Triangle Ferret Lovers Newsletter

Issue 2, December 1995

Our goal is to promote the welfare of the domestic ferret through public awareness, and increase the enjoyment of ferret ownership by providing information and activities.

Table of Contents

  1. Christmas and your Feret (separate file)
  2. Next TriFL Meeting (January 1996)
  3. 9 December 1995 Meeting Notes
  4. Ferret Sitters Needed!
  5. Ferrets at a Glance
  6. Shelter Information & Contacts
  7. TriFL Newsletter Address

Next TriFL Meeting

Mark you calendar for the next TRIFL meeting: Saturday, January 6th at Chris Pluck's home. You are welcome to bring your up-to-date vaccinated, non-aggressive ferret/s for group playtime from 1pm-2pm. Our meeting will begin at 2pm, after the fuzzballs are placed back into their carriers. Call Chris for directions, 848-2233. Please come join us!

December 9th Meeting Notes

  1. Where were you?
  2. TRIFL still needs to locate a permanent meeting place, large enough for 30+ people.
  3. Members are ready to set a date for Cage Building; handymen need apply.
  4. Local vet list will be available at January meeting.
  5. Who knows how (and the best way) to build a permanent display exhibit? Contact Stacy @ 233-7284 if you can help out.

Ferret Sitters Needed!

 Can you, or someone you know, be able to care for a TRIFL members' pet/s for the Christmas or New Year holiday? Owner will provide cage and supplies. All they asks for is a loving guardian to care for their pet/s a couple of days. If you can help out, please contact Val @ 544-1354 or Karen @ 596-9393.

Four TRIFL members volunteered at the Dec. 9th meeting to ferret sit. If you need their generous assistance, please contact Pam Taynor @ 250-0298, Josette Chmiel @ 683-9655, Karen Marsh-Lovvorn @ 596-9393, or Carolyn Crawford @ 220-3293. Thank you!

FERRETS AT A GLANCE

FAMILY
Mustelidae (includes mink and weasel). Carnivore.

DOMESTIC
Domesticated by the Egyptians, 3-5,000 years ago. Cannot survive in the wild.

TEMPERAMENT
Lively, inquisitive, mischievous, highly intelligent. Requires playtime/handling (min. 1 hour daily). Love variety of toys. Remain playful into old age.

HOUSING
Roomy, indoor cage or 'ferret proofed' room.

FOOD
High quality, dry kitten/cat or ferret food. Depending on quality, may need vitamin supplement.

HEALTH
Life span is 6-12 years. Annual vet check and vaccination for canine distemper.

LITTER
Cat litter or paper trainable. Prepare for occasional 'mistakes.'

ODOR
If altered, no more or less than any other pet provided their housing and litter is maintained. Unaltered ferrets generate a strong musky odor when 'in season.'

HYGIENE
Clip nails, and clean ears monthly. Bathing tends to dry out skin, discretion is advised. Ask your vet.

+ PLUSES
Hypo allergenic for most people; quiet; good for small apartments, travel well. If carefully introduced, can safely cohabit with cats/dogs or other pets.

- MINUSES
Size makes them inappropriate for handling by very small children without adult supervision; require 'ferret proofing' your home; need daily interaction and playtime; become depressed if left alone or caged for long periods of time.

SHELTER INFORMATION & CONTACTS

Please support your local ferret shelters. If you are unable to donate financially, they can also use ferret/kitten food, old t-shirts, sweatshirts, towels, toys, water bottles, food dishes and other ferret accessories, laundry detergent, and paper towels. The following biographies are of three adorable ferrets who are in need of a loving person/family:

Cinnabar:
2 year old spayed female sable mitt, long-time companion to Spanky (see next bio). Not descented, but musks only if badly frightened. Very friendly and people-oriented. She came to the shelter in October. Congenitally deaf (not that it bothers her!). Does well with children and cats, but a bit aggressive toward some other ferrets. Favorite toys: Spanky, hairdryer, things that roll, plastic bags. She likes to get into cabinets and 'explore.' Foods: Marshall's, Totally Ferret. Treats: Raisins (never more than 2 a day with any ferret, please!), Ferretone, cooked ground turkey. Must be adopted with her pal Spanky. Litter box and nip trained.

Spanky:
2 year old neutered/descented (Marshall Farms ferret) male albino. He came to the shelter in October with Cinnabar (see above bio). Easygoing and more 'laid back' than long-time companion, Cinnabar. At the shelter we call him 'Baloo of the ferret kingdom.' Likes most other ferrets, children, and cats. Favorite toys: Cinnabar, bell balls, plastic bags, the shower. Foods: Marshall's, Totally Ferret. Treats: Raisins, Ferretone, Nutri-Cal/Ferret-Vite. Must be adopted with best friend Cinnabar. Litter box and nip trained.

Fuji:
1 year old spayed (but not descented) female sable with gorgeous markings who came to the shelter in December. Very active, energetic and playful with people, but shy around other ferrets, cats, and children. Favorite toys: the Christmas tree (see first article). Foods: Marshall's, Science Diet. Treats: Ferretone. She will be up-to-date on shots by Christmas giving-time!
Please contact Karen Marsh-Lovvorn of Rogues Gallery at 596-9393, or Linda Goodwin of Guardian Angels at 362-8460, if you can adopt a shelter ferret!

TriFL Newsletter Address

 

TRIangle Ferret Lovers

PO Box 61091

Raleigh, NC  27661-1091
Shari Gunter is the TriFL Newsletter editor. Please contact Shari at sharidiane@aol.com if you have questions about TriFL Newsletter content.

This web page is maintained by Pam Sessoms. I can be reached at: pjdutche@email.unc.edu.

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