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 17 of LOTS *** - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5.2> My ferret trembles a lot. Is that normal? [begin PG] Generally, yes. Ferrets normally tremble for two reasons. First, they often shiver right after waking up, in order to raise their body temperatures. Second, they shake or quiver when excited or frightened. For a young kit, this could well be all the time, since everything is new and interesting. For older ferrets, a bath or even a good scolding could prompt trembling. If your ferret's trembling persists with no apparent cause, first make sure there's no cold draft around. (Ferrets can live fine outdoors, but indoor lighting can cause their winter coats not to come in until long after it's gotten cold enough outside to need one.) If that's not the problem, check with a vet. 5.3> Help! My ferret is going bald! [begin MW] Can you spell shedding? Seasonal coat change [in the fall and spring] is normal, excessive baldness is not. Good nutrition is key. If you are feeding them a high quality food, you shouldn't have too much trouble. We have had experience with "tail rash" in our pets where they lost a lot of their hair on their tails. The vet gave us a moisturizing spray for their skin, and at one point, Dimetapp, but I think it was more a matter of waiting it out. [begin BW] [The "rat tail" rash which MW describes] is generally regarded as a consequence of stress, and appears to be more common in intact animals than neutered ones (the breeding season in itself is a time of great stress for ferrets.) The tail can go almost completely bald. Most ferrets regrow their hair in 2-4 months, but a small number never do. [begin PG] Baldness is also the most noticeable symptom of adrenal lesions in ferrets (see question 6.2). If it begins on the tail and progresses forward, eventually leaving hair only on the head and extremities, that's almost certainly the problem. See a vet immediately. Other common causes of baldness are a severe ear mite infection or overly dry skin from, for instance, too much bathing. Any unexplained hair loss, especially if severe or not associated with a coat change, should be checked out quickly. 5.4> Is he really just asleep? [begin PG] In general, ferrets sleep quite a bit, even adults. A two- to four- hour playtime followed by a several-hour nap is typical. Ferrets sometimes appear to be sleeping with their eyes partly open, and they sleep very heavily, often not waking even when picked up. You can take advantage of this and try to cut their nails while they're asleep. It means you have to be especially careful where you walk and sit, though. 5.5> What does such-and-such a noise mean? [begin PG] Clucking, "dooking", or chuckling: Indicates happiness or excitement. Often uttered while playing or exploring a new area. Occasional sneezes: If you crawled under bookcases and couches, you'd sneeze too. Also, ferrets have a pair of scent glands near their chins, and sneezing can be a way of forcing some of the scent out so it can be rubbed on something. Whimpering/whining: Kits, especially, do this as a general excitement noise. It can also be uttered by the loser in a wrestling match. Hissing: Frustration or anger. Screeching/loud chittering: Extreme fright or pain. This is your cue that it's time to go rescue your pet from whatever it's gotten itself into. It can also be a sign of anger. [Posted in FML issue 0736]