I would normally ask my vet, but it's after hours..
I have a cat, 2 APBTs, 3 6-week old pups, a min pin, and a gerbil. I bought some flea bombs, and my boss gave me some Frontline Plus, and told me it would be alright to put it on the min pin, the cat, and the big dogs.The problem is that I'm a bit uncomfortable about quite a few things;
1) Is it okay to put a tiny bit of the Frontline for dogs on my cat? The package says not to, but my boss said it would be okay, and that she puts it on all of her cats, and she hasn't ever had any problems, but I'm still hesitant.
2) What about my gerbil? Can he get fleas too?
3) Is it okay to put the Frontline on the lactating APBT? The package says to ask a vet. Both her and her pups are very healthy. They are almost entirely on puppy food, but they still nurse a little bit.
4) Finally, what do I do about the puppies? I've considered using a citrus shampoo, but I want something that will prevent reinfestation...
Thank you all very much!!!
Answers:
I work with a cat rescue and we put frontline on cats as young as 2 week old kittens. It is okay to put Frontline on the puppies and their mother. The active ingredients are the same in the dog and cat formula, so you can use the dog stuff on the cat. Many people buy the large dog Frontline and spread it out among many pets because it saves money.
To get rid of fleas in your carpet you can sprinkle it with salt and leave it for an hour then vaccum it up. Good Luck
THE FRONT LINE DROPS FOR CATS IS THE SAME AS THE DROPS FOR DOGS, the difference is the tubes are weight based. you can buy frontline spray for the puppies and iam not sure about using it on the gerbil that you need to ask your vet or call the # on the back of the frontline package.
Get a few flea collars, cut them up in small pieces, and put the pieces inside a new, clean sweeper bag. Then put the sweeper bag on your sweeper and thoroughly sweep the house inclusing bedding, curtains, and furniture. The flea eggs will die.
Frontline is about the only thing i've used on my pets that keeps the fleas away. It kills eggs and all. On your lactating momma, it is alright to use, but I would not put it on the pups until they are older. Any fleas that are on them will jump to the mother and die. They will not be reinfested because once they are on the mother, they die. You don't want to use the dog frontline on your cats and vice versa because the formulation is different for both.
1) What ever you do don't put dog meds on a cat. If you do you can cause them to go into renal failure and your cat can die.
2) I have two gerbils and two cats and two dogs. I have never noticed the gerbils having flees. As long as they are acting healthy I wouldn't worry about it.
3)I would give the vet a call and as their opinion on the puppies and the mom. You can also try fresh garlic. I use that on my two dogs and that seems to help keep the fleas away.
4) Are the puppies infested with fleas. They are so young its going to be hard to treat them. If they are infested really bad then give them the bath but make sure you dry them really well and keep them warm. You may also want to try feeding them a bit of garlic but do a little at a time so their stomachs will adjust to them.
Last word of advice. When in doubt call the vet and ask.
First-soap kills fleas. I have always used Dawn to shampoo %26 kill them if necessary. Never use a dog product on your cat. They are different critters. About the rest I have no idea. . .
Friday, July 31, 2009
Flea medicine help?
so we purchased frontline and our animals still have fleas we just got it today so i was wondring if anyone has used it and how long it takes to work or if i paid all that money for nothing
Answers:
I takes about a week to work completely.
However, if your pets had fleas, it is invevitable that your house has fleas as well. You will need to flea bomb your house. You can buy them at your local dollar store or pet store. But you and your pets must leave your house while you're doing it because it is toxic if breathed in.
Keep in mind that if you just vacuum and do not flea bomb, there will still be flea eggs in your carpet. They can cling onto your carpet and even resist the strongest vacuum so you will not only need to flea bomb, you will need to wash all of your pets bedding, yours too, and your clothes in hot water. Once you've gotten everything washed and once you've flea bombed, you will need to vacuume. Twice in one day.
Then buy your pets a flea collar. And keep in mind that you will probably have to use frontline again in about 6 months.
Buy a flea shampoo as well and whenever you give your dog a bath, use the flea shampoo even if they don't have fleas!
Yes it works, it takes about a full week to get rid of all the fleas and you cant bathe your cat. I like to use advantage b/c it starts working that day, you can see them falling off dead. Then you need to vacum every two days for a week.
Read the paper that comes in the box. The fleas don't instantly disappear. The fleas that are on your pet can't survive on him anymore, and will eventually die.
I got front line 4 my 2 chauas and by the next day they was gone u didn't say if they was inside dogs or outsidedogs mine is inside dogs if they stay out they are exposed more 2 fleas %26 ticks front line is the best i know of a frind
Flea treatments are usually to prevent fleas not to get rid of them. I buy exelpet and it actually tells you that at the back. If your pet has fleas I would take them to the vet and after the problem is fixed use the flea treatment every three months. My one has a sticker that you can put on your calender so you rememeber to give your pet a flea treatment in three months. My treatment is really easy to use. It is a little tube. You part the hair on the back of the cats neck so you can see the skin and then squeeze the whole contents of the tube. They can't lick it off there either.
Answers:
I takes about a week to work completely.
However, if your pets had fleas, it is invevitable that your house has fleas as well. You will need to flea bomb your house. You can buy them at your local dollar store or pet store. But you and your pets must leave your house while you're doing it because it is toxic if breathed in.
Keep in mind that if you just vacuum and do not flea bomb, there will still be flea eggs in your carpet. They can cling onto your carpet and even resist the strongest vacuum so you will not only need to flea bomb, you will need to wash all of your pets bedding, yours too, and your clothes in hot water. Once you've gotten everything washed and once you've flea bombed, you will need to vacuume. Twice in one day.
Then buy your pets a flea collar. And keep in mind that you will probably have to use frontline again in about 6 months.
Buy a flea shampoo as well and whenever you give your dog a bath, use the flea shampoo even if they don't have fleas!
Yes it works, it takes about a full week to get rid of all the fleas and you cant bathe your cat. I like to use advantage b/c it starts working that day, you can see them falling off dead. Then you need to vacum every two days for a week.
Read the paper that comes in the box. The fleas don't instantly disappear. The fleas that are on your pet can't survive on him anymore, and will eventually die.
I got front line 4 my 2 chauas and by the next day they was gone u didn't say if they was inside dogs or outsidedogs mine is inside dogs if they stay out they are exposed more 2 fleas %26 ticks front line is the best i know of a frind
Flea treatments are usually to prevent fleas not to get rid of them. I buy exelpet and it actually tells you that at the back. If your pet has fleas I would take them to the vet and after the problem is fixed use the flea treatment every three months. My one has a sticker that you can put on your calender so you rememeber to give your pet a flea treatment in three months. My treatment is really easy to use. It is a little tube. You part the hair on the back of the cats neck so you can see the skin and then squeeze the whole contents of the tube. They can't lick it off there either.
Fish!! Please answer here, fish owners! I need help!?
Fish owners out there, please give me a guide on how to care for fish! They are not from the sea, so I'm not harming them. About tanks? When do you clean it? Feeding? I have done research but I want human advice. Water for them? What about food? What brand do you recommend? Thanks! I hope to see, thorough, lengthy answers! ;)
Answers:
I like the Hagen tanks, you can really trust them because it is made in Canada.
You should do 25% water change about once a week until the tank is cycled.(once cycled you can do it every 3 weeks)... Use a gravel vacuum to suck the poop out of the gravel, and at the same time, it is taking out water. Do this until 1 quarter of the water in the tank is gone. Replace the water missing with de-chlorinated water.
I feed my goldfish twice a day (morning and night) and my tropical fish once (morning)
I use TetraColor as their food, it is very balanced...
As for filtration, for my goldfish tank, I use the Millennium 2000 Filter, and for my tropical tanks, I use the Eheim External Canister Filter... (really good!)
If you get tropical fish, they need a heater... Jager (owned by Eheim) is the best brand of heaters. Hagen is good too...
That's just about all you need to know...
Good Luck
脽眉bbl毛拧
Let them go free from your fish tank. Liberate them. Free them onto the metal aluminum bleachers at your local football stadium on a very hot summer day. That way, they are free from bondage and you have some fresh, crunchy fishsticks. Everyone wins.
Clean tanks every 1 or 2 weeks; monthly if you got a good filter.
Feeding depends on fish. Basically, even once a day can be OK for a fish. However, some fish cannot be overfed or they'll die. Ask the fish shop owners about feeding habits of the fish you're buying.
Most fish also need light (florescent).
Tap water, as long as you de-clorinate it and maybe add some salt (to release their stress), should be ok.
I use mainly Ocean Free products. Not sure if it's available there.
Answers:
I like the Hagen tanks, you can really trust them because it is made in Canada.
You should do 25% water change about once a week until the tank is cycled.(once cycled you can do it every 3 weeks)... Use a gravel vacuum to suck the poop out of the gravel, and at the same time, it is taking out water. Do this until 1 quarter of the water in the tank is gone. Replace the water missing with de-chlorinated water.
I feed my goldfish twice a day (morning and night) and my tropical fish once (morning)
I use TetraColor as their food, it is very balanced...
As for filtration, for my goldfish tank, I use the Millennium 2000 Filter, and for my tropical tanks, I use the Eheim External Canister Filter... (really good!)
If you get tropical fish, they need a heater... Jager (owned by Eheim) is the best brand of heaters. Hagen is good too...
That's just about all you need to know...
Good Luck
脽眉bbl毛拧
Let them go free from your fish tank. Liberate them. Free them onto the metal aluminum bleachers at your local football stadium on a very hot summer day. That way, they are free from bondage and you have some fresh, crunchy fishsticks. Everyone wins.
Clean tanks every 1 or 2 weeks; monthly if you got a good filter.
Feeding depends on fish. Basically, even once a day can be OK for a fish. However, some fish cannot be overfed or they'll die. Ask the fish shop owners about feeding habits of the fish you're buying.
Most fish also need light (florescent).
Tap water, as long as you de-clorinate it and maybe add some salt (to release their stress), should be ok.
I use mainly Ocean Free products. Not sure if it's available there.
Fish!! Owners, please give advice!?
Fish!! Please answer here, fish owners! I need help!?
Fish owners out there, please give me a guide on how to care for fish! They are not from the sea, so I'm not harming them. About tanks? When do you clean it? Feeding? I have done research but I want human advice. Water for them? What about food? What brand do you recommend? Thanks! I hope to see, thorough, lengthy answers! ;)
What type of fish do you suggest I get?
Answers:
There isn't enough time for me to type out (or even enough space) all the information you need to know about how to keep your fish. As well as using the internet get as many books as you can, learn about which species are compatible and which aren't and go to a specialist aquatic centre and talk to somebody there.
If you've never kept fish before and want something easy I would go for either coldwater species (goldfish, shubunkins, Oranda's/Fantails etc) or a tropical community fish tank (tetra's, barbs, rasbora's, danio's etc).
Bare in mind that coldwater fish are often sold in totally undersized kiddies tanks - remember that these guys can grow up to 12 inches in length! They shouldn't be kept ideally in anything smaller than a 36 inch aquarium, and that's on the small side!
There are lots of choices of tanks that you can buy as starter kits for tropicals and many come with complete kit that you need - again the bigger the tank the better and depending on what type of fish will depend on how many should be kept in the tank.
If you've never kept them before avoid Cichlids species, and other "speciality" fish. Incidentally - a 10 gallon tank is way too small for most species (apart from perhaps dwarf varieties such as Apistogramma's) especially as some can grow to the size of a dinner plate or more :)
For all species the general rules are as follows:
Cleaning: For the first six weeks when the tank is going through the nitrification cycle (basically maturing) you should be doing a 20/25% water change once a week - after six weeks this can be reduced to every 3/4 weeks or so - again only taking out small amounts of water. It's also worthwhile investing in a gravel cleaner siphon, which will get any trapped debris out of your gravel, and generally helps the whole water change experience a little nicer. The filtration itself should always be cleaned in water from the tank itself, to avoid any disturbance to the bacteria. Never change all the water at once as this can cause severe stress not only to your fish but also pull your tank completely off course and leave it with a full stocking of fish but nothing to break down their waste.
Feeding: again this should depend on the age of the tank. It's a known fact that one of the biggest killers of all fish is overfeeding. To begin with the fish should be fed once every other day, and just a small amount of food - enough that they'll eat within a minute or so. The more mature tank can be fed once a day or more. Some tank inhabitants need specialist types of food (such as plecostomus, corydoras, synodontis and other bottom dwelling species) so their diet should be considered too. It's worthwhile giving a variety of foods, and frozen livefood is excellent (not only is it more cost effective but because of the fact it's frozen it kills off many pathogens found in live foods). Brand-wise isn't so much of a problem, as there are many great brands out there.
With regards to compatibility: With coldwater fish it's sometimes best to either stick to single tailed varieties (such as Goldfish or Shubs) or the fan tailed varieties. I've known people keep the two together successfully but also a lot of people that have had problems with the single tails (remember that Fantails originated as a Goldfish - they are indeed the same species) chasing the much slower Oranda's around and over competing for food.
With the tropicals it's a bit more problematic with there being so many species on offer! But if you go into a good specialist retail outlet they can show you the different varieties that will mix - there are many species of tetra, livebearer, rasbora, and barb which will mix, but some can be fin nippers or not compatible with certain species because of their eventual size/water requirements etc. Many shops offer what is known as a traffic light system on their fish tanks where if it has a green dot next to the tank it's a community fish (ie gets on well with all other fish), if it's yellow it has certain habits, gets to a certain size etc which means it can't be kept with all species and if it's got a red dot next to it it means it's a definate no-no!
Hope this helps a bit! There is just so much information that can be given about these guys!
Different fish require diff care. Depending on many things. Tropical fish like warm enviroments and live plants to swim in. They like their space. If your starting out try some Mollys they are fun to watch and easy to care for. Platties are also great little care in those..Angle fish are my personal favorite.
The actual aquarium size is relatively unimportant. However, the number of angelfish per gallon is critical. This figure varies depending on several factors. Obviously, size has a lot to do with carrying capacity. Other variables that affect this include, pH, temperature, feeding practices, water changing volume, water changing frequency, strain of angelfish being kept and the overall quality of angelfish you desire to raise or maintain. Keep in mind, the number of angelfish per gallon a tank can handle, will vary immensely from one situation to another. The following would be a very general guideline.
Nickel size bodies 1 angelfish per gallon
Quarter size bodies 1 angelfish per 2 gallons
Silver dollar size bodies 1 angelfish per 3 gallons
Stock ready to be paired 1 angelfish per 5 gallons
Full grown breeding pair 20 gallon tall
Aquarium Filter
Good biological filtration can be easily obtained a number of ways. Angelfish body shapes are not designed for efficient swimming, therefore gentle aquarium filtration is preferred. Lots of water movement will stress them somewhat and cause slower growth due to the increased energy expended to swim against a current. Angels Plus Sponge filters are ideal for fish hatchery situations, where expense is a concern. In show tanks, undergravel filters works well. In a densely populated tank, an undersized power filter or canister filter will make a good secondary filter. A very effective secondary filter that will not clog is a fluidized bed filter. We use these in all of our big tanks. In general, the limiting factor for angelfish carrying capacity is not filtration. It is dissolved organics and high bacterial loads that develop from keeping too many fish in a tank, overfeeding or changing too little water. Large, frequent water changes are the easiest way to lower these bacterial levels. Sophisticated systems will sometimes incorporate the use of ozone, foam fractionation and U.V. to accomplish the lowering of these organic and bacterial loads, but most of us will rely upon water changes to accomplish this important facet of angelfish care.
Aquarium Temperature
Angelfish have a tolerance to a wide range of aquarium temperatures, but immune system response is best at higher temperatures. Therefore, if your fish husbandry is less than ideal, you will have more problems at lower temperatures. 80掳 F is a good start for a hatchery situation. Mid to upper seventies is fine for show tanks.
As a cold blooded animal, angelfish will live longer at lower temps. Higher temperatures will promote faster growth, more frequent breeding, better immune system response and shorter life spans.
A good reliable aquarium heater is important for valuable angelfish. We highly recommend Jager Submersible Aquarium Heaters.
Feeding Angelfish
Feeding is more of an art, than a science. No one can tell you exactly how much food to put in an aquarium. The ideal amount will change everyday as the angelfish grow, and will be different with varying temperature, pH, maintenance schedules and frequency of feedings.. Good observation is the key. Overfeeding angelfish is worse than underfeeding. Feed a variety of high quality foods and observe the aquarium and the angelfish closely when feeding. If you want to feed a superior fish food, try making your own paste fish food. We have a great fish paste food recipe.
Angelfish Fry - you will find it difficult to raise any number of high quality angelfish with anything other than live baby brine shrimp for the first 3 weeks of their life. We feed it exclusively for the first 5-6 weeks. Artemia is critical at this point. Check here for more details on hatching brine shrimp eggs. Introduction of a new fish food usually requires that it be introduced gradually. Angelfish should be voracious eaters when they are healthy and properly fed.
Hello! I LOVE fish... just last night my son got 2 new Black Moors (they are a type of goldfish, black, and have bubble eyes - cute) and I got a bright yellow Chiclid. We have a 35 gallon tank in the living room that we've had for 3 months.
We've got 3 large Schubunkin Goldfish, 2 Tetras or Neons, 3 algae eaters, 4 snails. Also have 2 minnows we caught at the river!
~My Chiclid is in it's own gallon tank - they are beautiful but very agressive! (Beta's are beautiful as well - but again very agressive. Both Chiclids and Betas eat Beta Food. Get the color enhancing formula and it makes a BIG difference.)~
All the rest habitate great together -
I use a home-mixed food of: Slow-Sinking Goldfish Pellets, Goldfish Flakes, and FreezeDried Shrimp. Those 3 together work well for the variety I have. I feed twice a day. Just enough so they are done eating in about 5 minutes.
About once a week I take 3 gallons out of the tank and replace it will 3 spring water gallons (I buy from Wal-mart). I also use No More Algae tablets (1 tablet per 10 gallons) when I change the water.
If your tank ever gets foggy - use Start Right Tablets (1 tablet per 10 gallons). Works great.
As far as advice on what to get - Start off small:
10 gallon tank/lighted top = $30.00
Gravel and Fake Plants = $10.00
Fish Net = $2.00
10 Gallons of Spring Water = $10.00
(all from walmart)
Fish -
Chiclids are my personal fav - very active, bright, fun to watch. 4 go well in 10 gallons
Goldfish/Schubunkins are bigger and less active, easiest to care for. 3/4 go well in 10 gallons.
