37_139431 bindex.qxp 8/29/07 11:55 PM Page 373

Index

anaphylaxis, 199, 201–202 • A • anemia, 51–52, 341 AA (arachidonic acid), 140 animal shelters AAFCO (Association of American Feed adopting from, 59–61 Control Officials), 130 boarding at, 190 acetaminophen, 204, 215, 262 populations at, 336 acupuncture, 215 , 51–52, 341 AD (Aleutian Disease), 266–268 arachidonic acid (AA), 140 adenoma, 285 Archetype freeze-dried diet (Wysong), adopting ferrets. See choosing a ferret 251, 362 disease, 275–280 Aristophanes, 24, 311 ADV (Aleutian Disease Virus), 178, 266–268 Aristotle, 24 Advantage (Bayer), 237, 259 Arizona, 37 Africa, 360 artificial insemination, 36 aggression Assist Feed Recipe, 217–220, 246 during breeding season, 52 assist feeding, 219–220 from eating live prey, 134 Association of American Feed Control in new pets, 56 Officials (AAFCO), 130 during play, 306 atrophic gastritis, 249 reason behind, 319–323 Audubon, John James, 35 warning signs, 55 Augustus, Caesar, 24 air returns, ferret-proofing, 92 automobile, traveling by, 183–185 airplane, traveling by, 185–186 Avecon Diagnostics, 268 ALA (alpha-linoleic acid), 139 albino color, 30 • B • Albon, 242 alcohol, 142 baby ferrets (kits) Aleutian Disease Virus (ADV), 178, 266–268 adolescence (10-15 weeks), 353–354 allergic reactions of ferrets, birth–3 weeks, 349–351 199, 201–202, 251 birthing problems, 346–348 alligator roll, 306 COPYRIGHTEDchoosing, MATERIAL 49, 56–57 alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), 139 delivering, 344–346 altering ferrets. See neutering; spaying hand-rearing, 348 alternative diets introducing to other ferrets, 109 BARF, 125–128 litter box considerations, 79 commercial raw diets, 128–130 nipping behavior in, 320–321 evolutionary diets, 130–135 survival boot camp, 36 exploring, 135–139 terrible twos (6–10 weeks), 352–353 freeze-dried raw diets, 128–130 toddlerhood (3–6 weeks), 351–352 natural diet, 123–125, 128, 135–139 vaccinations, 49, 199–200 American Ferret Association, 29, 32, 176, 261 vet office visit, 200 Amforol, 245 baby food, 136, 141, 203 Amoxicillin, 245, 249, 274 Bachman, John, 35 37_139431 bindex.qxp 8/29/07 11:55 PM Page 374

