-18T09:41:47.410-07:00Rescue - Silver (Kara)<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Silver (Kara)</span></u></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-r5p8hzI8Lyo/TYQLbnqa8cI/AAAAAAAAAVk/mDGSsUKpPBI/s1600/kara+eating.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-r5p8hzI8Lyo/TYQLbnqa8cI/AAAAAAAAAVk/mDGSsUKpPBI/s200/kara+eating.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Was rescued by a good Samaritan about 2 days ago and surrendered to us. </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Here is her story:</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Approximately 10 days before she entered into her care, Silver ingested some poison. After ingesting the poison, the rescuer was told that she had a seizure, and then proceeded to lose control of her hind end and poop blood. Silver apparently did not pee for nearly a week and when she finally did manage to pee, it was a bright green colour. Her owners did not seek vet care for her at all during this time. Silver entered our care Wednesday evening and was assessed by our volunteers. She was underweight, appeared to be blind, had difficulty with her hind end and did not seem to be able to control her pooping and peeing very well. Fortunately, the poop and pee were normal colours. Silver also had what appeared to be a small round burn on her right shoulder. Our volunteers also noted that she was extremely fearful of people, tense when handled and that her canine teeth appeared to have been clipped. Silver would not eat any form of kibble (including the poor quality kibble that the rescuer had been told that she was being fed), and was reluctant to try anything that was offered to her.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YulG8oUe-zY/TYQLiuPhusI/AAAAAAAAAVo/oM7I1L_T5lA/s1600/kara+red+eye.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YulG8oUe-zY/TYQLiuPhusI/AAAAAAAAAVo/oM7I1L_T5lA/s320/kara+red+eye.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><i>Silver (Kara) looks at the camera without seeing. Her eyes have hemorrhaged causing her vision to be obstructed by blood. She may eventually recover some or all of her vision, but only time will tell. </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Silver was taken to the vet the morning after she entered our care. At the vet, we learned that she had most likely ingested rat poison and not ant poison as we had first believed. The reason for this belief was due to the nature of rat poison – it is a potent blood thinner and Silver was hemorrhaging into her eyes, causing her to lose her vision. The vet prescribed some Vitamin K to try to counteract some of the effects of the poison and has informed up that though he hopes that the poison is already out of her system (blood left in the eyes following a hemorrhage can be slow to clear up), it is most likely not out of her system yet as rat poison can take up to 21 days to be processed by the body. As for her poor mobility, it is too soon to tell whether that is caused by malnutrition or from the seizure (which may have been a brain hemorrhage) that she reportedly suffered following the ingestion of the poison. The burn, it seems, may be a cigarette burn, and appears to be several days old. Silver’s teeth are in decent shape considering, though they will likely need work in the future. There is also a possibility that Silver has and will hemorrhage internally. If she hemorrhages and begins to bleed out – a distinct possibility with rat poison – then she will require emergency vet care and will need to remain in the vet clinic for a few days. If she has already hemorrhaged internally, it may already be too late for her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">For the time being, Silver is living with a foster family, who has lovingly dubbed her Kara after Supergirl (she is a fighter), is working very hard on her rehabilitation. They are feeding her every 2-4 hours and giving her as much space and attention as she wants. They are working with her on trust, though this will take time, and are hoping, like the rest of us, that she will survive and have at the very least a few months of love in her life.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-c_YnG6eUrRY/TYQLjM2NqDI/AAAAAAAAAVs/K3UNsSULjqc/s1600/kara+foster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-c_YnG6eUrRY/TYQLjM2NqDI/AAAAAAAAAVs/K3UNsSULjqc/s320/kara+foster.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><i>Silver (Kara)'s foster ferrents are feeding her every 2-4 hours and medicating her every 12. If she loses any more weight, the effects of the poison could be more severe.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><i><br />