Children love to get the little neons, tetras, fantail goldfish - all are small and cheap - A good rule for that is 1 inch of fish per gallon in tank!
When buying your fish - make sure you know what kind of water to have - some like cold - some like warm! A good heater is about $10.00.
Make sure your fish have the correct food, and temp of water. If you don't get a lighted hood, put a lamp nearby - Fish like the light.
It's always a good idea to get an Algae Eater or a few snails to help keep the tank clean.
A good filter is important too - usually one will come with the tank and hood!
Other than that I am out of advice - anything else just feel free to ask!
Fish owners out there, please give me a guide on how to care for fish! They are not from the sea, so I'm not harming them. About tanks? When do you clean it? Feeding? I have done research but I want human advice. Water for them? What about food? What brand do you recommend? Thanks! I hope to see, thorough, lengthy answers! ;)
What type of fish do you suggest I get?
Answers:
There isn't enough time for me to type out (or even enough space) all the information you need to know about how to keep your fish. As well as using the internet get as many books as you can, learn about which species are compatible and which aren't and go to a specialist aquatic centre and talk to somebody there.
If you've never kept fish before and want something easy I would go for either coldwater species (goldfish, shubunkins, Oranda's/Fantails etc) or a tropical community fish tank (tetra's, barbs, rasbora's, danio's etc).
Bare in mind that coldwater fish are often sold in totally undersized kiddies tanks - remember that these guys can grow up to 12 inches in length! They shouldn't be kept ideally in anything smaller than a 36 inch aquarium, and that's on the small side!
There are lots of choices of tanks that you can buy as starter kits for tropicals and many come with complete kit that you need - again the bigger the tank the better and depending on what type of fish will depend on how many should be kept in the tank.
If you've never kept them before avoid Cichlids species, and other "speciality" fish. Incidentally - a 10 gallon tank is way too small for most species (apart from perhaps dwarf varieties such as Apistogramma's) especially as some can grow to the size of a dinner plate or more :)
For all species the general rules are as follows:
Cleaning: For the first six weeks when the tank is going through the nitrification cycle (basically maturing) you should be doing a 20/25% water change once a week - after six weeks this can be reduced to every 3/4 weeks or so - again only taking out small amounts of water. It's also worthwhile investing in a gravel cleaner siphon, which will get any trapped debris out of your gravel, and generally helps the whole water change experience a little nicer. The filtration itself should always be cleaned in water from the tank itself, to avoid any disturbance to the bacteria. Never change all the water at once as this can cause severe stress not only to your fish but also pull your tank completely off course and leave it with a full stocking of fish but nothing to break down their waste.
Feeding: again this should depend on the age of the tank. It's a known fact that one of the biggest killers of all fish is overfeeding. To begin with the fish should be fed once every other day, and just a small amount of food - enough that they'll eat within a minute or so. The more mature tank can be fed once a day or more. Some tank inhabitants need specialist types of food (such as plecostomus, corydoras, synodontis and other bottom dwelling species) so their diet should be considered too. It's worthwhile giving a variety of foods, and frozen livefood is excellent (not only is it more cost effective but because of the fact it's frozen it kills off many pathogens found in live foods). Brand-wise isn't so much of a problem, as there are many great brands out there.
With regards to compatibility: With coldwater fish it's sometimes best to either stick to single tailed varieties (such as Goldfish or Shubs) or the fan tailed varieties. I've known people keep the two together successfully but also a lot of people that have had problems with the single tails (remember that Fantails originated as a Goldfish - they are indeed the same species) chasing the much slower Oranda's around and over competing for food.
With the tropicals it's a bit more problematic with there being so many species on offer! But if you go into a good specialist retail outlet they can show you the different varieties that will mix - there are many species of tetra, livebearer, rasbora, and barb which will mix, but some can be fin nippers or not compatible with certain species because of their eventual size/water requirements etc. Many shops offer what is known as a traffic light system on their fish tanks where if it has a green dot next to the tank it's a community fish (ie gets on well with all other fish), if it's yellow it has certain habits, gets to a certain size etc which means it can't be kept with all species and if it's got a red dot next to it it means it's a definate no-no!
Hope this helps a bit! There is just so much information that can be given about these guys!
Different fish require diff care. Depending on many things. Tropical fish like warm enviroments and live plants to swim in. They like their space. If your starting out try some Mollys they are fun to watch and easy to care for. Platties are also great little care in those..Angle fish are my personal favorite.
The actual aquarium size is relatively unimportant. However, the number of angelfish per gallon is critical. This figure varies depending on several factors. Obviously, size has a lot to do with carrying capacity. Other variables that affect this include, pH, temperature, feeding practices, water changing volume, water changing frequency, strain of angelfish being kept and the overall quality of angelfish you desire to raise or maintain. Keep in mind, the number of angelfish per gallon a tank can handle, will vary immensely from one situation to another. The following would be a very general guideline.
Nickel size bodies 1 angelfish per gallon
Quarter size bodies 1 angelfish per 2 gallons
Silver dollar size bodies 1 angelfish per 3 gallons
Stock ready to be paired 1 angelfish per 5 gallons
Full grown breeding pair 20 gallon tall
Aquarium Filter
Good biological filtration can be easily obtained a number of ways. Angelfish body shapes are not designed for efficient swimming, therefore gentle aquarium filtration is preferred. Lots of water movement will stress them somewhat and cause slower growth due to the increased energy expended to swim against a current. Angels Plus Sponge filters are ideal for fish hatchery situations, where expense is a concern. In show tanks, undergravel filters works well. In a densely populated tank, an undersized power filter or canister filter will make a good secondary filter. A very effective secondary filter that will not clog is a fluidized bed filter. We use these in all of our big tanks. In general, the limiting factor for angelfish carrying capacity is not filtration. It is dissolved organics and high bacterial loads that develop from keeping too many fish in a tank, overfeeding or changing too little water. Large, frequent water changes are the easiest way to lower these bacterial levels. Sophisticated systems will sometimes incorporate the use of ozone, foam fractionation and U.V. to accomplish the lowering of these organic and bacterial loads, but most of us will rely upon water changes to accomplish this important facet of angelfish care.
Aquarium Temperature
Angelfish have a tolerance to a wide range of aquarium temperatures, but immune system response is best at higher temperatures. Therefore, if your fish husbandry is less than ideal, you will have more problems at lower temperatures. 80掳 F is a good start for a hatchery situation. Mid to upper seventies is fine for show tanks.
As a cold blooded animal, angelfish will live longer at lower temps. Higher temperatures will promote faster growth, more frequent breeding, better immune system response and shorter life spans.
A good reliable aquarium heater is important for valuable angelfish. We highly recommend Jager Submersible Aquarium Heaters.
Feeding Angelfish
Feeding is more of an art, than a science. No one can tell you exactly how much food to put in an aquarium. The ideal amount will change everyday as the angelfish grow, and will be different with varying temperature, pH, maintenance schedules and frequency of feedings.. Good observation is the key. Overfeeding angelfish is worse than underfeeding. Feed a variety of high quality foods and observe the aquarium and the angelfish closely when feeding. If you want to feed a superior fish food, try making your own paste fish food. We have a great fish paste food recipe.
Angelfish Fry - you will find it difficult to raise any number of high quality angelfish with anything other than live baby brine shrimp for the first 3 weeks of their life. We feed it exclusively for the first 5-6 weeks. Artemia is critical at this point. Check here for more details on hatching brine shrimp eggs. Introduction of a new fish food usually requires that it be introduced gradually. Angelfish should be voracious eaters when they are healthy and properly fed.
Hello! I LOVE fish... just last night my son got 2 new Black Moors (they are a type of goldfish, black, and have bubble eyes - cute) and I got a bright yellow Chiclid. We have a 35 gallon tank in the living room that we've had for 3 months.
We've got 3 large Schubunkin Goldfish, 2 Tetras or Neons, 3 algae eaters, 4 snails. Also have 2 minnows we caught at the river!
~My Chiclid is in it's own gallon tank - they are beautiful but very agressive! (Beta's are beautiful as well - but again very agressive. Both Chiclids and Betas eat Beta Food. Get the color enhancing formula and it makes a BIG difference.)~
All the rest habitate great together -
I use a home-mixed food of: Slow-Sinking Goldfish Pellets, Goldfish Flakes, and FreezeDried Shrimp. Those 3 together work well for the variety I have. I feed twice a day. Just enough so they are done eating in about 5 minutes.
About once a week I take 3 gallons out of the tank and replace it will 3 spring water gallons (I buy from Wal-mart). I also use No More Algae tablets (1 tablet per 10 gallons) when I change the water.
If your tank ever gets foggy - use Start Right Tablets (1 tablet per 10 gallons). Works great.
As far as advice on what to get - Start off small:
10 gallon tank/lighted top = $30.00
Gravel and Fake Plants = $10.00
Fish Net = $2.00
10 Gallons of Spring Water = $10.00
(all from walmart)
Fish -
Chiclids are my personal fav - very active, bright, fun to watch. 4 go well in 10 gallons
Goldfish/Schubunkins are bigger and less active, easiest to care for. 3/4 go well in 10 gallons.
Children love to get the little neons, tetras, fantail goldfish - all are small and cheap - A good rule for that is 1 inch of fish per gallon in tank!
When buying your fish - make sure you know what kind of water to have - some like cold - some like warm! A good heater is about $10.00.
Make sure your fish have the correct food, and temp of water. If you don't get a lighted hood, put a lamp nearby - Fish like the light.
It's always a good idea to get an Algae Eater or a few snails to help keep the tank clean.
A good filter is important too - usually one will come with the tank and hood!
Other than that I am out of advice - anything else just feel free to ask!
Fine...No lemur... What else?
Wow i didn't know there was a ban on owning lemurs here in cali.
what would be a enjoyable substitute?
don't say cat or dog or lizard..or birds' or fish.
I want a very spontaneous pet that most people dont usually think about owning...
and it has to at the same level as a ringtail lemur.
Answers:
Sugar gliders are still rather unique, and although semi-high maintainance, they are easier to find the proper housing/diet/etc for than many other exotic pets (including vet care, if it's needed).
Please do proper research on ANY animal you intend to purchase, before doing so. Don't get one, just to have one. It's a lifetime commitment, and you have to be able to physically %26 financially care for this animal, throughout it's lifespan.
P.S. Zoolo mentioned ferrets, but they're also illegal in California.
An animal that would be related would be a chinchilla or ferret.
How about a nice sewer rat?
A wild animal is a wild animal. Leave them be.
Erm... well... nothing I can think of. Try iguana, but do a LOT of research first and make sure you can care for one.
try a chinchilla
a chinchilla or there are certan monkeys that are leagal out here im ca
i take in unwanted exotics.. tons of people buy them.. and decide they dont want them... b/c they are wild animals!
they do belong in the wild.. my house has had the linoleum tore up.. the carpet is gone.. now cement floors.. pipes pulled apart.. fridge tore up.. dishwasher, oven... curtain shredded.. mini blinds tore up.. trim off of doors.. now gone... things flushed down the toilet.. holes in walls... I can keep on going..
yes i have a raccoon and a coatimundi.. and a domestic skunk.. all from people who could not handle this behavior.. my home has been turned into a home for them... I have to live w/ it..
what would be a enjoyable substitute?
don't say cat or dog or lizard..or birds' or fish.
I want a very spontaneous pet that most people dont usually think about owning...
and it has to at the same level as a ringtail lemur.
Answers:
Sugar gliders are still rather unique, and although semi-high maintainance, they are easier to find the proper housing/diet/etc for than many other exotic pets (including vet care, if it's needed).
Please do proper research on ANY animal you intend to purchase, before doing so. Don't get one, just to have one. It's a lifetime commitment, and you have to be able to physically %26 financially care for this animal, throughout it's lifespan.
P.S. Zoolo mentioned ferrets, but they're also illegal in California.
An animal that would be related would be a chinchilla or ferret.
How about a nice sewer rat?
A wild animal is a wild animal. Leave them be.
Erm... well... nothing I can think of. Try iguana, but do a LOT of research first and make sure you can care for one.
try a chinchilla
a chinchilla or there are certan monkeys that are leagal out here im ca
i take in unwanted exotics.. tons of people buy them.. and decide they dont want them... b/c they are wild animals!
they do belong in the wild.. my house has had the linoleum tore up.. the carpet is gone.. now cement floors.. pipes pulled apart.. fridge tore up.. dishwasher, oven... curtain shredded.. mini blinds tore up.. trim off of doors.. now gone... things flushed down the toilet.. holes in walls... I can keep on going..
yes i have a raccoon and a coatimundi.. and a domestic skunk.. all from people who could not handle this behavior.. my home has been turned into a home for them... I have to live w/ it..
FFA Queston??
I am going to show a pig and I get it by next month. I am so excited. Question:A company is going to buy it and they always give back the animals. What should I do with it after??? I don't live on land but I would hate to butcher a pig that I got money for...Its like unnecessarily slaughtering something. Any ideas would be great!~
Answers:
I raised pigs for FFA and currently live in the swine unit at UC Davis. When I was in FFA, I started breeding projects. If you get a female, you can artificially inseminate her and then sale the babies to other FFA and 4-H kids. That way you can keep her and she's making you money at the same time. You also can show her again that way as a breeding project and if she becomes familiar enough with you, breeding projects usually make better showmanship animals, so you will do better in showmanship too.
First, you might check the fair rules. Our fair is terminal for swine- meaning that any swine that comes on the grounds is sent for slaughter, whether it makes the sift or not.
Also, when a buyer here turns back an animal there is usually a contractor that has bid for the returned animals and they get them at the accepted floor price, not the original seller.
And finally, I am assuming you are raising a market animal. Part of this is accepting the fact that your animal will be used for consumption. If it is used for food it is not unnecessary slaughter!
So check your rule book first thing...you may not have to worry about it!
Answers:
I raised pigs for FFA and currently live in the swine unit at UC Davis. When I was in FFA, I started breeding projects. If you get a female, you can artificially inseminate her and then sale the babies to other FFA and 4-H kids. That way you can keep her and she's making you money at the same time. You also can show her again that way as a breeding project and if she becomes familiar enough with you, breeding projects usually make better showmanship animals, so you will do better in showmanship too.
First, you might check the fair rules. Our fair is terminal for swine- meaning that any swine that comes on the grounds is sent for slaughter, whether it makes the sift or not.
Also, when a buyer here turns back an animal there is usually a contractor that has bid for the returned animals and they get them at the accepted floor price, not the original seller.
And finally, I am assuming you are raising a market animal. Part of this is accepting the fact that your animal will be used for consumption. If it is used for food it is not unnecessary slaughter!
So check your rule book first thing...you may not have to worry about it!
Fert names please!!!?
Just bought a male albino ferret, any idea on names? I already have a sable called Freppy, but it doesnt have to have a matching name like my bros idea of Freppo! lol.
Answers:
Every time I get a new pet, I worry that I won't be able to think of a good and fitting name.
The last animal I bought, a ferret, I was worried I wouldn't be able to think of a name for him. But when I saw him lumbering around like a big bear (he's overweight because the poor baby was stuck in a PetSmart cage for 8 months!), I knew. We named him Bear.
Just give it a little time! Get to know his personality and it'll come to you! Nothing wrong with having a nameless pet for a little while. Good luck and happy ferreting! =)
Bandit
Frosty :)
Powder
How about Aries!!!
Good Luck :)
I have a white ferret who has ruby eyes...but he is not an albino as he has gray on his tail. When I got him he just looked like a bear...somehow I ended up naming him
Wolly-Bear. I don't know how it morphed into that but it did. You will figure something out I'm sure. :)
Answers:
Every time I get a new pet, I worry that I won't be able to think of a good and fitting name.
The last animal I bought, a ferret, I was worried I wouldn't be able to think of a name for him. But when I saw him lumbering around like a big bear (he's overweight because the poor baby was stuck in a PetSmart cage for 8 months!), I knew. We named him Bear.
Just give it a little time! Get to know his personality and it'll come to you! Nothing wrong with having a nameless pet for a little while. Good luck and happy ferreting! =)
Bandit
Frosty :)
Powder
How about Aries!!!
Good Luck :)
I have a white ferret who has ruby eyes...but he is not an albino as he has gray on his tail. When I got him he just looked like a bear...somehow I ended up naming him
Wolly-Bear. I don't know how it morphed into that but it did. You will figure something out I'm sure. :)
Ferrets??
i have 2 that i just got from my nans bf's kid. and since his kid broke up with his wife(hes about 21) he hasnt took care of the ferrets for like half a year. i dont think that he ever did there cage. cuz when we went to go and pick the ferrets up they had poop everywhere in the cage. and there nails were so long. and he never let them out. all he did was give them food and water. and so when we brought them home we tried to do there nails a little. (just cuz we didnt want to tramatize them). and we owned about 3 other ferrets before. about 4-5 years ago and when i was like 6. and right now im 16. so i got a couple of quesions
*what do they like to eat?
*and if u have a ferret do u walk them?(cuz we did when we were younger, on harnesses)
and anything else that u think that i might need to know.
oh and we use ceddar cat litter for them. cuz its the only kind our cat will use. and there 1 1/2 yrs old(Jasmine) and 2 yrs old(Cyrus). there both fixed.
Answers:
Ferrets will pretty much eat anything, they're scavengers. but that doesn't necessarily mean you should feed them everything. Obviously you just find a ferret food that they'll eat and any local pet store will have tons of treats for them. There is also a paste that comes in a tube that is really good for them, has a lot of nutrients. Our ferret is nearly 7 which is really old because they don't live that long. We feed her dry cereal alot, like the grain part of lucky charms are her favorite. Also half a grape now and then. Try to stay away from milky products. And when you do give them treats, make sure its in very tiny pieces because they're prone to choking on things. We use cob for her litter, it soaks up the urine better. We don't really walk ours anymore as she is older and especially more susceptible to getting sick outside. But if you have the proper harness and the weather is good, there shouldn't be a problem. Hope some of that helps
i have a ferret she just eats dry ferret food along with kitten food to make her bigger. i dont walk her i just yake her outside on her harness and she runs around the yard. you might want to buy some toys they love toys. and make sure your house is ferret proof so no holes in walls they can squeeze through holes the size of like gold dolars or quarters if they are small. also they like treats. peanut butter or chicken flavored is what tasha (my ferret) likes. if you go to petsmart they have alot of ferreet accesories
good luck!!
