FERRET FAQ FOR NEW AND PROSPECTIVE OWNERS Compiled and edited by Pamela Greene ([log in to unmask]) (version 1.1, 1/31/94) This FAQ is being distributed to the FML in about 20 pieces in order to encourage your comments and suggestions. I'd also be happy to send you the whole file; it's roughly 75kB, but I can split it into smaller segments if your mailer has problems with large messages. *** PART 10 of LOTS *** - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3.5> Should I give him any supplements? [begin PG] Ferretone and Linatone are two popular vitamin supplements. They are also one of the most common treats, since nearly every ferret loves them. The problem is, both of these contain vitamin A, which can be very harmful or even fatal in excess. No more than a few drops of either Ferretone or Linatone a day is recommended, and it's not thought to be necessary to give them any at all if you're using a good food. Signs of vitamin A overdose include hair loss and a dull coat. Similarly, many people give their ferrets a small amount of a cat hairball remedy such as Laxatone or Petromalt on a regular basis. This can help them pass the styrofoam, rubber bands, and such that they seem to love to eat, as well as helping to prevent hairballs from fur swallowed during grooming. Even better, most ferrets seem to think of this as a wonderful treat, too. Although they don't have vitamin A, these laxatives can't be good in excess, so give them only in small amounts. 3.6> What are good treats? [begin PG] Most ferrets also enjoy some fruits and vegetables such as bananas, apples, pears, raisins, and green beans. Although they're not thought to be necessary for good nutrition if you're feeding your pets a high-quality cat food, small amounts of these won't hurt. Just be sure you don't fill your ferret up on fruit, since he'll need to eat his regular food to get the required protein. As with everything, too much of nearly anything can be harmful, so try to vary your treats. Although most ferrets love milk and ice cream, they shouldn't be allowed to have much. This is especially true for young kits, since the lactose in cow's milk gives ferrets diarrhea, which can easily cause them to become dehydrated. I'm told that goat's milk, available in some pet stores, is okay, but I haven't seen any verification of this. Too much fiber can also give ferrets diarrhea, so limit raisins, oatmeal, apples, anything with bran in it, and similar foods. Otherwise, try feeding your ferret pretty much anything, in small pieces. You never know what yours will consider a fabulous treat. I've heard of ferrets going wild for everything from spaghetti to blueberries. [start SC] When talking about Duck Soup and similar foods [mixtures of fruits, grains, and so forth intended to supplement ferret diets as well as serve as a well-balanced treat; see question 4.4 for an example] (many have been developed) it pays to specify hard boiled egg yolks instead of just saying "eggs". Many carnivores don't digest the whites well and I have never seen any research showing that ferrets can so till we know for sure ... Sugars can interfere with the acquisition of chromium from Brewers Yeast so it is best to give it at a time when sweets are not given. [begin RN] It's best to have several kinds of treats, so that you don't give too much of any one kind (practically all are bad in large doses). Ferrets are often hesitant about trying new things, though, so you may have to coax them a bit -- try putting a bit of Linatone on it the first time you offer it. Another treat suggestion -- puffed rice cakes. (taste like the styrofoam they love so!) Chocolate: most ferrets LOVE this, but DON'T let them have it. Most ferrets can probably handle small doses, but something in chocolate (I forget what) is fatal to ferrets in large enough doses, and I've heard that some ferrets are sensitive enough that even a small amount can be deadly. Best idea is not to chance it, and try and keep chocolate away from them. [begin BW] The chemicals in chocolate are xanthines, which can have a profound stimulatory effect. But small amounts are certainly not deadly. [Nevertheless,] I also do not recommend this as a treat. [Posted in FML issue 0724]