FERRET FAQ FOR NEW AND PROSPECTIVE OWNERS
Compiled and edited by Pamela Greene ([log in to unmask])
(version 1.1, 1/31/94)
 
This FAQ is being distributed to the FML in about 20 pieces in order to
encourage your comments and suggestions.  I'd also be happy to send you the
whole file; it's roughly 75kB, but I can split it into smaller segments if
your mailer has problems with large messages.
 
*** PART 17 of LOTS ***
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5.2> My ferret trembles a lot.  Is that normal?
 
[begin PG]
Generally, yes.  Ferrets normally tremble for two reasons.  First,
they often shiver right after waking up, in order to raise their body
temperatures.  Second, they shake or quiver when excited or
frightened.  For a young kit, this could well be all the time, since
everything is new and interesting.  For older ferrets, a bath or even
a good scolding could prompt trembling.
 
If your ferret's trembling persists with no apparent cause, first make
sure there's no cold draft around.  (Ferrets can live fine outdoors,
but indoor lighting can cause their winter coats not to come in until
long after it's gotten cold enough outside to need one.)  If that's
not the problem, check with a vet.
 
5.3> Help!  My ferret is going bald!
 
[begin MW]
Can you spell shedding?  Seasonal coat change [in the fall and spring]
is normal, excessive baldness is not.  Good nutrition is key.  If you
are feeding them a high quality food, you shouldn't have too much
trouble.  We have had experience with "tail rash" in our pets where
they lost a lot of their hair on their tails.  The vet gave us a
moisturizing spray for their skin, and at one point, Dimetapp, but I
think it was more a matter of waiting it out.
 
[begin BW]
[The "rat tail" rash which MW describes] is generally regarded as a
consequence of stress, and appears to be more common in intact animals
than neutered ones (the breeding season in itself is a time of great
stress for ferrets.)  The tail can go almost completely bald.  Most
ferrets regrow their hair in 2-4 months, but a small number never do.
 
[begin PG]
Baldness is also the most noticeable symptom of adrenal lesions in
ferrets (see question 6.2).  If it begins on the tail and progresses
forward, eventually leaving hair only on the head and extremities,
that's almost certainly the problem.  See a vet immediately.  Other
common causes of baldness are a severe ear mite infection or overly
dry skin from, for instance, too much bathing.  Any unexplained hair
loss, especially if severe or not associated with a coat change,
should be checked out quickly.
 
5.4> Is he really just asleep?
 
[begin PG]
In general, ferrets sleep quite a bit, even adults.  A two- to four-
hour playtime followed by a several-hour nap is typical.  Ferrets
sometimes appear to be sleeping with their eyes partly open, and they
sleep very heavily, often not waking even when picked up.  You can
take advantage of this and try to cut their nails while they're
asleep.  It means you have to be especially careful where you walk and
sit, though.
 
5.5> What does such-and-such a noise mean?
 
[begin PG]
Clucking, "dooking", or chuckling: Indicates happiness or excitement.
     Often uttered while playing or exploring a new area.
Occasional sneezes: If you crawled under bookcases and couches, you'd
     sneeze too.  Also, ferrets have a pair of scent glands near their
     chins, and sneezing can be a way of forcing some of the scent out
     so it can be rubbed on something.
Whimpering/whining: Kits, especially, do this as a general excitement
     noise.  It can also be uttered by the loser in a wrestling match.
Hissing: Frustration or anger.
Screeching/loud chittering: Extreme fright or pain.  This is your cue
     that it's time to go rescue your pet from whatever it's gotten
     itself into. It can also be a sign of anger.
 
[Posted in FML issue 0736]