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By Ann Davis
ACME Ferret Company
and
Jean Wardell DVM
Copyright ACME Ferret Company,
First Edition, January 1996
Updated March 1996,
September 1996
Art work-Ann Davis
Cartoons-Kimberly Killian
P.O. Box 11007
Burke, VA 22009-1007
This booklet is intended to fill a need in the ferret
community and may be copied without direct permission from the publisher as
long as it is copied in full with no changes made to the contents nor any
sections/artwork removed. Sections may be quoted so long as proper credit is
given to the publication and authors.
A hard copy of this publication in booklet form, including the
art work by Kimberly Killian, may be obtained by sending a SASE (55 cents
postage) size 6" x 9" to ACME Ferret Company, P.O. Box 11007, Burke,
VA 22009-1007.
{Note: mail sent to the above
address comes back as undeliverable, so this First Aid booklet in printed form
is probably no longer available.}
IMPORTANT NOTE:
THIS MANUAL IS NOT INTENDED TO TAKE THE PLACE OF EXPERT
VETERINARY CARE! IT IS ONLY INTENDED AS ASSISTANCE TO HELP YOU DETERMINE IF
YOU HAVE A SERIOUS SITUATION AND HELP YOU MAINTAIN YOUR FERRET'S LIFE UNTIL
YOU CAN OBTAIN MEDICAL ATTENTION.
Ann Davis is director of ACME Ferret Company Rescue in Springfield,
Virginia, National Coordinator for the League of Independent Ferret
Enthusiasts, Ferret Coordinator for the Project BREED Rescue Directory, and
Rescue Chair for the Ark Angels of LIFE Rescue/Shelters.
Dr. Jean Wardell practices Veterinary Medicine in Annandale, Virginia. She
has a large ferret practice and is interested in sonography, especially ferret
cardiology. Dr.Wardell would be happy to answer inquiries from other
veterinarians via fax (703) 941-5340.
Table of Contents
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The Domestic Ferret, An
Overview
The domestic ferret in America today evolved from the European polecat and
is the only domesticated member of the weasel family (Mustelidae), which also
includes mink, otters, skunks, and the endangered North American black-footed
ferret. Domestic ferrets weigh between 1-1/2 and 5-1/2 pounds, reaching
maturity at 9 months, and normally live 7-9 years. There are about a dozen
distinct coloration patterns, including chocolate, cinnamon, sable, albino,
and silver mitt.
Ferrets are intelligent, resourceful, curious, frolicsome animals. Their
characteristic play mode--arching the back, hopping up and down, and tumbling
backwards with gleeful abandon--is sometimes called the "weasel war
dance." They also make a variety of sounds, from a gentle clucking song
known as "dooking" to a punctuated panting sound in the middle of
rambunctious play. They are affectionate companions who enjoy interacting with
each other, dogs, cats, and humans. Even if abused by a previous owner,
ferrets generally respond appreciatively to gentle handling, and rescues
quickly bond with their new human companions.
Ferrets rescued from large mills are often not socialized and need to be
taught that biting is unacceptable. This can be done with a gentle
"thump" to the nose. As with any companion animal, it is not
recommended that they be left alone with small children.
They can be litter and leash trained, but if allowed to run free in the
house, care must be taken to prevent access to cabinets, vents, under sides of
appliances, and other potential danger points (pipes, containers of detergents
or solvents) which their natural inquisitiveness may lead them to explore. For
example recliners must always be in an upright position when ferrets are out.
These gifted escape artists must not be allowed to venture outside except
under close and constant supervision, for they have a poor sense of direction
and cannot survive for more than a few days on their own. They should be kept
confined to one room or cage when their human companions are not at home.
Water and food should always be available. (Ferrets do not overeat.)
It is important to vaccinate ferrets against canine distemper, which is
invariably fatal to them. Young ferrets or "kits" as they are called
should be vaccinated at 8-10, 12-14, and 16-18 weeks, with a yearly booster.
There is also an approved rabies vaccination for ferrets.