</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">If you would like to help Silver (Kara), you can do so by going to our website <a href="http://www.ferretsnorth.org/">www.ferretsnorth.org</a> and clicking on the “donate” button. All proceeds will go to covering vet bills of Kara and other ferrets entering our care that require vet attention, as well as helping Kara’s foster family with costs associated with Kara’s rehabilitation. Walmart and Save-On gift cards, as well as donations of puppy pads (Kara cannot use litters at this time as we need to watch for blood in her pee and poo), and soft bedding are also welcome. Kara also seems to quite like crinkle sacks and tunnels at this time. </span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><u><b>Update: November 2011 </b></u></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kara is doing quite well at this time. She has been left permanently blind (though one of her eyes can pick up light), with permanent neurological mobility issues, very little ability to control her bodily functions and has adrenal disease, however she now eats on her own, plays with her foster family, stashes food, begs for treats and has free range of their home. She loves giving them kisses and is quite a happy little girl; her disabilities don't seem to hold her back much at all. She stills loves outdoor adventures, cuddles and being fussed over. Here are some pictures of this little fighter today.</span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gx18EJO3QBQ/Ts1GWutv03I/AAAAAAAAAWU/8WayAbx6T_w/s1600/karaasleep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gx18EJO3QBQ/Ts1GWutv03I/AAAAAAAAAWU/8WayAbx6T_w/s320/karaasleep.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: purple;"> Kara asleep with her foster mum.</span></i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UAKr9c-qp6g/Ts1GZ7oEmtI/AAAAAAAAAWc/e7XwH2hO9Ro/s1600/Karaatnight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UAKr9c-qp6g/Ts1GZ7oEmtI/AAAAAAAAAWc/e7XwH2hO9Ro/s320/Karaatnight.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Kara on a nighttime adventure with her foster ferrents - notice how soft and shiny her coat is? </span></span></i></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></i><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: red;">Kara passed away in <span style="font-size: small;">her sleep <span style="font-size: small;">in the early hours of </span></span>March 18, 2013</span></b></span></span><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> - two full years since she came in to <span style="font-size: small;">our care. Thank you <span style="font-size: small;">to her foster family and all those that worked so hard on her recovery and <span style="font-size: small;">rehabilitation</span>. </span></span></b></span></span></span><u><b> </b></u></span><o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254324580241788860.post-3977059004043981872011-03-15T14:26:00.000-07:002011-03-15T14:26:00.856-07:00Plant fundraiser for the spring!<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody">SPRING IS HERE... Ok, maybe not, but at least we have started trying to encourage it to come! You can help beckon spring and help ferrets all at the same time by ordering some plants! After all nothing says both "spring" and "ferrets" quite like a lovely plant!</span></span></h6><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.seawall.ca/images/geraniums-c-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://www.seawall.ca/images/geraniums-c-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody">To order your plants, simply <a href="http://ferretsnorthinforescue.plants4nonprofit.com/order.html"><b><u>CLICK HERE</u></b></a> and fill out the online order forms. </span></span></h6>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254324580241788860.post-3601776540249300312011-02-16T18:38:00.000-08:002011-02-16T18:38:13.031-08:00De-MISS-tifying ferret toilet habits<div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In a fun Q & A format, along with some "trouble shooting" because that is a funny term. </div><br />
<b style="color: red;">Q</b>: Can ferrets be litter trained?<br />
<b style="color: #6aa84f;">A:</b> Sorta. Ferrets CANNOT be litter trained like CATS; their litter habits are varied with some ferrets sporting a 90% hit rate, and others barely averaging a 50% hit rate.<br />
<br />
