To:    Melanie Suzanne Pacella <[log in to unmask]>
 
>>I have a question that nobody has been able to answer, so here it goes.
Around the end of the summer, I notice that my female ferret gets black
dots on her tail (clogged hair follicles?) and starts to lose the hair on
her tail too.  It gradually goes away, but what can be causing this? If
anyone has any info. on this, please let me know. <<
 
Let me guess, your ferret is around 1-2 years old?  If so, then you are
dealing with "teenage" acne.  Oil buildup on the tail is quite common, and
blackheads can be treated with alchohol skin cleanser, or some products in
fancy pet shops for this purpose.  Just clean the tail though.
 
>>Also, I feed both of my
ferrets Friskies (kitten) that has about 33% protein. Should I switch to
some of the better foods such as Iams or does it really matter?<<
 
I recommend a change in diet, because Friskies may have the protein, but is
it animal or vegetable?  What is the first ingredient?  What is the fat
content?  These are considerations.
 
for all you interested in diets for ferrets, STAR* puts out a list of 15
foods suitable for ferrets which compares the proteins, fats, ash, and
ingredients in chart form.  If you would like a copy, please send a
self-addressed stamped envleope to:
 
Food Chart
STAR* Ferrets
PO Box 1714
Springfield, VA 22151-0714
 
It's Free!
 
Pam
STAR*
[Posted in FML issue 1106]