To Andi and Todd Lockhart:
 
Prednisone has been known to cause GI upset and bleeding - it helps if you
give it with/after food (I use baby food or my version of 'sick soup') - it
makes it a little easier on the system.
 
To the new FMLer who doesn't have a ferret yet:
 
Pine Shavings are *not* a good thing to use with ferrets - in fact, most
shavings will cause upper respiratory infections.  Ferrets have delicate
respiratory systems and tend to sneeze and cough alot if there is alot of
dust, if there is a smoker in the house, etc.
 
What is your reason for wanting to use them?  If you have a litter pan in
the cage, and blankets and a hammie for your ferret to sleep in, there is
really no need to line the bottom of the cage with any type of wood
shavings.  It will only be an unnecessary expense for you, you'll have
little pieces of shavings all around the cage, and they are of no benefit to
ferrets.
 
Traditionally, pet stores have always used shavings for bedding - their
excuse has been they don't have the facilities to wash blankets/towels, etc
and for them, it is more economical to use wood shavings.
 
There is more info on the ferret FAQ about wood shavings.
 
Debbie Riccio
WNYFLFA
Rochester, NY
[Posted in FML issue 1510]