Ferrets Forum - All Forums

Hi from fellow fuzzy lover

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 22:58:12 +0000

Hi.. y nae is Debbie, (33) I live in Northern Ireland.
Been keeping ferrets for about 10yrs now.
the first ones got from a breeder but most have come from rescues over the years.

I work for a wildlife rescue Centre here in NI and just in 2012 alone we have over 20 rescued ferrets brought to us. none of which found their parents again . so were rehomed to loving families so not all bad..

I currently have 17 Ferrets in my family, (1 Cinnamon male belonging to a friend who stays with me), 2 Silver males, a Cinnamon male of my own, a polecat male, and 2 albino males, and 9 girlies, 1 silver, 2 cinnamons, 2 polecats, 3 albinos and a newly rescued little girl today..
I also keep a whole manageria of creatures including reptiles, rats, a dog, birds and a rabbit and have a pet fox... and work with all fors of native Irsh Wildlife Foxes, hedgehogs, owls, hawks, garden birds etc... so full house..

Debbie

Adrenal ferret PTS

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 22:13:59 +0000

I put a 4 year old jill called Lilly to sleep this morning, she was implanted 7 days ago for an Adrenal tumour she was OK yesterday but went into organ failure overnight.

This is the second ferret that it has happened with, it was a 6 year old hob PTS one week after implant with organ failure.

In America vets say 15% of old ferrets die with organ failure after implant.

As a rescue we can not afford to test blood on ferrets being given implants to see if anything is going on inside nor would we stop implanting.

Just be careful

new here

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 16:49:13 +0000

Hi - I am Trisha from Pembrokeshire in Wales. I kept ferrets years ago but when my husband died suddenly I had to rehome them but have, a week ago, rehomed a poley jill who is tiny and a silver hob. They are called Candy and Jude and they are both going in for spaying/neutering on Tuesday.

I am looking forward to getting lots of ferrety advice from this forum

Ruby's new cage

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 15:30:39 +0000

As we have had to move Ruby and co indoors for time being due to her weight we needed a cage - they are mostly free range in the room but I wanted to be able to shut them away to open windows etc.
A lovely friend donated the cage for us ( very sadly just before xmas my friends house burnt down and she lost both her dog and all the degus that were living in the cage )
She could not face sorting out the cage from the soot damage etc so asked if we wanted it.
I have spent the last few days sorting it out - I have to say I had no idea soot was so hard to get off - each section have been soaked , white vinegar , near washing liquid etc to get it off and its taken 10hrs of scrubbing - the floors and shelves had buckled from the heat so we have made new floors etc.
Im very pleased with it all thou.

and the 3 who is gonna live in there ( even thou i think ruby might be happier on her own but i feel cruel splitting them as they have been together for yrs )

Ruby

Noah

Ollie

putting her back outside?

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 12:01:17 +0000

So I had my ferret neutered on thursday, all has gone well and she's doing great, not as playful as I'm being careful with her but her wound seems to be healing well and is nice and dry, no puss.
I'm keeping her in my room at the minute as it's nice and warm for her after her op but she's usually an outdoor ferret. I was only planning on keeping her in a few days until she regrows some of her fur on her belly and she's got over the operation but it has gone freezing and is snowing here today. So I'm just wondering what to do? the house is nice and warm so I thought if i put her back outside she'd freeze in this weather, this is her first winter too and it hasn't been this cold while she's been out. My main worry is keeping her inside and then she starts shedding her winter blubber and coat and then she definitely won't be able to go out until it's a lot warmer.
Does anyone have any suggestions please!?

cold boys

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 08:34:40 +0000

I went out at 8am and let the chickens out and checked on the boys and water.

They were shaking and water was frozen so they are in the house right now to warm up and get warm water in them and i will be adding more blankets.

I have water bottles in the house so i can switch out every so often but I cant do this all day and night as we work and I work nights.

so what is the best option for water?

Welsh ferret show

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 08:23:42 +0000

Would just like to wish the Welsh Ferret Show all the best for today. Unfortunatly we can't risk coming as forecasting snow and we live out in the sticks!
Hope all goes really well for you all!!!!!

