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Post by ferretofoz on Oct 28, 2012 1:31:45 GMT -5
Seeking techniques or ideas on keeping nursing ferrets cool during warmer weather when air conditioning not available. Currently using a room fan & cool drink (PET Bottles) filled with salted water & frozen. The bottle almost stays cool until I return home from work & replace Your ideas are welcomed  |
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Post by sierratheferret on Oct 28, 2012 4:16:16 GMT -5
Hi.. i hail from asia and in my country its warm and hot all year round! Since my little girl is housed indoors, she is pretty nice and comfy.  But i have been observing some of the ferrents here, they get those cooling ceramic tiles which we use as flooring in some houses, and lay it out on the bottom of the cage. This way the ferrets are nice and cool when they lay on the ceramic tiles Might wanna keep fleece bedding away and keep it to just cottons too |
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Post by bitbyter on Oct 28, 2012 9:43:49 GMT -5
The fan isn't going to help in any way. Fans work by moving air across our skin to speed the evaporation effect from our sweat. Since ferrets don't sweat the fan isn't doing anything.
The cooling bottles work well though, keep them out of direct sunlight, try moving the cage into the basement if you can. You could also try putting the ceramic tiles on top of the cooling bottles in a low box to spread the cooling effect over a larger area?
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Post by Deleted on Oct 28, 2012 10:40:28 GMT -5
Fans DO work as long as there is moisture to evaporate. (Swamp coolers). However, the swamp cooler works best in dry climates (swamp coolers don't work in places like Florida because the air is already saturated with moisture so there is no "evaporative" effect.)
If you live in a dry climate.....
wet towels can be hung on one side of the cage with air blowing past them - but you won't want a strong direct "wind" on the animals.
-jenifer
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Post by Deleted on Oct 28, 2012 19:38:36 GMT -5
Frozen bottles of water, lots of shade & a cool box. My jills would wedge themselves between their ice packs & their kits, so they can keep nursing but be cool at the same time. Sometimes I'd spray mum with a light mist of cold water, kept in the fridge in a spritz bottle thingo. Worked well.
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Post by bitbyter on Oct 28, 2012 20:09:35 GMT -5
True swamp coolers would be helpful in a dry environment. If you placed the frozen water bottles in front of the fan that would help.
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Post by crazylady on Oct 29, 2012 14:45:02 GMT -5
Hi you can also use an off cut of marble placed under a towel in the nursing box ( or ceramic tiles ) take care bye for now
Bev
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Post by ferretofoz on Nov 5, 2012 4:37:18 GMT -5
Thanks team for your valued input. We are in a dry climate & I find the fan does circulate the air well with the frozen bottles. I find the Jills do like to lay against them or push the bedding against them & seem to enjoy the fan air.
The ceramic tiles are a great idea.
They are inside so I dont have direct sun light as an issue.
I was seeking additional technique to the ones I was already using and have valued the suggestions.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2012 7:18:40 GMT -5
Check this out, its a 5 star goon sack LOL freezable. I've ordered one for when I get my fuzzballs www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=428968247152961&set=oa.306093749424118&type=1&theaterOne could use this or frozen water bottles. Depending on your set up at home you could provide mum with a pool??? maybe?? On an upper level of course that kits cannot get to it. She wont be able to nurse at the same time of course, but if mum had the option she may go for a dip?  ?? |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2012 7:19:20 GMT -5
Ice cubes in a water dish are fun to play with.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2012 7:56:55 GMT -5
Hi where abouts are you in Oz. one of our admins on our group makes waterbeds, they are becoming very popular. she gets 5 litre wine bladders and sews a zip up hammock for them to fit in. You remove the cap, fill it 3/4 full of water, freeze it, then top up with cool water, slip it in the cover and it stays cool for about 10 hours. I have one and its great. I think she sells them for about $25. if you want to message me, I can put you in touch with her. ohh we are from Oz as well.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2012 7:59:49 GMT -5
LOL Kristina sorry didnt see your post above...there you have instuctions and a picture of the waterbeds
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Post by Heather on Nov 5, 2012 13:47:07 GMT -5
That's an interesting concept. I like that idea...out of curiosity...does it sweat a lot or does the surrounding hammy keep in the moisture?
ciao
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Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2012 18:16:20 GMT -5
No suprisingly it doesnt sweat much at all, I think it does initially but not to dampen the fabric so the fuzzys are wet. I think she may be using some rubber back fabric as well as cord which is thicker. I have not had any problems with it at all. They are quite big also, easily fit 5 ferrets. They are a big hit here in Oz and she is snowed under with orders at the moment, she's on a winner.
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Post by Heather on Nov 5, 2012 21:51:00 GMT -5
Sounds fantastic. I'm so happy she has deviced this fuzzy cooler. It's too bad she's so far away  ;D ciao |
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