Female ferrets ("jills") must mate or die. If they are not taken
out of heat by a male ("hob") or spayed, they will eventually
develop aplastic anemia, which is fatal. Descenting, to remove the musk
glands, is considered mutilation, and should only be considered when there is
no alternative. Ferrets' teeth need to be cleaned, just like dogs and cats,
and their claws, which are not retractable, should be clipped short like a
dog's. Neither teeth filing nor declawing is considered humane treatment.
Rescued ferrets, particularly when found out of doors, are likely to be
suffering from malnutrition and dehydration. In a dehydration emergency, a 1:1
solution of Karo syrup and water, or honey and water, can be administered
until veterinary care is available. Healthy ferrets normally eat high-protein
dry kitten food, though some will eat bits of fruit or vegetables as snacks.
They should never be fed bones, which can cause intestinal damage. Dairy
products, which can cause diarrhea, should be avoided. A ferret too weak to
eat can often be coaxed to drink a liquid food supplement such as Sustacal or
eat a high-calorie paste such as Nutri-Cal. See Duck Soup
Recipe.
Ferrets are vulnerable to common respiratory infections, including colds
and flus. They should never be given aspirin. They are also quite susceptible
to heat exhaustion and heat stroke in temperatures exceeding 85 degrees,
particularly in direct sunlight. It is essential to house ferrets inside,
since they are vulnerable to diseases carried by wild animals and are often
sought as prey by marauding raccoons. Ferrets that are kept out of doors often
succumb to heartworm.
If the opportunity presents itself, they will often swallow indigestible
articles such as rubber bands or pieces of vinyl squeak toys, causing
intestinal blockage. Persistent vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, and
dehydration are indications of blockage; prompt veterinary attention is
essential. Other symptoms warranting veterinary attention are blood in the
urine, severe hair loss, breathing difficulty, inability to urinate, dramatic
weight loss, lethargy and weakness, loss of color in gums, and constant
scratching or chewing of the paws.
Persistent hair loss may be a sign of adrenal carcinoma, a disease remedied
by surgical removal of the affected adrenal gland. Drooling or staggering may
be signs of insulinoma (a form of pancreatic cancer), which is treatable
through drugs and/or surgery, sometimes prolonging a ferret's life for as much
as 2 years, but is eventually fatal.
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Designing A Ferret Cage
The cage is the most important piece of equipment you can purchase or build
for a ferret. It must be escape-proof and big enough for a food and water
dish, litter box, and nesting area, while allowing adequate room for the
ferret to move around. A cage approximately 36" wide by 24" long and
24" high, so the ferret can stand up, works best. Wire sides are useful
to ensure adequate light, which is essential to a good ferret coat and healthy
animal. Avoid pressure-treated wood and painted wood that can chip off or be
ingested, and NEVER use an aquarium. Some people advocate hanging a water
bottle on the outside so ferrets cannot knock it over, but a dish of fresh
water, which they like to clean their faces in, should always be available
inside the cage.
The nesting area should contain towels or old t-shirts, which ferrets love
to hide in. Many ferrets love small hammocks that can be hung from the ceiling
of the cage. Do not use cedar or pine chips anywhere near ferrets, as they
cause respiratory problems. The new paper pellet litter is recommended.
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Vaccinations
Canine Distemper is fatal in ferrets. Kits should receive a
series of shots at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 16 weeks, then a booster every year.
We use Galaxy D which does not contain any unnecessary additives. There is
also a USDA approved Rabies vaccine made by Rhone Merieux called Imrab. There
may or may not be a quarantine period in your area. Ferrets so far are not
known to shed the virus, but it is 100% fatal. Some states have enacted
quarantine periods of 14-21 days. Known ferret rabies cases are rare. There
are no known ferret to human transmissions.
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Spay/Neuter
Alteration of sexual status should be performed at 6 months of age. If
these procedures are performed prematurely, endocrine and metabolic
abnormalities have the likely potential of developing. Females are susceptible
to a life threatening condition where they are unable to produce red blood
cells subsequent to a prolonged estrus cycle of greater than one month. In a
female the heat cycle is manifested by an obviously enlarged reddened vulva.