Wirral Area

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 23:28:14 +0000

Hi,

I live in the Wirral and have been trying to get in contact with the West Kirby rescue center for about 2-3 weeks now (Im pretty sure if she has caller display she thinks im a stalker >< )...

I had ferrets years ago (well my parents got them) and am looking for some more.

My Dad was a member of the Wirral Ferret club, but he cant seem to find any more information on it (on the web), and he cant find any contact info for the guy he originally got our ferrets from (Colin???).

We had x3 ferrets previously, all jills - Molly (runt of the pack.. Very smart..), Macy (Psycho Albino of the pack..) and Sadie (Slow and lazy!)..

My missus wants some pets and I've managed to persuade her to get some ferrets (YAY). But its been about 6 years since we owned them, so we don't really know any contacts in the area to get some.. Hence why I'm here Smile

I'm looking for 2, mebbe 3 kits (Jills) so not 100% if the rescue center will have them?? Will be kept outside, and have been looking round for outside hutches.. Ive read +/- Things about chicken coops.. Big size, cheap(ish) but wood is thin, so they might be too cold?? (would apreciate your input).

Called the SouthCheshire rescue center today, and they dont have any at the moment (I know they dont come into season yet)... But was looking for someone a little closer to home (especially if i need anything)..

Many thanks again, and hopefully someone here will be able to point me in the right direction.

Robbie

East Coast Ferret Rescue Winter Show 19th February 2012

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:11:31 +0000

19th February 2012
East Coast Ferret Rescue - Winter Show (cancelled from December 2011)

Ryehill Village Hall
Ryehill
East Yorkshire
HU12 9NN
(Just off A1033 Hull to Withernsea Road)

Finals of
William Nixon-Betts Memorial Trophy
Sue Hyde Child Handler Trophy
Arthur Memorial Trophy
Pearl Memorial Trophy
Axholme Wildlife Management Trophy
Richard Jessop Memorial Kit Shield

Full Open Show
Raffle, Stalls, Kitchen open all day.
Hall open from 8.00am

Racing 11.30am. Finals 12.00 noon. First Class 1.00pm.
For more details ring Dee on 07773754269.

Ferretastic food arrived!

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:08:04 +0000

I received my Ferretastic food today! I hand fed my guys a piece each and they snaffled it straight up so looks like its going to be a hit.

I was surprised it only took about 4 working days to arrive from Germany!

The pieces are quite large, similar size to something like Iams but so far the guys are managing fine with it.

There was a German chocolate bar in the box too. Not sure if it's meant to be a free gift or someone accidentally dropped their snack inside.

It also came with a free ferret toy! The packaging! A cardboard box full of shredded cardboard. Hours of fun!

Allergies!

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:26:28 +0000

Ok, starting from scratch, here's whats happened..

A week and a half after bringing Merlin home i started to get bumps and rashes on my arms, hips and thighs which over time has spread to all areas of my body. It's extremely itchy with a burning sensation. I've had 2 Dr's confirm that it is an allergic reaction to something..

I already know that i'm allergic to various pets (cats, rabbits, rats, horses etc.) and years ago did have a reaction to male ferrets (which is why i've previously only had jills), however my allergies have previously only involved wheezing, sneezing/runny nose, itchy + watery eyes - NOT bumpy rashes all over like this!.. And the reaction normally happens within minutes of being near the animal in question.

BUT i'm worried, because at this stage i can't completely rule out that i may be allergic to Merlin. I'm praying i'm not, but have been in tears many times over the possibility. However considering i had him for nearly 2 weeks before anything happened (and i'm NOT worse after handling him or cleaning his cage) i'm hoping he's not the problem.

The only other thing that's changed recently is that my mum brought a different washing powder the day before this all flared up, and my rashes are in places where clothes rub or chafe.. So 2 days ago we rewashed all of my clothes/bedding with sensitive stuff, but there's been no improvements yet..

I've been prescribed strong anti-histamines by the Dr. today which ''should'' help, but if not i'll have to have 'prick tests'.

I was just wondering if anyone on here could shed some light regarding allergies to ferrets please? Any advice or info would be appreciated thanks.

Frozen water bottles????

