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Post by Rhythm'sMommy on Jun 28, 2013 15:03:32 GMT -5
So about two weeks ago I was given a 4 year old ferret and a ferret nation.
He is a wonderful ferret and even has lots of interest in raw (I feed my long
hair Chihuahua raw). I noticed that his cage is caked on with very strong
ferret smell and my mother isn't too thrilled about it and neither am I when
I go to sit at the couch (his cage is behind it near the dinning room table as
that's the only place it seems to fit at the moment). He had a buddy that sadly
passed away the day before I got him and I'm thinking because there were two
that's why the cage smells so strongly. I actually enjoy ferret smell but this smell
is too strong and a bit on the nasty side. It doesn't help that we live in an apartment.
I was wondering if I could get advise on how to get rid of the smell as safely
and most effective as possible.
My other concern is that I feel he may be deaf. He seems to respond to crinkle
bag (like his treats and food bag) but then seems to ignore most other sounds.
Is there a way to test him? His ears are filthy but I'm not exactly sure how to
go about cleaning them.
Sorry for the long post, and thank you in advance for any help.
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Post by Rhythm'sMommy on Jun 28, 2013 15:07:31 GMT -5
Just wanted to share a sleeping picture of him as well.  |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2013 15:24:01 GMT -5
Can you take the cage outside to rinse off somewhere? My number one cleaning method that works for pretty much everything is simple and pet safe. I keep a spray bottle with diluted vinegar, and another full of hydrogen peroxide. I also keep a shaker bottle of baking soda, but that's for carpet stains and cleaning the cage's tray. First thing you should do is spray down the entire cage really well with vinegar (maybe even undiluted for the extra strength), followed by a spray down of hydrogen peroxide while the vinegar is still on the cage. These two act very well together for controlling odor, but it is recommended not to mix them in the bottle as it can make them less effective in the future. If there are any spots on the cage tray you can sprinkle some baking soda on it and spray it with the two sprays, it will fizz up and break down the caked on stuff. Wipe everything down after about 5 minutes, then repeat if necessary, depending on the strength of the odor. You can hose it down if you want to get rid of the vinegar smell. I also suggest doing this process outside to air out the rather nasty smell of vinegar mixed with urine and feces.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2013 15:30:02 GMT -5
As for the deaf issue (sorry I couldn't edit my other post to include this from my phone), the best two tests are either squeaking a dog's squeaker toy, or turning on a vacuum. Both should get an immediate reaction if the ferret hears them, if he's deaf he will remain near the vacuum and investigate it. If he can hear he will instantly run for cover or at the very least flinch pretty strongly. If he can hear with the squeaking toy test he will energetically try to attack it and steal it from you (in most cases). Another variation of this test is to hold the toy behind his head where he can't see it and doesn't know it is there then squeak it, if he hears it he will turn his head to investigate.
As for ear cleaning, here is a good video on how to do it.
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Post by Rhythm'sMommy on Jun 28, 2013 15:37:19 GMT -5
Thank you so much! How do you dilute your vinegar? I can't go outside with the cage but can rinse in the tub. I figured it would just be the trays anyways.
Do you think his dirty ears could be causing him hearing problems? Or maybe the fact that he is still pretty new here and wants to just explore still.
I will be trying all three and see what happens after I clean his ears.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2013 15:55:10 GMT -5
Depending on the strength you need you just add water. You can do half and half, or increase the vinegar if you need it stronger.
There could be a very good change he will hear better once his ears are clean, and it's also very likely that he just has selective hearing and doesn't want to pay attention to you yet lol he might also have ear mites which could damage his ears. But even if he is deaf, it's really not much of a disability believe it or not. My ferret is completely deaf but most people can't even believe it because he doesnt act like it. The only problem I have with it is I can't call him or get his attention with a squeaker if I do happen to think I lost him.
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Post by Rhythm'sMommy on Jun 28, 2013 16:08:34 GMT -5
I'll try half and half and see if that's strong enough.
I cleaned his ears, it didn't have a smell to it like ear mites are said to have so I think it was just his ears never got cleaned.
I did the test and he responded so he definitely isn't deaf. I think he does have selective hearing, lol. If he was deaf it wouldn't have bothered me just was interested in knowing if he really was or not.
Again thank you so much!
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2013 16:11:20 GMT -5
No problem, Glad I could help  |
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Post by Rhythm'sMommy on Jun 28, 2013 16:24:17 GMT -5
You were a very big help |
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Post by Sherry on Jun 28, 2013 22:14:18 GMT -5
Has he had a vet check to be certain it's not mites? Getting a baseline is a good idea regardless.
For the cage, take a spray bottle of 50/50 vinegar/water and another bottle 3% hydrogen peroxide. Spray on the peroxide, wipe off thoroughly with a damp cloth the repeat with the vinegar water mix. Be sure to wipe down all the bars as well as these will also hold the oils.
Changing to a high quality diet(preferably raw) will also decrease any odours drastically.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 29, 2013 12:42:33 GMT -5
Regarding the smell, this is what I do. Once a month or less when the cage starts to get grungy I do a big clean up of their cage/room
-I take the cage trays out and wash them either outside or in the bathtub with dishsoap and water, then I spot clean any messy spots with 50/50 vinegar/water, if there is dry mess like kibble/litter then I got a little dustpan and broom.
-Then I take out all the bedding and wash it with hot water and scent free detergent.
-Then I take all the food dishes and wash them
-Then this is kinda gross, I empty all their litter bins and wash them using paper towel and dish soap and water. I put fresh litter in. Some people even suggest baking soda but I found urine made it cake on the bottom.
-Not sure if this is bad but I use a couple drops of tea tree oil mixed with water in a spray bottle from the dollar store as an anti-bacterial air freshener/room spray.
-On warm days I open the window to fresh up the stale air
Edit: also I clean their litter every day. I find it's the litter smell that bothers me not the ferret smell. So if it's right in your face, you might need to clean up twice a day.
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Post by Rhythm'sMommy on Jun 29, 2013 21:01:00 GMT -5
Thank you guys!
I cleaned the cage with the mixes and my goodness what a change of smells, lol. Everyone seems happy with the less ferret-y smell in the apartment.
I will make sure to ask if its mites when I take him in.
I would love to switch him to raw (he enjoys the pieces of raw that I give him) but till a few weeks I can't as we are tight on budget. Till then he will have to sadly finish the Marshall's food he was on when given to me. But hopefully in two weeks I can.
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Post by Sherry on Jun 30, 2013 11:03:17 GMT -5
Very bad actually  Tea Tree oil is an essential oil. Carnivores cannot expel this toxin from their body so it builds up over time in the organs, ultimately leading to organ failure some years down the road. In the interim- you can always give him some meat trimmings, etc. Or even a day a week of full raw to keep him familiar with it. Just be sure to keep the kibble/raw completely separated as for many ferrets(but not all) it can lead to some really upset tummies and potential bacterial overloads. |
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