%26lt;3 always bree
i have one of my own i love them yes u can walk them i do and u can feed them cat food or u can go to any pet supply and pick up food for them
u can go to ur pet store and ask sometimes they will have there own little section as for walking i would walk them it gives the exercise and lets them out the cage for a little bit for the bedding they have stuff that is like paper towels its really good with holdin the smell and stuff it works really well it comes in alot of colors ( pets mart is a good place if ur by one)
Commercial ferret food works fine. They need a high protein diet.
I walk mine outside on a harness, Ferrets have a lot of energy, and a 20 minute walk does them so much good. It also helps them socialize and in general they just enjoy it.
Pine and cedar bedding causes a whole lot of health problems in small pets.
*what do they like to eat?
*and if u have a ferret do u walk them?(cuz we did when we were younger, on harnesses)
and anything else that u think that i might need to know.
oh and we use ceddar cat litter for them. cuz its the only kind our cat will use. and there 1 1/2 yrs old(Jasmine) and 2 yrs old(Cyrus). there both fixed.
Answers:
Ferrets will pretty much eat anything, they're scavengers. but that doesn't necessarily mean you should feed them everything. Obviously you just find a ferret food that they'll eat and any local pet store will have tons of treats for them. There is also a paste that comes in a tube that is really good for them, has a lot of nutrients. Our ferret is nearly 7 which is really old because they don't live that long. We feed her dry cereal alot, like the grain part of lucky charms are her favorite. Also half a grape now and then. Try to stay away from milky products. And when you do give them treats, make sure its in very tiny pieces because they're prone to choking on things. We use cob for her litter, it soaks up the urine better. We don't really walk ours anymore as she is older and especially more susceptible to getting sick outside. But if you have the proper harness and the weather is good, there shouldn't be a problem. Hope some of that helps
i have a ferret she just eats dry ferret food along with kitten food to make her bigger. i dont walk her i just yake her outside on her harness and she runs around the yard. you might want to buy some toys they love toys. and make sure your house is ferret proof so no holes in walls they can squeeze through holes the size of like gold dolars or quarters if they are small. also they like treats. peanut butter or chicken flavored is what tasha (my ferret) likes. if you go to petsmart they have alot of ferreet accesories
good luck!!
%26lt;3 always bree
i have one of my own i love them yes u can walk them i do and u can feed them cat food or u can go to any pet supply and pick up food for them
u can go to ur pet store and ask sometimes they will have there own little section as for walking i would walk them it gives the exercise and lets them out the cage for a little bit for the bedding they have stuff that is like paper towels its really good with holdin the smell and stuff it works really well it comes in alot of colors ( pets mart is a good place if ur by one)
Commercial ferret food works fine. They need a high protein diet.
I walk mine outside on a harness, Ferrets have a lot of energy, and a 20 minute walk does them so much good. It also helps them socialize and in general they just enjoy it.
Pine and cedar bedding causes a whole lot of health problems in small pets.
FERRETs?....?
Any tips are welcome...thinking about getting ferret but not sure of the kind and sex- potty training...etc..also any other tips or links to sites welcome
Answers:
Ferrets are extreamly high maintenance pets. Start up cost for a ferret is around 500 dollars. When you first get your ferrets they will need to see a vet(not apart of the 500 dollar start up). Most states require yearly vaccinations for ferrets(rabies, distemper) this can cost upward of 150 dollars. They also need monthy heartworm pills
It is recommended that you have two ferrets, They can sleep together and play in ways that they cannot with you.
Ferret food is expensive. They should have at least three high quality food mixed togther. Marshals food is not a high quality food(do not feed the ferret this). High quality means first three ingrediants meat, and no fish.34-36% protein and approximately 20% fat (and low fiber) The high quality food can cost anywhere from 15 dollars to over 20 for a 5 -10 lb bag. Feeding them low quality food may be cheaper for awhile, but will lead to health problems and costly vet bills later.
Young ferrets monthy bills may be fairly reasonable, but as ferrets age they are extreamly likely to get adreanal disease. You are more likely to have a ferret get health problems when they get older than not, and older is only about 4, so expect high vet bills for about half its life.
Ferrets are smelly, there is no going around that fact(even descented). Since ferrets are strictly carnivours they have a short digestive tract, and need food available all the time, therefore they deficate every few hours. They also have a musky smell(even decented) it get into eveything (clothes, etc). Cages need to be cleaned daily to minimize the smell, if you let it wait the smell will be tremendous. Even cleaned daily you can still smell the ferrets as soon as you enter my home.
They can be litter box trained, but it is hard, and hit or miss(no pun intended). When they are out of thier cage they will not seek out a litter box and will usually just go anywhere. My ferrets never were litter box trained and preffered to go next to the box/dig in it, rather than use it.
Expect to have your ferret out of its cage for a minimum of 6 hours a day, otherwise they will not be happy. Ferrets have a lot of energy and need to burn it off.
When they are out they must be supervised as they get into everything, climb everywhere, etc. Mine used to love to go on my dvd shelves and knock them all off(finally had to replace the shelves with a cabinet style)
Some of them can be mean, there is no gaurentee. You must be prepared to deal with an agessive ferret. Do you know what to do with a problem biter? I have a formally abused ferret that was a bad biter(I took some nastly bites to the hands-nerve damage on one hand). Even friendly babies can have personality changes if not properly socialized and trained.
Ferrets must be nip trained when they are young. There are correct and incorrect ways to do this. Hitting, yelling flicking the nose do not work and may lead to an agressive and hand shy ferret. All ferrets nip, there is no way to completly stop, but it should be controled. They should know not to bite you too hard, often, ect. That is where having two ferrets comes in handy(they can play with eachother the way ferrets naturally play)
The cage must be fairly large, the ferret starter cages sold in pet stores are not large enough. A ferret needs a multi floor cage. You'll need hammocks, ferrets like sleeping away from thier feces and urine. Get food bowls that lock to the side or else they will throw them off the shelves. Large water bottles are best (32 oz), ferrets need water available all the time.
If you know all the information, and are prepared to make an expensive and long commitment then go for it.
Please be sure you hav emergency vet money set aside, it is recommended at least $1000 dollars, you do not want to end up as one of the kids on here asking, "My ferret is injured how do I treat it without going to the vet." Thats not fair to the pet or responsible. I have thousands of dollars put aside for emergencies.
We have two ferrets. It doesn't really matter if it is male or female since they can't be sold without being altered anyway. Have them descented or their musky smell will drive you nuts. Potty training consists of placing a litter box in the corner of their cage and showing them where it is, like a cat. Ferrets prefer to be with cage mates. You can mix the sexes, they don't care. A good basic sight is www.2ndchance.info/ferretcare.
here is a link to the American ferret association http://www.ferret.org/index.shtm...
another great resource is the book 'ferrets for dummies'. they are a fantastic pet IF YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GETTING INTO!!! They are a very high maintenance pet, but an absolute riot! Also check www.petfinder.com for a list of ferret shelters in your area. they are a great resource to interact with ferrets and even adopt...a list of ferret rescues can also be found in the book and on the website I gave you. I am owned by nine little weasels and I laugh everyday, but they also have their moments of sheer destruction!!! Good luck and please just make sure that you do your homework...the shelter in my area (all my guys are from them, some were babies when I got them too) has at least 50 ferrets all the time...here is their link for more info too... http://www.browardferretrescue.org/...
as someone above said the sex dosnt rlly matter to much after theyre altered and almost all ferrets from shelters are already potty trained.
if u RLLY want to get a ferret u should DEFinitly buy Ferrets for Dummies. im currently reading it cover to cover in hopes of geting a couple this summer. after reading it u probly wont have too many Q to post here.lol. the book isnt a boring information book, it has slight humor in it and is fairly hard to get boring while reading it. another good place to get information after reading it would be a local shelter that u might end up getting ur ferret from. theyre probly one of the most reliable ppl u can talk to in person for Qs. (pet stores RNT trustworthy, SOME breeders rnt(but many r), somteimes even vets rnt reliable f they rnt specialized in ferrets. if u read as much as u can about them then ur little fuzzies probly wont end up in shelters like so amny others...
good luck!!
Answers:
Ferrets are extreamly high maintenance pets. Start up cost for a ferret is around 500 dollars. When you first get your ferrets they will need to see a vet(not apart of the 500 dollar start up). Most states require yearly vaccinations for ferrets(rabies, distemper) this can cost upward of 150 dollars. They also need monthy heartworm pills
It is recommended that you have two ferrets, They can sleep together and play in ways that they cannot with you.
Ferret food is expensive. They should have at least three high quality food mixed togther. Marshals food is not a high quality food(do not feed the ferret this). High quality means first three ingrediants meat, and no fish.34-36% protein and approximately 20% fat (and low fiber) The high quality food can cost anywhere from 15 dollars to over 20 for a 5 -10 lb bag. Feeding them low quality food may be cheaper for awhile, but will lead to health problems and costly vet bills later.
Young ferrets monthy bills may be fairly reasonable, but as ferrets age they are extreamly likely to get adreanal disease. You are more likely to have a ferret get health problems when they get older than not, and older is only about 4, so expect high vet bills for about half its life.
Ferrets are smelly, there is no going around that fact(even descented). Since ferrets are strictly carnivours they have a short digestive tract, and need food available all the time, therefore they deficate every few hours. They also have a musky smell(even decented) it get into eveything (clothes, etc). Cages need to be cleaned daily to minimize the smell, if you let it wait the smell will be tremendous. Even cleaned daily you can still smell the ferrets as soon as you enter my home.
They can be litter box trained, but it is hard, and hit or miss(no pun intended). When they are out of thier cage they will not seek out a litter box and will usually just go anywhere. My ferrets never were litter box trained and preffered to go next to the box/dig in it, rather than use it.
Expect to have your ferret out of its cage for a minimum of 6 hours a day, otherwise they will not be happy. Ferrets have a lot of energy and need to burn it off.
When they are out they must be supervised as they get into everything, climb everywhere, etc. Mine used to love to go on my dvd shelves and knock them all off(finally had to replace the shelves with a cabinet style)
Some of them can be mean, there is no gaurentee. You must be prepared to deal with an agessive ferret. Do you know what to do with a problem biter? I have a formally abused ferret that was a bad biter(I took some nastly bites to the hands-nerve damage on one hand). Even friendly babies can have personality changes if not properly socialized and trained.
Ferrets must be nip trained when they are young. There are correct and incorrect ways to do this. Hitting, yelling flicking the nose do not work and may lead to an agressive and hand shy ferret. All ferrets nip, there is no way to completly stop, but it should be controled. They should know not to bite you too hard, often, ect. That is where having two ferrets comes in handy(they can play with eachother the way ferrets naturally play)
The cage must be fairly large, the ferret starter cages sold in pet stores are not large enough. A ferret needs a multi floor cage. You'll need hammocks, ferrets like sleeping away from thier feces and urine. Get food bowls that lock to the side or else they will throw them off the shelves. Large water bottles are best (32 oz), ferrets need water available all the time.
If you know all the information, and are prepared to make an expensive and long commitment then go for it.
Please be sure you hav emergency vet money set aside, it is recommended at least $1000 dollars, you do not want to end up as one of the kids on here asking, "My ferret is injured how do I treat it without going to the vet." Thats not fair to the pet or responsible. I have thousands of dollars put aside for emergencies.
We have two ferrets. It doesn't really matter if it is male or female since they can't be sold without being altered anyway. Have them descented or their musky smell will drive you nuts. Potty training consists of placing a litter box in the corner of their cage and showing them where it is, like a cat. Ferrets prefer to be with cage mates. You can mix the sexes, they don't care. A good basic sight is www.2ndchance.info/ferretcare.
here is a link to the American ferret association http://www.ferret.org/index.shtm...
another great resource is the book 'ferrets for dummies'. they are a fantastic pet IF YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GETTING INTO!!! They are a very high maintenance pet, but an absolute riot! Also check www.petfinder.com for a list of ferret shelters in your area. they are a great resource to interact with ferrets and even adopt...a list of ferret rescues can also be found in the book and on the website I gave you. I am owned by nine little weasels and I laugh everyday, but they also have their moments of sheer destruction!!! Good luck and please just make sure that you do your homework...the shelter in my area (all my guys are from them, some were babies when I got them too) has at least 50 ferrets all the time...here is their link for more info too... http://www.browardferretrescue.org/...
as someone above said the sex dosnt rlly matter to much after theyre altered and almost all ferrets from shelters are already potty trained.
if u RLLY want to get a ferret u should DEFinitly buy Ferrets for Dummies. im currently reading it cover to cover in hopes of geting a couple this summer. after reading it u probly wont have too many Q to post here.lol. the book isnt a boring information book, it has slight humor in it and is fairly hard to get boring while reading it. another good place to get information after reading it would be a local shelter that u might end up getting ur ferret from. theyre probly one of the most reliable ppl u can talk to in person for Qs. (pet stores RNT trustworthy, SOME breeders rnt(but many r), somteimes even vets rnt reliable f they rnt specialized in ferrets. if u read as much as u can about them then ur little fuzzies probly wont end up in shelters like so amny others...
good luck!!
Ferrets? PLEASE HELP ME!!!?
ok, i just got two new ferrets, both practically babies (born in Jan) now the male keeps biting ppl, extremely hard, (mostly the face) any ideas how to stop this behavior? correcting him and ways to prevent it, PLEASE HELP ME!!!
Answers:
They will grow out of that. They are a bit hyper and like to bite when they are young, but once they get used to you handling them more they will stop
maybe he is trying to be domimiate over the over ferret.
Hello, no idea, they are wild creatures no matter if you call them pets or not %26 it is best to have them fixed - spayed or neutered, having a male %26 female could be making him extremely protective %26 territorial..Varmits, as these are also called mature %26 become sexually mature at much younger ages, even when related, then other pets like cats or dogs ..Take Care :)
Baby ferrets are like human babies, they like to taste everything. They play with their siblings by biting and pulling the sibs around. He seems to want to play with you but doesn't understand you are different. I would NEVER allow our ferret near my face when she was a baby. They are animals and what seems right to them may be unacceptable to you. Our ferret is now eight months and has grown out of most of the biting. Being a male he may be aggressive longer than a female.
He is just a baby...He will stop doing that soon.
First off...why are the ferret being put this close to your face? Cuddling is nice BUT just like a kitten or puppy, ferrets go through a nibble stage. They WILL grow out of it and it is really not anything to worry about. For now...stop shoving your ferrets in your face. lol :)
Keeping ferret toys and treats on hand right now is a good idea. Toys and treats are GREAT distractions. As soon as your ferret starts nipping, get up...walk away...and grab some toys or a treat. They both give the baby fert something else to chew on other then you!
Good luck and this to shall pass!
Answers:
They will grow out of that. They are a bit hyper and like to bite when they are young, but once they get used to you handling them more they will stop
maybe he is trying to be domimiate over the over ferret.
Hello, no idea, they are wild creatures no matter if you call them pets or not %26 it is best to have them fixed - spayed or neutered, having a male %26 female could be making him extremely protective %26 territorial..Varmits, as these are also called mature %26 become sexually mature at much younger ages, even when related, then other pets like cats or dogs ..Take Care :)
Baby ferrets are like human babies, they like to taste everything. They play with their siblings by biting and pulling the sibs around. He seems to want to play with you but doesn't understand you are different. I would NEVER allow our ferret near my face when she was a baby. They are animals and what seems right to them may be unacceptable to you. Our ferret is now eight months and has grown out of most of the biting. Being a male he may be aggressive longer than a female.
He is just a baby...He will stop doing that soon.
First off...why are the ferret being put this close to your face? Cuddling is nice BUT just like a kitten or puppy, ferrets go through a nibble stage. They WILL grow out of it and it is really not anything to worry about. For now...stop shoving your ferrets in your face. lol :)
Keeping ferret toys and treats on hand right now is a good idea. Toys and treats are GREAT distractions. As soon as your ferret starts nipping, get up...walk away...and grab some toys or a treat. They both give the baby fert something else to chew on other then you!
Good luck and this to shall pass!
Ferrets...?
I was thinking about getting a farret
I also have three cats
Can someone please tell me the goods and bads about ferrets
Will i have to spend alot of money on them
Or do i have to bath them daily etc.
Thank You Very Much
Answers:
First of all, ferrets are very expensive (to purchase and care for) and high-maintenance pets but if you're willing to put the time, energy, and money into having ferrets, then they can be awesome pets! They are energetic, sweet, and funny little characters if you raise them right.
Ignore the above people, ferrets only stink when they are not being properly cared for. You must clean up after them daily! But don't give them baths often. Once every 2 weeks at the utmost maximum because if you over-bathe them their skin will work overtime to replenish the natural (yes, musky) oils that you're washing away in the bath and result in a stinkier fert.
Keep a close eye on them and ferret-proof your home. They need to spend as much time out of the cage as possible! A minimum of 3 hours daily. More if possible.
Make sure you get them their initial distemper vaccinations (and yearly as well) because they are extremely susceptible to distemper (you can bring it in on your shoes!) and it is 100% fatal. Also get its rabies vacc. because it will protect you and your ferret in case it should ever bite anyone.
Speaking of, you have to train ferrets not to bite from the beginning. As kits (babies) they nip and play but they are only *mean* if they are mistreated, neglected, or not properly cared for. Mommyof2 up there obviously didn't know how to take care of her ferret. There are many different ways to nip train and its up to you. Whatever you do, don't ever yell or strike a fert! If you decide to go ahead with getting a carpet shark it is recommended that you get at least 2 because they can play rough and bite and scratch with each other instead of you.
Also, a ferret owner is encouraged to start setting aside money for a "Ferret Fund." When they get older, they are likely to get sick and need to be taken to the vet for (often times) expensive surgery. This also ties into ferret-proofing because they will eat stuff that is not good for them and it can get stuck in their intestinal tract and that is expensive to remedy as well.
Your vet will tell you to give them laxative every few days. I use Laxatone and they love the taste! This helps with passing hairballs so they don't get stuck.
Read up on them as much as you can! I recommend www.ferretuniverse.com and "Ferrets for Dummies." Too many ferrets end up in shelters because owners don't recognize the commitment that goes into having one.