This may look like a tiny bright pink donut located underneath the tail that
has a reddish liquid central discharge. If a female in heat is not mated or
spayed and her estrus cycle continues for more than 4 weeks she will develop
the metabolic condition previously described.
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Heartworm Preventative
If you live in an area where mosquitoes are a problem for a significant part
of the year your ferret should be on an oral heartworm preventative. The
dosage and frequency will be specified by your veterinarian.
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Diet
Feed a high quality dry ferret or kitten food with at least 32% protein.
Ferrets also like a variety of tastes, preferring chicken and lamb. We mix
three kinds together, alternating brands. Steer towards all natural foods
preserved with Vitamin E and little star shapes. Steer away from pellet shapes
or fish based food. Many ferrets also like fresh fruits including dates and
raisins and some vegetables but cannot digest seeds or other rough hard foods,
so care must be taken to remove them— for instance, feed seedless
watermelon. All fruit and vegetables must be looked at as treats, not
substituted for nutritionally balanced dry food. Limit amount of treats to one
teaspoon per day. Food and water should be made available at all times.
Ferrets as a rule do not overeat, but if you have an overweight ferret and
have eliminated other causes, there are good reduced-calorie cat foods on the
market. Please consult with your vet before placing a ferret on a restricted
diet. For more information, see "The Basis for Good
Nutrition."
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Ears
Ferrets have naturally waxy ears which must be cleaned
regularly. Any good ear wash will do. They are also susceptible to ear mites.
Use Tresederm or any other similar product. Place a little ear wash on the end
of a cotton swab and gently wipe the interior of the ear. Repeat several
times. Clogged ears will become infected, causing hearing loss and sometimes
loss of balance.
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Grooming
Bathing is part of good health for your ferret. Once a week is recommended
due to the high amount of oil they produce in their skin. Any mild soap
followed by a good cream rinse will do. When you wash them, you wash away the
oils, so ferrets have a tendency to scratch; the cream rinse takes care of
that and also cuts down on dander, which is a bonus if you have allergies. Use
warm running water and rub dry with a soft towel. They will then run around
the house much like a small dog trying to dry on every soft surface. If
sharing the house with another outside animal, they can pick up fleas. There
are good shampoos available with natural peppermint, or much stronger
Pyrethrum- -as long as it is safe for kittens, these are fine.
NEVER DIP A FERRET!
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Exercise
Play and activity are essential to good health. Ferrets need at least 4
hours free time a day, more is preferable. A ferret will sleep about 18 hours
out of every 24 in small intervals, but will quickly adapt to your schedule. A
ferret that is caged too much will develop apathy and depression. This will
result in their either refusing food or getting too fat, eating out of
boredom. If a ferret has "love handles" it needs more time out! They
are naturally curious and will entertain themselves, coming around often to
seek you out to play. They are also good sleeping companions and like to
snuggle under the covers at night, getting up only to use the litter pan or
eat.
Note: it is normal for a ferret to lose its coat and up to 30% of body
weight every summer. If it is otherwise acting healthy, do not worry.
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Heat and Cold
Domestic ferrets should be kept inside. Contrary to lots of misinformation
out in the public domain, they are not wild animals and have lost most of
their survival skills. Ferrets can take the cold as long as they are kept warm
and dry, so if your power goes off in the middle of a blizzard don't panic,
just throw some extra bedding in with them. Remember, ferrets can catch the
common cold, so prolonged cold stress or dampness will give you a sick animal.
Heat is another matter. They simply cannot take temperatures much over 85
degrees without getting dehydrated or heat stroke. A ferret's cage should
never be placed in direct sunlight where it cannot seek shade. Never leave
your ferret unattended in a car... even in a carrier, with the windows
partially opened, it can rapidly succumb to heat stroke.
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Ferret Proofing
Ferrets are profoundly curious animals. Any small crevice or crack or drain
pipe is an invitation to adventure. As you can imagine, they sometimes get
stuck and can't get back. You need to stop up all holes under counters and
kick boards, vents in the back of dryers leading to the outside, under
refrigerators and stoves and so forth. Ferrets are great escape artists who
would put Houdini to shame. Once a ferret gets out, it will travel and play
until it gets tired or hungry, then seek human companionship for food and
shelter. This can be one or two miles! Ferrets also love to jump into the ice
box and dishwasher. They also like nothing better than to sleep in laundry
baskets. So you must be very careful when doing laundry or other chores
involving large machines. Reclining chairs are a death trap. In short, treat
ferrets as if they were toddlers. A ferret's motto is, "If it's there, I
should investigate it!".
