Part 1 of 2 parts (Part 2 follows )  [Posts combined into 1. BIG]
 
This posting is given to explain how the Ferret Survival Necklace is
adjusted to fit the body, head and neck of any sized (normal) ferret.  The
reason that this posting is made is to answer questions I have received
and concerns expressed by ferret owners that the ferret may not be able to
extricate itself in the event the FSN should get caught on a projection of
some sort with the result that the ferret could possibly strangle.
 
Please note in the paragraphs following that this possibility is reduced
to very low probability when the FSN is adjusted as described.
 
All that remains in the following steps is to size the necklace properly
and to fit it snuggly on your ferret.
 
DRESSING THE FERRET.  This paragraph describes the method that enables
the ferret to be dressed with the FSN in a "fitting" manner.  The term
"fitting" describes the manner in which the FSN is enlarged or shrunk so
that it is ultimately removable by the ferret in the event the FSN should
be accidentally snagged on a projection in such a manner that the ferret
wouldn't be able to wriggle free of the necklace and might otherwise
strangle itself.
 
Hence, this paragraph is especially important to the good health and
survivability of the ferret and to the basic usefullness of the Ferret
Survival Necklace.  Dressing the ferret breaks down to three basic elements
as follows:
 
1.) Too tight.  2.) Too loose.  and 3.) Just right.  In the first element
of being too tight, this is the easiest to measure and overcome; in
attempting to slip-roll the FSN over the ferret's head and his ears, if
it's too tight, it simply won't go on and the ferret will strongly object
to any forcefullness on your part in trying to dress him with a FSN that's
simply too darn small.  So stop and remove the FSN.  The next step is:
 
2.) Too Loose.  Unclip the existent steel ball from the linking clip that
is on the end of the ball- chain and withdraw about 4 balls into the
linking clip, thereby enlarging the FSN.  Snap into place the 5th ball into
the linking clip, while at the same time allowing the surplus ball-chain to
dangle freely from the linking clip.  Now with the enlarged FSN attempt
again to dress the ferret by slide-rolling it over his head and ears down
onto his neck.  In all likelihood the FSN will go on right over his head
and ears with utmost ease.  Most ferrets find the sudden dressing with a
strange device about its neck less than desirable and will go to some
exuberant efforts to slide out of it as quickly as possible.  Of course, if
this happens, then obviously, the FWN is much too loose and needs to be
tightened.
 
3.) Just right.  In the two steps preceeding, the FSN was too tight and
then, after adjustment, it was too loose.  To get it sized "just right" all
that remains is to decouple the ball-chain and reduce the size by about 2
balls and then try to dress the ferret again.  When sized "just right" the
FSN can be rolled and slid over the head and ears with some little
difficulty and then down around the ferret's neck and into the neck fur.
Hooray!  Success at last.
 
REACTION.  Most ferrets accomodate to the FSN in a few minutes and appear
to be somewhat bemused by the tinkle of the bell, some of them coming to a
complete stop every time the bell first tinkles.  It's just as though
they're trying to figure out where the sound of that tinkling is coming
from with every step they take.  Others may go into jumping, rolling,
belly-chest rubbing contortions that suggest the utmost distain possible
for this "newfangled dingling thingie." It is amazing that all of them,
even the most piqued ones seem to accept it in a few minutes or so and go
on with their lives just as though nought has happened.
 
UKPKEEP.  It is recommended that every few weeks or so the FSN be removed
by backrolling it over the ferret's ears and head.  This should be done to
make sure that it is removable, that no irritation has developed around the
ferret's neck and that the FSN is not wearing a worn groove mark in the
neck fur.  A little brushing and massaging would be most appreciated.  When
all is A-OK, the FSN may be reinstalled after it is checked for cleanliness
and smoothness.
 
ADAPTATION.  For the intact, non-neutered ferrets that are exposed to
outdoor temperatures, one should check that the FSN is still sized
properly.  This is important because such ferrets do display significant
body and fur changes seasonally.  The do put on insulating fat in the fall
and winter along with a winter coat.  Hence the size of the neck does vary
considerably for such ferrets, moreso than the fixed ferrets that are
strictly indoor bound.  And, of course, the inverse is true in the spring
and summer when body-size reductions and coat thinnings may appear to make
the FSN somewhat "looser."
 
For further information and detailed illustrations (hand-drawn by technical
illustrator), Figures 1 through5, of the construction and application of
the Ferret Survival Necklace, see the following paragraph.
 
AVAILABILITY.  The finished Ferret Survival Necklace (or replacement
parts) is available through the mail.  Please contact the Ferret
Endowment for Rehabilitation, Research, Education  & Training Society
NorthWest @ 4321 86th Avenue, S.E.,  Carol Lane, Mercer Island, WA,
98040-4124.  Phone and fax [206] 232-1228.  A minimal contribution is
suggested to cover costs, mailing and handling.  Additional information:
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                        Frettchen~vergnuegen !
[Posted in FML issue 2709]