Probiotics & special foods:
 
I'm glad Sukie pointed out the findings on probiotics helping ferrets with
IBD.  This is an excellent example of why we should do the reading of all
the resources available and NOT just rely on what ONE person, who SEEMS to
know a lot has said (they, too, often neglect to mention the exceptions to
the ordinary rules).  Online reputations can be very misleading, and two
(or more) heads really are better than one mouth/keyboard.
 
Again, get the facts... ALL the facts.  Fit the food/soup/treat (and the
treatment) to each individual ferret's current needs.
 
Emergencies:
 
A couple of other emergency preparations I recommend:
 
A pillowcase (or drawstring laundry bag) on top of cages or near ferret
sleep spots.  Hopefully, you'll have time to grab a carrier, but it's
quicker to stuff 4 or 5 ferrets in a pillowcase (even if they fight), then
stuff the pillowcase with ferrets in the carrier after you get out of the
burning house or into the storm cellar.  Seconds count, don't waste them
trying to keep 3 ferrets in the carrier while trying to get the fourth one
in and fumbling with the door mechanism when you're scared and shaky.
 
PRACTICE emergency drills!  Practicing without stress, reduces panic in a
REAL emergency.
 
Pillowcases work for cats, too... but they get REAL suspicious of
pillowcases after you've practiced a time or two... it's the actual "cat
BACK IN bag" thing.  You can play "drag the towel/pillowcase" games with
cats, to reduce the suspicion of an upcoming ordeal.  Giving treats after
emergency drill ordeals might help, too.
 
If you've got a ferret on critical medications like pred, keep a medicine
bottle containing several doses of the medicine and a jar of baby food
inside a tied sock in the pillowcase.
 
Debi Christy
Ferrets First Foster Home
 
Practical & easy training, care, & maintenance articles available at
http://www.geocities.com/ferretsfirst/
[Posted in FML issue 3606]