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Teeth
Teeth need to be kept clean and free from tartar just as in dogs and cats.
The dry food will keep the teeth pretty clean, but it is a good idea to get in
the habit of checking teeth at bath time. Ferrets tend to chip their canines
on various things. A small chip off the tip is not a worry, but if the tooth
looks like it is missing by 1/3 you should take the animal to the vet. Young
ferrets have bright white teeth. Older ferrets do get rotten teeth and they
can be removed easily. The teeth begin to turn sort of transparent and more
ivory with age. Bad teeth are easy to spot. They will be dark just like human
cavities.
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Ferret First Aid Kit
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Poisons
Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol)
Motor Oil or other petroleum products
Plant Intoxication-most common house plants
Rat poison or bug bait
Detergents or cleaning agents
Snake bites
Some of these have antidotes. You must first try to determine what the
ferret has ingested, then call the Veterinary Poison Control 1-900-680-0000
There is a small charge for the call, but it is the only 24-hr
Veterinarian-answered poison information service in the country. They are
prompt and accurate. This is the service that your vet uses, and it could save
an animal's life.
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High rise Syndrome
Many animals are injured each year in falls from upper story apartments.
Ferrets are no exception. They do not realize that the window screen does not
lead to freedom but to death. Ferrets are pretty bold in their jumping and
playing. To a ferret, just because it can't see the bottom doesn't mean it
shouldn't jump!
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Taking Your Ferret's Temperature
Shake down the thermometer. Coat it with some lubricant such as Vaseline.
If necessary, distract the ferret with a treat and have someone hold him.
Insert 1/2 inch into rectum, wait one minute, remove and read. Normal
temperature range is 101-103 degrees.
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How To Give Medication
Liquid Medication: administer with dropper or syringe in the side of
the mouth; do not give too rapidly or forcefully. Allow ferret time to swallow
or may risk the development of a life-threatening lung infection, if some of
the medication accidentally enters the trachea. .
Pills: some ferrets will accept a pill in a raisin or grape, or with
some Linatone or Ferretone. Tablets may be pushed to the back of the mouth
near the throat; swallowing is encouraged by stroking the neck. "Pet
pillers" are another alternative and are usually carried by
veterinarians.
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Artificial Respiration
For a ferret, this should only be done by an experienced ferret care giver,
since the volume of their lungs is so small there is a great chance of
rupture. CPR should only be done by an experienced ferret care giver. In such
a small animal, overenthusiastic compression can cause fractured ribs and
bruised lungs.
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Moving An Injured Ferret
Gently wrap in a bulky material such as a towel or pillowcase. A full body
wrap works best. Ensure that the head is fully exposed to allow proper
breathing. Seek veterinary attention immediately.
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DUCK SOUP, from ACME Ferret
Co.
Lucki Duck the Acme ferret is no longer around, but his soup recipe is
still doing wonders for old and stressed ferrets. It is perfect for ferrets
recovering from illness and surgery, or ferrets just too sick to eat. It is
also good for nursing jills.
- One can Sustacal 8oz (this is non-dairy)
- One can water
- 4oz dry food -soaked in enough water to cover and soften completely
- Optional-electrolyte water (really helps-comes in powder form), baby food
such as chicken or mashed bananas
Mix well- a blender is best, and it freezes in ice cube trays beautifully.
Serve warm, let them eat their fill several times a day. If it gets too
thick just thin with a little water. Once opened, Sustacal must be used within
48 hrs if not frozen. If you have a really seriously ill ferret, warm Sustacal
can be given full strength.