<b style="color: red;">Q</b>: Why do some ferrets use the litter more often than others?<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">A</span>:</b> Because. In reality, the answers to this question vary as much as the ferrets themselves. Litters may be too few and far between - ferrets are not able to travel a long distance to get to their litters - when they gotta go, they gotta go NOW! Some ferrets avoid their litter because they find it too dirty or too clean, others dislike the size and shape of the pan. Some ferrets are fussy over litter type, others prefer to use paper or puppy pads, and of course, some ferrets are just plain too lazy to bother making the trip ALL THE WAY to the litter box, even if it is just a few feet away. And of course, then you just have those ferrets that insist on going in a certain area because they believe that it SHOULD be a litter box... We even had one boy that would REFUSE to use the same litter for #1 AND #2... if he did #2 in the litter, he would not use the same litter to do #1... he would also refuse to use the litter is another ferret had used it before him. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s4.hubimg.com/u/4424455_f260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://s4.hubimg.com/u/4424455_f260.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<b><span style="color: red;">Q:</span></b> Is there anything that I can do to improve my ferret's hit rate? <br />
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">A:</span></b> YES! Fortunately, you can take steps to improve your ferret's hit rate 2-50%, depending on the ferret! These steps include: asking your ferret to use his or her litter before being given full roam for play time (and not letting them our for playtime until they do so), increasing the number of litters in for them to use, placing litters strategically (for example: near their favourite sleeping spot or in a 'frequently used' corner), trying out different types of litter and litter boxes, ensuring that the litter boxes are big enough and easy for the ferret to get in and out of, and placing the ferret IN the box after it has woken up from a nap. Other helpful tips include the occasional treat to re-enforce good litter habits and placing beds, treats or objects in corners that you do not want the ferret to use. I, personally, have had success with adding puppy pads next to or in front of litter boxes as an alternative... some people have had similar success with paper.<br />
<br />
<b style="color: red;">Q:</b> Why does my ferret leave little poops when we visit friend's houses?<br />
<b style="color: #6aa84f;">A</b>: Some ferrets - especially (but not exclusively) dominant ones - will mark their territory by leaving a 'present' so that other ferrets know that they were there, and that this area is theirs. I find the "little poops" increase in frequency when I have visiting ferrets, or two groups of ferrets. <br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: red;">Q:</span></b> I want to buy/ adopt a ferret, but don't want them to ruin my floor/ carpet/ don't want to have to clean up after them. How can I make my ferret use the litter all the time?<br />
<b style="color: #6aa84f;">A: </b>You can't. If this is a really big deal to you, get a cat or a small, litter trained dog; a ferret is not the pet for you. <br />
<br />
<b style="color: red;">Q: </b>I've read all about how ferrets can't be perfectly litter trained, but if I follow all the ferret litter training and litter usage advice, won't that mean that my ferret will have above average or perfect litter habits?<br />
<b style="color: #6aa84f;">A</b>: Don't hold your breath... or maybe you should... hard to say in this situation, but either way NO! Your ferret may be great at using the litter, but then again, even with using all the tips and tricks known to man, it is possible that your ferret will only have a 50% hit rate on good days. This is a reality of ferret ownership; if you cannot accept this, do not get a ferret.<br />
<br />
<b style="color: red;">Q:</b> My ferret misses a lot. Are there any disciplinary techniques that I can use to discourage missing?<br />
<b style="color: #6aa84f;">A:</b> No. Stop wasting your time. A firm "NO" and then placing the ferret in the litter may help you feel better, and you may even get lucky and have a ferret that will take this hint, but in general disciplining or caging ferrets, spraying or giving them a time out will stress your pet out, frustrate you, and do nothing to improve their litter habits. <br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>TROUBLE SHOOTING</b></span>: <b><span style="color: red;">Suggestions that may help some people with some ferrets.</span></b><br />
<br />