374 Ferrets For Dummies, 2nd Edition

backyard burials, 291–293 Benadryl, 204 bad breath, 159 Bene-Bac, 204 Balearic Islands, 24 Bennett, Christopher, 180 BARF diet, 125–128, 130, 371 Betadine solution, 204 barking, 303 Biaxin, 249, 274 basal cell tumors, 286 birthing process, 344–346 baseboards, ferret-proofing, 91 biting bathing ferrets from hybrids, 27 controlling odor, 16 myths about, 359 frequency of, 147 nip-training, 313–314 introducing to other ferrets by, 110 from other animals, 231 location, selecting, 148 reasons for, 14, 320–323 process for, 149–152 socializing ferrets, 323–328 shampoo, selecting, 147–148 Bitter Apple spray, 327 bathrooms, ferret-proofing, 94 black color, 30 Baytril, 245 black sable color, 30 Bear’s Jerky, 367 black-footed ferret, 32–38 bedding Black-Footed Ferret Recovery Plan, 35–38 cleaning, 145 blackheads, 148 controlling ferret odor, 16, 66, 71, 110 bladder problems, 263 fleas in, 236 blaze pattern, 31 food caching considerations, 139 bleeding, 222–223, 340 nest boxes, 72–73 blockages during pregnancy, 343–344 bladder, 264 safety considerations, 71, 85 diagnosis and treatment, 247–248 for traveling, 183 possible malady, 225 beeswax, 156, 223 remedies for, 203–204 behaviors. See also aggression; biting from toys, 85 boundary patrols, 312 from vegetables, 142 burrowing, 67 Bluto’s BARF, 371 butt dragging, 212–213, 311–312 boarding ferrets, 190 caching, 307, 310 Bob’s Bone Broth, 127 from cage stress, 69 Bob’s Chicken Ferretisee, 366 chasing, 307 Bob’s Chicken Gravy, 364–365 curbing through enrichment, 164 body language, 305–308 digging, 66, 308–309 bonding, 101, 163, 169–170 fixations, 309 bones in diet, 125–128 hidey-holes, 312 boundary patrols, 312 hissing, 109, 303 breeders/breeding neutering for, 51 altering practices of, 52 normal, 210–213 delivering kits, 344–346 socializing ferrets, 323–328 emotional commitment, 333 suckling, 212 financial commitment, 332–333 tuck-and-scoot moving, 310 handling pregnancy, 341–344 tunneling, 83 hybrids, 29 zig-zag, 311 mating habits of ferrets, 338–341 Belair, Randy, 179 problems after birth, 346–348 37_139431 bindex.qxp 8/29/07 11:55 PM Page 375

Index 375

selecting, 58–59 lymphosarcoma, 282–283 time commitment, 334–335 malignant tumors, 285 Brewer’s yeast, 282 canine distemper broth, 127 in black-footed ferrets, 35, 37 Broth, Bob’s Bone, 127 vaccinations for, 199, 269 Brown, Susan, 126, 217–218, 267 canned food, 121–122, 136, 203 brushing, 159–160 captive breeding, 36 bubonic plague, 35, 37 car, traveling by, 183–185 bupivicaine, 215 Carafate, 274 burns, 232 carcinoma, 285 burrowing behavior, 67 cardiomyopathy, dilated, 256–258 butt dragging, 212–213, 311–312 cardiovascular fitness, 165 buying ferrets Carnivore Care, 203, 217–218 age considerations, 49–50 Carnivore Stew, 369 altered versus whole, 51–53 carnivores, 118, 125, 129 gender considerations, 51 carpeting in cages, 66 list of basic tips, 48 carriers, pet, 87–88, 183 number of ferrets, 53–55 food, 119, 136 potential sources, 56–62 cataracts, 265 bites from, 231 • C • introducing ferrets to, 103–104 cabinets, ferret-proofing, 91, 94–95 Cefa drops, 245 cache behavior, 307, 310 cereals, as treats, 142 caffeine, 142 cervical chordoma, 284 cage stress, 69 champagne color, 30 cages. See also bedding chasing behavior, 307 carpeting in, 66 checkerboard wall, 175 cleaning, 65–66, 68, 110, 143–147 children design considerations, 64–67 bonding enrichments, 163 fleas in, 236 considerations when selecting food caching considerations, 138–139 ferrets, 49 introducing, 100–101 permit stipulations regarding, 40 materials for, 66 preparing for ferrets, 101, 106–108 multilevel, 66–67 supervising with ferrets, 19, 106 nest boxes, 72–73, 83, 343–344 chiropractic care, 215 placement indoors, 68–69 chocolate, 142 placement outdoors, 69–71 chocolate color, 30 size considerations, 64 choosing a ferret travel, 87–88, 183, 186 age considerations, 49–50 ventilation in, 64, 68 altered versus whole, 51–53 water bottles, attaching, 77 gender considerations, 51 California, 40–41 list of basic tips, 48 Californians for Ferret Legalization, 41 number of ferrets, 53–55 cancer potential sources, 56–62 adrenal gland disease, 275–280 chordomas, 283–284 insulinoma, 159, 229, 280–282 chronic atrophic gastritis, 248–249 37_139431 bindex.qxp 8/29/07 11:55 PM Page 376

