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Post by Deleted on May 7, 2011 12:26:02 GMT -5
So my little ones are so fully of energy and I'm thinking they need some more stimulation / some new things to keep their little minds busy! ;D So I was thinking about getting some good dig boxes going inside and possibly venturing with them outside now that it's starting to get a little warmer (when it's not raining at least ) Dig Boxes: I have 2 high-sided rubber maid bins that I am going to put a tube going into but I haven't really found something they like to dig in yet.I've tried those children's ball-pit balls and they are a little terrified of them, poor babies -I picked up some long grain white rice (minute maid instant rice was the only kind I could find... it doesn't matter if it's instant does it?) so I'm going to give that a try assuming the instant kind is safe. -I also got a bunch of those packing peanuts with my order from ferret.com... are those safe? -As far as dirt goes... I cannot find potting soil / top soil anywhere that doesn't have peat moss, or fertilizier or something added into it... any ideas where I can get just plain potting soil that is safe for them? -Any thing else I could give a try in the dig box that's safe? -What about hiding live crickets and mealworms in the dig box? I have tons of crickets and mealworms all the time for my hedgehogs... and I've heard that ferrets can eat bugs, right? Going outside: -Is it safe for them to go for a walk before they've had all their vaccines? I don't think distemper can be picked up from the ground like parvo can for dogs if I remember correctly... but is there anything else they can pick up? -What brand/type of harnesses do you use? I bought some that looked like they would stay on my little ones (some walking vest wider ones) but they can get out of them in 2 seconds flat! -How cold is too cold for these guys to be outside and how hot is too hot? -Any other outdoor dangers I should be wary of? -What about putting collars with ID tags on them when they are outside, in case of escape from the harness? Thanks!
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Post by Deleted on May 7, 2011 12:47:57 GMT -5
-I picked up some long grain white rice (minute maid instant rice was the only kind I could find... it doesn't matter if it's instant does it?) so I'm going to give that a try assuming the instant kind is safe. I think instant rice is a no no. I am not sure on this, but I think it's because when ingested it will swell, and maybe potentially cause a blockage? Not too sure, I just remember reading no instant rice. -I also got a bunch of those packing peanuts with my order from ferret.com... are those safe? Are they made of starch? If not, I think they'd be a blockage risk too. But if they aren't eating them, and you watch carefully, they could be okay. I never let my kids play with peanuts alone and they've never shown a interest in eating them. -As far as dirt goes... I cannot find potting soil / top soil anywhere that doesn't have peat moss, or fertilizier or something added into it... any ideas where I can get just plain potting soil that is safe for them? The peat moss added should be okay. A few here just peat moss dig boxes! Fertilizers and chemicals are a no no Maybe try ordering it online? -Any thing else I could give a try in the dig box that's safe? Shredded paper, easter eggs, easter grass, crumpled paper, plastic baggies, coins, peat moss, leaves, grass... -What about hiding live crickets and mealworms in the dig box? I have tons of crickets and mealworms all the time for my hedgehogs... and I've heard that ferrets can eat bugs, right? That would be super great for enrichment - if you can get them to eat/chase the bugs ;D -Is it safe for them to go for a walk before they've had all their vaccines? I don't think distemper can be picked up from the ground like parvo can for dogs if I remember correctly... but is there anything else they can pick up? Distemper is airborne (is transmitted through aersole droplets from sneezing, urine on the ground, salivia (I think?). I keep my kids indoors until they get their 6 month distemper shot, just to be safe. A lot of wild life in FL carry distemper and I don't like to risk it. -What brand/type of harnesses do you use? I bought some that looked like they would stay on my little ones (some walking vest wider ones) but they can get out of them in 2 seconds flat! 5-in-1 premiere harness. You can get them from PetSupermarket and Ferret.com -How cold is too cold for these guys to be outside and how hot is too hot? Cold they can stand much better. Ferrets can play in snow and such, just look for signs of getting too cold, shivering, running to the door, etc. Hot is what ferrets aren't tolerant of. If it gets past 80 degrees F, I wouldn't bring them outside. -Any other outdoor dangers I should be wary of? When going outside, always check them after for fleas, parasites, bugs etc. -What about putting collars with ID tags on them when they are outside, in case of escape from the harness? That would be a great idea. Try to get a really small one so it doesn't drag on the floor
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Post by katt on May 7, 2011 13:03:19 GMT -5