<b>My ferret misses in his cage all the time.</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/pict/360314852466_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/pict/360314852466_0.jpg" width="131" /></a><i>Try adding a second litter to his cage; if this is not feasible, try placing a bed, food or water dish in this area. Be sure to keep his existing litter well scooped. For awkward areas, or stubborn ferrets, try placing a plush treat holder above the area (after cleaning and disinfecting it) - these can be effective as if they attach to the cage, the ferret cannot move the treat holder (they can move food and water dishes and toys or beds) and must take the food out of the holder to eat it (turning the 'toilet' into an eating area) - but you have to be sure to refill the holder before putting your ferret to bed. Some owners have had luck with placing a 'weird feeling' surface in the area to stop the ferret from going there, and I've even seen people placing objects in the cage (such as a Scooby Doo phone) to prevent the ferret from missing!</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>My ferret poops NEXT to his litter box all the time.</b><br />
<i>Try placing puppy pads, newspaper or trays next to the litter as an alternative. Try switching litter to see if he or she simply dislikes the feel of the litter, make sure that the litter box is not too high on all sides (it should be easy for the ferret to get in to - so low on at least one side), and make sure that the pans are large enough to fit the entire ferret - some ferrets will refuse to use a litter that they do not fit comfortably (all four paws down) in. </i><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>My ferret poops in front of the door ALL THE TIME. I can't place objects there as it is my main entrance/ exit and I have to let pets out.</b><br />
<i> If placing a litter, puppy pad or deterrent object is not feasible, be sure to keep a spray bottle of soap and water as well as some paper towel handy to clean up the messes. Oh, and if you notice your ferret heading to that area, especially after a nap, it wouldn't hurt plop him or her in a litter. </i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254324580241788860.post-68682209742934710272011-02-09T17:11:00.000-08:002011-02-09T17:11:30.572-08:00Learn. Play. Love. Ferrets.Ferrets North Information and Rescue Society is hosting "Learn. Play. Love. Ferrets." at Quacker's Canine Cuisine, 844 4th Avenue, Prince George, B.C. Saturday February 12 from 11am to 3 pm. This event is to help ferret owners meet other ferret owners, to recruit new foster families in preparation for "spring cleaning" ferret surrenders, and to educate the public about ferrets and ferret ownership. Friendly, healthy ferrets are welcome to join us, as are ferret lovers and those who simply wish to meet and play with ferrets.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5V-qcobb81k/TVM67dqHGTI/AAAAAAAAAVc/ZPwDBnlCd1U/s1600/100_3992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5V-qcobb81k/TVM67dqHGTI/AAAAAAAAAVc/ZPwDBnlCd1U/s320/100_3992.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Hope to see you all there =)Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254324580241788860.post-91311036210441744312011-01-12T15:45:00.000-08:002011-01-12T16:22:59.627-08:00Introducing new friends - tips for introductionsFerret introductions are something that many ferret owners have done... and experienced ferret owners will tell you that there are no hard, fast rules regarding introductions. Just as every ferret as individual, every introduction is unique. Here are some tips to help with those introductions, but remember: not every tip will work on every ferret, and not every introduction requires as much work or time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hsgY6ioygVw/TS4-G_YGIUI/AAAAAAAAAVA/xdkuCpdNDvQ/s1600/100_3611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hsgY6ioygVw/TS4-G_YGIUI/AAAAAAAAAVA/xdkuCpdNDvQ/s320/100_3611.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Tips (in no particular order):<br />
1) Keep in mind that every introduction is unique. Some ferrets are fast friends, while others take days, weeks or even months for a successful introductions. There are even some occasions when successful introductions are not possible as the existing ferret and new ferret simply hate each other.<br />
<br />
2) Know your ferret. Know their pet peeves, favourite treats, favourite toys and anything that they are protective or afraid of. Knowing these things will help you tune your introduction to suit your ferret best. Example: I have a VERY feisty female ferret. She does not easily accept new comers, she loves ferretone as a treat and is extremely protective over a handful or toys, as well as 'her' pink cage - this is not the cage that she is housed in, however she is extremely protective of it, and that if the new ferret is extremely timid and refuses to fight back, she will continue to go after it and may never accept it. Knowing this has helped me introduce more than one ferret to her. <br />
<br />
