Hi,
(BIG - I think it is completely OBVIOUS that I DO read the FML
faithfully!!!!!!!) I have never read a big debate over bathing since I
joined this list so forgive me if you think I'm ignorant or something!
[Moderator's note: I don't usually editorialize all *that* much, I think,
but I sorta started this, so I'll see it out.  Kelleen, please accept my
apologies if I ruffled your feathers by my comments.  I was trying to tell
the new subscribers who may not be familiar with bathing protocols that
opinions on bathing differ greatly - the books I read, plus my personal
observations and opinions may not agree with yours - and 2-4 weeks seemed a
little excessive to me.  Since I already jumped into this, I'll give my
opinion: I believe bathing ferrets should be done "as needed", with "as
needed" bordering on very very seldom.  Ferrets are usually bathed for
specific reasons, for instance because they fell asleep in a bowl of tapioca
pudding :-) Many people feel it's not necessary to bathe a fuzzie just for
the sake of it, myself falling into that category...  I've gone months and
months without giving my fuzzies a bath and I don't believe they, or the
odor, are worse for it.  In fact, I find they smell worse for days after
bathing!
 
So why not bathe anyhow?  Well, it may dry out their skin and put undue
stress on them.  If it's for a reason, fine, but if not... don't!  Odor
control is much better handled by changing their bedding, IMHO.  BIG]
 
Lastly why would you be in favor of not bathing regularly when all the books
reccommend every 4 to 6 weeks or so.  By the way my original comment should
have been 4 to 6 not 2 to 4 weeks.....  Made an honest typing error
there!!!!  So everyone let me know why it would be favored to not bath
regularly please!  Thanks......
 
Kelleen and the INSANE Animal House!!!!!
 
F.A.N.G. - Ferret Association of Neverending Glee!
                   (President & Founder)
[Posted in FML issue 1346]