Booth Still Chewing Fleece

[Deleted]

Well, we thought Booth was chewing the fleece because they smelled/tasted good from the scented detergent I was using.

Unfortunately that seems to NOT be the case. The boys now only have a hammock in their cage (switching them to the new cage soon).

So then I thought it may just be fleece...I tried jeans, old sweatshirts, and even a canvas-like texture. He also chews on a new hammock in the new cage when I let them in there.

It's sheepskin.

I don't understand. I provide them with cheweasels and they don't bother with it. I've coated it in ferret lax (only the daily amount), and dipped it in their food bowl before too.

Also put some toys in their cage for enrichment but they still don't bother with any of it.

Booth doesn't paw at his mouth, he is eating normally and drinking normally and extremely active. He just...chews.

I had to take away some toys because he was chewing on the fabric.

What do I do!? I'm out of ideas. They have 1 hammock...that's it, because he chews on EVERYTHING else.

[Deleted]

maybe spray it with some bitter apple? I have no idea because I've only faced it a couple times and I just distracted them with some food.

[Deleted]

Bitter apple spray makes them chew it more

Thanks for the idea though

[taratee]

where are you in the switching process?

[miamiferret2]

I had a ferret that was a CHRONIC blanket eater. He would eat anything made of cloth. I had to remove all cloth and toys and he had to sleep on shredded newspaper. I kept putting blankets in and if i ese that he hadn't broken out of the habit, I would remove it again.

[taratee]

what helped crane with chewing was this
www.petsupermarket.com/Products/petsupermarket/PID-843651023.aspx

the wobbly ball he only gets it when hes out but its quite big and i check it quite a lot to make sure nothing is missing from it, and i use the bigger ones because the smaller ones they destroy

[Deleted]

Feb 21, 2011 14:54:38 GMT -5 @taratee said:

where are you in the switching process?

We just got the new litter boxes in, so probably this week we will be putting them into the new cage.

The wobbly toy looks like a good idea. Once I have more money I planned on buying them some more durable toys.

[taratee]

i was talking about the raw diet switching lol i was going to suggest chicken wings theyre pretty chewwy. that ball will last for a long time i got mine a few months ago and its pretty heavy so when they move it around they actually have to work at it

[Deleted]

Feb 21, 2011 16:16:58 GMT -5 @taratee said:

i was talking about the raw diet switching lol i was going to suggest chicken wings theyre pretty chewwy. that ball will last for a long time i got mine a few months ago and its pretty heavy so when they move it around they actually have to work at it

LOL! Oops ;D

Raw switch is...slow. I kind of have to be told "This exact product right here, is what you should use. Or this exact product right here" and I have to see a visual, otherwise I can't process what I should do.

But I never thought about raw being good for chewers, but it does make sense! Now I really want to switch lol!

[Deleted]

I have heard from others that switching them to raw/whole prey does really help with chewing problems since it gives them an outlet. It also works their jaws out enough to where I'm sure they'd get tired of chewing

[joan]

Kits chewing on their bedding was my original impetus for giving them chicken wings and necks...I've never had any fabric chewing since, either kits or adults.

[Sherry]

In the interim while you are waiting for a mentor, you can also pick up some treat toys to help keep him occupied in the cage.
holisticferret60.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=enrichment&action=display&thread=73

[Deleted]

I too found that raw helped cut down on chewing. Trixie is a blankie muncher and she's been good for a while now since the switch.

They also enjoy small tennis balls to chew on. Supervision required