376 Ferrets For Dummies, 2nd Edition

Church, Bob, 133, 137, 254–255, 311, grief in surviving companions, 55, 288, 361–372 296–297 cinnamon color, 30 grieving process, 293–296 classified ads, 61 knowing when to let go, 288 Clavamox drops, 245 pet cemeteries, 290, 292 claws, 13, 154–157 postmortems, 289–290 clay litter, 81–82 debulking tissue, 278 cleaning. See also bathing ferrets declawing, 13 cages, 65–66, 68, 143–147 dehydration, 221–222 importance with raw food diet, 135 dental calculus, 253 teeth, 131 dental care. See teeth clipping nails, 154–157 descenting ferrets, 16 Clyde’s Seaside Chunks, 370 DEW (dark-eyed white) color, 30–31 coat and skin DGLA (dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid), 140 color categories, 29–31 DHA (docosahhexoenoic acid), 139 color patterns, 31–32 diarrhea, 204, 224–226 showing ferrets, 177 digging behavior, 66, 308–309 skin tumors, 284–286 dilated cardiomyopathy, 256–258 coccidia (coccidiosis), 242 DIM (disseminated idiopathic Coenzyme Q10, 257 myofasciitis), 261 coffee products, 142 diseases and illnesses collars, 86 adrenal gland disease, 275–280 Colorado, 37 Aleutian’s Disease, 178, 266–268 colors aplastic anemia, 51–52, 341 categories, 29–31 from cage stress, 69 distinguishing, 14 canine distemper, 35, 37, 199, 269 commercial diets, 119–123, 128–130, 136 chordomas, 283–284 common cold, 263, 360 dental problems, 252–256 corncob litter, 82 enlarged , 270 Corner Creek Acres, 65 expectant/new mothers, 344 corticosteroids, 251, 281 eye problems, 229, 264–266 costume contest, 179 gastrointestinal, 244–252 coughing, 212 hairballs, 203, 271, 273 cremation, 290–292 heart disease, 256–260 crepuscular nature, 15 heartworm, 201 crinkle tub, 174 hypoglycemia, 229, 280 cuterebra flies, 238–239 influenza, 260–263 insulinoma, 159, 229, 280–282 lymphosarcoma, 282–283 • D • polymyositis, 261 da Vinci, Leonardo, 24 sylvatic plague, 35, 37 dairy products, 142 ulcers, 272–274 dance of joy, 303–305 urinary tract problems, 263–264 dark-eyed white (DEW) color, 30–31 disseminated idiopathic myofasciitis deafness in ferrets, 30, 266 (DIM), 261 death of a ferret distemper vaccine, 199 backyard burials, 291–293 distilled water, 118 cremating remains, 290–292 diving for treasures trick, 173–174 37_139431 bindex.qxp 8/29/07 11:55 PM Page 377