-I picked up some long grain white rice (minute maid instant rice was the only kind I could find... it doesn't matter if it's instant does it?) so I'm going to give that a try assuming the instant kind is safe.NO. Instant rice is very dangerous. It expands in their stomach if they accidentally (or purposely) ingest some and can cause a blockage. ONLY the non-instant kind should be used. -I also got a bunch of those packing peanuts with my order from ferret.com... are those safe?If they are Styrofoam, then no. If they are starch, yes. There is a very clear difference in texture and appearance between the two. But there is also an easy way to test. Put a peanut in a cup of water. If it dissolves, it is starch and is safe to use. -As far as dirt goes... I cannot find potting soil / top soil anywhere that doesn't have peat moss, or fertilizier or something added into it... any ideas where I can get just plain potting soil that is safe for them?I use peat moss. It does not turn into mud when wet and is very easy to vacuum up. They sell big bales of it at Home Depot. I also mixed in a little playsand - also at Home Depot. (I used the sand to make the peat moss siltier and heavier for my iguana's nesting box and had some leftover, but peat moss on it's own is great too.) -Any thing else I could give a try in the dig box that's safe?Pinp-pong balls, crumpled up paper, play sand, plastic Easter eggs... -What about hiding live crickets and mealworms in the dig box? I have tons of crickets and mealworms all the time for my hedgehogs... and I've heard that ferrets can eat bugs, right?Yes but I would just feed them in the tub personally. Not all ferrets like them. Koda won't touch them, Kenai really enjoys them. I just see them being very hard to catch in the dig box and getting lost or escaping into your room. Plus they might accidentally eat whatever is in the dig box when they catch the bugs. -Is it safe for them to go for a walk before they've had all their vaccines? I don't think distemper can be picked up from the ground like parvo can for dogs if I remember correctly... but is there anything else they can pick up?Yes it is safe. My boys go out all of the time. There is a risk of heartworm if it is prevalent in your area. This is very deadly in ferrets. Check into heartguard for cats from your vet. We don't have heartworm here thank goodness. Apple Cider vinegar in the water will help repel mosquitoes I think... And there is always a risk of parasites and such, but the risk is relatively small. It really depends on your area though. Some areas are worse than others. -What brand/type of harnesses do you use? I bought some that looked like they would stay on my little ones (some walking vest wider ones) but they can get out of them in 2 seconds flat!I use Marshalls. Put them on very tight! They can go tighter than you might think. -Any other outdoor dangers I should be wary of?Other animals, getting stepped on.... -What about putting collars with ID tags on them when they are outside, in case of escape from the harness?You can get them micro-chipped. It is pretty inexpensive here. And if they get loose, a collar is not going to stay on very long. They are even easier to slip than harnesses. [/quote]
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Post by Deleted on May 7, 2011 13:18:13 GMT -5
Thank you both! Good to know about the instant rice, I thought I'd better check before I used it! Phewph, glad I avoided that one!!! I'll let my brother know he can eat it now ;D Since I can't find long-grained white rice here... what about Indian rices? I have Basmati Rice and Jasmine rice in my pantry, both are longer-grained rices and they aren't instant... are these okay? The packing peanuts do not dissolve in water, so I through them out. I'd rather not risk it. I'll pick up some plain peat moss, good to know you can use that!! Thanks for the other dig box suggestions too! I'll check out both those harnesses! Thanks! We do not have heartworm in Alberta, far too cold, yay! We also don't have a lot of parasites, at least not in the city so that's good. I might wait until they have all their distemper boosters anyways just to be safe, but I'm guessing they'd be fine in my backyard for now on leash, since my dogs have all been vaccinated and no other dogs / wildlife that could carry distemper goes in there. Good idea about the microchip, I'll ask for them when we go back to the vet next! And I figured they could probably slip the collars, I just worry that people won't think to check for microchips in ferrets
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Post by katt on May 7, 2011 13:40:58 GMT -5
Since I can't find long-grained white rice here... what about Indian rices? I have Basmati Rice and Jasmine rice in my pantry, both are longer-grained rices and they aren't instant... are these okay? I would think so. We do not have heartworm in Alberta, far too cold, yay! We also don't have a lot of parasites, at least not in the city so that's good. I might wait until they have all their distemper boosters anyways just to be safe, but I'm guessing they'd be fine in my backyard for now on leash, since my dogs have all been vaccinated and no other dogs / wildlife that could carry distemper goes in there.Yaaay! haha Alaska is the same way. I guess all that cold is good for something after all! I would say that in that case, it is pretty safe. Koda has his shots, Kenai has not had his 6 month but did get his initial distemper. I just worry that people won't think to check for microchips in ferrets Unfortunately, that is an issue...