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Caring for Sick Ferrets
Sick or injured ferrets dehydrate fast.Once a ferret "goes down"
it is often difficult to bring them back. NEVER DELAY TREATMENT! Even when you
think they are eating and drinking they may not be getting enough calories or
electrolytes. It is always wise to hand feed when you are not sure. For really
sick ferrets, hand feed every 4 hours. They have a quick digestive system.
Everything they eat goes through their system in 4 to 5 hrs. Powdered
electrolytes are one of the many "little miracles" we have found to
work wonders in ferret recovery. The Acme ferrets receive electrolytes in
their water on a daily basis.
A sick ferrets needs to keep warm. Never put them on an electric pad!
Plenty of clean towels in their cage and towel draped over the back and sides
will provide a warm environment.
Ferrets are very social animals and quickly become attached to you. The
best thing you can do for a sick ferret is to hold it. Contact, and the sound
of your voice are important to a ferret's well being.
Ann Davis
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RED FLAG SYMPTOMS: LIFE
THREATENING EMERGENCIES
(LISTED ALPHABETICALLY)
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Animal Bites/deep puncture wounds
Clean affected area with hydrogen peroxide. Do not apply any ointment to
an injury which penetrates the full skin thickness.
Bleeding
If possible, stop any serious bleeding by using direct pressure and a
styptic pencil or powder.
Breathing, labored
Any sounds of harshness, fluid, or increased effort needed to inhale or
exhale, panting or open-mouthed breathing.
Broken Bones
Manifested by inability to stand without pain, support weight normally, or
move or walk normally. Ferret may vocalize, cry, or make some other unusual
noise when picked up. There may be visible or internal swelling, with
tenderness at the area affected.
Burns
Non-chemical: apply cool compress, then light application of
antibiotic ointment or aloe vera gel.
Chemical: rinse with cool water, apply cool compress, followed
by light application of antibiotic ointment or aloe vera gel.
Choking/Retching/Vomiting
Many different causes which include foreign body in esophagus, severe
gastric ulcers, foreign bodies in the gastrointestinal tract which may be
partially or completely causing an obstructing internal bleeding of
respiratory system (i.e. lungs filling up with blood which the ferret Coughs
up and swallows).
Convulsions
Try giving 2-3cc Karo syrup or honey only if ferret is able to swallow.
Ensure that ferret cannot harm itself on hard, sharp or dangerous objects.
Dislocations
Swelling of any joint or limb, sometimes both. Restrict activity or
immobilize in a towel until veterinary attention can be sought.
Drowning
Keep ferrets away from water! They can only swim for a few minutes before
succumbing to exhaustion. The amount of chlorine normally present in pools
can be extremely irritating to a ferret's eyes.
Ear Injuries
May range from bites and scrapes to avulsions (tearing off of tissue).
Minor wounds may be cleaned and antibiotic ointment applied. Stop overt
bleeding with direct pressure. Never insert a Q-Tip deep into the ear canal,
as rupture of the eardrum may result.
Electric Cord Bite/shock
Burns of the lips and gums may be visible. Ferret may be lying on its side
having difficulty breathing. The most common consequence of electric shock is
pulmonary edema (fluid accumulating in the lungs).
Eye injuries
Can include scratches, perforating injuries, foreign bodies, chemical or
contact corneal trauma. All are absolute medical emergencies.
Fainting or loss of balance
Manifested by the ferret collapsing or showing weakness that is
generalized or confined to the hind limbs. Could be a cardiac or metabolic
problem. Try giving 1-3cc of Karo syrup or honey, only if the ferret can
swallow.
Frostbite/Hypothermia
Gently massage extremities and body. Keep the warming process gradual.
Heating pads may be used if kept on "low" and the ferret is checked
frequently. Bluish or black discoloration of the skin or limbs is very
serious.
Head Injuries
If ferret is unconscious or bleeding from ears/nose/mouth, keep horizontal
and immobilized. Keep movement to an absolute minimum, since cervical (neck)
injuries often occur along with head injuries; too much movement may result
in permanent injury or paralysis.
Heatstroke
Never leave a ferret in an enclosed area in the sun without adequate
shade. Never leave a ferret in the car with the windows closed... even with
them open, ferrets can overheat easily. Immediately wrap in a cool, wet wash
cloth. Freshen with cool water every couple of minutes. Repeat procedure
until ferret's body temperature is below 103 degrees.
