I posted for the first time on 4/8 and told the story of our first ferret,
Jamie, who died at only 20 weeks of age due to a blockage in her intestines
that went undiagnosed by her vet.  Thanks to all who sent me comments and
expressed sympathy - I appreciated every one!  I will be doing all I can to
find a good ferret vet; Jamie's life may have been spared if the vet had
thought of a blockage first thing.  I would like to know of any good ferret
vets, shelters, events, etc., within an hour or so drive (I live in New
York, approximately mid-way between Utica and Binghamton, but may go as far
as Syracuse or Albany.)  If anyone knows of any, please let me know.  You
can e-mail me directly, or to the FML (I read them all!!).  I noticed
someone was asking about a show in Syracuse in June; please respond on the
FML so I'll know, too.
 
About three months after Jamie died, we got Brae (pronounced "bray"); he's
a six-month-old sable.  We bought him at 8 weeks of age from the local pet
store (I know, I know!!); he's from Path Valley Farms, and came neutered
and descented.  He's been a lot of fun, and I do hope our inexperience
doesn't cause him any harm.  As you may have guessed by now, I have little
or no resources available to me concerning basic care of ferrets.  I have
learned a lot from the FML, have read two issues of Modern Ferret, and have
read some of the FAQs from Ferret Central.  I promise to read all the FAQs
real soon, but would appreciate a list of basic do's and don't's for ferret
care.  For instance, no one ever told me I should be cleaning his teeth and
ears, but in reading the FML's it appears I should be?  Would someone tell
me if I should be, and how it's done?  Also, should I be giving him a
hairball remedy?  How much and how often?
 
Ferretone/Linatone/Geritol: I looked for Ferretone as a distraction for
clipping his nails.  The pet store didn't have any, but suggested Linatone
for cats - that's working great for the nails.  I put a drop on his belly,
and he was busy licking it off while I clipped all his nails in one sitting!
Could/should this be used as a dietary supplement also?  Or should I feed
him Ferretone?  My vet suggested Geritol believe it or not for a
vitamin/iron supplement; I put a few drops in his food once or twice a week.
Has anyone heard of this?  Do you think it's ok?
 
One last question re cat (kitten) food vs. ferret food.  The vet and pet
store both suggested feeding him kitten food; he's been on Purina Kitten
Chow.  I've just recently started working in a little 8 in 1 for ferrets,
and giving him some Flint River Ranch Super Premium Kitten and Cat Health
Food for treats.  Would someone please tell me if it's ok to feed him cat
food and, if so, what brand, or if I should be using ferret food.  I've seen
all the comments on the FML re TF, Iams, Ukanuba, Science, One, etc., etc.,
and I'm quite confused!  About the only other food he gets (in small
amounts, as treats) is raisins, peanuts, peanut butter, and corn pops.  Is
this diet ok?
 
Sorry for another long post!  I'll try to limit my questions to one at a
time!  BTW, I really enjoyed the stories about the typical morning, and the
ferret who kept trying to hide his boa under the bureau!!  I was LOL!!! :- )
 
Debbie
[Posted in FML issue 2282]