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:08:40 +0000

Hi all,
Although i keep checking and unfreezing the water bottles, am worried about during the night and while we're at work! Do ferrets drink much during the night, or are they asleep all night?

Care for a pet day, Bristol

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:05:57 +0000

HorseWorld are holding a 'Care for a pet day' on Saturday 4th February 2012, 10am till 4pm

A day of fun and education brought to you by local pet charities and organisations including:

RSPCA Bath Cats & Dogs Home

Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary

The Littlest Rescue with Boarding Bunnies at Home

Mutts with Friends Dog Rescue

Rat Care workshops

Giving you the chance to meet a variety of smaller animals including ferrets, dogs, rabbits, rats and more!

For more information, please visit Care for a pet day at HorseWorld

wilkos cat litter

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:14:28 +0000

i've just been into wilkinsons and they are selling wood base cat litter i dont use it myself. bags are 15 litres at $4.70 per bag i dont no if this any cheaper i thought it was worth a mention......

Hi

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:40:16 +0000

Hi,

I had ferrets years ago (well my parents got them) and am looking for some more.

My Dad was a member of the Wirral Ferret club, but he cant seem to find any more information on it (on the web), and he cant find any contact info for the guy he originally got our ferrets from (Colin???).

We had x3 ferrets previously, all jills - Molly (runt of the pack.. Very smart..), Macy (Psycho Albino of the pack..) and Sadie (Slow and lazy!)..

My missus wants some pets and I've managed to persuade her to get some ferrets (YAY). But its been about 6 years since we owned them, so we don't really know any contacts in the area to get some.. Hence why I'm here

Thanks

Robbie

I have a very clever ferrets or a stupid one

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:27:08 +0000

I noticed the food wasn't being touch that mouch the last 2 days, so desided to weight everyone, and found Havoc had dropped to under his summer weight and being the weather as it is he has come in.

But as soon as he went into the indoor cage he ate and drank.

so I come to 2 conclutions

one, its been so cold he couldn't bother to get up to eat or drink.

or

Two, he knew if he lost weight he would come in out of the cold.
so I iver have a very clever ferret or a very stupid one.

One a serious note he'll be in for the weekend to make shore he definotly ok

In season now!

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:17:53 +0000

Well im shocked. peppers always the 1st to come into season but now?! Ive slowly been getting all my girls done and have 6 left to do. As always give them a good check over everyday and last night wonderd why my hand was a bit wet. Cant believe shes in full blown season now. looks like 2 of the others are showing signs now to. Anyone elses come in already? last year it was mid/end Feb which is early. Every year its earlier and earlier.

Brrrr - its chilly

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:47:46 +0000

So just a quick reminder to new comers to make sure there is lots and lots of bedding in the hutches tonight - with the cold weather coming things like hay/straw/shredded paper is unlikely to be warm enough.
Make sure the hutches/sleep boxes are stuffed full of fleece blankets or old fleecy jumpers.
I have just put some more in mine ( 5 full sized human blankets in each sleep box and a human pillow under the blankets for extra warmth )

Pics of Completed Ferret Build

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:20:23 +0000

Thought I'd post a couple of pics of the completed conversion of one of my outbuildings and the run built off it for my 7 fuzz butts.

I need to take some pics of it now it has all their kitty city, toys etc in it but for now these are the ones unfurnished. There have been a few minor alterations since.

A ferretless hello!

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:20:31 +0000

Hello!

My name's Emma, and I'm a ferret lover!

I'm yet to get my perfect black sable ferret (called Malcome) but I'm hoping to make my dream come true in the near future. I was so close to getting said ferret about three years ago, but it never happened.

I was going through a "I want it, now I don't, now I do, now I don't" stage, and decided it would be better to wait until I was more committed before getting a ferret.

I haven't thought about it all that much since, but it seems now is the right time. When I stopped thinking about ferrets, I stopped reading about them, as well. Which means I could use a few refresher courses.

Hence my appearance on a ferret forum! I'll more than likely have some convincing to do before anynew pets are brought into the house...I don't think my mum likes ferrets much...so I'll have plenty of time to research.

I'll probably just be lurking around, reading some threads and getting a feel for ferrets from the people who live with them, but I wanted to introduce myself.