B3@N!
Gnawing on bones
Ben & Cassiel
Posts: 91
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Post by B3@N! on Dec 21, 2010 7:24:55 GMT -5
I've noticed Cassiel seems a bit dehydrated. I pinched her scruff and it took FOREVER to go back to normal. I've shown her to the water bottle and she'll drink a little but it seems like she isn't drinking a lot.
Is there anything I can do to make sure she drinks more or add to the water to make it more appealing?
Thanks.
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Post by rarnold18 on Dec 21, 2010 7:53:31 GMT -5
Instead of using water bottles I use lock crocks, they are little bowls that lock onto the side of the cage so they can't knock it over and make a mess...I do however have a few that will try to dig the water out of the bowl... I have found that the water bottle doesn't have enough of a flow to keep my guys satisified
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Post by rarnold18 on Dec 21, 2010 7:55:21 GMT -5
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Post by shilohismygirl on Dec 21, 2010 8:07:25 GMT -5
Yes, we also use a bowl. It is a much better way to get these lazy beggars to drink more readily.
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Post by Kerit on Dec 21, 2010 9:17:41 GMT -5
I also use lock crocks... the secret is to put them up higher, not right at "ground level." Hocus will still occasionally get it into his head to dig in the bowl, but since they have to stand on their hind legs to reach, it mostly thwarts him.
Getting on to a raw diet will also help with dehydration -- wasn't it Giuli who said that kibble has less moisture than a hardwood floor?
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Post by jacksmomma on Dec 21, 2010 9:22:20 GMT -5
Yep. get rid of the water bottle and she'll be much happier. I think 99% of us on here use the lock-crocks. They're great and the ferrets can't tip 'em over
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Post by mustelidmusk on Dec 21, 2010 9:38:01 GMT -5
I use both since my ferrets have their own room and I leave them on their own when I travel. (I monitor them with web cams -LOL!!!!)
So I REQUIRE that my brats use bottles as well.
My brats are left with freeze-dried raw when I travel, and they do fine on the bottles.
A lot of the problem with water bottles is so many of them have sipping tubes that are too small. I actually use dog water bottles for my kids when I'm gone for a couple of weeks. But my ferrets are used to"working" for their treats (I use foraging cups), and they have learned to use water bottles effectively as well.
I find that using BOTH water bottles and crocks works best for my needs.
-jennifer
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B3@N!
Gnawing on bones
Ben & Cassiel
Posts: 91
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Post by B3@N! on Dec 21, 2010 12:48:02 GMT -5
Okay, I put in a water bowl for the time being since I don't have a crock yet. She licked up some of it so I hope she realizes what it is.
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Post by mustelidmusk on Dec 21, 2010 17:05:27 GMT -5
You may find that your ferret will drink more if she has bottled spring water. The chlorine can smell really strong to ferrets, and it can affect the bacterial balance in a ferret's gut as well. CHlorine will evaporate from tap water if you leave it sitting out in a wide-mouthed bowl for 24 hours. This may get your ferret drinking more water.
-jennifer
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Post by WTFerret on Dec 21, 2010 17:12:02 GMT -5
A product called PRIME will eliminate chlorine and such from water it's made for saltwater reef aquariums and a reef is very sensitive to chemicals.
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Post by justahannah on Dec 21, 2010 20:07:05 GMT -5
Prime is great, I use it in my freshwater tanks  . Some cities use chloramine in their water systems instead of chlorine, and it doesn't gas off so I use Prime to neutralize that as well as ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, and heavy metals in the water. Seriously great stuff, and it only takes a few drops per gallon to do all that. I've never thought to use it for my ferts since they drink the tap water fine, but since it's made to make the water safe for even super-sensitive fish to live in, I can't imagine it would be harmful. It also breaks down within 24-48 hours, so a small dose in water that was then left out for that long should be totally clear for drinking. |
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