Ferret Vitamins and Yellow Fur

[Sammy]

I always get so nervous about my ferret getting sick so I will constantly be reading up on things. What are your views on feeding them vitamins/daily supplements? I hear different things, but figure it can't hurt to give it to him. Opinions?
Also, my ferret has been getting a yellow patch on his upper back of a yellowish tint. His skin looks normal; white but I'm still worried it could be him getting sick. I also read it could be just his fur changing because it's often common in ferrets. If so, what should I expect in his fur change? If not, what other symptoms should I be looking for if it's his skin? Is there an easy way to tell if it's his skin or fur? His fur is so thick it's hard to tell and I'm a worry wart.

[Deleted]

Our silver sable Jezebelle will get a lot of yellow around her neck and tail around this time of year. The vet told us it is excess oil because this would be their natural breeding season.

The best thing for excess oil is a dirt bath. Water baths make them produce more oils to replenish the oil you wash out. We buy fresh potting soil and put it in a little kiddie pool or medium size container and let them burrow. I will grab Jezebelle and roll her around in the dirt and sprinkle it on her to get her to burrow and play.

As for vitamin or supplements, I noticed that their poop gets really seedy and runny if I do it daily. Some of the mentors on the site would have better advice.

[Deleted]

The best thing for them is raw. You don't need any vitamins if you feed raw/whole prey.
Most ferret owners give them oils like grizzly, salmon, olive, or coconut oil. But that is only a treat.

[Sherry]

I feed raw, and the only supplements I use are extra virgin olive oil, or one of the fish oils. 1/2 tsp every 3rd day.
The yellowing you describe is normal. It's oils that are produced especially during the time they would have gone into season had they been intact. Nothing to worry about Do NOT bath to get rid of them because you will cause the oils to be overproduced making the problem worse.

[katt]

Exactly what everyone else already said!

[crazylady]

I second everything everyone has already said if you dont want to use soil as a dry bath simply use french chalk on the coat or unscented talc then brush through thoroughly until all removed this will dry up some of the oil or you can use a dry foam cat shampoo that you spray on and brush out hope this helps take care bye for now
Bev