Index 377

docosahhexoenoic acid (DHA), 139 shock, 220–221 dog food, 119 spinal injuries, 230 dogs vomiting, 224 ferrets chasing, 307 Endangered Species List, 35, 38 introducing ferrets to, 104–106 enrichment activities domesticated pets, ferrets as, 21–23, benefits of, 162–165 360–361 need for, 162 dooking, 302, 305 recommended, 167–175 doors, ferret-proofing, 91–92 eosinophilic gastroenteritis, 250–251 dry commercial food, 120–121, 123, 141 EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), 139 Essentials of Ferrets (Brown), 217, 267 estrus, 339, 341 • E • evacuating ferrets, 205–208 E. coli bacteria, 129, 144 evolutionary diet, 130–135 ear care, 152–154, 177, 204 exercise(s) ear mites, 239–240 physical enrichment, 164–165, 169 ECE (Epizootic Catarrhal Enteritis), 244–246 time available for, 14–15 eclampsia, 344 training, 170–174, 316–317 eggs, as treats, 140 exotic animals, classification as, 40–41 Egypt, ancient, 23, 360–361 eye problems, 229, 264–266 eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), 139 eyesight, 14, 28, 167 electric shock, 231–232 electrical cords, 93 elimination (pooping) • F • in food dishes, 74 feeding ferrets. See also recipes; water with natural diet, 128 bottles preferred locations for, 78 after birthing, 347 ELISA test, 268 assist feeding, 219–220 Elizabeth I, Queen of England, 23–24 commercial diets, 119–123 emergencies digesting fiber, 118 animal bites, 231 evolutionary diets, 130–135 bleeding, 222–223 ferrets as carnivores, 118 burns, 232 financial considerations, 17 dehydration, 221–222 food dishes, selecting, 74–76 diarrhea, 204, 224–226 foodstuffs in first-aid kit, 203 electric shock, 231–232 free choice, 133 evacuation kits, 205–208 insects to, 130–135, 137 eye injuries, 229 lactose intolerance, 119 feeding sick ferrets, 217–220 myths about, 361–362 first-aid kits, 202–205 natural diets, 123–130, 135–139 fractures, 230 olfactory imprint of food, 118, 136, 166 heatstroke, 227–228 during pregnancy, 342–343 hypothermia, 228–229 setting schedules, 122 pain management, 213–215 supplementing diet, 139–140 poisoning, 203, 230–231 treats, 140–142 preparing for, 205–208 water bottles, selecting, 76–78 seizures, 226–227 when sick, 217–220 setting up aftercare, 216–217 feeding schedules, 122 37_139431 bindex.qxp 8/29/07 11:55 PM Page 378

378 Ferrets For Dummies, 2nd Edition

female ferrets. See also spaying financial commitment, 17–18, 332–333 expectant, 341–344 fireplaces, ferret-proofing, 93 genitals of, 13, 52–53 first-aid kits, 183, 202–205 selecting, 51 fixations, 309 sexual maturity in, 339 Flagyl, 242, 249, 274 feral colonies, 42–43, 358–359 fleas, 148, 234–237 Ferret Aid Society, 179 floor vents, ferret-proofing, 92 ferret clubs, 175–179 flukes, 241 Ferret Health List (FHL), 180 FML (Ferret Mailing List), 180 Ferret Husbandry, Medicine and Surgery Foley, Dave, 24 (Lewington), 70, 361 food dishes, 74–76, 144 Ferret Mailing List (FML), 180 Foster’s Tuna Shake, 366–367 ferret shows, 175–179 fractures, 230 Ferret Symposium, 179 Frederick II, Emperor, 24 ferret-free zones, 39–43, 182 free choice feeding, 133 ferret-friendly zones, 39 freeze-dried raw diets, 128–131 ferreting, sport of, 24–26 Frontline Top Spot (Merial), 237 ferret-meister, 25 fruits, as treats, 141–142 Ferretone, 204, 325 fun matches, 178–179 ferret-proofing your home fur. See coat and skin baseboards, 91 furniture, ferret-proofing, 93–94 bathrooms, 94 fuzzy stalking, 308 cabinets, 91, 94–95 challenges in, 18–19 electrical cords, 93 • G • fireplaces, 93 garbage cans, ferret-proofing, 95 floor vents and air returns, 92 gastrointestinal diseases, 244–252 food caching considerations, 138 gates, security, 90 furniture, 93–94 Gatorade, 203, 227 general guidelines, 90 gender. See female ferrets; male ferrets heights, 92 Genghis Khan, 24 kitchen, 91 genitals laundry room, 90 in adrenal gland disease, 277 moldings, 91 of female ferrets, 13, 52–53 plants, 92 of male ferrets, 13, 52, 338 recommended daily actions, 95–96 giardia, 241–242 trash cans, 95 gibs, 51 windows and doors, 91–92 GLA (gamma linolenic acid), 140 ferrets Greater Chicago Ferret Association, 324, 336 classification, 10, 41 Greece, ancient, 24 history of, 22–25 grieving process myths and misconceptions, 357–362 for companion ferrets, 55, 288, 296–297 scientific name, 10, 41 for humans, 293–296 Ferrets Anonymous, 41 grooming ferrets FHL (Ferret Health List), 180 bathing, 16, 110, 147–152 fiber in diet, 118 bonding through, 102 fillet gloves, 325 brushing, 160 37_139431 bindex.qxp 8/29/07 11:55 PM Page 379

