|
Post by bluemoose on Jan 21, 2011 1:57:27 GMT -5
I had an idea for enrichment that I thought I'd give a try. Pet fountains! They're supposed to encourage cats to drink more because the water is running so I figured the same might be true for ferrets. Plus the water is constantly filtered so it stays cleaner than their old bowl of water even though I changed that daily. I ordered one and they all seem to like it. They splash around and the moving water seems to be a source of fascination. They'll stick their noses in it repeatedly Even though they never had much interest in getting wet before, they seem to be having fun with it. It does have a cord so ferrets that chew cords shouldn't be left unattended with one. There may be ones that run on batteries, I'm not sure.
|
|
|
Post by Heather on Jan 21, 2011 2:05:18 GMT -5
You also have to be careful if your guys are in the habit of emptying out all the water. The motor will overheat and die if it's allowed to go dry....ferrets just don't get that idea at all coiao
|
|
|
Post by bluemoose on Jan 21, 2011 2:07:48 GMT -5
Luckily they don't like getting that wet I will keep an eye on it though. It's in my room so I hear it most of the time. I actually like the sound, it's very soothing.
|
|
|
Post by justahannah on Jan 21, 2011 2:11:05 GMT -5
We have one of those, the kids do love it! I give it a really good scrubbing at least every time I refill the reservoir (if not more often) because I notice it gets slimy feeling, but my guys have decided they're raccoons and I catch them dunking their food in it so that's probably the main cause. They've also learned to nose the top lid off, seems they don't think the main bowl is deep enough for a good snorkel, and they and the cats prefer to drink from the top rather than the bottom, I'm guessing since the bottom is where they muck it up with the meat . I agree though, it's great enrichment for the buggers.
|
|
|
Post by Heather on Jan 21, 2011 2:11:43 GMT -5
Most of my guys are really good with it but I have a couple that think that water should be free and liberated all over the floor. Eventually, the water is all over the place, the motor is dry and making some really horrible grinding noises I had a couple of fountains (not all drinking) around the house, I, too like the sound of bubbling waters....the sound of a gasping fountain motor is not so tranquil and it doesn't seem to go back to it's very peaceful drone after being emptied a couple of times ciao
|
|
|
Post by bluemoose on Jan 21, 2011 2:12:56 GMT -5
There's no end to the ways they can have fun with it
|
|
|
Post by bibliophiliac on Jan 21, 2011 7:49:42 GMT -5
My ferrets would love that, but we normally just put them in the bath tub and turn the water on a drizzle while they're out. They have a small water bowl in the kitchen which they love to take baths in, yet they hate actual baths. Weird little guys.
|
|
B3@N!
Gnawing on bones
Ben & Cassiel
Posts: 91
|
Post by B3@N! on Jan 21, 2011 15:18:57 GMT -5
I just ordered the 360 fountain from Drinkwell. I'm excited because it'll go in the "game" room although it's really an animal room now so when all the animals are in there they can drink!
|
|
|
Post by kainslie on Jan 21, 2011 15:47:32 GMT -5
I have one of these for Chloe, but i'm too scared to put it out with sly.. He'd have TOO much fun!
and i'm glad i'm not the only one who get's that nasty grimy feeling.
|
|
|
Post by bibliophiliac on Jan 21, 2011 16:18:02 GMT -5
My ferret's water bowl gets that way every day, because they are still on Marshall food, so Booth will grab a piece and won't chew it fully then drink...lol It's quite gross.
|
|
|
Post by miamiferret2 on Jan 21, 2011 17:39:59 GMT -5
we find meat chunks in the water all the time. i have to change the water bowl out like 3 times a day so this would not be good for me.
|
|
|
Post by miamiferret2 on Jan 21, 2011 17:43:02 GMT -5
although i must say my ferret would love this because he likes to stick his face in the water and blow bubbles out of his nose. then he comes out and his face, neck etc. are all dripping wet.
|
|
candiceboggs
Going Natural
Ferrets are nature's anti-depressant.
Posts: 187
|
Post by candiceboggs on Jan 23, 2011 2:40:08 GMT -5
I, too like the sound of bubbling waters....the sound of a gasping fountain motor is not so tranquil and it doesn't seem to go back to it's very peaceful drone after being emptied a couple of times ciao This gave me quite a laugh. I've been wanting to get one of these fountains for years for the cats, I think I will when I can find one adequately priced...hmm, I wonder if dog.com has any?
|
|
|
Post by bluemoose on Jan 23, 2011 3:20:16 GMT -5
What constitutes adequately priced? I got mine on Amazon. They usually have good prices especially when you factor in free shipping.
|
|