To: Chris Bern
 
I have some suggestions on litter training that were offered to us by our vet
and worked wonders with our little buggers:
 
1.  Try different types of litters.
 
2.  Clean the box more or less often.
 
I think all ferrets have a preference to texture, smell, etc.  We had started
out with our first two using a coarse clay litter but then tried a clumping
litter that someone bought for us.  As our ferrets are not diggers, I was not
worried about using it.  They preferred the smoother texture of the litter.
 Also, they don't like scented litter which is fine with me because after
changing I realized that their odor was less offensive.  (I guess strong
perfume and musk just don't mix too well:))
 
Our baby was the most difficult to train though.  (He inspired the question to
the vet!)  What we found was that he did not like any clay litters, clumping or
otherwise.  He needed his box rather clean and prefered folded newspaper to
help absorb moisture.  Once he was good at using the paper we tried to switch
him gradually to the other litter.  (Paper liner with an increasing amount of
litter sprinkled on top.)  Now all of the ferrets use the same type of litter
and "hit" on average about 95% of the time outside the cage.  We do still need
to watch the baby while out because at times he gets real excited and will
"forget" but he is so much better that I think he is well on his way to being
completely litter trained.
 
Sorry so long.
 
Heather
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[Posted in FML issue 1094]