3) If possible, learn as much about the ferret that you are introducing as possible. Have they been around other ferrets before? If so, how did they react? What are their favourite treats? Are there any triggers that you should be aware of? This will help you ease the stress of the introduction on the other ferret. If, for example, the new ferret has never been around or seen another ferret (well, at least not for a few years), then it might be an idea to let the two ferrets sniff through the cage so that the new ferret doesn't become overwhelmed by the other ferret - your new ferret may not be aware that it is a ferret.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hsgY6ioygVw/TS5By5mKSVI/AAAAAAAAAVM/MUVGY9iCRGM/s1600/DSCF0621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hsgY6ioygVw/TS5By5mKSVI/AAAAAAAAAVM/MUVGY9iCRGM/s200/DSCF0621.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
4) Do your first intro in a neutral location - this may be a part of the house that your ferrets are not allowed in, your front yard or even a friend's house, this way neither ferret has a 'home ice' advantage. Watch for 'warning' signs such as one of the ferrets going for the front of the throat or relentlessly stalking and beating up the other ferret. If blood is seen, separate them immediately and be aware that this is likely a sign that the two ferrets will never get along.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hsgY6ioygVw/TS5CAnm-jDI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/CK_DCS8PUEc/s1600/DSCF0680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hsgY6ioygVw/TS5CAnm-jDI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/CK_DCS8PUEc/s320/DSCF0680.JPG" width="320" /></a>5) Treats are your best friend. A plate of ferretone or another well loved treat can be helpful for new ferrets to bond over - they will be more pre-occupied with the treat than with each other<br />
* if either ferret ignores the treat (and it is a treat that it normally LOVES) and goes after the other ferret, take note - this could be a sign of either a long introduction or a possible rejection<br />
<br />
6) To encourage licking and friendly interactions, I sometimes coat my ferrets in ferretone (ok, coat might be an overstatement; I put a couple of specs of ferretone on the necks of the new and existing ferrets) - this can encourage the ferrets to lick and 'groom' each other rather than fight or scruff. <br />
<br />
7) Switch your ferret's blankets with that of the new comer's so that they can get used to each others scent.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hsgY6ioygVw/TS5BVJhJB_I/AAAAAAAAAVI/HZU-smXM0i8/s1600/IMGP2354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hsgY6ioygVw/TS5BVJhJB_I/AAAAAAAAAVI/HZU-smXM0i8/s200/IMGP2354.JPG" width="200" /></a>8) Don't rush the newcomer into your existing ferret's cage - this can be too overwhelming for both your existing ferret and the new ferret - after all, how would you feel if a stranger suddenly walked into your bedroom? It can take days before your new ferret is welcome to share your existing ferret's bedroom, so be sure to have alternative arrangements. A good way to tell when it may be time to try allowing your new ferret and your existing ferret to share the same cage is when you find them sleeping together in another part of the house (or even in the cage) after playtime... but remember, this is not always a clear sign - I've had some ferrets pass out together after a long play only to be forced to break up a fight and separate the ferrets a few hours later.<br />
<br />
9) Clean your ferret's cage or room thoroughly before allowing the new ferret to spend time in the cage. This makes the cage a slightly more neutral ground. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hsgY6ioygVw/TS5BNuY9HTI/AAAAAAAAAVE/QG9e_CFjYDI/s1600/102_0291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hsgY6ioygVw/TS5BNuY9HTI/AAAAAAAAAVE/QG9e_CFjYDI/s200/102_0291.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>10) Adventures can help with introductions. If the ferrets are getting along a bit, but still squabbling on occasion, taking them out for an adventure - a trip to the park in which they share their kennel on the way home, a trip to a pet store to pick out some new toys or treats, a walk in which they share the same space when they get tired - may help the two bond and decrease the squabbling. If the introduction is a particularly challenging one, then don't place the ferrets together at the end of the adventure; rather place them in the other ferret's carrier so that they begin to associate giant, fun outings with the new ferret.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