Index 379

ear care, 152–154 nail care, 154–157 • I • teeth care, 157–159 identification tags, 208 washcloth rubdown activity, 169–170 Illinois, 39 Gruber, Bill, 180 illnesses. See diseases and illnesses guardhairs, 31 influenza, 260–263 gum disease, 158–159 insects, feeding to ferrets, 130–135, 137, 141 insulinoma, 159, 229, 280–282 • H • intelligence of ferrets, 28, 161 Interceptor tablets, 259 hairballs, 203, 271, 273 International Ferret Congress, 179 hammocks, hanging, 83 Internet clubs and lists, 179–180 hand-rearing kits, 348 intestinal blockage harnesses, 85–86, 183, 316–317 diagnosis and treatment, 247–248 Hawaii, 40 possible malady, 225 health issues. See also diseases and remedies for, 203–204 illnesses; emergencies; veterinarian(s) from toys, 85 financial considerations, 17 from vegetables, 142 lack of exercise, 15 introducing ferrets physical enrichment, 165 to additional ferrets, 108–112 health records, 187, 203 adjusting to environment, 98–102 hearing, sense of assessing social tendencies, 98 deafness in ferrets, 30, 266 to cats, 103–104 frequency range, 166 to children, 106–108 heart disease, 256–260 to dogs, 104–106 heart rate, 213 forcing relationships, 110–111 Heartgard, 259 to other small animals, 106 heartworm disease, 201, 258–260 quarantine, 62, 97 heatstroke, 227–228 to strangers, 112–113 Helicobacter mustelae infection, 248–249 itching and scratching, 210 herbal care, 215 Ivermectin, 259 hiccuping, 212 hidey-holes, 312 hissing behavior, 109, 303 • J • histamines, 250, 284 Jerky, Bear’s, 367 hobs, 51, 338 jills, 51, 339 holding ferrets, 99–100, 102, 107 jumping through hoops, 172–173 homeopathic care, 215 juvenile lymphosarcoma, 282–283 hookworms, 241 hotels, pet-friendly, 182 hybrids, ferret, 26–29 • K • hygiene. See cleaning Kaopectate, 204, 224 hypercarnivores, 118 Karo syrup, 203, 211, 227, 282 hypoglycemia, 229, 280 kibble (dry food), 120–121, 123, 141 hypothermia, 228–229 kitchen, ferret-proofing, 91 37_139431 bindex.qxp 8/29/07 11:55 PM Page 380

