Paprika
Gnawing on bones
Raw and Whole Prey Feeder[/b]
Posts: 87
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Post by Paprika on May 18, 2009 15:27:47 GMT -5
My ferrets love to snorkle, and I am thinking of getting them a little "pool" for them to play in  I was thinking, what if I threw a couple minnows or goldfish in there? Something moving.. and probably nearly impossible for them to get, haha. But still, hunting instinct might kick in and who knows, they might end up chomping on one! Is this bad? Would it be a bad idea? If the fish are healthy, I assume it should be OK. Was just wondering what your guys' thoughts were on it. |
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Post by Steffi Loves Her Fuzzbuckets on May 18, 2009 17:14:13 GMT -5
I think they would LOVE that.  I'm trying to do that with my cats, But no budge from the folks. ;3 Stewart Colbert's afraid of water, Maybe throwing some fish in there would help him out. ?Hm. >3 Anyway, I think that's a great idea and they'd love it.. Maybe a couple little frogs too? ;3 Haha. |
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Post by mustelidmusk on May 18, 2009 18:41:41 GMT -5
Hi,
I know that aquiariums are great vectors for some nasty organisms such as giardia, coccidia, nematodes, etc. The other issue with such fish is that theyre commomly treated with antibiotics/ chemicals because of the diseases/parasites they may carry. I feel the risk of infection far outweighs the enrichment value since some of these organisms will be with your ferret for life, even if theyre' showing no symptoms of in fection.
Ferrets that like water usually LOVE ping-pong balls in the tub!
-jennifer
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Post by mustelidmusk on May 18, 2009 18:46:19 GMT -5
Here are some cheap plastic tub toys (<$5.) that might work...even a submarine that dives!!!
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Paprika
Gnawing on bones
Raw and Whole Prey Feeder[/b]
Posts: 87
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Post by Paprika on May 20, 2009 2:48:05 GMT -5
Thank you for the valuable information!
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Post by briannahurst on May 20, 2009 21:07:19 GMT -5
My ferret gracie did that. she got on the stand some how, jumped in my little fish tank and got the goldfish. then i came in my room and it was too late.  sad for the goldfish but fun for gracie. she never seemed to get sick from it or anything btw. ;D |
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Post by mustelidmusk on May 21, 2009 18:23:00 GMT -5
I'm sorry to hear you lost your fish! A video of your ferret getting into the fish tank would defeinitely be an interesting one  I'm glad your little fert didn't get any tummy bugs from it. I don't know what the risk is, but I've read quite a few articles on animals (including ferts) getting giardia and other things from fish tanks. Nobody needs an extra vet bill! -jennifer |
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Post by krazyferrets on Nov 8, 2009 14:29:03 GMT -5
Jennifer
Tonto is soooo adorable, I just want to give him/her a cuddle!
Thanks for the goldfish info... I was thinking about letting Jago & Otter chase goldfish in their fertpool ..but now I won't. I don't want my boys to get the "yuckies".
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Post by sherrylynne on Nov 8, 2009 17:41:09 GMT -5
I spoke to one of the pet store clerks here, and she admitted the fish and tanks are pumped full of antibiotics, chemicals to brighten up colours, etc. So yeah, should be a no- go for a ferret.
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Post by justahannah on Nov 9, 2009 22:17:19 GMT -5
I've also been thinking about doing this, but with guppies I breed myself...I know my tanks are established, healthy, and the only chemical going into them is a few drops of dechlorinator during water changes. I've read guppies are supposed to be more nutritious as feeder fish than goldies...so far I've been feeding the offspring to my larger fish but next drop I'll set a few aside for the fuzzbutts, see if they like live fish better than the smelt I bring home from the butcher  |
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Post by zoologist on Dec 23, 2009 12:08:11 GMT -5
from a turtle keeping point of view:
goldfish are nasty nasty creatures related to comets. they are inbred, very fatty, and have a large spike in their fin that could potentially poke your ferret from the inside of their throat.
i much prefer feeing rosie red minnows, they're healthier. however if you're going to do this i'd suggest breeding them yourself so you know there are no chemicals in their bodies. seems like a lot of work to go through, huh?
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