11) Be prepared to separate ferrets. Scruffing is normal, but if either ferret gets so frightened that it soils itself, separate immediately, reassure and calm both ferrets and try again later. It is important to not interevene too soon as this can sometimes prolong the squabbling. This is really tough for most ferret owners, however, know that once the ferrets figure out who is in charge, they will get along just fine. If either ferret attacks the other ferret's throat (not back of the neck - biting the back of the neck is perfectly normal and not at all alarming behaviour), then supervise extremely closely and separate immediately if you see blood - this can mean that the ferrets do not like each other and will not get along. Face biting is another action of note; this can mean that the ferrets do not like each other and though not as alarming as blood shed or throat biting, it should tell you that you may need to take the introduction a litter more gradually. <br />
<br />
12) If introducing a ferret to an existing business, it is important to do so gradually. Start with the friendlies and least dominant member of the business. Once he or she and the new ferret get along, take out a second friendly ferret and so forth until the less dominant ferrets have all accepted the new ferret. I have found that this encourages the dominant ferret to accept the new ferret or, at the very least, discourages the existing ferrets from ganging up on the new ferret simply because the dominant ferret did not accept him or her immediately.<br />
<br />
13) Communal bath and grooming sessions can help encourage bonding among ferrets, after all, nothing helps create fast friends quite like a common 'enemy' - you, the one doing the cleaning!<br />
<br />
14) Don't rush it, and don't get discouraged too easily. Some introductions are quick and others are long... I have had successful introductions take as little as 15 minutes and as long as 3 months. So long as the existing ferrets are not attempting to kill the new comer and do not 'hunt' the new ferret (attempt to force themselves into the cage of the new ferret while giggling a little bit maniacally), then it is likely that the introduction will succeed. Watch for warning signs of aggression - hunting (as mentioned above) or stalking behaviour (seeking out the where about of the other ferret immediately with nothing distracting it), fixating (the ferret wants to get at the new ferret, regardless of what treats or obstacles you place in the way - again, he or she will NOT be distracted), blood, aggression/ attacking/ lunging at the other ferret and attempting to injure it even in new or neutral territory. If you do not notice any of these signs, then just take it slowly - don't stress either animal out too much and try to keep their interactions positive. It may take more than a week for the new ferret to be accepted, it may take only hours or days... but it could also take several weeks or even a few months.<br />
<br />
15) Its true, not all ferrets will get along - you may find that one simply will not accept a new comer, or be accepted by an existing group. Be prepared for the possibility of having to either re-home the new comer or have separate ferret playtimes forever. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hsgY6ioygVw/TS5FAfYsm9I/AAAAAAAAAVU/ilZGuDWW5UM/s1600/100_3321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hsgY6ioygVw/TS5FAfYsm9I/AAAAAAAAAVU/ilZGuDWW5UM/s320/100_3321.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Good luck!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254324580241788860.post-35514331477166452932011-01-06T08:26:00.000-08:002017-05-18T12:11:36.421-07:00... but I want a baby!When operating a rescue, you notice certain things... one of the most glaring is that many people are obsessed with having a baby ferret. Many people believe that adopting an older animal is a disadvantage; that it will interfere with their ability to have the animal bond with them, or to train the animal in a certain way. While adopting a geriatric animal can be difficult for first time owners who may not be as good at spotting health problems, I would advise first time pet owners to consider an adult rather than a baby animal, and ideally one from a rescue that can tell you a bit about the animal and its personality.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The reasons for this are pretty simple:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hsgY6ioygVw/TSVTDs_iQZI/AAAAAAAAAUk/M5L9KbV7mDA/s1600/100_3286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hsgY6ioygVw/TSVTDs_iQZI/AAAAAAAAAUk/M5L9KbV7mDA/s320/100_3286.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