380 Ferrets For Dummies, 2nd Edition

kits (baby ferrets) linoleic acid (LA), 140 adolescence (10–15 weeks), 353–354 litter boxes birth–3 weeks, 349–351 cleaning, 145 birthing problems, 346–348 controlling ferret odor, 16 choosing, 49, 56–57 design considerations, 78 delivering, 344–346 picking litter for, 81–82 hand-rearing, 348 selecting, 79–81 introducing to other ferrets, 109 training ferrets, 315–316 litter box considerations, 79 when traveling, 183 nipping behavior in, 320–321 lodgings, pet-friendly, 182 survival boot camp, 36 lost ferrets, 62 terrible twos (6–10 weeks), 352–353 Lueprorlin, 279 toddlerhood (3–6 weeks), 351–352 lungworms, 241 vaccinations, 49, 199–200 Lupron, 279–280 vet office visit, 200 lymphosarcoma (lymphoma), 282–283 kitten food, 119, 136 Kritter Koncepts, 66 • M • male ferrets. See also neutering • L • aggression in, 321 LA (linoleic acid), 140 genitals of, 13, 52 labels, pet food, 120 selecting, 51 lactational estrus, 340 sexual maturity in, 338 lactose intolerance, 119 mange, sarcoptic, 240 laughter, 165 M*A*S*H (television series), 25 laundry room, ferret-proofing, 90 mast cell tumors, 284–285 Laxatone, 248, 271 mastitis, 344 leashes, 85–86, 183 mating habits, 338–341 legal considerations McNicholas, June, 29 breaking the law, 43–44 meat. See also raw meat diets descenting, 16 stink trail activity, 170 feeding live animals to ferrets, 132 as treats, 141 ferret-free zones, 39–43, 182 Meatloaf, Mickey’s, 370 ferreting, sport of, 25–26 medications, 90, 215 licensing, 20, 39–40 megaesophagus, 251–252 Letterman, David, 25 , 280 Lewington, John H., 70, 361 metastasis, 285 licensing requirements Mexico, 37 for breeding ferrets, 335 Mickey’s Meatloaf, 370 for owning ferrets, 20, 39–40 microchips, 62 lidocaine, 215 military installations, 40 life span of ferrets, 11–12 minks, 62 lighting for cages, 68 mitts pattern, 31 Linatone, 204, 242 moldings, ferret-proofing, 91 Linnaeus, 360 Montana, 37 37_139431 bindex.qxp 8/29/07 11:55 PM Page 381

Index 381

mothers delivering kits, 344–346 • O • handling pregnancy, 341–344 obligate carnivores, 118, 125 problems after birth, 346–348 odor of ferrets moving, tuck-and-scoot method, 310 in bedding, 16, 66, 71 multipet households controlling when introducing ferrets, 110 additional ferrets in, 108–112 myths about, 359–360 pet introductions, 103–106 scenting mechanism, 15–17 supervising ferrets, 64 older ferrets (senior), 76, 79 olfactory imprint on food, 118, 136, 166 • N • omega-3 fatty acids, 139–140 omega-6 fatty acids, 140 nail care, 154–157, 177, 222–223 OPIOIDS, 215 name, calling by, 171–172 Oxbow Pet Products, 203, 217 National Animal Poison Control Center, 203, 231 natural diet • P • components of, 123–130 pain management, 213–215 converting to, 135–139 Panacur, 242 for eosinophilic gastroenteritis, 251 panda pattern, 31 evolutionary diet, 130–135 paper bag escape, 179 periodontal disease, 254 parasites, external pooping with, 128 cuterebra flies, 238–239 necropsies, 289–290 ear mites, 239–240 neoplasia, 285 fleas, 148, 234–237 neoplasm. See tumors (neoplasm) sarcoptic mange, 240 Neosporin ointment, 204 ticks, 238 nest boxes, 72–73, 83, 343–344 parasites, internal neutering coccidia, 242 controlling ferret odor, 17 giardia, 241–242 permit stipulations regarding, 40 heartworm disease, 201, 258–260 selection considerations, 51–53 intestinal worms, 241 New Zealand, 359–360 patterns, color, 31–32 newspaper, as litter, 82 Pedialyte, 203, 227 nipping. See biting Pediatric Liquid Benadryl, 204 noise, 68, 84 pelleted litters, 81 Nolvasan, 204 Pepcid AC, 274 Northern California Ferret Alliance, 41 Pepto-Bismol, 204, 242, 249 novel objects, 174–175 periodontal disease, 158, 253–256 NSAIDs, 215 permits, 40 nursing, 347 pet carriers, 87–88, 183 nursing sickness, 344 pet cemeteries, 290, 292 Nutri-Cal, 142, 203 pet shops, 56–58 nuts, as treats, 142 pet sitters, 187–189 37_139431 bindex.qxp 8/29/07 11:55 PM Page 382

