>From:    Shannon Crum <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Runny poops
>When he starts getting them all at once, he gets runny poops again.
 
This is because his body can't handle all the treats.  Please limit the
treats that you give (maybe just give them one treat a day - the tartar
control ones).  Or give them a piece of their normal food as a treat.  The
slightest little thing can disrupt their tummies.  It is best that they
stick to their main diet for their health - no matter how many sad faces
they give you!  Imagine how unhealthy you would be if you ate your
favourite junk food all the time!
 
>Also, the Pounce Hairball Treat-ments makes my other two ferrets, Sonny &
>Felicia, vomit after a few minutes ...
 
Please stop giving this one - it is not normal for ferrets to vomit.
Instead, you can give them a pea sized amount of the feline hairball stuff
in a tube (the name escapes me and I can't go look 'cuz I am at work!).
My ferrets love this stuff and so does my cat.  They all roll over for it.
The cat even takes me to the cupboard where I keep it and "asks" me for
some.  This by itself could be their only treat.  but watch out as this has
lots of sugars in it.  If you have a ferret that suffers with insulinoma,
try non-scented (non-flavoured lol!) petroleum jelly.  They love this stuff
too, and if they don't you can mix in a drop of ferrettone in with it.  I
personally put some in a cup in the microwave and melt it.  Then I put it
in an oral syringe and let it cool and re-harden.  It is easy to use that
way and I can measure out exactly how much each kid is getting.
 
>From:    Mark Kennedy <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: hacking cough
>I don't think its the litter as she tends to do the coughing more out of
>the cage than in it.
 
Is it a "dry" cough or a "wet" cough?  Does she have mucus coming out
of her nose or mouth?  Personally, I think she may have a respiratory
infection.  It would seem that she is coughing more out of the cage because
her higher activity is aggravating her condition.  She should be looked at
by a ferret vet and if she does have an infection she should be put on an
antibiotic, like Amoxi-Drops.
 
>From:    Sheila Crompton <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Daniel :-( So called rescues that are breeding:-(
>I've been hearing reports of a so called UK ferret welfare/rescue that
>is or is intending to undertake an extensive breeding programme.
 
No WELFARE/RESCUE should breed ferrets!  How many SPCAs or HSs breed?
None!  If this person wants to become a breeder, he should do so privately
and NOT using a welfare's name!  Good luck Sheila and keep us posted.
 
On that note, I strongly believe that if you breed ferrets that you should
also shelter - or at least assist in sheltering or rescuing efforts.
 
Best Regards!
 
Amy Felmming
Flemming Farms
Perth, Western Australia
[Posted in FML issue 3087]