I love my 2 little fuzz-butts! They keep me occupied and entertained! If I'm ever having a crummy day I just watch them play! They are the best presents I've ever gotten.
ferrets are very much like cats as in they sleep alot. they do
STINK THE HIGH HEAVENS (males) they come fixed because it is aainst the law to breed them in the US. Also some states they are illegal to own. Massachuseets only passed the law allowing ferrets 8 years ago. and Fines were large if caiught with one. You do need to bathe them just like a child. but not every day more like very 2/3 days . they are fun to own just becareful not to get a mean one. they love raisins and fruit and mostly eat cat food.
Ferrets are very stinky weither they are descented or not. We had one and it would bite the blood out of you. I don't recommend them.
ferrets can stink and you dont want to bathe them that much only once every 3 - 6 months other wise you strip the oils off there skin and then they have to produce more means more of a smell yes they do have a smell to them but its like a musky perfume they are alot of work they are alot like cats in the aspect that they like to play and sleep but they can be hell stealing everything and anything they can get there mouths on it dosent matter how big something is. mine tries to steal my roller blades. any ways if you do get one you have to do introductions to the animals let the animals get used to each other and let them play but dont let them get to aggressive or you can wind up with a bigger problem then you expected
I have 5 ferrets, 3 dogs %26 1 cat. Everyone gets along just fine. They can be very expensive. They tend to have a lot of medical probs when they get older. One of the very sad things about them is they do not have a very long lifespan. The majority only live 5-7 years. The great thing about them is they are so wonderful to have around. They are naturally curious, they steal everything laying around because, naturally, it belongs to them. They bounce, squeal %26 are just a joy to watch %26 play with. They are by far the favored pets in our home. We love our dogs %26 cat but the ferts are like no other pet you have had before. My kids carry them around in the hood of their sweatshirts %26 my fuzzies just love it. A lot of people say they stink. I have never had any trouble. I clean their ears monthly %26 they only get bathed 2 X a yr. The more you bathe them the more oils they produce %26 that's what people think smell bad. People are shocked when they come over because they asumed my house would stink. They do have a slight musky scent but I like it. As far as them biting, yes they nip at first but just scruff them %26 tell them no %26 they eventually get the idea %26 stop. They are highly intelligent. I wouldn't trade mine for anything.
In response to somthing I read above, NEVER feed a ferret cat food. Ferrets require Taurine %26 it's not in cat food. Cat food does not provide the proper nutrition for a fert.
I also have three cats
Can someone please tell me the goods and bads about ferrets
Will i have to spend alot of money on them
Or do i have to bath them daily etc.
Thank You Very Much
Answers:
First of all, ferrets are very expensive (to purchase and care for) and high-maintenance pets but if you're willing to put the time, energy, and money into having ferrets, then they can be awesome pets! They are energetic, sweet, and funny little characters if you raise them right.
Ignore the above people, ferrets only stink when they are not being properly cared for. You must clean up after them daily! But don't give them baths often. Once every 2 weeks at the utmost maximum because if you over-bathe them their skin will work overtime to replenish the natural (yes, musky) oils that you're washing away in the bath and result in a stinkier fert.
Keep a close eye on them and ferret-proof your home. They need to spend as much time out of the cage as possible! A minimum of 3 hours daily. More if possible.
Make sure you get them their initial distemper vaccinations (and yearly as well) because they are extremely susceptible to distemper (you can bring it in on your shoes!) and it is 100% fatal. Also get its rabies vacc. because it will protect you and your ferret in case it should ever bite anyone.
Speaking of, you have to train ferrets not to bite from the beginning. As kits (babies) they nip and play but they are only *mean* if they are mistreated, neglected, or not properly cared for. Mommyof2 up there obviously didn't know how to take care of her ferret. There are many different ways to nip train and its up to you. Whatever you do, don't ever yell or strike a fert! If you decide to go ahead with getting a carpet shark it is recommended that you get at least 2 because they can play rough and bite and scratch with each other instead of you.
Also, a ferret owner is encouraged to start setting aside money for a "Ferret Fund." When they get older, they are likely to get sick and need to be taken to the vet for (often times) expensive surgery. This also ties into ferret-proofing because they will eat stuff that is not good for them and it can get stuck in their intestinal tract and that is expensive to remedy as well.
Your vet will tell you to give them laxative every few days. I use Laxatone and they love the taste! This helps with passing hairballs so they don't get stuck.
Read up on them as much as you can! I recommend www.ferretuniverse.com and "Ferrets for Dummies." Too many ferrets end up in shelters because owners don't recognize the commitment that goes into having one.
I love my 2 little fuzz-butts! They keep me occupied and entertained! If I'm ever having a crummy day I just watch them play! They are the best presents I've ever gotten.
ferrets are very much like cats as in they sleep alot. they do
STINK THE HIGH HEAVENS (males) they come fixed because it is aainst the law to breed them in the US. Also some states they are illegal to own. Massachuseets only passed the law allowing ferrets 8 years ago. and Fines were large if caiught with one. You do need to bathe them just like a child. but not every day more like very 2/3 days . they are fun to own just becareful not to get a mean one. they love raisins and fruit and mostly eat cat food.
Ferrets are very stinky weither they are descented or not. We had one and it would bite the blood out of you. I don't recommend them.
ferrets can stink and you dont want to bathe them that much only once every 3 - 6 months other wise you strip the oils off there skin and then they have to produce more means more of a smell yes they do have a smell to them but its like a musky perfume they are alot of work they are alot like cats in the aspect that they like to play and sleep but they can be hell stealing everything and anything they can get there mouths on it dosent matter how big something is. mine tries to steal my roller blades. any ways if you do get one you have to do introductions to the animals let the animals get used to each other and let them play but dont let them get to aggressive or you can wind up with a bigger problem then you expected
I have 5 ferrets, 3 dogs %26 1 cat. Everyone gets along just fine. They can be very expensive. They tend to have a lot of medical probs when they get older. One of the very sad things about them is they do not have a very long lifespan. The majority only live 5-7 years. The great thing about them is they are so wonderful to have around. They are naturally curious, they steal everything laying around because, naturally, it belongs to them. They bounce, squeal %26 are just a joy to watch %26 play with. They are by far the favored pets in our home. We love our dogs %26 cat but the ferts are like no other pet you have had before. My kids carry them around in the hood of their sweatshirts %26 my fuzzies just love it. A lot of people say they stink. I have never had any trouble. I clean their ears monthly %26 they only get bathed 2 X a yr. The more you bathe them the more oils they produce %26 that's what people think smell bad. People are shocked when they come over because they asumed my house would stink. They do have a slight musky scent but I like it. As far as them biting, yes they nip at first but just scruff them %26 tell them no %26 they eventually get the idea %26 stop. They are highly intelligent. I wouldn't trade mine for anything.
In response to somthing I read above, NEVER feed a ferret cat food. Ferrets require Taurine %26 it's not in cat food. Cat food does not provide the proper nutrition for a fert.
Ferrets. How do I keep my 8yr.old from going overbored when my ferret jumps?
We just bought a ferret. my daughter who usually has no problem with him, until he goes after her. He'll usually goes after her feet and I've told her to wear her slippers around him. She runs screaming and he thinks it's a game.He doesn't bite he just has a thing for white socks.
Answers:
Ferrets generally are not good pets for kids for just this reason. Kids don't understand that they're playing. Your ferret is going to be rambunctious for the majority of his life - they don't "grow out of it" like kittens or puppies. Maybe you should've thought about this possibility a bit more before you got your fert.
There's not much you can do except for keep your daughter and the ferret apart. Or you could try and educate your daughter, but it sounds like you've already tried and she's still scared.
Cut his teeth out of his head and replace them with sponges.
Your ferret sounds so cute. I guess she will get used to it after a while.
That'd be scary even to me! Slippers are a good idea or buy her some darker socks!
i think you need to find out how to train it (the ferret, not the kid lol ) i would scream if it was coming after my feet too. i have heard those things can bite pretty badly.
i have 5 ferrets right now and have grown up with them for about 10 years now and they make awesome pets! When your daughter acts like that put the ferret up until she calms down that or have her tuck her feet under her so that way it can not get to the feet. But if it keeps on coming after the feet pick it up and look it in the face and tell it no sternly and put it in its cage for a while and keep doing that. eventually it will put one with the other that what it is not doing is not good. good luck and enjoy your ferret! any other questions feel free to ask!
Your ferret sounds young. Your daughter should drag a sock around tied with a piece of string so that the game is mutually enjoyed. I raised ferrets for several years, and I can tell you that when they are young they are very playful, but sometimes they become jealous of children. I had one who bit my daughter every time I left them in the same room alone. Here is another piece of invaluable information. Ferrets get lost easily. They slip through a door so quickly that you may not notice it for quite some time, but here is a sure fire way to retrieve your missing pet. Get a soft baby toy that squeaks and if your pet gets lost squeak the toy. Once he hears that squeak he'll come running. I think it sounds like a baby ferret in distress. Be careful though, some ferrets get so excited that they may bite. Even the fur gets puffy when they come running back to you! Try it with your ferret. I've never known this method to fail. I live in the woods and onetime my plumber let one of my ferrets outdoors by mistake. He was gone for hours. I took a squeaky toy and squeaked it for more than an hour but once my pet heard the noise, he came running back . Good luck, ferrets are wonderful pets..now I have parrots!
ferrets are extremely social animals. they love to play. i originally had one and a few months later i got another one. even tho i love playing with them its nice to see them jump around and play with eachother. especially when i let them out of their cage and i dont always have the time to play with them. i know have three and its like the 3 stooges watching them rough play. its also cute to see them sleeping together all wrapped around eachother.
Answers:
Ferrets generally are not good pets for kids for just this reason. Kids don't understand that they're playing. Your ferret is going to be rambunctious for the majority of his life - they don't "grow out of it" like kittens or puppies. Maybe you should've thought about this possibility a bit more before you got your fert.
There's not much you can do except for keep your daughter and the ferret apart. Or you could try and educate your daughter, but it sounds like you've already tried and she's still scared.
Cut his teeth out of his head and replace them with sponges.
Your ferret sounds so cute. I guess she will get used to it after a while.
That'd be scary even to me! Slippers are a good idea or buy her some darker socks!
i think you need to find out how to train it (the ferret, not the kid lol ) i would scream if it was coming after my feet too. i have heard those things can bite pretty badly.
i have 5 ferrets right now and have grown up with them for about 10 years now and they make awesome pets! When your daughter acts like that put the ferret up until she calms down that or have her tuck her feet under her so that way it can not get to the feet. But if it keeps on coming after the feet pick it up and look it in the face and tell it no sternly and put it in its cage for a while and keep doing that. eventually it will put one with the other that what it is not doing is not good. good luck and enjoy your ferret! any other questions feel free to ask!
Your ferret sounds young. Your daughter should drag a sock around tied with a piece of string so that the game is mutually enjoyed. I raised ferrets for several years, and I can tell you that when they are young they are very playful, but sometimes they become jealous of children. I had one who bit my daughter every time I left them in the same room alone. Here is another piece of invaluable information. Ferrets get lost easily. They slip through a door so quickly that you may not notice it for quite some time, but here is a sure fire way to retrieve your missing pet. Get a soft baby toy that squeaks and if your pet gets lost squeak the toy. Once he hears that squeak he'll come running. I think it sounds like a baby ferret in distress. Be careful though, some ferrets get so excited that they may bite. Even the fur gets puffy when they come running back to you! Try it with your ferret. I've never known this method to fail. I live in the woods and onetime my plumber let one of my ferrets outdoors by mistake. He was gone for hours. I took a squeaky toy and squeaked it for more than an hour but once my pet heard the noise, he came running back . Good luck, ferrets are wonderful pets..now I have parrots!
ferrets are extremely social animals. they love to play. i originally had one and a few months later i got another one. even tho i love playing with them its nice to see them jump around and play with eachother. especially when i let them out of their cage and i dont always have the time to play with them. i know have three and its like the 3 stooges watching them rough play. its also cute to see them sleeping together all wrapped around eachother.
Ferrets, weasels, and chinchillas?
questions:
1) Which ones are legal in california?
2) Is a ferret another kind of weasel?
3) Are weasels more calm than ferrets?
4) How long do each of them live?
Answers:
1. Ferrets are NOT legal in CA, but Chinchillas are.
2 Despite what the "experts" have told you, a ferret IS a kind of weasel, if the term "weasel" is used to mean any member of the Mustilidae family. The domesticated ferret and the Long-Tailed Weasel, or Stoat, both belong to the same genus, Mustella, though they are of different species. A ferret is a weasel in the same way that German Shepherd can be called a canine, along with wolves and coyotes.
3. A ferret of the species that are kept and bred as pets is a totally DOMESTICATED animal, one that has been selectively bred for gentle and tractable temperament for thousands of generations, going all the way back to ancient Greek and Roman times. In contrast, other weasels are WILD animals, that have NOT been artificially selected for gentle temperaments by humans, but have instead been imbued by natural selection in the wild to be nervous, very active and suspicious of anything unusual, and to view any larger animal as a potential predator, humans included. While wild animals can often be "tamed" through the process of imprinting from birth by being hand-raised by humans, they are far from domesticated, and still subject to their natural instincts. The weasels I've been priviledged to observe in the wild were VERY quick, nervous, high-strung animals, much more so than the most hyper ferret!
4. I've never kept Chinchilllas, so I can't answer anything about their lifespans. I DID breed and show ferrets for several years though. Most ferrets, unaltered, would live for an average of 8-12 years. The same goes for ferrets that I had altered(neutered or spayed)after they reached adulthood. In contrast, most of the pet trade ferrets that are altered while still very young kits, often before their eyes open, seldom live more than four-five years, and this is from personal experience. Wild members of the genus Mustella, with the exception of mink that are raised for their furs on fur farms(and needless to say, THOSE have a very short lifespan)are very seldom kept in captivity due to their nervous, high-strung nature, but I doubt that they live as long as a ferret due to stress, and a weasel in the wild would be very fortunate to survive its first two-three years, due to disease, predation, trapping and lack of adequate food.
hehe...
There's aguy at my school that looks like a weasel.
xD
I know that ferrets are not legal in California.
Contrary to popular belief ferrets are not Weasels. Their are two different types of ferret: Black Footed Ferret and Domestic European Ferret.
I never had a weasel so I do not know.
Ferrets are now living an average of 10 or even 11 years old!! Way longer then they used to at 5-8 years of age. Advanced food, care, and veterinary medicine helps.
1) ferrets are definetly illegal in california, weseals (unsure) and chinchillas are legal.
2) well they belong to same family ,Mustelidae family
3)Ferrets are calmer and more docile
4. ferrets 6-8 years, weasels unsure, Chinchillas 15 years
not sure about weasels, but chinchillas and ferets are, and ferets are releted to weasles, i dont know the other 2 answeres sorry
1. ferrets and chinchillas are probably legal just about everywhere. 2. yes a ferret is of the weasel family. 3. weasels and ferrets can both be wild animals but domestic ferrets are calmer. 4. the guy from the pet store said he knew a man that owned 16 year old ferrets and that they can live for about as long as a dog. weasels probably live for about 6 or so. chinchillas can live to about 18 or so years.
1) weasels are not legal in cal. Chinchillas are legal. Ferrets are not legal.
2)A ferret and a weasel are totally different animals, but, very closely related.
3)No, they are about the same.
4) chinchillas live 10-12years.ferrets live 8-10years. weasels live about ten years
1) Which ones are legal in california?
2) Is a ferret another kind of weasel?
3) Are weasels more calm than ferrets?
4) How long do each of them live?
Answers:
1. Ferrets are NOT legal in CA, but Chinchillas are.
2 Despite what the "experts" have told you, a ferret IS a kind of weasel, if the term "weasel" is used to mean any member of the Mustilidae family. The domesticated ferret and the Long-Tailed Weasel, or Stoat, both belong to the same genus, Mustella, though they are of different species. A ferret is a weasel in the same way that German Shepherd can be called a canine, along with wolves and coyotes.
3. A ferret of the species that are kept and bred as pets is a totally DOMESTICATED animal, one that has been selectively bred for gentle and tractable temperament for thousands of generations, going all the way back to ancient Greek and Roman times. In contrast, other weasels are WILD animals, that have NOT been artificially selected for gentle temperaments by humans, but have instead been imbued by natural selection in the wild to be nervous, very active and suspicious of anything unusual, and to view any larger animal as a potential predator, humans included. While wild animals can often be "tamed" through the process of imprinting from birth by being hand-raised by humans, they are far from domesticated, and still subject to their natural instincts. The weasels I've been priviledged to observe in the wild were VERY quick, nervous, high-strung animals, much more so than the most hyper ferret!
4. I've never kept Chinchilllas, so I can't answer anything about their lifespans. I DID breed and show ferrets for several years though. Most ferrets, unaltered, would live for an average of 8-12 years. The same goes for ferrets that I had altered(neutered or spayed)after they reached adulthood. In contrast, most of the pet trade ferrets that are altered while still very young kits, often before their eyes open, seldom live more than four-five years, and this is from personal experience. Wild members of the genus Mustella, with the exception of mink that are raised for their furs on fur farms(and needless to say, THOSE have a very short lifespan)are very seldom kept in captivity due to their nervous, high-strung nature, but I doubt that they live as long as a ferret due to stress, and a weasel in the wild would be very fortunate to survive its first two-three years, due to disease, predation, trapping and lack of adequate food.
hehe...
There's aguy at my school that looks like a weasel.
xD
I know that ferrets are not legal in California.
Contrary to popular belief ferrets are not Weasels. Their are two different types of ferret: Black Footed Ferret and Domestic European Ferret.
I never had a weasel so I do not know.
Ferrets are now living an average of 10 or even 11 years old!! Way longer then they used to at 5-8 years of age. Advanced food, care, and veterinary medicine helps.
1) ferrets are definetly illegal in california, weseals (unsure) and chinchillas are legal.
2) well they belong to same family ,Mustelidae family
3)Ferrets are calmer and more docile
4. ferrets 6-8 years, weasels unsure, Chinchillas 15 years
not sure about weasels, but chinchillas and ferets are, and ferets are releted to weasles, i dont know the other 2 answeres sorry
1. ferrets and chinchillas are probably legal just about everywhere. 2. yes a ferret is of the weasel family. 3. weasels and ferrets can both be wild animals but domestic ferrets are calmer. 4. the guy from the pet store said he knew a man that owned 16 year old ferrets and that they can live for about as long as a dog. weasels probably live for about 6 or so. chinchillas can live to about 18 or so years.
