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Post by raynebc on Nov 2, 2016 14:21:40 GMT -5
I change my ferrets' bedding every week and clean their litter box out twice a day. I haven't washed my ferrets in a long time though, so I figure this is one of the least destructive ways to do so.
I read that it should be kept away from eyes, is this just a matter of discomfort like getting soap/shampoo in eyes or is it more concerning? If the ferrets lap up any of it (they've sometimes done this with plain water baths), would it be particularly harmful or should I just discourage them from doing so? I'm getting a pound of very finely ground oatmeal online, do I just use a similar dilution as prescribed for humans or should ferrets get a different strength? Should I massage any of the solution on their heads or avoid doing so (to keep it out of their eyes) and mostly allow them to soak in it for several minutes before rinsing them off? Are there any other considerations to take into account?
Thanks in advance.
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Post by Corvidophile on Nov 3, 2016 7:47:43 GMT -5
My opinion on soaping up ferrets (and cats/dogs, too) is to use human baby shampoo. It's cheaper, safer, and more easy to find than safe pet shampoos (regulations are different and FAR more lax on what types of detergents and concentrations are allowed in animal shampoos). In either case, squirt it in your hand (not directly on animal) and lather it up before massaging it onto the fur, this helps avoid a strong concentration touching the skin.
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Post by Sherry on Nov 3, 2016 9:49:20 GMT -5
Why not just put plain oatmeal in a sock and toss it in while filling the bath? Same thing without the chemicals. And won't hurt the eyes or strip the oils.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 3, 2016 10:06:42 GMT -5
Some folks argue they don't need baths. But if they get into something icky and you need to wash them, there's lots of ways to do it. I just bring them in the shower with me, and make it quick.
Honest I'm more concerned with their ears. My vet showed me how to use a q-tip dipped in warm water to clean the brown stuff from their ears and that keeps them from getting stinky.
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Post by raynebc on Nov 3, 2016 12:03:47 GMT -5
There's no chemicals in the product I bought. It's literally just extremely fine-ground oats. I've read on the forum that people often use this to treat particularly itchy ferrets or if they want to use a cleanser that doesn't strip oils from their skin.
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Post by Aftershock on Nov 3, 2016 12:04:47 GMT -5
I just rinse, or if it's REALLY bad, plain oatmeal. much easier on the skin.
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Post by Sherry on Nov 4, 2016 11:13:14 GMT -5
Some folks argue they don't need baths. But if they get into something icky and you need to wash them, there's lots of ways to do it. I just bring them in the shower with me, and make it quick. I often give a warm water soak Water isn't the problem- it is soap/shampoo.
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Post by raynebc on Nov 5, 2016 20:20:11 GMT -5
Sherry , you don't seem opposed to a pure oatmeal bath. Did you have any concerns about it coming into contact with ferret eyes? This could happen with your suggestion of oats strained in a sock, but might be more likely when the bath water has very finely ground oats suspended in it.
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Post by mjbez on Nov 5, 2016 22:37:53 GMT -5
I have been using colloidal oatmeal baths for years now with my guys (only when they need it). I have not had any issues with it coming into contact with their eyes. However, mine do tend to keep their eyes out of the water. It is great for itchy, or dirty ferrets. I discourage them from drinking it but a little isn't going to kill them. I use a bit less than what it calls for (maybe 1/3 of a pack in the bottom of my tub.... which would be a couple Tbsp maybe). I think oats are a better option than soaps. Regardless of the kinds of soap, oats are still natural and don't strip all the oils from their skin. It makes them so soft.
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Post by raynebc on Nov 5, 2016 23:03:26 GMT -5
Thank you for your input.
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Post by Sherry on Nov 6, 2016 10:39:09 GMT -5
While I personally have never used it I see no reason it would cause any issues. The problem could occur if they got particulate matter in their eyes, but not from the oatmeal/water itself.
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