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Post by Deleted on Apr 13, 2015 21:43:31 GMT -5
I was wondering what people's thoughts on ferretone are? I have introduced ferretone to my newly adopted ferret as a reward and for distraction around nail clipping. She has never had it before now. I noticed that her poop has changed color and is mucousy. Is this a result of ferretone? Is it unhealthy for ferrets? If so, what is a good substititution? Ruby is 7 months old, transitioning into her new home with me, and has been fed Marshall kibble since birth. I am planning on transitioning her into a raw food diet. Thanks for your help  |
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Post by Heather on Apr 13, 2015 22:53:29 GMT -5
I won't use ferretone because it's preserving agent is BHA/BHT (a known carcinogen) I use herring oil right now but also use salmon and marine fish oils
ciao
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Post by Deleted on Apr 14, 2015 9:34:07 GMT -5
Like Heather said, it's very controversial due to the cancer causing agents.
I use Wild Grizzly salmon oil. You have to get them use to it, but by adding a drop or two of the ferretone and mixing it, you can get them converted over.
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Post by RedSky on Apr 14, 2015 11:05:11 GMT -5
We use salmon oil too. Make sure it's just salmon oil and nothing else added. Some put rosemary in to help preserve it or add in vitamins and other random things, that's not good. You want 100% salmon oil, or other marine oils. Some use other oils like extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil. Personally I don't let my ferrets have anything that isn't from an animal.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 14, 2015 12:11:09 GMT -5
Thank you all I am still concerned about the poop change. Today it is still loose, shiny and lighter (greenish tan) and not the usual size. Could ferretone upset her digestion to cause such a change in her excrement? I am taking this element out of her diet and monitoring her poop to see if it goes back to normal. I am hoping that is is just a weird side effect from the ferretone that I gave her ( on her belly) when trimming her nails yesterday. Thank you for your information on substitutes. I will look into Salmon oil/fish oil. Is there a health benefit to having oils incorporated into a ferrets diet? (sniff) |
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Post by RedSky on Apr 14, 2015 12:39:51 GMT -5
It is most likely the 'tone that's caused it. However if there are any other changes such as with eating, drinking or she is lethargic it might be worth taking a sample to the vets to test for a bacterial overgrowth. I wouldn't worry too much just yet, as I said most likely just the 'tone, as she's not used to anything besides the marshalls kibble. This often sounds weird but if you are worried you can always post a picture. There is also a stool chart somewhere. Here: holisticferret60.proboards.com/thread/2469/poop-chartThere are a few health benefits to feeding omega rich oils, their coat is the most noticable, but it helps in other animals with things like joints, eyes, brain function. I'm not certain of how much ferrets benefit from these but I do think it's worth giving in small amounts. I feed it as a treat, when nail clipping or when at the vets. I think the recommended is 1/2 teaspoon twice a week, some feed it a little more or a little less. Too much will cause loose stools, too often will probably cause them to smell a bit fishy. |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 15, 2015 14:45:47 GMT -5
Thank you Redsky, Her poop has regained form and I am relieved. I spent the whole day looking at poop pretty much online yesterday! The charts are great. I couldn't find a picture that looked exactly like the condition of Ruby's poop...but you are right, it must have been the introduction of 'Tone to her. I am holding off on giving her anymore and will look into finding some appropriate oils in my area. Her poo is still a little grainier than I think it should be based on the poop charts, but that I am guessing is because she is still on kibble at this point. I will be going shopping for soup stuff and tools this week. I am very excited to get her started. She's a tiny little thing with the smallest scruff I have ever held. I hope she bulks up some with Raw food.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 15, 2015 16:46:22 GMT -5
Oils do have advantages. Here is a link on that subject: holisticferret60.proboards.com/thread/15109/oil-supplements-little-informationThis is the time of year, when most ferrets will drop a little weight. They bulk up in winter and lose some in the spring. That can frighten a ferrent who begins a switch in the spring. What helps is a weight journal. If you can keep track of her weight, you will become familiar with her patterns and then any unusual weight changes will alert you to possible problems. Of course, ferrets are smarter than us and some choose to have their seasons backwards. :heehee: |
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Post by unclejoe on Apr 15, 2015 17:50:30 GMT -5
We only use a few drops of tone for nail clipping. We haven't seen any noticeable changes in poops from it, but they only get it every 10-14 days.. Some day we'll try salmon oil.
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