Post by nick1556 on May 11, 2005 10:44:52 GMT -5
Summer Reminders
1. Look at the forecast and make sure it is not going to be above 80 degrees (F) or 27 degrees (C). Ferrets don't do well in heat and cannot tolerate high temperatures.
2. Never..ever, leave your ferret(s) in a parked car, even if it is for just a few minutes. Keep their carrier out of direct sunlight and if possible, put some ceramic tiles in there with them that they can lay on which can keep them cool. A special cooling tile can also be bought which is usually found in the chinchilla section of your pet store.
3. If your home doesn't have central air, be sure to purchase a window AC or even a window fan. The linoleum or tiles in your bathroom can provide a cool source as well.
4. Fans don't cool the air they only move it around. A ferret can not sweat. If possible, see if your ferret can tolerate being misted by a spray bottle. If not, try to wipe them down with a damp towel.
5. Water, water, water. Make sure there is always enough water for them to drink. If you usually have one bottle readily available make that into two bottles. You can also add a lock crock of water as your ferret will drink more from a dish than from a bottle. Its summer and they will be drinking more.
6. Fill up some of your old water bottles from the store with water and put them in the freezer. You can put a sock around the bottles and set them on the cage floor on those really hot days. Don't use a fan because it will only blow the coldness away.
7. If you are taking your fuzzy to the lake or ocean, remember that your ferret looks mighty delicious to flying predators. Try and keep them out of the water as for they can contract parasites from it. If you own an albino, be sure to keep them out of the sunlight as for they can get sunburned with only a few minutes under the sun. That hot sand is usually a minimal of ten degrees hotter than the air temp. Don't burn their feet! And do not forget to bring some water for them to drink. A collapsible camping cup works just great to pour some water in for them.
8. Harnessing. Don't let your ferret run about by themselves. Anything could happen. Be sure to get an H-style harness. It never hurts to have their rabies tag and another identification tag on them. I bought a very small container the size of an oval pill that contains my ferret's owner information just in case she gets separated from me.
9. Pack a bag for them. A first aid kid never hurts, along with treats and extra water.
10. When taking your ferret(s) for a walk, remember that they are detectives by nature and want to explore anything even outside. Try using a retractable leash so you can control where they go since they are most likely to not walk in a straight line for you. Don't make the walk longer than 15 to 20 minutes and bring along a bottle of water to keep them hydrated during that small amount of time. Be sure to check their paws to make sure nothing is stuck in or on them. Like housecats, ferrets will have soft paws that are not used to walking on rougher surfaces.
All of the above are only suggestions. The practices in which you take care of your ferret(s) is your decision.
Thanks to K10Widow for additional input.
1. Look at the forecast and make sure it is not going to be above 80 degrees (F) or 27 degrees (C). Ferrets don't do well in heat and cannot tolerate high temperatures.
2. Never..ever, leave your ferret(s) in a parked car, even if it is for just a few minutes. Keep their carrier out of direct sunlight and if possible, put some ceramic tiles in there with them that they can lay on which can keep them cool. A special cooling tile can also be bought which is usually found in the chinchilla section of your pet store.
3. If your home doesn't have central air, be sure to purchase a window AC or even a window fan. The linoleum or tiles in your bathroom can provide a cool source as well.
4. Fans don't cool the air they only move it around. A ferret can not sweat. If possible, see if your ferret can tolerate being misted by a spray bottle. If not, try to wipe them down with a damp towel.
5. Water, water, water. Make sure there is always enough water for them to drink. If you usually have one bottle readily available make that into two bottles. You can also add a lock crock of water as your ferret will drink more from a dish than from a bottle. Its summer and they will be drinking more.
6. Fill up some of your old water bottles from the store with water and put them in the freezer. You can put a sock around the bottles and set them on the cage floor on those really hot days. Don't use a fan because it will only blow the coldness away.
7. If you are taking your fuzzy to the lake or ocean, remember that your ferret looks mighty delicious to flying predators. Try and keep them out of the water as for they can contract parasites from it. If you own an albino, be sure to keep them out of the sunlight as for they can get sunburned with only a few minutes under the sun. That hot sand is usually a minimal of ten degrees hotter than the air temp. Don't burn their feet! And do not forget to bring some water for them to drink. A collapsible camping cup works just great to pour some water in for them.
8. Harnessing. Don't let your ferret run about by themselves. Anything could happen. Be sure to get an H-style harness. It never hurts to have their rabies tag and another identification tag on them. I bought a very small container the size of an oval pill that contains my ferret's owner information just in case she gets separated from me.
9. Pack a bag for them. A first aid kid never hurts, along with treats and extra water.
10. When taking your ferret(s) for a walk, remember that they are detectives by nature and want to explore anything even outside. Try using a retractable leash so you can control where they go since they are most likely to not walk in a straight line for you. Don't make the walk longer than 15 to 20 minutes and bring along a bottle of water to keep them hydrated during that small amount of time. Be sure to check their paws to make sure nothing is stuck in or on them. Like housecats, ferrets will have soft paws that are not used to walking on rougher surfaces.
All of the above are only suggestions. The practices in which you take care of your ferret(s) is your decision.
Thanks to K10Widow for additional input.
I was wondering if You might be willing to post a Winter Reminders? Im purchasing a new ferret today and she will be my first ever so i was looking for winter tips. Thanks 
all my kids are doing well otter is getting real beefy feeling <winter weight?> and his coat is getting real soft not many noticeable changes overall,, new guy is getting big