FERRET ODOR AND TREATS
 
>From:    Sue Rekas <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Re: Ferret Odor
 
I have a few suggestions regarding ferret odor.  First, stop using the
deodorants and air fresheners.  The perfumes in these products only add
another smell to the mix and make matters worse.  They don't remove the
existing odor.
 
Second, don't over-bathe your ferrets.  Bathe them once a month at the most.
Bathing them too often drys out their skin and causes them to produce more
oil to replace the oil removed through washing.  As a result, they smell
worse.
 
There are a few step that you can take really reduce the odors associated
with your ferrets.  Keep their bedding very clean by changing it at least
once per week.  By bedding, I mean old t-shirts, blankies, towels, etc.  You
do not want to use wood shavings (cedar, pine, etc.) of any kind as they can
cause skin and respiratory disorders.
 
Keep the litter box very clean by scooping it at least once per day and
changing it as often as needed.  I highly recommend some kind of pelleted
litter rather than clay or clumping litter.  Pelleted litter is safer for
your ferrets, and it controls odor better than any other kind.  Try Nature's
Way Feline Pine or Pine Fresh, available in local pet stores or you can buy
wood stove pellets at any home supply or hardware store.  Wood stove
pellets, made from compressed hardwood dust, are a cheap and effective
alternative to the more expensive brand-name pet store litters.
 
Feed your ferrets a quality food like Totally Ferret (available through mail
order at1-800-843-1738) or Iams Kitten.  Cheap foods are not adequate for
your ferret's good health and they tend to fish-based.  Fish-based foods
will make your ferrets' litterbox stink!  Note: if you change food brands,
you will probably have to do so slowly by adding a little more of the new
food to the bowl every day.  Don't try to change food brands all at once.
 
As for treats, don't worry if your ferrets don't care for them.  They are
better off eating a healthy diet of good quality food.  They don't really
need treats.  Since they do like Ferretone, give them a few drops every day,
but don't over-do it.  If you really want to treat them, try turkey baby
food, cat treats, or puppy biscuits.
 
 Cheers,
Gina Hart/Sage Ferrets
"The Boys": Gunnar the Red (Goose), Daniel Spikey Tiger (Spike), Beau Geste
(Bo Bo)
"The Girls":  Harriet (Harrie), Wienerbutt (Weenie)
and Paleface (Bean), the Sage Ferret
[Posted in FML issue 2027]