Hello everyone,
 
Rochelle - both my ferrets seem to also have the problem that they don't
really care *where* they poop, ie. not just in one or two places which
can have litterboxes put there.  If I don't make sure they've pooped *before*
I let them out of their cages, I find it anywhere on the floor of my room
(no carpet, thank goodness).  Antigone has also been known to actually poop
*in her food dish* if the litterbox and other corners of the cage have already
been used!  I was amazed when I first saw this, and still don't really
understand.
 
Secondly, Minima is continuing to show the effects of the adrenal tumor
she's supposed to have, which I can't afford to have operated on.  Does
anyone have extra advice on the care and feeding of an almost-bald ferret,
apart from keeping her out of the sun in summer (sunburnt ferret - ouch),
and extra warm in winter?
 
Finally, I would like some advice on a BIG PROBLEM.
 
I was in a pet store in the Eaton Centre, Toronto, about a week ago,
and noticed to my delight, a "ferret starter kit" made by Hagen (which
greatly amused the friend who was with me - he was imagining a "just
add water" ferret kit).  I guess that Hagen has realized that there
is a market for ferret products, but instead of actually designing
some new stuff, they have just made a compilation of stuff which is
normally for other pets:  a rabbit cage, some food which actually *is*
supposed to be for ferrets (but I don't remember which brand), a cat
toy, and some guinea pig\rabbit style CEDAR WOOD CHIPS.  I spoke to the
woman at the counter, who was polite, but dubious when I told her that
this is a problem for ferrets.  She told me that many of their customers
have owned ferrets for years and use cedar chips for bedding without
any problems.  She told me that I should contact Hagen and get them to
stop producing the kit, if it were true.  My problem right now is that
I don't have a copy of the book "Biology and Diseases of the Ferret", which
I assume would have this information in it.  I also can't remember the
author.  I'd rather have some photocopies of the facts before approaching
Hagen.  Can anyone offer any advice about the best way to do this?
The Toronto Humane Society couldn't offer any help.
 
Victoria Hadfield (human), Antigone (normal fuzzy weasel),
   and Minima (great North American bald weasel)
 
 
[Posted in FML issue 0580]