Legalizing Ferrets In California

Ferrets have been banned in California since 1932 when the Fish and Game declared the ferret a wild animal.

Legalizeferrets.org has been working hard to get the ban lifted. Just recently the California Fish and Game listened to those that supported lifting the ban and the few who wished to keep the ban in place. While the meeting ended with the ban staying in place.

The new president, Eric Sklar, is willing to keep hearing about getting ferrets legalized but he has suggested that we work towards getting a bill on to the legislative floor.

The lifting of this ban would allow ferret outlaws (owners) to be able to have their pets without fear of losing them. As it stands now once a ferret is known about the owner has 24-48 hours to get to their ferret out of the state otherwise the ferret would be euthanized. At least the ferret owner has a chance to rescue their pet, unlike some BLS laws that just remove and kill without reason.

Between the entertainment industry and the media, ferrets are portrayed as wild and evil creatures. The sensationalizing of events involving a ferret sometimes is more than when the media report on a dog attack but say it is the result of a pit bull when in many cases that wasn't the breed involved.

Here are just a few facts about ferrets.

1. Ferrets have been domesticated for over 3000 years.

2. Ferrets do not do well in temperatures over 68 degrees (20 celsius)

California can get over 100 degrees (37.7 Celsius) in the summer.

3. Ferrets do not do well in temperatures under 30 degrees (1.1 Celsius)

4. The only ferret in the Wild in the USA is the Black-Footed Ferret (Mustela nigripes) who is actually a cousin to the ferret (Mustela putorius furo)

5. Ferrets are related to the weasel, otter, and mink. People that say they have seen a wild ferret more than likely have seen a mink.

6. Ferrets are NOT rodents. They were domesticated to hunt rodents and rabbits.

7. Ferrets are the third most owned companion pet in the US after cats and dogs.

8. Ferrets are known as domesticated exotics. This differs from the standard exotic animal which is often taken from the wild. Exotic means unusual or different. See #1

9. Ferrets can get heartworms and it only takes one to kill them.

10. Ferrets live on average 7-10 years.

11. Ferrets can be vaccinated against rabies and distemper.

I am asking that all of my followers write letters to the California State Senate and the State Assembly via email urging them to legalize ferrets. Granted there are nearly 400 representatives with these combined lists but if we can get every one of them on the ferret owners side then just maybe a bill will be created and passed allowing ferrets to live openly in California and also open up to those of us with ferrets to visit California. Both options will add more money to the economy of California.


You can view some of the meeting here

Please Help Us Become Legal in California

Did You Know That Ferrets Get Colds

 

I just got over a bad cold. The kind where your head feels like it is going to explode. What many people don’t realize is that ferrets can and do get/give human colds. They can also give it back to the human if precautions are not taken to prevent the spread of the virus.

The precautions are the same ones you would take to prevent other family members from getting your cold. Hand washing is the number one thing you can do. I also have hand sanitizer in every room so that I can use it frequently before and after touching my fur babies. I also tend to wear a mask as not to breathe too many germs on them. The ideal situation would be for someone else to take care of them until I was well over my cold but ideal isn’t always possible.

Colds can last anywhere from seven to ten days and that does not include the time it takes to incubate. So your ferret may already be headed to having his/her own cold before you even see signs of your own cold.

So how do you know if your ferret has a cold? Pretty much the same way you know you have one. Runny nose/eyes, sneezing, sleeping more than normal, not wanting to play, and eating less. Treating a ferret with a cold is pretty much the same routine you do for yourself. Lots of fluids, a soup called Duck Soup (not made from ducks), warm bed and as long as they are eating and drinking well there should be no need to see the vet. However, if a ferret has stopped taking fluids/eating for more than 24hrs or has diarrhea you need to at least call the vet and ask questions to determine if medical treatment is needed. Dehydration is major concern as it can happen quickly and can lead to death if not treated immediately.

The same can be said for the flu. Did you know that the ferret was used to create the flu vaccine? The ferret's body system works similar to the human body. The ferret is also susceptible the Swine flu and can be fatal if not treated quickly enough. The swine flu can be fatal to the ferret if it is not managed well.