1) weasels are not legal in cal. Chinchillas are legal. Ferrets are not legal.
2)A ferret and a weasel are totally different animals, but, very closely related.
3)No, they are about the same.
4) chinchillas live 10-12years.ferrets live 8-10years. weasels live about ten years
Ferret's is Sick?
I have a ferret and I've only had it for about 2 months and she started to have green slimy poop and her arms are dragging and shes pushing with her hind legs. today I woke up and she was actually eating and I was giving her pedialyte, what is the issue with her arms? I feel as if she so disoriented. PLEASE HELP!! THANKS
Answers:
First, if she's been this way for two months, you don't need to be asking a question here, you need to get her to the vet, and soon.
Did you change her diet when you first got her? If so, that's horrible on her digestive system, and could cause a lot of problems short term... If so, it could be because of that.
If you didn't change her diet, you need to get her to a vet. No one here can diagnose your ferret, and if they try they might be telling you the wrong info. Even if you DID change her diet, I'd still take her to the vet. My ferrets lives are far more important to me than the cost of their vet bills, and if one of them acted in a way that I thought was questionable, I'd have already been to the vet.
Besides, ferrets need to goto the vet after you purchase them anyway, as well as once a year after that.
Good luck, I hope your baby is okay.
First, how old is she? When you said she was pushing with her hind legs and her front legs were dragging, was she rubbing her face across the floor and scooting back and forth? Was she able to walk at all?
Are her stools normal now that she's ate?
You really need to take her to the vet ASAP. Whenever you notice anything that seems to be "different" about how your ferret is acting, you need to call your vet. They are the only ones qualified to tell you if she is ok or if something is horribly wrong.
Please please please take her to a vet as soon as you can. Ferrets go down hill very fast you say you had her for 2 months but not how long the problem has been present. Owning a ferret costs money beyond the initial output to purchase the ferret and the items you need for day to day living. they are expensive pets needing trips to the vets. they are not an animal you can diagnose over the internet. My baby (1 year old) died when he ate a piece of his pet strollers handle when I was not looking. the vet said he had it in his tummy for a while yet he showed no signs of illness till the day I took him in.. He had surgery that day and died the next due to a blood clot which had formed while this item was in his tummy. Thats how fast they can go down hill.
Your ferret needs a vet. Sometimes home remedies are just not enough. Is it her hind legs she is dragging? There are ferret illnesses associated with this. Green poop could mean ECE. These diseases require supportive care.
Green poop is usually a sign of ECE. If that's what it is she'll need antibiotics to get over it. She's probably lethargic because the diarrhea means she's not getting much (if any) nutrients from what she's eating. Take her to the vet, ASAP. Never, never, NEVER wait if there's something strange going on!
Answers:
First, if she's been this way for two months, you don't need to be asking a question here, you need to get her to the vet, and soon.
Did you change her diet when you first got her? If so, that's horrible on her digestive system, and could cause a lot of problems short term... If so, it could be because of that.
If you didn't change her diet, you need to get her to a vet. No one here can diagnose your ferret, and if they try they might be telling you the wrong info. Even if you DID change her diet, I'd still take her to the vet. My ferrets lives are far more important to me than the cost of their vet bills, and if one of them acted in a way that I thought was questionable, I'd have already been to the vet.
Besides, ferrets need to goto the vet after you purchase them anyway, as well as once a year after that.
Good luck, I hope your baby is okay.
First, how old is she? When you said she was pushing with her hind legs and her front legs were dragging, was she rubbing her face across the floor and scooting back and forth? Was she able to walk at all?
Are her stools normal now that she's ate?
You really need to take her to the vet ASAP. Whenever you notice anything that seems to be "different" about how your ferret is acting, you need to call your vet. They are the only ones qualified to tell you if she is ok or if something is horribly wrong.
Please please please take her to a vet as soon as you can. Ferrets go down hill very fast you say you had her for 2 months but not how long the problem has been present. Owning a ferret costs money beyond the initial output to purchase the ferret and the items you need for day to day living. they are expensive pets needing trips to the vets. they are not an animal you can diagnose over the internet. My baby (1 year old) died when he ate a piece of his pet strollers handle when I was not looking. the vet said he had it in his tummy for a while yet he showed no signs of illness till the day I took him in.. He had surgery that day and died the next due to a blood clot which had formed while this item was in his tummy. Thats how fast they can go down hill.
Your ferret needs a vet. Sometimes home remedies are just not enough. Is it her hind legs she is dragging? There are ferret illnesses associated with this. Green poop could mean ECE. These diseases require supportive care.
Green poop is usually a sign of ECE. If that's what it is she'll need antibiotics to get over it. She's probably lethargic because the diarrhea means she's not getting much (if any) nutrients from what she's eating. Take her to the vet, ASAP. Never, never, NEVER wait if there's something strange going on!
Ferrets at PetSmart NOT Marshall or PVF?
Over the weekend, I made another addition to my growing ferret family. I bought an 8-month-old boy ferret from PetSmart in Hattiesburg, MS. When I asked the saleslady if he was a Marshall ferret (due to lack of signature ear tattooing) she said no. He's not a Path Valley Farms ferret either!
She said that he's a "Rainbow" ferret (which I believe because he is humongous!). Has anyone ever heard of them?
She also said that PetSmart gets most of their small pets from smaller, private breeders. Does anyone else know anything about this?
Answers:
Well.
While working at Petsmart all of our small animals came from "Rainbow." And from the amount of Petsmarts in the US, I do not assume it's a small breeder. Most of the small animals we received, though, were in great condition and health.
Our store never had ferrets. (We had far too high a pet loss and a petcare manager who was too dumb to care for anything more expensive than the guinea pigs.)
I was never told we only received animals from smaller or private breeders. It seemed to me that were shipped from a large breeding facility, because even though most of the animals were in good condition, some had wet tail, some were sent pregnant and still other times we were sent males, though the store was strictly female only pets.
Perhaps I just don't know much about breeders, though. =)
I hope you find something...I haven't heard of them or been able to find anything on-line about them. I did learn something interesting in regards to smaller breeders though! Marshall Farms is disguising their business by sending breeder ferrets to smaller breeders and sharing the profit. In other words...one of my ferts -- kevvy-kev, came from a local 'mom-and-pop' store. That store buys from a 'small breeder' BUT that small breeder is supplied by Marshall Farms. Even though they say they get ferrets from a small breeder doesn't necessarily mean it didn't 'really' come from Marshall Farms.
Sad but true...Marshalls really is the HUGEST breeder in the world. Sad because they suck for sooooo many reasons. Very irresponsible company. :(
By the way...that fuzzy you got, he isn't tattooed? Is he neutered and descented? I've heard of ferrets being tattooed on the pads of their feet. Maybe you could check for markings there?
She said that he's a "Rainbow" ferret (which I believe because he is humongous!). Has anyone ever heard of them?
She also said that PetSmart gets most of their small pets from smaller, private breeders. Does anyone else know anything about this?
Answers:
Well.
While working at Petsmart all of our small animals came from "Rainbow." And from the amount of Petsmarts in the US, I do not assume it's a small breeder. Most of the small animals we received, though, were in great condition and health.
Our store never had ferrets. (We had far too high a pet loss and a petcare manager who was too dumb to care for anything more expensive than the guinea pigs.)
I was never told we only received animals from smaller or private breeders. It seemed to me that were shipped from a large breeding facility, because even though most of the animals were in good condition, some had wet tail, some were sent pregnant and still other times we were sent males, though the store was strictly female only pets.
Perhaps I just don't know much about breeders, though. =)
I hope you find something...I haven't heard of them or been able to find anything on-line about them. I did learn something interesting in regards to smaller breeders though! Marshall Farms is disguising their business by sending breeder ferrets to smaller breeders and sharing the profit. In other words...one of my ferts -- kevvy-kev, came from a local 'mom-and-pop' store. That store buys from a 'small breeder' BUT that small breeder is supplied by Marshall Farms. Even though they say they get ferrets from a small breeder doesn't necessarily mean it didn't 'really' come from Marshall Farms.
Sad but true...Marshalls really is the HUGEST breeder in the world. Sad because they suck for sooooo many reasons. Very irresponsible company. :(
By the way...that fuzzy you got, he isn't tattooed? Is he neutered and descented? I've heard of ferrets being tattooed on the pads of their feet. Maybe you could check for markings there?
Ferrets are good pets?
So me and my husband got a ferret and its been about a month and a half now and i am so annoyed by it. Please tell me why i should or should not get rid of it. Pros/cons to owning and caring for a ferrert are welcomed.
Answers:
I think ferrets can be good pets if they are trained that way from the beginning. one of my friends had a ferret and it was an absolute sweetheart. if your husband is the one that wants to keep it then you should just make it clear that it is his responsibility and you won't take care of it. the biggest con about them is their smell lol but if you keep them somewhere seperate then your main living area you should be okay
THEY SMELL, they are dirty, they bite! HARD! Uh! any others reasons... I say get rid of it
Ferrets NEED to be socialized with humans in the beginning. It's a must or they will be mean. How are the annoying tho...they do stink, steal, get INTO EVERYTHING! They are so fun tho...I have 2.they are SOOOO fun to watch because they are go go go go go go go constantley they have a.d.d, but i say give it time you will come around once you start playing with them them and getting to know them
My friend has one and it can be a pain. They smell and like to bite. If you do decided to keep it, she leaves hers in a large cage to keep him in for most of the time and try to give him lots of baths to keep the smell down.. It can be a pain but if you love him and want to keep him then do what you have to.
Good luck with your decision
I think that if you are not enjoying your ferret, you should get rid of it. They are a lot of fun (if you like them) but they do have their eccentricities.
Ferrets are only good pets, great pets even, if you know how to raise them correctly. People just love to impulse buy these animals, and have no idea how to socialize them.
If you weren't sure you wanted the animal in the first place, you should have never gotten it. Asking people on PetQnA.com to give you a reason you should keep your pet is ridiculous.
I don't mean to sound rude but people that purchase animals w/o first learning all about them are not being responsible. It is very stressful on an animal to keep getting bounced from one place to another. A pet is a lifetime commitment. My husband annoys the hell out of me but I still keep him. I have 5 ferrets %26 I wouldn't trade them for anything. If you do get rid of your fuzzy please don't get another animal. All animals can be annoying at times but dealing with it is part of the responsibility of being a pet owner.
Your ramblings in the additional details section show your intelligence. .
Yes
I loved my ferrets Fe-Fe R.I.P. %26 Fobie they were so cute. but they do stink bad. I think its cute how they steal things and hide them under the bed they hid pizza crust I would give them under there and alot of other things. but when you let them out they go to the bathroom in corners.its better to have2 ferrets because they are fun to play with %26 fun to watch because they are funny. They also make a cute nonk nonk noise lol but sometimes they rattle the cage late at night its annoying thats why I played with mine in the day. FeFe used to climb in the bed and sleep under the covers I would wake up and she sleep by my legs. I didnt mention Fu-Fu I didnt like him after he killed my parakeet I got rid of him before I got fobie.
i think ferrets smell like ***. at the pet store, they always have flies surround them and reak, while the other small rodent-like creatures smell only a little. they are kind of funny looking - i suppose that qualifies as a plus. some people love them, but i personally find them to be viscious little buggers. on the plus side, a ferret saved the day in "kindergarten cop" so they are at least useful ;)
i say let your husband decide if he wants to keep it (and care for it!). if he says he's sick of it too, then give it to someone who will look after it and appreciate it - afterall, it's better for you and the ferret. do some research and a get an adorable bunny :) they stink and bite less...
ferrets can be quite annoying i agree but also when i worked at the petstore we had ferrets that we trained and socialized before we sold them...they really turned out to be very sweet and lovable pets! i would ask a pet store owner what you can do to get it to behave more and see if there are even some training sessions that you can take it to locally...also if they are getting into things and are chewing i would suggest getting it a ferret ball to run around in when not in his cage...they are like huge hampster balls...they have the freedom to run around in them but they are in the ball so they cant get into garbage or eat your shoes...good luck! i think he will become a great part of your family
You probably should have looked into the pros and cons BEFORE acquiring the animal. This is why these poor animals end up in shelters, or my house.
I say if you are annoyed by the ferret that you probably will not be providing it the care it needs(I don't mean food, water, etc., but love and attention) If by being annoyed you are not able to allow this animal at least 5-6 hrs a day out of the cage then find it a home with someone who wants it. No one can tell you if you should keep it. That is a personal decision that only you can answer.
I know by experience that ferrets can be annoying. I have five and it seems that every minute they are out they are looking for trouble, knocking things over, climbing where they are not supposed to be, etc. It takes a very patient person to own a ferret. I spend a lot of time answer questions on here for people who are thinking about getting ferrets. I wish you would have posted a question about the pros and cons before you got the ferret, and I would have answered you like I have so many... they are a high maintenance pet that needs a lot of attention, they require a owner who can look past the cons and respect them for the pet that they are, messy, smelly, rambunctious, little devils that can get on your nerves as easily as they can pull at your heart strings.
All I can really say is look at your situation. If you do not want the ferret don't keep him, it is not the best situation for him or you. And please do not be critical of people who answer a bit harsh, we are simply lovers of the animal that hates to see them in a home that can not give them everything they need to fully thrive.
Good luck with your decision
Ferrets are fantastic pets for people who are willing to give them the correct time and attention! People who say they are horrible haven't been keeping them correctly or met ones that have been kept correctly, fact.
I have 6 of them all living as house pets and providing that they are kept clean they do not smell - do not take the conditions they're kept in at a crummy pet shop to be the way they normally are in a loving environment!
They should be out and interacted with for 4 or more hours each day - if you're not willing to give this amount of time and commitment then you shouldn't be owning them. They need lots of socialisation to get them to be loving pets, but once they're trained they are fantastic.
I'd recommend the book Ferrets For Dummies by Kim Schilling and having a look at some of the Ferret Association advice because there is so much to learn about them it couldn't possibly all be put in one answer section of this site.
Answers:
I think ferrets can be good pets if they are trained that way from the beginning. one of my friends had a ferret and it was an absolute sweetheart. if your husband is the one that wants to keep it then you should just make it clear that it is his responsibility and you won't take care of it. the biggest con about them is their smell lol but if you keep them somewhere seperate then your main living area you should be okay
THEY SMELL, they are dirty, they bite! HARD! Uh! any others reasons... I say get rid of it
Ferrets NEED to be socialized with humans in the beginning. It's a must or they will be mean. How are the annoying tho...they do stink, steal, get INTO EVERYTHING! They are so fun tho...I have 2.they are SOOOO fun to watch because they are go go go go go go go constantley they have a.d.d, but i say give it time you will come around once you start playing with them them and getting to know them
My friend has one and it can be a pain. They smell and like to bite. If you do decided to keep it, she leaves hers in a large cage to keep him in for most of the time and try to give him lots of baths to keep the smell down.. It can be a pain but if you love him and want to keep him then do what you have to.
Good luck with your decision
I think that if you are not enjoying your ferret, you should get rid of it. They are a lot of fun (if you like them) but they do have their eccentricities.
Ferrets are only good pets, great pets even, if you know how to raise them correctly. People just love to impulse buy these animals, and have no idea how to socialize them.
If you weren't sure you wanted the animal in the first place, you should have never gotten it. Asking people on PetQnA.com to give you a reason you should keep your pet is ridiculous.
I don't mean to sound rude but people that purchase animals w/o first learning all about them are not being responsible. It is very stressful on an animal to keep getting bounced from one place to another. A pet is a lifetime commitment. My husband annoys the hell out of me but I still keep him. I have 5 ferrets %26 I wouldn't trade them for anything. If you do get rid of your fuzzy please don't get another animal. All animals can be annoying at times but dealing with it is part of the responsibility of being a pet owner.
Your ramblings in the additional details section show your intelligence. .
Yes
I loved my ferrets Fe-Fe R.I.P. %26 Fobie they were so cute. but they do stink bad. I think its cute how they steal things and hide them under the bed they hid pizza crust I would give them under there and alot of other things. but when you let them out they go to the bathroom in corners.its better to have2 ferrets because they are fun to play with %26 fun to watch because they are funny. They also make a cute nonk nonk noise lol but sometimes they rattle the cage late at night its annoying thats why I played with mine in the day. FeFe used to climb in the bed and sleep under the covers I would wake up and she sleep by my legs. I didnt mention Fu-Fu I didnt like him after he killed my parakeet I got rid of him before I got fobie.
i think ferrets smell like ***. at the pet store, they always have flies surround them and reak, while the other small rodent-like creatures smell only a little. they are kind of funny looking - i suppose that qualifies as a plus. some people love them, but i personally find them to be viscious little buggers. on the plus side, a ferret saved the day in "kindergarten cop" so they are at least useful ;)
i say let your husband decide if he wants to keep it (and care for it!). if he says he's sick of it too, then give it to someone who will look after it and appreciate it - afterall, it's better for you and the ferret. do some research and a get an adorable bunny :) they stink and bite less...
ferrets can be quite annoying i agree but also when i worked at the petstore we had ferrets that we trained and socialized before we sold them...they really turned out to be very sweet and lovable pets! i would ask a pet store owner what you can do to get it to behave more and see if there are even some training sessions that you can take it to locally...also if they are getting into things and are chewing i would suggest getting it a ferret ball to run around in when not in his cage...they are like huge hampster balls...they have the freedom to run around in them but they are in the ball so they cant get into garbage or eat your shoes...good luck! i think he will become a great part of your family
You probably should have looked into the pros and cons BEFORE acquiring the animal. This is why these poor animals end up in shelters, or my house.
I say if you are annoyed by the ferret that you probably will not be providing it the care it needs(I don't mean food, water, etc., but love and attention) If by being annoyed you are not able to allow this animal at least 5-6 hrs a day out of the cage then find it a home with someone who wants it. No one can tell you if you should keep it. That is a personal decision that only you can answer.
I know by experience that ferrets can be annoying. I have five and it seems that every minute they are out they are looking for trouble, knocking things over, climbing where they are not supposed to be, etc. It takes a very patient person to own a ferret. I spend a lot of time answer questions on here for people who are thinking about getting ferrets. I wish you would have posted a question about the pros and cons before you got the ferret, and I would have answered you like I have so many... they are a high maintenance pet that needs a lot of attention, they require a owner who can look past the cons and respect them for the pet that they are, messy, smelly, rambunctious, little devils that can get on your nerves as easily as they can pull at your heart strings.