382 Ferrets For Dummies, 2nd Edition

petroleum jelly, 204 prostate problems, 264 Petromalt, 159 pyometra, 344 physical characteristics color categories, 29–31 color patterns, 31–32 • Q • of ferrets, 11–14 quarantine, 62, 97, 187 piloerection, 304, 306 plane, traveling by, 185–186 plants, ferret-proofing, 92 • R • plaque on teeth, 253 rabies play. See also enrichment activities diagnosing, 271–272 aggression during, 306 risk in ferrets, 43, 359 bonding through, 101 in stray ferrets, 62 in multiferret households, 54 vaccinating for, 42, 183, 200, 272 Pliny, 360 raisins, 142 poaching with ferrets, 25 Ramsell, Katrina D., 261 point pattern, 32 raw meat diets points, 31 commercial, 128–130 poisoning, 203, 230–231 cooked versus, 131 polecats E. coli bacteria, 129 ferrets’ relationship to, 21–22, 41 freeze-dried, 128–130 natural diets of, 125 importance of hygiene, 135 solitary nature of, 98 natural diets, 124–125 polymyositis, 261 salmonella infections, 129 poop sample, 201 recipes poop(ing) Assist Feed Recipe, 217–220, 246 in food dishes, 74 Bear’s Jerky, 367 with natural diet, 128 Bluto’s BARF, 371 preferred locations for, 78 Bob’s Bone Broth, 127 postmortems, 289–290 Bob’s Chicken Ferretisee, 366 prairie dogs, 34–35, 37–38 Bob’s Chicken Gravy, 364–365 prednisone, 260, 281 Carnivore Stew, 369 pregnancy, 341–344 caveats for, 363–364 preparing ferret quarters Clyde’s Seaside Chunks, 370 cages, setting up, 63–71 Foster’s Tuna Shake, 366–367 food dishes, selecting, 74–76 Mickey’s Meatloaf, 370 hanging hammocks, 83 Stella’s Super Soup, 368 leashes and harnesses, 85–86 Tui’s Chewies, 368–369 litter boxes, selecting, 78–82 respiration rate, 213 nest boxes, 72–73, 83 Revolution (Pfizer), 237, 259 toys, selecting, 84–85 roan pattern, 31 travel taxis, 87–88 rodents, 357 water bottles, selecting, 76–78 roll over trick, 173 problem solving, 164 roundworms, 241, 258–260 Proglycem, 281 Royal Canin canned diet, 203 37_139431 bindex.qxp 8/29/07 11:55 PM Page 383

Index 383

smell, sense of, 14, 110, 166 • S • Smothers, Dick, 23–24 sable color, 31 SND (Sleeping Not Dead), 211 safety issues. See also ferret-proofing your sneezing, 212 home socialization with bedding materials, 71, 85 assessing, 98 with cage placement, 70–71 for biting ferrets, 323–328 with collars, 86 enrichment activities, 169–170 when introducing ferrets, 106, 109 in hybrids, 27 salmonella bacteria, 129, 144 solid pattern, 32 salty foods, 142 solitary ferret, 55 sarcoptic mange (scabies), 240 Soup, Stella’s Super, 368 scabies (sarcoptic mange), 240 South Dakota, 37 scenting mechanism. See odor of ferrets space needed by ferrets, 18 scoopable litter, 82 spaying screeching, 302 controlling ferret odor, 17 scruffing, 99–100, 155 permit stipulations regarding, 40 Seaside Chunks, Clyde’s, 370 selection considerations, 51–53 sebaceous cell tumors, 286 spinal injuries, 230 security gates, 90 splenomegaly (enlarged spleen), 270 seeds, as treats, 142 sprites, 51 seizures, 226–227 standards pattern, 32 selecting a ferret. See choosing a ferret Staton, Valerie, 56 sense(s) Stella’s Super Soup, 368 enriching, 163–164 Stew, Carnivore, 369 of hearing, 14, 30, 166 Stilson, Norm, 324 of sight, 14, 28, 167 stink trail, 170 of smell, 14, 110, 166 Strabo, 360 of taste, 166–168 strays, rescuing, 61–62 of touch, 14, 167 stress, 69, 163, 273 sexual dimorphism, 12 suckling behavior, 212 shelters, animal supplements, dietary, 139–140, 142, 203 adopting from, 59–61 Suprelorin, 279–280 boarding ferrets at, 190 sylvatic plague, 35, 37 ferret populations at, 336 shivering, 210, 228 • T • shock, 220–221, 231–232 Siamese pattern, 32 Tagamet, 274 Siberian polecat, 33 tails sit up and beg trick, 171 blackheads on, 148 sleeping, excessive, 211, 361 chordomas, 283–284 Sleeping Not Dead (SND), 211 piloerection, 304, 306 sleeping patterns, 15 wagging, 308 small animals tapeworms, 241 feeding to ferrets, 130–135, 141 tartar on teeth, 158, 253 introducing ferrets to, 106 taste, sense of, 166–168 37_139431 bindex.qxp 8/29/07 11:55 PM Page 384