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Post by Sherry on May 7, 2011 18:50:08 GMT -5
Any kind of long grain rice is fine Jasmine makes for an interesting dig box, just because of the scent being different. For the halter, I put it on so I can just fit the end of my pinkie under the collar part, and my pinkie up to the first joint on the belly strap. Let them wear it around the house a few times before putting the leash on. Then practice with the leash inside the house. A good tip for walking them- don't let them back up and pull the leash taut. That's how they slip them ;D With any ferret that's "found" here, it's turned over to FRES, and they always check for microchips The possible problem is if someone decides NOT to turn the animal in I talked to one of the vets at the clinic, and they'd only had one episode of distemper in a ferret last year, and that ferret had been brought into the area from elsewhere. I don't think we have too much to worry about.
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Post by Deleted on May 7, 2011 19:01:33 GMT -5
Awesome I'll give the Jasmine rice a go later tonight, they are just itching to dig in something! I will also get some good harnesses and start practicing around the house. Thanks for the leash tips! I forgot we had wonderful FRES, well hopefully the little monsters never escape, I'll have to be extra careful... if only they could learn to "come" like dogs do ;D
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Post by Sherry on May 7, 2011 19:03:58 GMT -5
If they don't play in the rice at first, just sprinkle some on their backs and heads- but watch your hands when you do ;D
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Post by valkyriestorm on May 7, 2011 20:23:30 GMT -5
Just brought my first dig box home for the first time ever for my boys. Found a big box at work filled with starch packing peanuts, cut holes high on the box so they could get in and out, hid treats in the box, and put the ferrets in it and they played for less then five minutes, ate, then went back to sleep. Hope they play with it more. Or maybe they are too old and lazy
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Post by Sherry on May 7, 2011 23:47:29 GMT -5
Try sprinkling the peanuts over them. It usually makes them go bonkers ;D
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Post by Deleted on May 8, 2011 1:33:37 GMT -5
So it turns out my ferrets HATE the rice box, they absolutely lost it when I put them in and not in a good, digging and having fun way but in a "ahh mommy get me the heck out of here!!!" way ;D The sad little looks they were giving me and flailing around and trying to climb me out of the box. Definitely a change from the play balls which they both just went splat in and looked terrifed that the ground moved every time they walked Maybe Peat moss will go better? ;D Where do you get those starch packing peanuts from? I'm thinking those they might not mind. Or perhaps they just don't like the fact that the sides of my digs box are so high? I could add an entrance way maybe?
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Post by Sherry on May 8, 2011 10:07:05 GMT -5
Save it for later then. They'll enjoy it then ;D You could also try them one at a time in it, and have a handful of rice ready to sprinkle on them when they get in.
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Post by Deleted on May 8, 2011 11:39:52 GMT -5
Can you take them outside for a real dig? I find it helps stimulate the digging drive to get some real dirt under their nails ;D
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Post by Deleted on May 8, 2011 14:50:40 GMT -5
@ Sherry - good idea, I'll try them one at a time and if they still aren't liking it, I'll just wait until they are older.
@ Jackie - I'll have to get them some good harnesses and get them used to them first (and make sure they can't escape) but I could take them in the flowerbed outside and let them dig around in that?
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Post by Sherry on May 9, 2011 1:06:10 GMT -5
Definitely! Mine adore getting their little paws in my garden
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