All I can really say is look at your situation. If you do not want the ferret don't keep him, it is not the best situation for him or you. And please do not be critical of people who answer a bit harsh, we are simply lovers of the animal that hates to see them in a home that can not give them everything they need to fully thrive.
Good luck with your decision
Ferrets are fantastic pets for people who are willing to give them the correct time and attention! People who say they are horrible haven't been keeping them correctly or met ones that have been kept correctly, fact.
I have 6 of them all living as house pets and providing that they are kept clean they do not smell - do not take the conditions they're kept in at a crummy pet shop to be the way they normally are in a loving environment!
They should be out and interacted with for 4 or more hours each day - if you're not willing to give this amount of time and commitment then you shouldn't be owning them. They need lots of socialisation to get them to be loving pets, but once they're trained they are fantastic.
I'd recommend the book Ferrets For Dummies by Kim Schilling and having a look at some of the Ferret Association advice because there is so much to learn about them it couldn't possibly all be put in one answer section of this site.
Ferrets and Adrenal?
If a ferret is not treated for adrenal do they suffer? How long can a ferret live with adrenal?
Answers:
I have had three ferrets that ended up with adrenal disease. One was recovering on oral melatonin for over a year. He died suddenly in his sleep of unknown causes. The second developed cancer and heart problems and lived for six months after diagnosis. My little girly has had it for going on three years now. She was never a good surgical candidate - too much abuse and neglect before I got her. She has recovered her fur and has been playful and happy on oral melatonin. Last year, she developed insulinoma, a condition that often accompanies adrenal disease. She is beginning to slow down and lose ground, but she still enjoys her food and cuddle and playtime.
In male ferrets, an enlarged prostate leading to renal failure is a side effect of adrenal. Regular check-ups are needed to monitor this because by the time any symptoms show up it's well developed. Females can also develop urinary tract problems. Watch for a ferret running to the litterbox several times but not doing much.
Where I live, there isn't a vet that will do the surgery or the implant - they are mostly farm vets and not very ferret knowledgeable. The only reason I have my babies is they were rescues from people that brought them into the area and then didn't know what to do with them. However, many stores carry melatonin, which can be dissolved in water and mixed into Stage 2 Gerber chicken or turkey and fed to your ferret. The recommended dosage is 1-3 mcg everyday 7-9 hours after sunrise. It mimics their normal circadian rhythm, which the adrenal glands are supposed to do.
Without treatment of some kind, adrenal disease is a wasting disease causing loss of all fur and gradual loss of muscle, but a pot-belly appearance due to fat accumulating in the abdomen. There will be increased body odor due to hormones running amok. The skin becomes very dry and itchy, requiring application of lotion and dosages of Benedryl.
This will at least make your ferret more comfortable.
There are 3 forms adrenal disease can take on:
*Hyperplasia: Excessive growth of the adrenocortical tissue. At this stage the glands are still performing normally.
*Benign Tumor: Enlargement of the adrenal gland(s). At this stage the gland(s) begin to lose their normal functionality and the disease may begin affecting their overall health.
*Carcinoma (Malignant) Tumor: Enlargement of the adrenal gland(s). At this stage the gland(s) is generally no longer functioning as normal and the disease begins wrecking havoc on the ferret. During late stage it is very possible for the gland to rupture.
Older non-surgical ferrets can go 2-3 years with good quality of life.
Of course they suffer AND will die without medication or surgery.
Even with surgery and medication it is not uncommon for a ferrets life to be extended only by about a year and a half.
Its never good news to hear your ferret has an adrenal problem.
Answers:
I have had three ferrets that ended up with adrenal disease. One was recovering on oral melatonin for over a year. He died suddenly in his sleep of unknown causes. The second developed cancer and heart problems and lived for six months after diagnosis. My little girly has had it for going on three years now. She was never a good surgical candidate - too much abuse and neglect before I got her. She has recovered her fur and has been playful and happy on oral melatonin. Last year, she developed insulinoma, a condition that often accompanies adrenal disease. She is beginning to slow down and lose ground, but she still enjoys her food and cuddle and playtime.
In male ferrets, an enlarged prostate leading to renal failure is a side effect of adrenal. Regular check-ups are needed to monitor this because by the time any symptoms show up it's well developed. Females can also develop urinary tract problems. Watch for a ferret running to the litterbox several times but not doing much.
Where I live, there isn't a vet that will do the surgery or the implant - they are mostly farm vets and not very ferret knowledgeable. The only reason I have my babies is they were rescues from people that brought them into the area and then didn't know what to do with them. However, many stores carry melatonin, which can be dissolved in water and mixed into Stage 2 Gerber chicken or turkey and fed to your ferret. The recommended dosage is 1-3 mcg everyday 7-9 hours after sunrise. It mimics their normal circadian rhythm, which the adrenal glands are supposed to do.
Without treatment of some kind, adrenal disease is a wasting disease causing loss of all fur and gradual loss of muscle, but a pot-belly appearance due to fat accumulating in the abdomen. There will be increased body odor due to hormones running amok. The skin becomes very dry and itchy, requiring application of lotion and dosages of Benedryl.
This will at least make your ferret more comfortable.
There are 3 forms adrenal disease can take on:
*Hyperplasia: Excessive growth of the adrenocortical tissue. At this stage the glands are still performing normally.
*Benign Tumor: Enlargement of the adrenal gland(s). At this stage the gland(s) begin to lose their normal functionality and the disease may begin affecting their overall health.
*Carcinoma (Malignant) Tumor: Enlargement of the adrenal gland(s). At this stage the gland(s) is generally no longer functioning as normal and the disease begins wrecking havoc on the ferret. During late stage it is very possible for the gland to rupture.
Older non-surgical ferrets can go 2-3 years with good quality of life.
Of course they suffer AND will die without medication or surgery.
Even with surgery and medication it is not uncommon for a ferrets life to be extended only by about a year and a half.
Its never good news to hear your ferret has an adrenal problem.
Ferret treats?
I have a female named Tinkerbell! I love her to death and I love to spoil her! I have ferret treats for her but she doesn't seem to like them and I can't get her to eat cereal, raisins or banannas - which i heard they all make good treats. is there anything not sweet that your ferrets love?? or that you recommend?
Answers:
A ferrets instinctual behavior is to learn what "food" is when they are very young. Believe it or not you have to teach them what to eat. Most people don't know this and end up with a picky eater. :)
Skip human food all together...ferrets digestive system is not designed to handle it. There are so many ferret treats on the market that it is not necessary to resort to people food. I have been known to slip my ferrets a piece of cracker, pretzel, or even a raisin (Shhh...don't tell anyone) but it is very infrequent.
Here is my suggestion: Buy a variety of ferret treats. I find that Bandits treats in the foil bags are an all around favorite. Also buy a tube of FerriVite. FerriVite is a "high calorie vitamin" that is practically irresistible to ferrets. Sometimes with a picky ferret you will have to rub a little bit on their mouth to give them the taste of it. Once they get the taste they are hooked. You can then start putting a little bit of the FerriVite on the treats. This will get them to try it and then VOILA they find they like it.
If all else fails...who cares! LOL It won't hurt your ferret if she doesn't eat treats. She is obviously content with her ferret food and with your attention. Maybe she is just plum lucky to have those things and doesn't even need treats!
Actually, anything sweet has to be given in strict moderation - too much leads to health problems down the road. Most ferrets like a bit of peeled cucumber once in a while. Even a piece of kibble from your hand is good. Mine also love certain cat treats - usually the ones that treat tartar problems. Other than that, it's cheerios all the way. One of them will climb my leg to get at them. LOL I keep a small bowl of them, w/o milk, on my desk just for them. Some like to lick peanut butter, others like a tiny bit of cheese once in a while. N-bones and chewweasels are good and ferretone is excellent, in moderation. It's like catnip for ferrets - they LOVE it. You just have to experiment and find out what yours likes. Good luck. Whatever she chooses, make sure, if it's food or fruit, that it's cut into tiny pieces to prevent blockages and try to stick to soft fruit and not too many raisin pieces - sugar content is way high.
I've bought all kind of ferret treats and tried them on all kinds of "human" foods. They never like anything. I've always rescued adults, and I know that ferrets imprint on certain foods when they are young. I feed Totally Ferret. I found out that they are very happy if I just give them different types of cat food as treats. This way they don't get too much sugar either. I usually feed them my own cat's food or get small bags or samples from the pet stores.
Susan and Alamahara are totally right, but they forgot to mention...
Ferretone!
I have *never* heard of a ferret not liking Ferretone! My 2 absolutely loooove it! =) I put it on their bellies to distract them when I'm clipping nails ans sometimes when I'm not clipping their nails. =) It's so cute to watch them try and get to it.
But if you do, follow it up with a little Laxatone or other ferret/cat hairball preventative. They (naturally) ingest some fur when they're licking their bellies and a ferret with a stuck hairball is not a happy (or cheap) ferret. =)
Happy treating!
milk makes become ill!!!
dont give milk its toxic!!!
I have a ferret too!!
Answers:
A ferrets instinctual behavior is to learn what "food" is when they are very young. Believe it or not you have to teach them what to eat. Most people don't know this and end up with a picky eater. :)
Skip human food all together...ferrets digestive system is not designed to handle it. There are so many ferret treats on the market that it is not necessary to resort to people food. I have been known to slip my ferrets a piece of cracker, pretzel, or even a raisin (Shhh...don't tell anyone) but it is very infrequent.
Here is my suggestion: Buy a variety of ferret treats. I find that Bandits treats in the foil bags are an all around favorite. Also buy a tube of FerriVite. FerriVite is a "high calorie vitamin" that is practically irresistible to ferrets. Sometimes with a picky ferret you will have to rub a little bit on their mouth to give them the taste of it. Once they get the taste they are hooked. You can then start putting a little bit of the FerriVite on the treats. This will get them to try it and then VOILA they find they like it.
If all else fails...who cares! LOL It won't hurt your ferret if she doesn't eat treats. She is obviously content with her ferret food and with your attention. Maybe she is just plum lucky to have those things and doesn't even need treats!
Actually, anything sweet has to be given in strict moderation - too much leads to health problems down the road. Most ferrets like a bit of peeled cucumber once in a while. Even a piece of kibble from your hand is good. Mine also love certain cat treats - usually the ones that treat tartar problems. Other than that, it's cheerios all the way. One of them will climb my leg to get at them. LOL I keep a small bowl of them, w/o milk, on my desk just for them. Some like to lick peanut butter, others like a tiny bit of cheese once in a while. N-bones and chewweasels are good and ferretone is excellent, in moderation. It's like catnip for ferrets - they LOVE it. You just have to experiment and find out what yours likes. Good luck. Whatever she chooses, make sure, if it's food or fruit, that it's cut into tiny pieces to prevent blockages and try to stick to soft fruit and not too many raisin pieces - sugar content is way high.
I've bought all kind of ferret treats and tried them on all kinds of "human" foods. They never like anything. I've always rescued adults, and I know that ferrets imprint on certain foods when they are young. I feed Totally Ferret. I found out that they are very happy if I just give them different types of cat food as treats. This way they don't get too much sugar either. I usually feed them my own cat's food or get small bags or samples from the pet stores.
Susan and Alamahara are totally right, but they forgot to mention...
Ferretone!
I have *never* heard of a ferret not liking Ferretone! My 2 absolutely loooove it! =) I put it on their bellies to distract them when I'm clipping nails ans sometimes when I'm not clipping their nails. =) It's so cute to watch them try and get to it.
But if you do, follow it up with a little Laxatone or other ferret/cat hairball preventative. They (naturally) ingest some fur when they're licking their bellies and a ferret with a stuck hairball is not a happy (or cheap) ferret. =)
Happy treating!
milk makes become ill!!!
dont give milk its toxic!!!
I have a ferret too!!
Ferret toys?
I'm a new ferret owner and I'm wondering if anyone can give me some ideas for fun ferret toys that I can make or find around the house?
Answers:
They love anything! Give them cat-type toys. They love those cat houses that are tall and have lots of hiding places. They can have a ball with a couple of boxes with interesting holes cut in the sides to let them climb in and out. They love balls and little hammocks and hanging cat toys, little stuffed animals, toys with bells inside, treat balls, little motorized toys to chase and on and on and on. Try this link: http://www.ferretdepot.com/merchant2/mer...
One caution though, they also like to bite. Especially bare toes. DO NOT let them get away with it even once. You should be able to find some training tips at the same site.
I always tell everyone about this one: A Ferret Scratch Box. They love it! All you need is a card-board box and something to fill it with, such as sand, rice, packing peanuts, ping pong balls, etc.
Cut a ferret size hole in each side of the box. Aim for about half way up the side of the box. Fill it with the goods. I like rice because its cheap to buy a large amount, it doesn't get stuck in their eyes and nose, and it actually absorbs some of the stinky oils off of the ferret. You can tape the top of the box shut if you like. Show your ferret in for the first time and he/she will go to town. It lets them get out the natural urge to dig so that hopefully they stop digging at your carpet! lol
Also...a lot of people don't know it but cat toys are great for ferrets! They especially like those feathery/furry mice as well. Just keep an eye out for chewing things apart. When they start to chew them up its time to throw them in the trash. How bout another ferret buddy? I always tell people when they buy a ferret to plan on getting two. It helps keep them happy and healthy mentally and physically. :) Good luck!
I have a friend with ferrets and they love crawling through tubes from paper towels or the longer ones from wrapping paper. No assembly required! They're very curious creatures.
When my son completed college, one acquisition he brought home was a ferret, Wakefield. As a toy, he has used the light practise golf balls with holes. Since they like to burrow, i placed a couple short lengths of 2" PVC drain pipe in his cage. Someday, I may try connecting with a 45 deg elbow to make his journey more adventurous.
When we let him run loose in the rec-room, he loves to chase the cat. We have had no major conflicts yet but do not leave them unattended. Before releasing, be sure to block any accesses to the inner walls. I am not sure how long a ferret would burrow through the walls before seeking food.
Wakefield enjoys burrowing through a crumpled bed blanket placed on the floor.
We also attached a small stuffed toy to a wooden dowel (24" long). When he is loose, we gently wave the stuffed toy along floor. Wakefield will "attack" the toy.
Have fun!
A box full of packing peanuts, they love it. Cat toys work great too!!
my ferret is weird he doesn't play with anything =/
except his food..
and the most playing that he does sleeping on my teddy bear lol
Answers:
They love anything! Give them cat-type toys. They love those cat houses that are tall and have lots of hiding places. They can have a ball with a couple of boxes with interesting holes cut in the sides to let them climb in and out. They love balls and little hammocks and hanging cat toys, little stuffed animals, toys with bells inside, treat balls, little motorized toys to chase and on and on and on. Try this link: http://www.ferretdepot.com/merchant2/mer...
One caution though, they also like to bite. Especially bare toes. DO NOT let them get away with it even once. You should be able to find some training tips at the same site.
I always tell everyone about this one: A Ferret Scratch Box. They love it! All you need is a card-board box and something to fill it with, such as sand, rice, packing peanuts, ping pong balls, etc.
Cut a ferret size hole in each side of the box. Aim for about half way up the side of the box. Fill it with the goods. I like rice because its cheap to buy a large amount, it doesn't get stuck in their eyes and nose, and it actually absorbs some of the stinky oils off of the ferret. You can tape the top of the box shut if you like. Show your ferret in for the first time and he/she will go to town. It lets them get out the natural urge to dig so that hopefully they stop digging at your carpet! lol
Also...a lot of people don't know it but cat toys are great for ferrets! They especially like those feathery/furry mice as well. Just keep an eye out for chewing things apart. When they start to chew them up its time to throw them in the trash. How bout another ferret buddy? I always tell people when they buy a ferret to plan on getting two. It helps keep them happy and healthy mentally and physically. :) Good luck!
I have a friend with ferrets and they love crawling through tubes from paper towels or the longer ones from wrapping paper. No assembly required! They're very curious creatures.
When my son completed college, one acquisition he brought home was a ferret, Wakefield. As a toy, he has used the light practise golf balls with holes. Since they like to burrow, i placed a couple short lengths of 2" PVC drain pipe in his cage. Someday, I may try connecting with a 45 deg elbow to make his journey more adventurous.
When we let him run loose in the rec-room, he loves to chase the cat. We have had no major conflicts yet but do not leave them unattended. Before releasing, be sure to block any accesses to the inner walls. I am not sure how long a ferret would burrow through the walls before seeking food.
Wakefield enjoys burrowing through a crumpled bed blanket placed on the floor.
We also attached a small stuffed toy to a wooden dowel (24" long). When he is loose, we gently wave the stuffed toy along floor. Wakefield will "attack" the toy.
Have fun!
A box full of packing peanuts, they love it. Cat toys work great too!!
my ferret is weird he doesn't play with anything =/
except his food..
and the most playing that he does sleeping on my teddy bear lol
Ferret stinks/toilet training?
what can you do to stop the smell from a male ferret no being so bad and also i am not really having any luck with toilet training with him and ideas?
Answers:
The thing with ferrets is that once they decide that they've gotta go, they've REALLY gotta go and they won't put too much effort into searching out a litter box.
The best way to litter train is to be consistent!
Get the BIGGEST litter pan that will fit in your fert's cage - they like to be able to fit all four feet inside. So they don't mistake their litter box for a bed or digging hole, when he goes to the bathroom, pick up the poo and put it in the box.
When your ferret is outside of his cage, watch where he "goes." Then put another litter pan in each of those corners. If he's "going" EVERYWHERE and putting a litter pan in each spot is unreasonable, I suggest putting a little bowl with food in some of the potty spots (after thoroughly cleaning the area, of course). Most ferrets won't mix their dinner table with their toilet. When you see him starting to back up like he's going to potty, pick him up and put him right into the litter box. Keep doing this until he goes in the box. This may take a little time - you need to be patient.
Another thing is, keep the litter boxes clean! Ferrets don't like to use disgusting toilets any more than you or I do. If you must reinforce to him that it is a litter box, leave a small piece of poo in it.
He will not go in a pan 100% of the time. But by providing him with enough pans, he'll make it in most of the time. You need to be patient, consistent and vigilant.
Ferrets only reek when you're not taking proper care of them and the best way keep the odor down is to clean his litter EVERY DAY! Also, wipe down his cage every week. Wash his bedding weekly. 90% of a ferret's odor comes from his poo and his habitat, not the ferret himself. (FYI, if you didn't know this already, over-bathing a ferret will lead to him over-producing his natural, musky oils and result in a stinkier fert. So don't bathe him more than once a month - some people only bath twice a year.)