It should also be said that if a ferret already has an underlying issue such as Adrenal Disease or Insulinoma the cold/flu needs to be addressed ASAP as these diseases lower the immune system and the simple cold is not so simple in these ferrets.

Have a Chittering Good Day,

Jo

Did You Know?

Did you know that a bunch of ferrets are called a Business? In the world of ferrets, pet hoomans say it is their Buzyness that earned them that title.

Did you know that a ferret can learn to use the litter box like a cat? Or use puppy pads.

Did you know that a ferret’s tooth grows from the tip up?

Did you know that baby ferrets called kits have 30 teeth by the time they are 3 months old and should have lost their baby teeth by the time they are 9 months old?

Did you know that adult ferrets have 34 teeth?

Did you know that a ferret can be trained to walk on a leash?

Did you know that a ferret can sleep up to eighteen hours a day?

Did you know that a fixed boy ferret is called a Gib and a fixed girl is a sprite?

Did you know that ferrets are illegal in New York City, Washington D.C, California, and most military bases?

Did you know that the ferret have been domesticated for over two thousand year?

Did you know that the ferret’s Latin name Mustela putorius furo means stinky little thief?

 

Now you know.

Have a Chittering Good Day,

Jo

Did You Know?

 

That a ferret’s heart weighs less than 1 ounce.

 

That a normal heart rate for ferrets is between 200 and 300 beats per minute. Human heart rate is 60-80 beats per minute.

 

That the average male ferret has 2 ounces of blood in his body and the average female has 1.5 ounces.

 

Now you know.

 

Have a Chittering Good Day,

Jo

Did You Know…

That ferrets can be taught to walk on a leash like a dog. I get an assortment of different looks when I walk my three fur kids and the most received statement is “I didn’t know they would walk on a leash.”

Like training a dog, you have to have the right equipment.

What you need:

A harness

A belled collar

A leash

A tandem lead

Ferretone

There are different styles of harnesses to choose from and the one you choose has to fit your lifestyle. What works for me may not be the style or design you want. There are three main styles of harnesses and they are:

This is one of the cheapest one it’s made from a twisted cord that loops over the head and has a plastic slider that has a button lock making it look like one of those Bolo Ties   seen on Oil Tycoons but without the silver tips.

To make the second loop you take the line with the metal clip under the ferret’s body behind their front feet and clip it into the plastic loop on the side of the slider.

This type of leash is attractive to many first time ferret owners because of cost but the effectiveness of using this leash is almost nil. The button lock doesn’t stay locked and agile ferrets can maneuver enough to unlock it and slide it so they can walk out of the harness.

The Neoprene Harnesses are usually brightly colored and has Velcro® on the ends that go around the neck and around the body.

 

The Comfort harness is similar to the Neoprene Harness in design but also features buckles for added safety. The furkids buddy Snotface Critter wears one on his travels and Marylin wore a smaller version until she was big enough for her newest harness.

I use the H style harness mainly because it was the only style available where I live until recently when the store started adding more designs to their inventory and Most of the time you bought the harness and leash as a set. These are made from nylon webbing and are adjustable around the neck and body and has the same buckle as the comfort harness.

 

All but the string type harness have a D ring for the leash to attach to. It is important to make sure the harness fits correctly. To loose and the ferret will escape too tight and then the ferret won’t be able to breathe or move properly. Rule of thumb I use is one finger between the ferret and the harness.

Always start harness training inside.

I cannot stress this enough. First, it allows the ferret the chance to get use to having the harness on in a controlled situation. If the ferret realizes they can get out of the harness, they will do so in the safety of their home and not in the big wide world of unknowns.

Second, it lets you adjust the harness so that it is not too tight or too loose without the worry of the ferret escaping.

To Be Continued…

 

Have a Chittering Good Day,

Jo

Did You Know?

Did you know that in 2011 there were only 75 board certified veterinarian dentists in the United States?