1) The tough stuff is often done. Generally, an adult ferret is already nip trained. The animal may already know some tricks, and the odds of the ferret ingesting a portion of a toy and getting an intestinal blockage from eating something strange has been reduced (the threat is still there, however baby ferrets are far more likely to destroy and then eat a piece of a toy or a random object that an adult ferret would ignore). Litter training may also be included in this package (well, as much as that particular ferret can be litter trained), but if not it can be more easily taught. Adopting an adult ferret is a bit like adopting a pre-trained, well behaved adult dog rather than adopting a baby dinosaur and attempting to turn it into a dog... I know that that sounds a bit far fetched, but the reality of the situation is that many first time ferret owners have never even met a ferret before adopting their first animal and have absolutely no idea how to turn an unruly kit into a well behaved and well balanced adult... its not impossible, but it is a huge and sometimes overwhelming task.<br />
<br />
2) Training is easier. This may sound counter-intuitive to some people, but in reality, it is much easier to train an adult than a baby. Adults have longer attention spans and better memory retention than babies. Training requires less repetition and though, in the case of adult animals, it may involve some re-training to break bad habits, it is generally rather simple. The old adage "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" is not only misleading, it is downright false - it is much easier to teach an old dog (or ferret) a new trick then it is to teach a puppy (or kit) ANY trick.<br />
<br />
3) They WILL bond. Having a ferret as a kit does not ensure that the animal will bond with you any more than an adult ferret will. I have had both kits and adult ferrets and have found that the bond between the person and the animal depends more on how you treat and interact with the animal than how old it was when you got it. Some ferrets will bond quickly with their owners and start to trust them almost immediately, others are more suspicious and take longer. This is true whether or not the animal has 'baggage' from a previous home.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hsgY6ioygVw/TSVTXX35GQI/AAAAAAAAAUo/Fut-sQci8L4/s1600/DSCF0547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hsgY6ioygVw/TSVTXX35GQI/AAAAAAAAAUo/Fut-sQci8L4/s200/DSCF0547.JPG" width="200" /></a>Example: we got 2 ferrets from the same home at the same age. The home was a good one; neither animal had ever been mistreated or mishandled in any way. One of the two ferrets started to trust us and bond with us in less than a month, the other took several months before she would even take food from our hands - she did bond with us eventually, but it was a long, slow process.<br />
<br />
Example 2: Male ferret rescued from an extremely abusive situation. He as 4-6 years old, possibly older, and had known nothing but abuse at the hands of his former owner. Despite this, he bonded with me in less than a month, and within 2 months he would follow me around and rest his head on my foot when he felt uncertain or wanted my approval. <br />
<br />
Example 3: Baby ferret, 4-6 months of age when he moved in. He is a sweet ferret and was not mishandled in his first home. He is as friendly as can be and loves everybody... but that's just it - he doesn't care whether or not you are his owner or a stranger in the house. He thinks that everybody is great, but he is our least bonded ferret. He will run to be rescued if he feels that another ferret is picking on him, and beg for treats, but he will do this with all people. So far as I can tell, if we were replaced tomorrow by a new family, he would not be phased in the least. If you buy into the "babies bond more" then this ferret should be more affectionate and attached to us than any of the ferrets in the previous examples, but this is not the case. <br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hsgY6ioygVw/TSVTtxzEc1I/AAAAAAAAAUw/eZ2Kg1JzOHQ/s1600/DSCF0579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hsgY6ioygVw/TSVTtxzEc1I/AAAAAAAAAUw/eZ2Kg1JzOHQ/s200/DSCF0579.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
4) Getting a ferret as a baby will not make them cuddle. Some ferrets are more cuddly than others, regardless of when you get them.This depends on the animal's personality rather than their age. I have two ferrets nearly the same age. I got them both at a young age - one 3 months, one 4-6 months. The one that I got at 4-6 months old is and always has been a much cuddlier ferret than the one that I got at an earlier age, but neither is as cuddly as the male that I got at 5 years of age, or the 3 year old male that we fostered for a brief period. <br />
<br />