384 Ferrets For Dummies, 2nd Edition

taurine, 119 treats tea products, 142 enrichment activities, 170 teeth feeding during grooming, 149–150, brushing, 159 155 characteristics, 14 recommended, 140–142 checking, 157–159 tricks cleaning, 131 at fun matches, 179 dental problems, 158, 252–256 teaching ferrets, 171–174 design of, 119 tube racing, 178 showing ferrets, 177 Tui’s Chewies, 368–369 water bottle considerations, 76 tumors (neoplasm) temperature chordomas, 283–284 birthing problems, 347 skin, 284–286 heatstroke, 227–228 Tuna Shake, Foster’s, 366–367 hypothermia, 228–229 tunneling behavior, 83 normal body, 149, 213 Tylenol, 204, 215, 262 outdoor cage placement, 70 travel considerations, 186 walking considerations, 318 • U • theobromide, 142 ulcers, 272–274 ticks, 238 United States Department of Agriculture, time commitment, 14–15 40, 186 timeouts, 327–328 urinary tract problems, 263–264 toilets, ferret-proofing, 94 urine, drinking, 213 touch, sense of, 14, 167 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 35–36 toys Utah, 37 cleaning, 146–147 fuzzy stalking, 308 selecting, 84–85 • V • when introducing ferrets, 54 vacations when traveling, 183 by car, 183–185 training international, 186–187 bodily functions, 315–316 by plane, 185–186 enrichment exercises, 170–174 preparing for, 181–183 in litter box usage, 78 vaccinations not to bite, 313–314 allergic reactions to, 199, 201–202 walking with harness, 316–317 for black-footed ferrets, 37 in water bottle usage, 78 for canine distemper, 199, 269 trash cans, ferret-proofing, 95 for kits, 49, 199–200 travel cages, 87–88, 183, 186 permit stipulations for, 40 traveling with ferrets for rabies, 43, 183, 200, 272 by car, 183–185 vaginitis, 344 internationally, 186–187 vegetables, as treats, 142 by plane, 185–186 ventilation in cages, 64, 68 preparing for, 181–183 37_139431 bindex.qxp 8/29/07 11:55 PM Page 385

Index 385

veterinarian(s) weight of ferrets, 12–13 boarding ferrets, 190 wildlife, classification as, 40, 42 financial considerations, 17 windows, ferret-proofing, 91–92 office visits, 198–201 Winsted, Wendy, 25 on raw meat diets, 124–125 wood stove pellets, 81 selecting, 96, 194–198 Wyoming, 35, 37 vision, 14, 28, 167 vocalization, 301–303 vomiting, 224 • Y • yawning, 211 yawning contest, 178 • W • younger ferrets. See kits (baby ferrets) Waardensburg syndrome, 30 war dance, 305 water, distilled, 118 • Z • water bottles zig-zagging behavior, 311 cages, attaching to, 76–77 zoos, ferrets in, 36 cleaning, 144 training to use, 78 37_139431 bindex.qxp 8/29/07 11:55 PM Page 386

386 Ferrets For Dummies, 2nd Edition