Did you know that most people believe that hard food and chew toys will keep a pet’s teeth and mouth free of cavities and other dental problems?

Did you know that ferret teeth grow from the tip up?

Did you know that the pulp inside a ferret’s tooth does not grow all the way down in the tooth?

Did you know that baby ferrets called kits have 30 teeth by the time they are 3 months old and should have lost their baby teeth by the time they are 9 months old?

Did you know that adult ferrets have 34 teeth?

Have a Chittering Good Day,

Jo

Ferret Misconception on TV

Disclaimer: I do not watch Two and Half Men and have not seen the episode so can only comment on the article on Examiner.com

When I first saw this post in the examiner I was curious as to how the show had angered the ferret community. I don’t watch the show as it has never appealed to me but now I am outraged at the fact that this show has gone out of its way to bring the ferret into the public’s eye in the most misleading way.

The more I read through the article the more concern I got about how much of the misconceptions were seen as truth to those that have no knowledge about ferret ownership.

This isn’t the first time the media has put bad lighting on the ferret but it needs to be balanced with the truth so that people can make the distinction between falsehoods used to make a show seem funny.

The first thing I want to point out is that it is illegal to own a ferret in California unless you have a wildlife permit. This is due to the California Wildlife and Game office that placed the ferret on their wildlife list in 1932 and has refused to remove it from the list by stating that if a ferret was to get loose and breed it would be a threat to the California bird population.

The fact is if an intact ferret did get loose in California, it is highly unlikely that it would find another ferret to breed with. Ferrets also do not do well in temperatures over 72 degrees and California is known for its high temperatures in the summer.

While ferrets are related to the mink and weasel, they don’t have the hunting knowledge that these two do and would become a larger animal’s meal.

Ferrets can get up to five pounds but do not maul people as shown in the show. The average weight for a ferret is between 2-3 pounds and is easily defended against.

I won’t say they don’t bite because ferrets do bite for many different reasons.

1. From being abused

2. From being Frightened

3. From trying to taste what they smell on your hands

4. Trying to get you to play

5. Because they are tired

6. Because they are sick

7. They are still learning what is acceptable

I travel with my ferrets and I am overly cautious about who gets near my ferrets. I make sure their vaccinations are up to date which include rabies and distemper.

I must point out that there have only been 14 cases of rabies reported from a ferret in the last 52 years. Rabies is fatal to ferrets as they often die from the virus before it can be spread to another pet or human.

While ferrets can be trained to come to a squeaky toy or a clicker, they can’t be trained to attack. As stated above I did not see the episode mentioned so I can’t tell you how they would have created the illusion that the ferrets were attacking.

I can tell you from experience that ferrets will jump at you with all four paws spread out in an attempt to get you play and they will climb up your pant legs because to them it is a tunnel that needs to be explored.

My other complaint is that one of the scenes has Rose placing the ferrets in a car. Talk about bad publicity for leaving a pet in a car with the windows rolled up.

Also, a ferret wouldn’t just lay around waiting for someone to open the door they would find a way into the dashboard and into the engine compartment and finally the ground.

As I have said before I travel with my ferrets and I educate people about ferrets wherever I go. In the three years that I have been attending Blog Paws, Bark World, and other pet events I have been able to dispel many of the misconceptions of ferrets along with showing people that ferrets can be an entertaining pet.

In fact, I was told by one attendee at the 2011 Blog Paws that they had been afraid of ferrets because of all the bad press they had seen but now wasn’t afraid of ferrets because of the time spent with my two boys and talking to me about them.

If Chuck Lorre wrote this episode and is connected to social media, I can only hope that he will realize how much harm the episode could have done to the ferret.

While I’ve never watched the show, I might have given it a try had he not put the ferret in such an evil light.

What I can say to the writers of Two and Half Men think about how much viewers believe from television before writing another script that places another animal species in the wrong light.

Have a Chittering Good Day,

Jo

“I’ve Never Seen…”

 

Most people finish that sentence with “Ferrets walking on a leash.” or “I didn’t know you could train them to do that.”

