Vikky <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>I've just got a question about the M.R.S.: Tooth Brushing Crusade, I was
>just wondering if someone could answer me what happens to the ferrets in
>the wild as far as their teeth are concerned (I'm talking black footed
>ferrets and the like , not our little domesticated fuzzies)  Is it the
>fact that they eat bones and cartilage and things like that, which means
>that they'd come across less problems with their teeth?
 
Good question!  I don't know the answer. :o)  Oh, Bob Church!  This is
one for you.
 
My **GUESS** is that nature takes care of the teeth of wild animals in
the way you suggest -- a natural "whole carcass" diet.
 
OR natural selection has taken care of the weak-toothed animals.
 
OR wild animals don't live as long as their domesticated counterparts
and, therefore, the buildup of tartar is not an important factor, because
something else kills them long before the tartar becomes a danger to
their health.
 
OR a combination of these things.
 
Hopefully, Bob C will chime in on this one.
 
--Mary & the Fuzzies
 
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Mary R. Shefferman, Editor, Modern Ferret Magazine
Trixie, Koosh, & Gabby, The Modern Ferrets
Read my blog --
http://www.modernferretblog.com/mary
[Posted in FML issue 4112]