5) If you are adopting from a rescue, the rescue volunteers are often very knowledgeable about that particular animal and more than willing to offer post-adoption support. This can be invaluable if you are concerned that the animal is ill, or if you have any questions regarding the animal's behaviour. Most shelters are more than willing to take the animal back if things don't work out and though you may not get a refund, you can feel confident knowing that the animal will not be euthanized or sold to an inappropriate home.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hsgY6ioygVw/TSVR77LTQnI/AAAAAAAAAUc/jp_uoRrPwCM/s1600/babyferret.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hsgY6ioygVw/TSVR77LTQnI/AAAAAAAAAUc/jp_uoRrPwCM/s320/babyferret.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
In short: yes, babies are cute and fuzzy, but for first time owners, adults are often a better option and no, getting an adult will not rob you of any ferret affection.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254324580241788860.post-34962625632797936432010-12-18T21:54:00.000-08:002016-12-05T07:05:24.888-08:00Having a ferret-safe ChristmasThe holiday season is full on hidden dangers for our beloved pets. Most people are already aware that chocolate and alcohol are toxic to cats, dogs and ferrets, sweets are tough on their digestive systems and to avoid tinsel as some animals LOVE to eat it and it can tear through their intestines like shards of glass. Now here are a few special considerations for those beloved pet ferrets...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Consider keeping the tree is a ferret-free area of your house, or placing a ferret gate around the tree to keep your pets a safe distance away. If this is not possible, then there are certain precautions that you should take. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hsgY6ioygVw/TP3TACz40LI/AAAAAAAAAUM/IvxCYxRSRCg/s1600/IMGP2338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hsgY6ioygVw/TP3TACz40LI/AAAAAAAAAUM/IvxCYxRSRCg/s320/IMGP2338.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
1) if you have a real tree, avoid putting any fertilizer or tree preserver in the water. Ferrets have extremely long necks and skinny faces - they can often manage to get to the water and seem to really enjoy taking sips from this neat, new water container.<br />
2) Decorate with caution. Be sure to place any and all fragile ornaments and decorations well out of ferret reach - broken glass can injure your pet and losing your favourite ornaments can be quite upsetting.<br />
3) Be sure to place lights out of reach to reduce risk of electrical shock. Lights look very interesting to some ferrets, and they may decide that lights should be played with and put in their mouths. Placing the bulb/ bright portion out of their reach may reduce the likelihood of your ferret being tempted by these fancy new 'toys'.<br />
4) If the tree is on an unstable base, consider tethering it to the roof or wall. If your ferret attempts to jump at ornaments on the tree or is interested in pulling garland off the tree, the tree will rock and may wind up falling on to your beloved pet. Falling trees also damage ornaments and gifts which have been placed under the tree.<br />
5) Be careful with placing gifts under the tree - some ferrets feel the need to unwrap and play with these items, especially if their contents are candy or chocolate.<br />
6) Always supervise your pet around the Christmas tree - some ferrets are incredibly good climbing trees (though they are quite bad at descending without falling), and who knows what trouble they will get in to way up there!<br />
7) Christmas gifts are fun for us, but are our gifts safe for the ferret? Resist the urge to leave un-safe gifts under the Christmas Tree after the present opening is complete. A toy truck, for instance, is a great toy for a child, but the small rubber tires can put your beloved pet at risk.<br />
8) Don't forget about the stockings! Keep their contents well out of fuzzy reach and out of harm's way. While people will often remember to move their larger gifts, stockings are sometimes forgotten on coffee tables or fire place hearths, ready for ferrets to plunder.<br />
9) Consider letting fuzzy out after the initial Christmas morning excitement. Your ferret will pick up on the hyper vibe and most likely be extra excited during present opening. They may be running and bouncing about and could easily get trod on in all the excitement and confusion that inevitably goes along with Christmas gift opening. They may also choose to pick through newly opened gifts and ferret away their favourites before you get to enjoy them.<br />
10) Not all guests are ferret aware or ferret friendly. Consider locking fuzzy away when non-ferret people come over to enjoy the celebrations. This will help prevent your pet from accidentally getting sat on, stepped on or let out by those unfamiliar with ferrets and their behaviour. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
If you can think of any more Christmas dangers for your pet ferret, let us know and have a happy holiday!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com