I believe if more ferret owners did take their beloved ferrets out in public more than a more people would have the opportunity to be introduced to the world of ferrets.

I am big on educating people about ferrets and the fact they aren’t for everyone. Those cute little balls of fur they see in the pet store grow up and required a lot of care.

Some myths are:

They are smelly.  While unfixed ferrets have a very distinct musky odor. those that have been descented and fixed have less of an odor but if bathed too much the skin replaces the oil that has been washed away with more oil which can lead to a smelly ferret. As can an unclean litter box.

They are cage only animals. This is one myth that makes me roll my eyes at the person telling me this. Ferrets are active critters that love being able to explore their surroundings and need at the very minimum 2 hours a day out of the cage to play.

They can’t be trained. Ferrets can be trained to use the litter box and with a lot of patience and rewards can learn to do some simple tricks. They can also be taught to walk with a leash and harness.

They are rodents. This one gets me really worked up. Ferrets are not rodents they were domesticated over three thousand years ago to hunt rodents. They belong to the same family as the weasel, mink, and otter.

They are great pets for children. I personally don’t think they are good pets for any child under the age of 10 and don’t believe they should be introduced to a family with a baby.  I am sure there will be others that disagree with me.

 

What other myths have you heard about ferrets?

 

Have a Chittering Good Day,

Jo

End of Month Review

I wasn’t sure what I wanted to be my end of the month post so I went back and read what I had written about for the month. In doing so I realized that some of the information was important and I wanted to be sure it was understood.

From that came the idea of a Month in Review post only instead of my just repeating what I’ve told you I made up a test to do two things.

1. To see if I have been clear in my writing

2. To see who does read my blog.

E-mail Address: *

What species are ferrets * A. Rodent B. Canine C. Mustelidea

This includes * A. Badger otter, mink, and weasel B. Mice, rats, voles, and moles C. Cats, cougar, lions

Ferrets have been used in what jobs * A. Wiring buildings B. Pest Control C. Both A & B

How long has the ferret been domesticated * A. 1000 years B. Over 3000 years C. Never we scoop them up out of the wild

What is the best food for ferrets * A. Cat food B. Dog food C. Raw or Made for Ferret food D. High quality kitten food E. C & D

Ferrets need what type of fat * A. Low fat content B. They shouldn't have any fat C. High Fat content

What are the steps to ferret proofing * A. Child Proofing B. Pet Proofing C. You don't have to ferret proof D. Ferret proofing is an ongoing thing E. A & B F. A, B, & D

Ferrets are allowed everywhere * Yes No

What else would you like to learn

* Required Powered by myContactForm.com

Have a Chittering Good Day,

Jo

Domesticated Ferrets vs. Wild Ferrets

I am often asked how pet ferrets differ from wild ferrets.

First this is a misconception and I am sure it comes from the term exotic which clumps all unusual pets into this category.

Second there is only one true wild ferret and that is the Black-footed Ferret and while the Black-Footed Ferret belongs to the Mustelidea group the sub species is nigripes.

The Black-Footed Ferret is an endangered species in North America. Ferrets that live in New Zealand are believed to be a hybrid of ferrets and polecats that were cross bred before their release in the late 1800’s to control the rabbits that had previously been imported to New Zealand and once the rabbit population was controlled these hybrids then looked for other prey which was New Zealand’s flightless birds that had no predators. For this reason ferrets are banned in New Zealand.

Domesticated ferrets love to play. They are inquisitive and will check out anything that has captured their attention. Like cats they love things that move, crinkle, rattle, and roll. Boxes, plastic bags, newspapers, balls, and baby rattles make exciting toys along with anything that might have a feather attached.

Like cats and dogs, some ferrets hate the vacuum and will run away from others will attack it or any other machine that makes a similar noise.

What else would you like to know about ferrets?

Have a Chittering Good Day,
Jo

P.S. Would you please nominate us to win a Shorty Award Thank You.