Loss of Color of Gums and Nose
Gums and nose should be pink. Pale or white gums are a serious problem.
May indicate internal bleeding or shock. Conversely, gums which are bright
red are the sign of a serious problem such as toxemia (overwhelming systemic
infection).
Nose, Face & Jaw Injuries/nosebleeds
If nosebleed is minor, apply direct pressure using gauze tissue, etc.
nose, face and jaw fractures or injuries are serious, and handling should be
kept to a minimum. Transport ferret to the vet wrapped in a towel.
Spinal or nerve injuries
Symptoms may include wobbly gait, tenderness, difficulty in breathing, or
inability to move front legs, rear legs, or both.
Unconsciousness
If possible, take careful note so you can tell the vet whether ferret is
breathing quickly or slowly, whether the pupils are dilated or very small,
whether muscles are supple or stiff, and whether ferret is responsive to
voices and/or touch.
Urination difficulties
Straining to urinate, inability to urinate, producing small amounts of
urine, or abnormal color to urine. May indicate infection, bladder stones, or
urinary tract blockage.
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ABNORMAL SYMPTOMS REQUIRING
EVALUATION AND ASSESSMENT
BUT NOT LIFE THREATENING
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Animal Bites/scratches
Clean affected area with hydrogen peroxide. Do not attempt to bandage area
— ferret will not tolerate it. Apply antibiotic ointment. If not noticeably
improved in one day, or if condition worsens, seek medical attention.
Constipation
Signs include, straining to defecate, vocalizing when trying to pass a
bowel movement, scant, reduced ,or absent stool volume, thin, watery stools.
Administer Laxatone or comparable furball medication every 4 hours for 3 to 4
doses. If no improvement noted see your vet.
Diarrhea
A green stool is an indication of increased rate of passage of feces
through digestive tract. Is acceptable every once in a while. A green stool,
or one that is bloody, mucoid, dark, sticky, has worms or foreign material is
definitely abnormal. If diarrhea persists for over 24 hours, seek veterinary
attention as serious dehydration is likely.
Drooling and or pawing frantically at
mouth
Symptom of an insulin-secreting tumor of the pancreas or severe stomach
ulcers. Signs may be indicative of an impending crisis. See Convulsions.
Hair Loss
Rat Tail, the loss of all the hair on the tail, is a common sign of stress
in a ferret. When the stress is eliminated, the hair will return with the
next fall coat.
Persistent hair loss, starting at the base of the tail and
gradually moving up the back and over the entire body, may be a sign of
adrenal carcinoma, a disease which is remedied by surgical removal of the
affected adrenal gland. If left untreated this condition will eventually lead
to death.
Insect Bite
Clean area with antiseptic solution. Follow with light application of
antibiotic ointment.
Itchy skin
May be localized or generalized. The causes include dry skin, dry
environment, allergies, parasites or metabolic problem. Try bathing with mild
shampoo followed by cream rinse allowing adequate skin contact time. Be sure
to rinse thoroughly. If symptoms persist more than 48 hours see your vet.
Red blotches on the tummy and or hives
Most likely an acute hypersensitivity reaction to an allergen which has
been contacted or inhaled. Litter material is often a culprit. Try a
different brand of litter and giving the ferret a bath.
Sneezing
Usually occurs in clusters. Causes include dust allergies or cold. It is
important to know that humans can transfer influenza virus to ferrets very
easily. Therefore if you are exhibiting signs of a cold or the flu, use
caution when handling and interacting with your ferret.
Sprains and strains
Reluctant to walk or bear weight or does so abnormally or with difficulty.
Confine in a pet carrier or cage and restrict activity until medical
attention can be sought.
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The Basis For Good
Nutrition
by Dr. Jean Wardell
Sound nutrition translates directly into good health! Ferrets are
carnivorous animals, meaning they are strictly meat eaters. In addition, they
are characterized by an extremely high metabolic rate. The food that they
consume is burned and the nutritional components used very rapidly. Therefore,
regardless of age, ferrets should have constant access to food. They eat about
10 small meals over 24 hours. Ingested food is eliminated in 4 hours.