If you're doing all that and you're still having a stink problem, you can buy Marshall's Bi-Odor. It comes in a pump and you squirt a little into his water. It's not cheap though. (But then again, when it comes to ferrets, what is cheap?)
You can also change his food. Are you feeding him Marshall's or another low-quality food like Kaytee or even grocery store cat food? If you got him from a pet store, then they most likely pushed Marshall's food on to you. Lower quality food makes their poop A LOT stinkier. Try integrating a higher quality food into his diet like ZuPreem or Totally Ferret (or both!). I've also heard that Wellness Core Dry Cat food and Innova Evo Ferret food are really good. Don't abruptly switch, phaze out the Marshall (or other crummy food) by adding more quality food gradually.
Good luck!
The only way to really litter train a ferret is to put a litter box in every corner of his cage or put something in every corner that can't be moved by him. (water bottle, tie down the litter box. etc) If they can back their rear in the corner usually it will go there. You can bathe your ferret to help with the smell. I use baby shampoo. It works just as good as the ferret shampoo..just a lot cheaper. Keep in mind though that the more you wash the stinker he will get. I use towels as his bedding so I can wash them frequently and that keeps the odor down a lot as well. If you go this route make sure you keep the nails trimmed because they can get caught in the towels.
Ferrets are not pets, they are vermin, or at least not domesticated over thousands of years like cats and dogs.
Get yourself a nice kitty or puppy, humanity has worked the kinks out of them.
Answers:
The thing with ferrets is that once they decide that they've gotta go, they've REALLY gotta go and they won't put too much effort into searching out a litter box.
The best way to litter train is to be consistent!
Get the BIGGEST litter pan that will fit in your fert's cage - they like to be able to fit all four feet inside. So they don't mistake their litter box for a bed or digging hole, when he goes to the bathroom, pick up the poo and put it in the box.
When your ferret is outside of his cage, watch where he "goes." Then put another litter pan in each of those corners. If he's "going" EVERYWHERE and putting a litter pan in each spot is unreasonable, I suggest putting a little bowl with food in some of the potty spots (after thoroughly cleaning the area, of course). Most ferrets won't mix their dinner table with their toilet. When you see him starting to back up like he's going to potty, pick him up and put him right into the litter box. Keep doing this until he goes in the box. This may take a little time - you need to be patient.
Another thing is, keep the litter boxes clean! Ferrets don't like to use disgusting toilets any more than you or I do. If you must reinforce to him that it is a litter box, leave a small piece of poo in it.
He will not go in a pan 100% of the time. But by providing him with enough pans, he'll make it in most of the time. You need to be patient, consistent and vigilant.
Ferrets only reek when you're not taking proper care of them and the best way keep the odor down is to clean his litter EVERY DAY! Also, wipe down his cage every week. Wash his bedding weekly. 90% of a ferret's odor comes from his poo and his habitat, not the ferret himself. (FYI, if you didn't know this already, over-bathing a ferret will lead to him over-producing his natural, musky oils and result in a stinkier fert. So don't bathe him more than once a month - some people only bath twice a year.)
If you're doing all that and you're still having a stink problem, you can buy Marshall's Bi-Odor. It comes in a pump and you squirt a little into his water. It's not cheap though. (But then again, when it comes to ferrets, what is cheap?)
You can also change his food. Are you feeding him Marshall's or another low-quality food like Kaytee or even grocery store cat food? If you got him from a pet store, then they most likely pushed Marshall's food on to you. Lower quality food makes their poop A LOT stinkier. Try integrating a higher quality food into his diet like ZuPreem or Totally Ferret (or both!). I've also heard that Wellness Core Dry Cat food and Innova Evo Ferret food are really good. Don't abruptly switch, phaze out the Marshall (or other crummy food) by adding more quality food gradually.
Good luck!
The only way to really litter train a ferret is to put a litter box in every corner of his cage or put something in every corner that can't be moved by him. (water bottle, tie down the litter box. etc) If they can back their rear in the corner usually it will go there. You can bathe your ferret to help with the smell. I use baby shampoo. It works just as good as the ferret shampoo..just a lot cheaper. Keep in mind though that the more you wash the stinker he will get. I use towels as his bedding so I can wash them frequently and that keeps the odor down a lot as well. If you go this route make sure you keep the nails trimmed because they can get caught in the towels.
Ferrets are not pets, they are vermin, or at least not domesticated over thousands of years like cats and dogs.
Get yourself a nice kitty or puppy, humanity has worked the kinks out of them.
Ferret still acting up!?
MY GREANDPARENTS OWN 2 FM. FERRETS. SILVER AND GOLDY. WELL SILVER IS A LIMP NOODLE AS GOLDY IS THE OPPESITE! i was told she may have liver probllems. the vet gave meds but they arent changing her act. when ever i go to pick her up her body falls over limp before i even touch her. when i pick her up she goes limp. goldy srawls her legs apart to land a fall if i dropped her. when goldy falles she lands on her feet (usually) silver just limps out. doesnt even stiffen. their eyes where all watery like they where crying. goldy was laying down looking sad like she kows somthins wrong. (It aint watery eyes from a cold!) does she have a disease? when goldy plays she bounces and bites hard. silver RARELY plays. when she does she bounces up and doesnt land right. she ends up falling over. silver is 2 and goldy is 1. what could be wrong? u can e-mail for pics of how limp she is acting and comare to goldy. e-mail 4 pics if u need too see them. wildwhiskers250@yahoo.com
PLZ help?!?!?!?
Answers:
Try a different vet - one that is ferret knowledgeable. This is not normal behavior at all. Bloodwork is needed and a diagnosis other than "might have". Do this quickly, treat it as an emergency, because it is. Ferrets are very good at hiding weakness and illness, so by the time obvious symptoms are present the problem is well advanced.
PLZ help?!?!?!?
Answers:
Try a different vet - one that is ferret knowledgeable. This is not normal behavior at all. Bloodwork is needed and a diagnosis other than "might have". Do this quickly, treat it as an emergency, because it is. Ferrets are very good at hiding weakness and illness, so by the time obvious symptoms are present the problem is well advanced.
Ferret resources.?
is there any reliable books, etc, that u thought were rlly helpful to u about ferrets? (besides Ferrets for Dummies which im currently in the process of devouring cover to cover)
From, Hopefully-Soon-to-be-foster-mo...
Answers:
There is a vast source of information available through other ferret owners available on web forums. Check out Ferret Village, Furry Angels Ferrets, Friendly Ferret/UK, Ferretville, and Ferret. These are just the ones I belong to. There are many more and all have a lot to offer, answers when you need them, understanding and caring people, food charts, medical information, etc. Check them out and welcome to the wonderful world of fuzzies.
Check with my friends at Ferret Association of Connecticut (FACT), a rescue. You can find them at http://www.ferret-fact.org. They've written a number of guides that I'm sure they'd share with you. Please consider making a donation for whatever resources they can send you. They're the only ferret rescue in Connecticut, and what they do for their rescued animals should garner them extra special places in heaven.
There's also: http://www.thechipster.com/fert-man.html...
Check out the American Ferret Association Wesbite- type that into a search engine.
Thats great of you to foster. Just beaware!! They are lots of work, they get into everything. I've had many runaways- that never came home, i've had one jump off a drawer unit and suffocated down the back, I've had a dog get ahold of one. they have to be watched at all times. Good luck to you.
The Internet is a great resource-we just got two Ferrets, and that's where I went.Start with-"Ferrets"
You've got some great replies and some really good suggestions but I just wanted to say how impressed I am that you're reading as much as you can and finding out as much as you can about ferrets BEFORE you get one (or foster one?) So many people get a ferret and then decide to find out how to care for one!
I have 3 ferts and did exactly what you did.I'm soooo glad I did cos they're are an adoreable handfull!! LOL!
I'm sure you'll be a fgreat ferret parent and your future fuzzies will be happy and healthy because of your research - good for you!!! xx
From, Hopefully-Soon-to-be-foster-mo...
Answers:
There is a vast source of information available through other ferret owners available on web forums. Check out Ferret Village, Furry Angels Ferrets, Friendly Ferret/UK, Ferretville, and Ferret. These are just the ones I belong to. There are many more and all have a lot to offer, answers when you need them, understanding and caring people, food charts, medical information, etc. Check them out and welcome to the wonderful world of fuzzies.
Check with my friends at Ferret Association of Connecticut (FACT), a rescue. You can find them at http://www.ferret-fact.org. They've written a number of guides that I'm sure they'd share with you. Please consider making a donation for whatever resources they can send you. They're the only ferret rescue in Connecticut, and what they do for their rescued animals should garner them extra special places in heaven.
There's also: http://www.thechipster.com/fert-man.html...
Check out the American Ferret Association Wesbite- type that into a search engine.
Thats great of you to foster. Just beaware!! They are lots of work, they get into everything. I've had many runaways- that never came home, i've had one jump off a drawer unit and suffocated down the back, I've had a dog get ahold of one. they have to be watched at all times. Good luck to you.
The Internet is a great resource-we just got two Ferrets, and that's where I went.Start with-"Ferrets"
You've got some great replies and some really good suggestions but I just wanted to say how impressed I am that you're reading as much as you can and finding out as much as you can about ferrets BEFORE you get one (or foster one?) So many people get a ferret and then decide to find out how to care for one!
I have 3 ferts and did exactly what you did.I'm soooo glad I did cos they're are an adoreable handfull!! LOL!
I'm sure you'll be a fgreat ferret parent and your future fuzzies will be happy and healthy because of your research - good for you!!! xx
Ferret Question?
My parents are against the idea of me wanting to get a ferret. They use the old " THEY STINK SO BAD " thing and I know they do stink but I beleive that if I empty its litterbox each day and whipe its cage down that it won't stink as bad. How bad DO they really stink? Thanks.
Answers:
I believe you should fully research a ferret before you get too fixated on one (and Ferrets for Dummies is a great place to start). But lecture about the massive responsibility and commitment a ferret poses aside...
*All* animals smell if you don't care for them properly.
To reiterate and reinforce some of the above answers...
Pretty much all ferrets sold in pet stores have already been altered (neutered/spayed) and descented, and if you're a first-time ferret owner, I wouldn't recommend getting one that hasn't been altered or descented.
Most of the ferret odor comes from their poop and their habitat. You need to clean the litter box *daily.* Also, you need to wash their bedding frequently. Know their out-of-cage potty spots as well. There could be stink emanating from some hidden spot.
No matter what you hear about bathing ferrets, do NOT bathe a ferret any more than once a month - some people only bathe them twice a year. What happens when you over-bathe a ferret is that their body works overtime to replenish the natural (musky) oils that you're washing away and results in a smellier ferret. It also results in a ferret with a dry coat and skin which makes them itch more.
Bi-Odor (made by Marshall, you squirt a little into their water) also works, but really isn't necessary if you feed your ferret quality ferret kibble. (FYI - Marshall food, besides not being the best nutritionally, makes for smellier poop.)
Ferrets do have a natural musk about them - even the descented ones. But it's not an overwhelming smell, just a distinct one. Most ferret owners don't mind or even like the smell. (I am among the likers.) In my opinion, a cat box or a dog that's been rolling around in trash (like dogs do) smell worse than a ferret.
The smell of a ferret never goes away. There's nothing you can do to make it magically disappear. But there are things you can do to keep the smell manageable.
I have two ferrets and there is no way that you can tell they live there when you walk into the door.
You are correct. If you keep the cage clean, the odor is far from overwhelming. Keep in mind, ferrets do have a natural 'musky' smell to them, but it's really nothing, unless you have quite a sensitive sense of smell.
I have a ferret. If you change the bedding weekly or more. I use towels so they can just be washed and put back and its cheaper that way. I clean the litter box in the morning when I get up and in the evening when I go to bed. Another thing..females in my past experience do not have as strong of a musky odor as the males. Stay away from the Marshall's Ferret Food. The ingredients in it has alot of fish products so it will make the ferret poo really stink. I know because I use it LOL I started my ferret on it as a baby and he refuses anything else but seen other ferrets on other brands and its really a difference. The also poo less. If you get one I would suggest checking to see if there is a ferret rescue in your area. Its sad when you see how many have been dumped by their owners. I wish you luck and hope you know what you are getting into as far as how a ferret is as a pet.
well amy,my dad says the same thing.but my friend has one so thats how i know this. if you clean its cage every day and get its sent glandes taken out it does not smell so bad.it also helps it you spray febreeze.(you can also tell them that you will keep your door always shut) i hope you get one ;)
you actually get used to it and dont smell them after a while. haha. the only complaints my parents had when i had ferrets were: they steal the insoles of his shoes and chewed up the buttons on the remote controls. you can also potty train them.
you're right!! one is cleaner and better for starters so you can use that argument. also females are cleaner and less stinky then males. cleaning their litterbox each day helps, and cleaning their cage occasionaoly helps. and only bathe the ferret once a month at the least, or else, it will smell more.
there are also many ferret-friendly products that help cut down on their smell that you can try.
i have a ferret and don't worry, my dad thinks she smelles too. i don't though. they don't smell as bad as you would think.
trust me, and good luck!!
They really don't stink much if you keep the cage, litterbox and bedding clean. The thing about ferrets is that they need lots (and I mean LOTS) of attention. There are also some habits you should know about (well, your parents should know about) so you don't adopt one and end up taking it to a shelter because you didn't know beforehand.
Ferrets like to dig. That could be in your plants, your carpet, clothes, etc. They can really tear up carpet.
Ferrets like to steal things, including food and hide them. Which means that your ferret could have a huge stash of food somewhere, or a stash of your socks, your shoes...you name it.
Ferrets are not always good about using the litterbox outside of the cage. Which means that you'll have to be really watchful for the signs that they need to go, or they'll poop where they stand.
Ferrets can also be expensive as far as health bills. They need a yearly checkup with shots (rabies %26 distemper at least) and they are prone to certain cancers and other diseases. They also like to chew on things and may swallow objects that may require vet assistance. Your parents need to be willing to take the ferret to the vet and pay for treatment.
Ferrets are a lot of work, but they are also a lot of fun. But you and your parents need to be fully aware of all the good and the bad before deciding whether a ferret is a good pet for your family.
Yes they do stink and the more you have the more they stink. But there are steps to take to limit the amount of smell. Like you said taking care of the cage is very important. Also your going have to bath the ferret once a month (try not to do it more than that because it will cause dry skin) if you let the ferret roam around the house (which is required for at least one hour a day) make sure you watch him/her very closly and clean up any accidents they have emidiatly. I use a product called Natures miracle just for ferrets. It works great, its safe for them and it prevents them from popping back in that spot because it removes the odor thats left behind. (they sell it in almost every pet store and online ~ ferretdepot.com has good prices on their products). Generally if your keep your ferrets hygene at its best the smell is barly noticable and if you like you can rub a small amount of lavender oil on the ferret after their bath, not only does it help with the smell it also keeps mosiqitos from biting.
Good luck with everything and even though keepin ga ferret a lot of work the rewards are tremendous.
Answers:
I believe you should fully research a ferret before you get too fixated on one (and Ferrets for Dummies is a great place to start). But lecture about the massive responsibility and commitment a ferret poses aside...
*All* animals smell if you don't care for them properly.
To reiterate and reinforce some of the above answers...
Pretty much all ferrets sold in pet stores have already been altered (neutered/spayed) and descented, and if you're a first-time ferret owner, I wouldn't recommend getting one that hasn't been altered or descented.
Most of the ferret odor comes from their poop and their habitat. You need to clean the litter box *daily.* Also, you need to wash their bedding frequently. Know their out-of-cage potty spots as well. There could be stink emanating from some hidden spot.
No matter what you hear about bathing ferrets, do NOT bathe a ferret any more than once a month - some people only bathe them twice a year. What happens when you over-bathe a ferret is that their body works overtime to replenish the natural (musky) oils that you're washing away and results in a smellier ferret. It also results in a ferret with a dry coat and skin which makes them itch more.
Bi-Odor (made by Marshall, you squirt a little into their water) also works, but really isn't necessary if you feed your ferret quality ferret kibble. (FYI - Marshall food, besides not being the best nutritionally, makes for smellier poop.)
Ferrets do have a natural musk about them - even the descented ones. But it's not an overwhelming smell, just a distinct one. Most ferret owners don't mind or even like the smell. (I am among the likers.) In my opinion, a cat box or a dog that's been rolling around in trash (like dogs do) smell worse than a ferret.
The smell of a ferret never goes away. There's nothing you can do to make it magically disappear. But there are things you can do to keep the smell manageable.
I have two ferrets and there is no way that you can tell they live there when you walk into the door.
You are correct. If you keep the cage clean, the odor is far from overwhelming. Keep in mind, ferrets do have a natural 'musky' smell to them, but it's really nothing, unless you have quite a sensitive sense of smell.
I have a ferret. If you change the bedding weekly or more. I use towels so they can just be washed and put back and its cheaper that way. I clean the litter box in the morning when I get up and in the evening when I go to bed. Another thing..females in my past experience do not have as strong of a musky odor as the males. Stay away from the Marshall's Ferret Food. The ingredients in it has alot of fish products so it will make the ferret poo really stink. I know because I use it LOL I started my ferret on it as a baby and he refuses anything else but seen other ferrets on other brands and its really a difference. The also poo less. If you get one I would suggest checking to see if there is a ferret rescue in your area. Its sad when you see how many have been dumped by their owners. I wish you luck and hope you know what you are getting into as far as how a ferret is as a pet.
well amy,my dad says the same thing.but my friend has one so thats how i know this. if you clean its cage every day and get its sent glandes taken out it does not smell so bad.it also helps it you spray febreeze.(you can also tell them that you will keep your door always shut) i hope you get one ;)
you actually get used to it and dont smell them after a while. haha. the only complaints my parents had when i had ferrets were: they steal the insoles of his shoes and chewed up the buttons on the remote controls. you can also potty train them.
you're right!! one is cleaner and better for starters so you can use that argument. also females are cleaner and less stinky then males. cleaning their litterbox each day helps, and cleaning their cage occasionaoly helps. and only bathe the ferret once a month at the least, or else, it will smell more.
there are also many ferret-friendly products that help cut down on their smell that you can try.
i have a ferret and don't worry, my dad thinks she smelles too. i don't though. they don't smell as bad as you would think.
trust me, and good luck!!
