I have somewhat of a plan to try and help this new ferret but I am
always looking for advice and other thoughts.

What we have is a 3yr Marshall's bred female. Turned into rescue after
all her cagemates had passed on of old age, according to the owner.
They also stated that she had not been out of her cage in "awhile".
When they dropped her off they had no real attachments to her. A little
odd but okay.

They had been feeding low-cost cat food "because ferret food is so
expensive". They would not say what brand.

She has a slight pear shape to her body. I hope that is poor nutrition.
Her belly is not like my adrenal kid so I am going the nutrition route
right now.

The coat is the odd part. It is like she was rolled in oil. And the
coat is very very coarse. Disgusting really.

When I asked about bedding they said, "just shavings". Didn't want to
ellaborate.

So she is very greasy and has severe matting around her lower belly,
hips and inner legs. This I have never seen in ferrets. Maybe a few
small matts on inner legs of my big bellied kids but not this. Perhaps
the oil clumped it?

Now she does not know what Ferretone is nor have any want to lick it.
We just got her last night so limited was done. A bath, because it was
so gross holding her, a different cage - hers was gross, and new food
and water. Their cage had one small blanket, no other items for the
ferrets to curl up in.

The only plus was her nails. First kid that came in with trimmed nails
where other issues off ill-care were present.

I am looking at opinions to improve her overall condition. Her teeth
are in good condition. Minimal gum irratation. Food that will be
available to her are my mix of Totally Ferret, Petsmart All Living
Things, Zupreem, 8in1 Ultimate and Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon.
If she does not want to eat that I do have a local brand that is
comparable to Marshalls to try - not one I typically feed but use as
a transitional food only. Today we will see if she may like Duk Soup,
the dry mix. We also will try and see if a drop of Ferretone or salmon
oil on her gums will show her how yummy this stuff is.

I don't know about "people" foods as of yet. We have had her less then
24 hours.

Thanks
Kathy of Sammy's Clubhouse Spokane Ferret Rescue and Education
Main website:  https://sites.google.com/site/sammysclubhouse
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[Posted in FML 7505]