Nominate Manny-n- Marcuz for a social media award in the Shorty Awards blogger category

What sex is your ferret? Warning Graphic Pictures Corrections made 12/29/11

 

Many people not familiar with ferrets find it difficult to determine the sex of a ferret. Unfortunately this includes those working in humane societies and other rescue groups that don’t often deal with ferrets.

Do you know which one is which?

A female’s belly is smooth and the vulva is just under anus. Female ferrets should be spayed(called a Sprite) this is because a female ferret that goes into heat (Known as a Jill) will not come out until she has mated or is brought out by a vet. A ferret that remains in heat for an extended period of time can die from estrogen toxicity. Prolonged estrogen production will cause bone marrow suppression.

“The estrogen stops the bone marrow from making red blood cells (which carry oxygen around the body); white blood cells (which fight disease, cancer and infection) and platelets (which help the blood to clot).” (1)

They are also more prone to mammary cancer.

 

The male ferret has what appears to be a belly button this is actually his penis. Males should be neutered(called a Gib) this helps with temperament and lessens the musky odor ferrets have. Unneutered males(called Hob) can be overly aggressive with other males and females sometimes resulting in death. Unneutered males can be prone to prostate problems and testicular cancer.

In Pennsylvania ferrets sold in pet stores are both fixed and de-scented. To be a breeder of ferrets you must have a license. I do not know the regulations regarding the policies of selling ferrets in other states.

 

1.Pet Informed Veterinary

Disclosure: The pictures are from the Pet Informed website.

I can only hope this helps those unfamilar with ferrets determine the sex of the ferret in his or her care.

Have a Chittering Good Day,

Jo

Corrections include the correct useage of Gib and Hob.

Be The Change: Getting a New Pet: Adopt

Today is Be The Change post day along with my birthday. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to write about as I have some other posts that might have gone up today but they can wait until next week.

This week I started featuring adoptable ferrets on Tuesday and Thursday and that got me to thinking about all the potential new pet owners out there.

Ferrets are in the third most owned pet category and unfortunately many get surrendered to rescues and shelters soon after they are gotten because the new owner didn’t do his/her research about ferrets. They only saw the cute little baby face in the store and had to have it.

Pet stores often don’t have information set out for the new owner to see what it might take to raise these little guys and are all to helpful in picking out the new accessories: Cage, bedding, litter, food, ect.

What is worse many of the pet store employees know nothing of ferrets and pass on bad advice/information they have gathered from others.

· Albinos are mean False a mean ferret is because he/she has been abused or isn’t feeling well

· Albinos are dumb False I’ve had albinos and they are not dumb. After asking more questions it was more likely the one they had dealt with was either deaf or blind.

· They are cage only animals False ferrets need a minimum of 2 to 4 hours a day out of their cage to be happy and healthy.

· They can eat cat food if this is to expensive True/False Cat food used to be the only food a ferret owner could easily get but research has found that it isn’t nutritional for them as the specially made ferret foods. Cat food can be used as a short term emergency food if you run out when the pet store is closed.

· They don’t need vet visits False Ferrets need Rabies/Distemper shots yearly and in some areas a heartworm preventative. Yearly visits help catch other problems early.

· They don’t have any issues due to disease, hereditary or other misinformation. False ferrets are prone to insulinoma, adrenal disease, and a long list of other diseases. Some are more prone to deafness and a few to blindness from birth.

These are a few of the statements I have heard at one pet store. I surprised them with Manny and Marcuz being well behaved and walking calmly on their leashes. They asked me a lot of questions about the ferrets they had.

One of the ferrets would always bite them when they went to clean out the cage. I asked one main question. Do you clean the cage after lunch? The answer was yes. I explained then maybe they needed to wash their hands better or use a hand sanitizer as the ferret just wanted to taste whatever they had had for lunch.

It is important that not only do the potential new owner do research before making that impulse buy about ferrets but that store employees be educated with the basic information to help eliminate these furry springs being given up because the new owner cannot/doesn’t have the time to learn/have them in their life.

Today is also Petfinder’s  Birthday and they are having a party in which they hope to have 15,000 pets adopted this weekend. If you are interested in adopting a new pet whether it be a ferret or not check their site out and see what shelter/rescue is near you.

