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Post by arlo on Mar 10, 2017 16:30:42 GMT -5
my three ferrets only seem to have potty troubles outside of their cage. Is there any advice specific to out-of-the-cage litter training? also, my oldest one seems to be going through wheezy fits, and coughing fits every now and again. I was recommended to Ferretrx I believe its called for it. Does this stuff work, and more importantly is it safe to give my ferret? |
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Post by LindaM on Mar 10, 2017 17:42:19 GMT -5
FerretRX isn't good for your ferret at all, far as I recall at least. Ferrets are pretty prone to upper respiratory infections (URI) though, they can also get allergies and the flu (influenza, but not the normal cold though, the rhinovirus). They are also prone to pneumonia, which can only be diagnosed by a vet through X-Ray. So if it is consistently happening, or happens often, I'd have the vet check them out just to be safe. Other than that, ferrets will have a few sneezes or coughs now and again, as a hair or bit of fur gets up their nose or stuck in their throat, or if they tried to eat too fast.
Things around the house that can cause easy allergies and respiratory distress include clumping & clay litters, wood shavings, frangrances like perfumes and air fresheners, detergents with fragrances, wood oils, dust, other animal fur & dander and their own especially during shedding season, etc.
As for out of the cage litter boxes, you'll need to have enough boxes around. I have a litter box in every room for my ferrets, since they free-roam, I know some people do two litter boxes or litter box and a puppy pad per room.
You can try putting blankets down if there's an area they consistently poop in when out of the cage, if it's all over the place though, that likely won't help.
When you clean up, make sure to scrub the heck out of the area, since ferret noses are quite sharp. I usually go over at least two times with a pet friendly detergent (Nature's Miracle, Petastic or the like) and then finish off with my steam mop going over it again for the floors, carpet I just use a bit of water after the detergent and dry the area best I can with a towel to remove excess wet. You can also use vinegar to remove the smell, just test a part of the floor first to make sure it doesn't damage. If they are going on washable items like clothing or blankets, throw in the washing machine with a good amount of a fragrance-free, dye-free detergent or some vinegar to wash out the smell.
Teach them the litter box is where to go by leaving at least one poopie in there when you clean the box. And when you see them aim for somewhere else, call out to them to get their attention, run over and grab them and get to a litter box, place them inside and don't let them run off until they've used the box since you know they need to go. After you can reward with praise or praise and a treat. You can do that every time you see them use the box by themselves too. I used FDR treats like Orijen or PureBites (try to avoid the liver only ones since it could lead to too much Vitamin A if given a lot) for mine, and after a while I didn't even bother with treats anymore and just praised, but it definitely helped in the beginning.
And just for the heck of it, my ferret litter boxes are all the same in cage and around the house, other than the cat's two litter boxes which they will also use, but we keep the litter type consistent between all the boxes with just some extra paper pellets added to the ferret boxes to help keep litter tracking down.
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Post by arlo on Mar 10, 2017 17:51:04 GMT -5
thank you! now as for the ferretrx, is it just unhealthy? does it cause health problems? I read everywhere that it helps with breathing and coughing but I was skeptical
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Post by LindaM on Mar 10, 2017 18:35:36 GMT -5
FerretRX contains Camphor, which is an essential oil. Essential Oils should never be used with ferrets as they are toxic to them, worst case scenario is death, best case scenario is respiratory damages and organ failures.
Camphor has been known to be fatal to cats even in small quantities. It leads to renal and kidney failure, seizures and death. Same could then be said for ferrets.
The Oil of Origanum, and Oil of Rosemary, that are in the ingredients list are both also Essential Oils.
Most commercial products that end up labeled for use in ferrets, shouldn't really ever be used for ferrets. This includes the products Ferrelax, Ferrevite, Ferretone, Bandit Ferret Treats, Marshall's Ferret Shampoos, Marshall's Kibbles, etc. These products tend to be full of sugars, oils, or carcinogenic ingredients that can all lead to health problems.
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Post by unclejoe on Mar 10, 2017 20:33:38 GMT -5
Just posted this on another thread...
I have a few observations about litter... Ferrets like to go in corners. I think it's because they feel vulnerable when they go. I mean, crapping is the most vulnerable time of anyone's day. So they like to see around them. If you cut down one side of the litter box so they can see, (leave it 2" high anyway) they might be happier, and it will help with their laziness hopping over the side, lol. Our cage litter boxes are 6" deep dish basins, with one side cut down, and they never miss in the cage. Outside we have puppy pads and newspapers in strategic locations. Of over 2 dozen ferrets in our careers, it's like none ever liked boxes outside the cage. Try puppy pads outside.
I got my first 4 ferrets at Pet Supermarket and each time the sales person recommended FerretRx, saying that ferrets have sensitive respiratory systems. I'm not so sure they do. They live on the floor of human homes with all the dust bunnies and we use pine pellet litter. If your ferret ever develops breathing issues or nasal discharge, he should see a vet. Respiratory infections are treatable (and could turn into pneumonia). FerretRx at best might treat symptoms but isn't a cure for anything.
Btw, the salespeople also recommended corner litter boxes, Marshall ferret food (which is better now than it was), flicking noses for bite training, etc., none of which are approved by experienced ferrents. But, this was 10 years ago. Now, if I even look at a pet store ferret, I try to educate the sales person and/or manager, at least to get them to do some research.
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Post by Heather on Mar 11, 2017 11:50:25 GMT -5
Having researched the FerretRX ingredients a few years ago (it's probably posted on here somewhere) it was concluded it would be a great product to keep Marshal in business....meaning to replace your ferrets. It carries 2 essential oils Balsam and Camphor both which are dangerous enough as a herb, much less as an EO. It also carries oil of origanum...which is in layman's terms oil of oregano. This has been proven toxic even to humans if proper protocol is not observed (proper dilution and dosing). This product is dangerous for your ferret. If your ferret has a persistent and hacking cough, please vet as ferret are prone to upper respiratory infections which can and do lead to pneumonia (which can only be diagnosed with an xray), heart conditions which aren't uncommon in ferrets also has a persistent and hacking cough. Another that is also an issue which I encountered this month is cancer. That being said, it could be as simple as the shed is causing a hair to be caught in the throat.
So, no....do not use FerretRX as a protocol
ciao
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