From: hartman@dewey.udel.edu (Nancy Hartman)
Subject: Re: ferret bitting
Organization: University of Delaware, Newark
Distribution: usa
Date: Tue, 1 Sep 1992 04:06:11 GMT

In article <la5ejhINNli6@aludra.usc.edu> bkowal@aludra.usc.edu (Brian A. Kowal) writes:
>Also, the ferrit is in a new cage with new bedding.  He is sneezing an
>aweful lot.  I do not know if he has a cold, or if it is the dust from
>the cage bedding.

NO, NO, NO, NO!!!!!  NEVER use wood chips with a ferret, they cause
terrible respiratory problems.  Take the wood chips out immediately and
replace them with an old towel!  The ferret will stop sneezing, you won't
have splinters all over the place, it's cheaper, and it will even make
the ferret smell better.  Next, call the pet store where you bought him, 
and tell them that they are idiots.

(No, that was not a flame to the original poster, but it was definately
highly flammable to the idiot who sold him the ferret)

I have some distressing news on this note.  My vice president picked up
a flier at Doctor Pet about ferrets.  And it actually *RECOMMENDS* cedar
chips!!!!  I can understand the teenage employees thinking that, but for
it to actually be put in a brochure.  As soon as we find out the address
for Doctor Pet's main office we are going to start a write in campaign,
so everyone start thinking about what to say.

And, if anyone happens to have that address, please let me know.

About biting, first try thumping his nose while sharply saying "NO".  If
that doesn't seem to be helping at all (give it about a week), then try
tugging his whiskers instead of thumping, but always remember the "NO".
If all else fails, then buy a product called "bitter apple" at a pet store
(go somewhere else this time, they don't deserve your patronage there).
Spray a drop on your finger, then when he bites, rub the drop into his mouth.
It tastes terrible, but won't hurt him in small amounts.

When thumping his nose or pulling his whiskers, only do it hard enough
to sting, never hard enough to do physical harm.

Let's see, other new owner stuff:

If it's sold in the grocery store, it's not good for a ferret.  Ferret's
need a high animal protein diet.  Grocery store brands have too much 
vegetable protein, and the ferret's system cannot break it down.  I
suggest Kaytee ferret food, or a high quality cat or kitten food, such
as Iams, Science Diet, or Max Cat.

Keep him in a wire cage, no smaller than 3' x 3', and tall enough for him
to stand up on his hind legs to stretch.

Give him a litter box, and work on litter training him, let us know if
you need help with that one.  Plan on having at least one litter box
for each room he is allowed in.

Keep his nails trimmed.  They should be just slightly longer than the 
pink part you can see on the inside.  Fingernail clippers work just fine
for this.

Treats are alright in moderation.  Try to stay away from refined sugar
and salt.  All ferrets are different, so try different things.  Some 
that are popular with most ferrets are raisins and cheerios.

Ferrets love latex & rubber toys, but they chew on them and can get 
intestinal blockages.  Try to avoid these toys, or only use them under
supervision.  Throw them away at the first sign that the ferret is biting
off pieces.

Canine Distemper vaccinations are absolutely necessary, rabies vaccinations
are highly recommended, and required in some states.  Although you are in
California, many vets will see ferrets.  Call around first, you don't want
to risk having your ferret turned in.

- Nancy



-- 
Nancy Hartman					CIS graduate student
hartman@udel.edu				U. of Delaware
        President and founder, Delaware Valley Ferret Club
                      Owner of Percy & Bree
Newsgroups: rec.pets