They really don't stink much if you keep the cage, litterbox and bedding clean. The thing about ferrets is that they need lots (and I mean LOTS) of attention. There are also some habits you should know about (well, your parents should know about) so you don't adopt one and end up taking it to a shelter because you didn't know beforehand.
Ferrets like to dig. That could be in your plants, your carpet, clothes, etc. They can really tear up carpet.
Ferrets like to steal things, including food and hide them. Which means that your ferret could have a huge stash of food somewhere, or a stash of your socks, your shoes...you name it.
Ferrets are not always good about using the litterbox outside of the cage. Which means that you'll have to be really watchful for the signs that they need to go, or they'll poop where they stand.
Ferrets can also be expensive as far as health bills. They need a yearly checkup with shots (rabies %26 distemper at least) and they are prone to certain cancers and other diseases. They also like to chew on things and may swallow objects that may require vet assistance. Your parents need to be willing to take the ferret to the vet and pay for treatment.
Ferrets are a lot of work, but they are also a lot of fun. But you and your parents need to be fully aware of all the good and the bad before deciding whether a ferret is a good pet for your family.
Yes they do stink and the more you have the more they stink. But there are steps to take to limit the amount of smell. Like you said taking care of the cage is very important. Also your going have to bath the ferret once a month (try not to do it more than that because it will cause dry skin) if you let the ferret roam around the house (which is required for at least one hour a day) make sure you watch him/her very closly and clean up any accidents they have emidiatly. I use a product called Natures miracle just for ferrets. It works great, its safe for them and it prevents them from popping back in that spot because it removes the odor thats left behind. (they sell it in almost every pet store and online ~ ferretdepot.com has good prices on their products). Generally if your keep your ferrets hygene at its best the smell is barly noticable and if you like you can rub a small amount of lavender oil on the ferret after their bath, not only does it help with the smell it also keeps mosiqitos from biting.
Good luck with everything and even though keepin ga ferret a lot of work the rewards are tremendous.
Ferret Or Kitten?
Hello there everyone!
Im in a bit of a dilemma! My girlfriend and I want to get a pet together. So we went to the RSPCA (like ASPCA for those from US)today, to pick out a new pet! Our landlord will only allow us to have one pet, anything other than a dog, so the problem is..
there were 2 litters of 9 ferrets! (there is only 1 boy left that is unreserved, he is ready to go in a month) and a little 6 week old ragdoll kitten (ready when he's 13 weeks old)
My girlfriend would like the ferret, and I would love the ragdoll!
i wouldnt mind a ferret, but id prefer a cat %26opposite for my gf!
she would like something interactive, 2play with and id like something cuddly!!
Ive had ragdolls before, and my girlfriend has had ferrets! we cant decide which to choose! we asked the lady at the shelter, and she wasnt helpful at all!lol
please could you guys tell me which you prefer and why, pros cons etc!
we've got a while before either will come home, so plenty of time to prepare!
Answers:
hiya, i think a kitten is better as a family pet!
especially ragdolls! theyre so cuddly AND entertaining!!
you can get those claw cover things to put on his claws, even if he doesnt scratch, it will take away your gf's fears at least!
im guessing you live in the UK by that you went to the rspca, so take a look at this website
http://www.spuk.com/ for the claw covers!
ferrets are really cool too, but im not sure how good of a family-coupley pet it would make! a cat would be nice, they'll sit on your bed or your lap whilst watching TV.
obviously the kitten is too young to see its purrsonality (sorry!llol) but you could take her to a ragdoll breeder, and so she can see their temperament herself! and also, you could go to a ferret breeder. type "ferrets UK" in google, you'll get some websites!
and enjoy the new pet, whichever you decide to get!
X
if it were me i would prefer the kitten.here are the reasons why well you can play with a kitten they a loyal they use a litterbox.ferets stink i nkow someone that had one and they got rid of it because i stunk up their housea kitten you can spay or neuter and get them declawed.
Kitten
I will tell you from experience that cats make the better all around pet. Ferrets can be fun, but they do get upset and bite. I was at a friend's house and got bit while I was just sitting on their couch. The ferret was underneath and bit my foot.
Kittens are very interactive and playful and fun. They are hilarious to play with and watch, and can also be cuddly.
Also, if you happen to move, people are more accepting of cats than ferrets.
If you REEEAAALLYY want the cat, show her that they don't bite or scratch. But if you know what's good for you, you'll do what she wants. Not all ferrets bite or nip. But most ferrets stink. Literally, they smell kind of bad. But if you can put up with that, don't worry. Ferrets can be trained not to nip, and they won't, as long as you handle it regularly so it is used to human touch.
Wonderful question!
First, just to let you know, Ferret's are named to be the hardest pet to care for ect. They take a lot of work and cleaning ect. Their backbones(like their tail) break many times when getting out of the cage. This is dangerous, taking time to go to the vet and everything. If it were me, the Ferret wouldn't be the best idea. Ferret's will become very mean later on, bitting, strangling you ect.
Ragdolls are much cuter, easy to take care of, no worrying about injuries ect. Again, this is just my advice!!! I love cats and care for them along with my own!
Hope this information helps! Makeing the right decsion is helpful same with getting information!
These 2 sites give you more information! Hope you enjoy you'r new pet!
Ragdoll~
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ragdoll...
Ferret~
http://www.weaselwords.com/
They both are 2 colorful site and I hope they help you!!!
A cat is a more low maintenence than the ferret. With the cat you will need basically a food bowl, a water bowl, and a litter box...
With ferret, you will need a cage and all the accessories (water bottle, food bowl, hammock, blanket, litter box or boxes, nail clippers, and a good ferret food which is not as readily available as cat food). If you do not plan of keeping it in a cage, you will have to ferret-proof a room or 2.
Ferrets are very mischevious, they hide objects, crawl up into couches and get stuck there, and basically get into everything. You can not let them near couches, recliners, stoves, refrigerators, stoves, and may other furniture and appliance items. They also chew on just about anything and have a tendency to swallow things they are not supposed top and get the object lodged in their narrow intestines, causing need for an immediate trip to the vet. There are so may more things in your house that may cause a ferret to become ill, injured, or killed.
Their smell is not bad, just a little musky, but in my opinion, is not any worse than that cat litter box smell... Sooner or later owners just get used to it.
Also keep in mind that most ferrets are very hyper. They have the personality of teething puppies and they never grow out of it. Most ferrets that I have known really don't like to be cuddled unless they are sick. They do however need attention and playtime with you. Just realize, when you 1st get the ferret it will probably bite when it plays, sometimes very hard, thats just what they do.
I am speaking from experience. I have had ferrets for years and I love them all. I'm not trying to tell you not to get the ferret, just know what you are in store for if you do. I don't want to see you get attached to it, then have to get rid of it. Some of the ferrets I have had were given to me by people who did not want them or simply could not take care of them anymore.
Also keep in mind that it is very difficult to find a vet that cares for ferrets in some areas, most regular vets do not see ferrets, you have to find an exotic animal vet. If you do decide to get the ferret, call around to a few vets 1st and see if one may be close and what hours they are open. You will also need to find a good 24-hour emergency vet clinic that sees ferrets. In an emergency, you may not be able to make it to a vet that is an hour away or wait a few days to see the exotic vet that is only at your animal hospital one day a week.
I listed a website below, they have FAQ's about ferrets and a very extensive ferret-care articles. Just please research more about ferrets if you decide to get one.
Good luck!!!
wow...my 2 favorite animals!
ferrets - stink like must, but on the good side they're fun to name and have cute little faces
kittens - are just plain fun to watch...but I don't get 13 weeks old?! kittens are ready when they're 6 weeks old! and a ragdoll is wayy cute. show her a million pics of cute kittens and maybe she'll say yes xD
they actually are allot alike, they only differance is the ferret lives in a cage, if handled they love attention and love to be cuddled. just like a cat. i would go with a ferret, i want one sooo bad. i'm a cat person too but my hubby doesn't like ctas i don'y know why just doesn't so we agreed on a ferret at christmas time when we have a little more money, they don't have them at the spca here in pa they are 99-200$$. good luck, get a ferret you will fall in love i promise:)
Well we all know what pet I'm rooting for! lol I love ferrets! Cats are cool too. I had one myself. Main difference between a cat and ferret is independence. What I mean is...cats are so independent and ferrets interact A LOT more. So it depends what you are looking for as far as what attention you are able to give your pet. Cats can go with less attention then a ferret.
As far as work, cost, cleaning, and odor are concerned I find cats and ferrets to be equal. Ferrets demand a tad more attention as far as cage cleanings go. Both animals have an odor if they are not cleaned up after properly...so you will find that as far as effort of cleaning goes they are one in the same.
Hope you guys can come to an amicable decision! "GO FERRETS GO!!" Wow. Sorry. Did I just type that out loud. lol
I have had both a kitten and a ferret. The big difference between them is that a ferret NEEDS a lot of attention. The kitten will play and find something to do. So unless you are prepared to have an animal who likes to steal your shiny stuff run and hide and of course you have to be careful because they will hide in the oddest places. The kitten will occupy itself and of course needs attention but not as much as the ferret. A ferret goes into deep depression and can possibly die if it doesnt get the proper attention. Kittens do scratch but ferrets that are babys bite. As far as a better pet that is up to you but when the kitten gets a little bigger you can always get claw covers. They are little caps that go over their claws so that problem is solved. Good Luck!!
i would go with the cat. They stink alot less. Ferrets are cute, and curious but their curiosity can get them into quite a bit of trouble. They also have a tendency to steal things and hide them. So if the ferret has run of the house, you may just end up being late to work one day because the ferret stole your keys and you can't find them. Kittens are fun when they are babies but when they grow up some like to be left alone until they want attention. 2 of my cats you can't get away from and the other one you hardly ever see. So it just depends on the cat. I think ferrets are cute but they poop like cats except they dont bury it. I would go with cat all the way.
I would definately go for the kitten! I have heard that ferrets can be very smelly creatures, and are harder to care for. I feel a kitten is a more fun and special pet than a ferret. Ragdolls are so cute as well!! A kitten may be less likely to damage the apartment as well, provided you train it well when it first comes home!
Hehe...I am thinking I may have a similar situation with my bf, he likes ferrets and like love cats.
Good luck, and congratulations!
Im in a bit of a dilemma! My girlfriend and I want to get a pet together. So we went to the RSPCA (like ASPCA for those from US)today, to pick out a new pet! Our landlord will only allow us to have one pet, anything other than a dog, so the problem is..
there were 2 litters of 9 ferrets! (there is only 1 boy left that is unreserved, he is ready to go in a month) and a little 6 week old ragdoll kitten (ready when he's 13 weeks old)
My girlfriend would like the ferret, and I would love the ragdoll!
i wouldnt mind a ferret, but id prefer a cat %26opposite for my gf!
she would like something interactive, 2play with and id like something cuddly!!
Ive had ragdolls before, and my girlfriend has had ferrets! we cant decide which to choose! we asked the lady at the shelter, and she wasnt helpful at all!lol
please could you guys tell me which you prefer and why, pros cons etc!
we've got a while before either will come home, so plenty of time to prepare!
Answers:
hiya, i think a kitten is better as a family pet!
especially ragdolls! theyre so cuddly AND entertaining!!
you can get those claw cover things to put on his claws, even if he doesnt scratch, it will take away your gf's fears at least!
im guessing you live in the UK by that you went to the rspca, so take a look at this website
http://www.spuk.com/ for the claw covers!
ferrets are really cool too, but im not sure how good of a family-coupley pet it would make! a cat would be nice, they'll sit on your bed or your lap whilst watching TV.
obviously the kitten is too young to see its purrsonality (sorry!llol) but you could take her to a ragdoll breeder, and so she can see their temperament herself! and also, you could go to a ferret breeder. type "ferrets UK" in google, you'll get some websites!
and enjoy the new pet, whichever you decide to get!
X
if it were me i would prefer the kitten.here are the reasons why well you can play with a kitten they a loyal they use a litterbox.ferets stink i nkow someone that had one and they got rid of it because i stunk up their housea kitten you can spay or neuter and get them declawed.
Kitten
I will tell you from experience that cats make the better all around pet. Ferrets can be fun, but they do get upset and bite. I was at a friend's house and got bit while I was just sitting on their couch. The ferret was underneath and bit my foot.
Kittens are very interactive and playful and fun. They are hilarious to play with and watch, and can also be cuddly.
Also, if you happen to move, people are more accepting of cats than ferrets.
If you REEEAAALLYY want the cat, show her that they don't bite or scratch. But if you know what's good for you, you'll do what she wants. Not all ferrets bite or nip. But most ferrets stink. Literally, they smell kind of bad. But if you can put up with that, don't worry. Ferrets can be trained not to nip, and they won't, as long as you handle it regularly so it is used to human touch.
Wonderful question!
First, just to let you know, Ferret's are named to be the hardest pet to care for ect. They take a lot of work and cleaning ect. Their backbones(like their tail) break many times when getting out of the cage. This is dangerous, taking time to go to the vet and everything. If it were me, the Ferret wouldn't be the best idea. Ferret's will become very mean later on, bitting, strangling you ect.
Ragdolls are much cuter, easy to take care of, no worrying about injuries ect. Again, this is just my advice!!! I love cats and care for them along with my own!
Hope this information helps! Makeing the right decsion is helpful same with getting information!
These 2 sites give you more information! Hope you enjoy you'r new pet!
Ragdoll~
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ragdoll...
Ferret~
http://www.weaselwords.com/
They both are 2 colorful site and I hope they help you!!!
A cat is a more low maintenence than the ferret. With the cat you will need basically a food bowl, a water bowl, and a litter box...
With ferret, you will need a cage and all the accessories (water bottle, food bowl, hammock, blanket, litter box or boxes, nail clippers, and a good ferret food which is not as readily available as cat food). If you do not plan of keeping it in a cage, you will have to ferret-proof a room or 2.
Ferrets are very mischevious, they hide objects, crawl up into couches and get stuck there, and basically get into everything. You can not let them near couches, recliners, stoves, refrigerators, stoves, and may other furniture and appliance items. They also chew on just about anything and have a tendency to swallow things they are not supposed top and get the object lodged in their narrow intestines, causing need for an immediate trip to the vet. There are so may more things in your house that may cause a ferret to become ill, injured, or killed.
Their smell is not bad, just a little musky, but in my opinion, is not any worse than that cat litter box smell... Sooner or later owners just get used to it.
Also keep in mind that most ferrets are very hyper. They have the personality of teething puppies and they never grow out of it. Most ferrets that I have known really don't like to be cuddled unless they are sick. They do however need attention and playtime with you. Just realize, when you 1st get the ferret it will probably bite when it plays, sometimes very hard, thats just what they do.
I am speaking from experience. I have had ferrets for years and I love them all. I'm not trying to tell you not to get the ferret, just know what you are in store for if you do. I don't want to see you get attached to it, then have to get rid of it. Some of the ferrets I have had were given to me by people who did not want them or simply could not take care of them anymore.
Also keep in mind that it is very difficult to find a vet that cares for ferrets in some areas, most regular vets do not see ferrets, you have to find an exotic animal vet. If you do decide to get the ferret, call around to a few vets 1st and see if one may be close and what hours they are open. You will also need to find a good 24-hour emergency vet clinic that sees ferrets. In an emergency, you may not be able to make it to a vet that is an hour away or wait a few days to see the exotic vet that is only at your animal hospital one day a week.
I listed a website below, they have FAQ's about ferrets and a very extensive ferret-care articles. Just please research more about ferrets if you decide to get one.
Good luck!!!
wow...my 2 favorite animals!
ferrets - stink like must, but on the good side they're fun to name and have cute little faces
kittens - are just plain fun to watch...but I don't get 13 weeks old?! kittens are ready when they're 6 weeks old! and a ragdoll is wayy cute. show her a million pics of cute kittens and maybe she'll say yes xD
they actually are allot alike, they only differance is the ferret lives in a cage, if handled they love attention and love to be cuddled. just like a cat. i would go with a ferret, i want one sooo bad. i'm a cat person too but my hubby doesn't like ctas i don'y know why just doesn't so we agreed on a ferret at christmas time when we have a little more money, they don't have them at the spca here in pa they are 99-200$$. good luck, get a ferret you will fall in love i promise:)
Well we all know what pet I'm rooting for! lol I love ferrets! Cats are cool too. I had one myself. Main difference between a cat and ferret is independence. What I mean is...cats are so independent and ferrets interact A LOT more. So it depends what you are looking for as far as what attention you are able to give your pet. Cats can go with less attention then a ferret.
As far as work, cost, cleaning, and odor are concerned I find cats and ferrets to be equal. Ferrets demand a tad more attention as far as cage cleanings go. Both animals have an odor if they are not cleaned up after properly...so you will find that as far as effort of cleaning goes they are one in the same.
Hope you guys can come to an amicable decision! "GO FERRETS GO!!" Wow. Sorry. Did I just type that out loud. lol
I have had both a kitten and a ferret. The big difference between them is that a ferret NEEDS a lot of attention. The kitten will play and find something to do. So unless you are prepared to have an animal who likes to steal your shiny stuff run and hide and of course you have to be careful because they will hide in the oddest places. The kitten will occupy itself and of course needs attention but not as much as the ferret. A ferret goes into deep depression and can possibly die if it doesnt get the proper attention. Kittens do scratch but ferrets that are babys bite. As far as a better pet that is up to you but when the kitten gets a little bigger you can always get claw covers. They are little caps that go over their claws so that problem is solved. Good Luck!!
i would go with the cat. They stink alot less. Ferrets are cute, and curious but their curiosity can get them into quite a bit of trouble. They also have a tendency to steal things and hide them. So if the ferret has run of the house, you may just end up being late to work one day because the ferret stole your keys and you can't find them. Kittens are fun when they are babies but when they grow up some like to be left alone until they want attention. 2 of my cats you can't get away from and the other one you hardly ever see. So it just depends on the cat. I think ferrets are cute but they poop like cats except they dont bury it. I would go with cat all the way.
I would definately go for the kitten! I have heard that ferrets can be very smelly creatures, and are harder to care for. I feel a kitten is a more fun and special pet than a ferret. Ragdolls are so cute as well!! A kitten may be less likely to damage the apartment as well, provided you train it well when it first comes home!
Hehe...I am thinking I may have a similar situation with my bf, he likes ferrets and like love cats.
Good luck, and congratulations!
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