Studies have shown that animal s offered a palatable diet will generally
eat to fulfill energy needs. When these requirements are satisfied, regulatory
mechanisms are activated which cause cessation of eating.
Highly palatable food can interfere with the normal function of these
mechanisms. Obesity is an uncommon problem in ferrets owing to their high
metabolic rates. Occasionally, however, a ferret can become pudgy, usually
after 3 years of age. If your pet is developing this "middle-aged
spread," try switching to a diet which contains a lower percentage of
fat.
This leads directly into our discussion of fat and other nutritional
requirements. It is important for ferrets to have a diet fairly high in animal
fat (18-22% is recommended). It is also important for ferrets to have a diet
high in MEAT protein such as chicken, beef, or liver. Fish based foods are not
well tolerated or accepted by ferrets, and frequently result in vomiting.
Moreover, fish does not have the proper protein or amino acids needed. This
is because animals don't need protein per se. Rather they need the amino acids
used to build protein. Ferrets can only use amino acids from meat proteins;
they cannot use amino acid from plant proteins. A meat (chicken, beef, or
liver, for example) should be listed in the first 3 ingredients on a label to
ensure it has enough protein.
Ferrets require 21 amino acids which are either manufactured metabolically
or which are obtained from the digestion of food. This latter group is
referred to as "essential amino acids"--the word
"essential" here means that the amino acid must be obtained from the
diet, as ferrets are unable to synthesize them.
When reading the label, make sure the protein level is at least 31 or 32%.
One exception to this is with older ferrets, where a higher protein content
(>38%) may be detrimental to the kidneys.
Many cat foods sold in grocery stores have cereal or plant proteins in
their formulations and as such are not the best dietary choices. For ferrets
under 3 to 4 years of age, the growth or kitten formulations of these diets
are recommended, because of the higher fat and protein content. A mixture of
the two is also acceptable, depending on environment, activity levels, etc.
For ferrets over 4 years of age, the maintenance or adult cat formulations
of the aforementioned brands are suitable. These diets also contain adequate
levels of Taurine, an amino acid which plays an integral part in good vision
(retina health) and maintenance of cardiac function. With recent advances in
nutrition , there are now diets such as "Totally Ferret" to meet
their unique nutritional needs.
Another item to check on the label is ash content. Ferrets kept on diets
relatively high in ash content have a predisposition to develop urinary tract
problems such as bladder stones. The brands previously mentioned are all low
in ash content.
I suggest avoiding diets that contain Ethoxyquin, a preservative. Evidence
indicates it is possible this compound may increase the likelihood of certain
types of cancers in dogs, cats, and ferrets.
Milk and dairy products should be avoided, including "milk
coated" kitten foods. Diarrhea may result.
It is perfectly normal that we like to spoil our ferrets. Some treats in
reasonable quantities are acceptable. Do not give anything with bone or bone
fragments. Cooked meat and egg are suitable to offer. Many ferrets love fruits
and vegetables, but these should be limited, since they cannot digest or
process fiber well. Again, diarrhea may result.
A good rule of thumb is to limit any treat to one teaspoon per day. Some
favorites include cucumbers, green peppers, bananas, raisins, dates, and
melon.
Avoid feeding foods that are high in complex carbohydrates or refined
sugar. Ferrets cannot digest a lot of sugar, and such treats put a strain on
the pancreas. Chocolate contains theobromine, which can result in toxicity. We
may think that candy is dandy, but resist the temptation to share, no matter
how much they beg or how pleadingly cute they look!
[Reprinted from the Spring 1996 edition of THE INDEPENDENT VOICE ]
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Suggested Form for
Maintaining Health Records
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Ferret Health and
Vaccination Record
Name______________________________________
Age________Birth Date_______________________
Sex______Wt._________Color_________________
Veterinarian_________________________________________
Visits to the Vet and Immunizations
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Distemper
Lot #
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Rabies
Tag #
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Weight
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Comments or permanent conditions:
__________________________________________________________
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by Ann Davis
The Basis For Good Nutrition