But above all else do your research into the pet/breed you are thinking about getting. Not all pets/breeds are for everyone and why should these fur babies get left behind cause someone didn’t do his/her research?

Today I’ll highlight 5 adoptable ferrets that are new to the petfinder site. You will have to click on their picture to find out more about them.

  Rosaline from South Hadley, MA

Dweezel from Sandusky, OH

Tiki from Murphysboro, IL

Wiggles from Lahaska, PA

and lastly but not least is Sid. An Albino from Cleveland, OH

Note: Shelters and Rescues when you post on Petfinder.com it is great to add pictures but you need to give more information about these little guys. I know sometimes there isn’t any information but just putting the very basic and generic information may not help these little guys find furever homes.

Have a Chittering Good Day

Jo

Ad

Questions and other information

 

     I’ve been absent from my blog for some time. The reasons are varied but the biggest being I have no idea where to go. I started this blog to enlighten people about the ownership of ferrets. I am glad for followers I have earned. I have no idea if anything I have written has made an impact or not.

     I’ve met some really great people because of my presence on my blog and on twitter. I was able to attend two different conferences that were designed around the pet community. I was the only ferret person at both. Blogpaws brought me in contact with two very special ladies outside of the great founders of Blog Paws. They made me realize that it just takes one person to make a difference in this sometimes cruel world. I can only hope I make an impression like they did on me.

     August found me riding down to Atlanta, GA in a GMC Terrain with a great animal artist and my two boys. What an adventure that turned into. I barely made it through my public speaking class in college and this trip showed me that I could speak in public just as long as it involved talking about my ferrets. I am still impressed with the Terrain and the representatives that made a point of finding out about ferrets so they could get the right treats for the unique riders.

     BarkWorld proved to be informative beyond the sessions. James and Manny showed a lot of people that ferrets and dogs could get along as long as the introductions were done in a controlled and safe manner. The people of Atlanta were inquisitive about my ferrets and asked a lot of questions including several sources I would have never thought would ask. Atlanta proved to be good for James who had been diagnosed in July with insulinoma. He slept most of the conference but when he was awake he did show that he still had some spunk for a senior.

     BarkWorld brought me into contact with a wonderful woman named Peggy Johnson more to come on our association.

     October brought a check up for James and with some relief he has gained weight and seems to be holding his own with the insulinoma. His spleen is still enlarging and I can only hope it slows down.

     November brings NanoWriMo and a vet appointment. For those that don’t know about NanoWriMo it is a challenge to write 50,000 words in 30 days. I’ve done this for the last 5 years and only had one time I didn’t make the goal. This year instead of writing fiction I am going to try my hand at non-fiction and will be dealing with pets.

     Manny will be having a wellness checkup and I’ll be discussing the possibility of getting him certified as a therapy pet. I’d like to have James certified but with him having insulinoma it may disqualify him.

     So what do you the reader want to know about ferrets? What do you think you know about them? There are no dumb questions only ones that won’t be answered are the ones not asked.

Have a Chittering Day,

Jo

Book Review

     I just finished reading Dog On It by Spencer Quinn. What a well-written book from the point of a dog. Yes you read that right a dog. Chet is a lovable character that knows his human really well and is willing to follow him anywhere.

     Dog On It is the type of book that draws you into the story and if you are able to put the book down before finishing it you are thinking about what is going on until you pick it back up.

     Chet is ungraduated K-9 dog whose human is Bernie a private eye. These two partners take on the case of the missing Madison from her mother only to have it not being a missing person after all…or is it?

     Chet’s wandering mind gives insights in to the thoughts of dogs and how they might think. You can tell how much the two trust each other by their interactions.

     Dog On It is a good read. You want a copy to read? One lucky reader will win a copy of Dog On It.

     Leave a comment below with one ferret fact that you have learned from this blog or somewhere else.

     On Tuesday I’ll used a random number generator to pick the winning comment.

Keep on Chittering

Jo