ferret stool

Question
one of my ferrets passed a stool today that was clear and mucus like, he eats his mazuris food and is drinking fine.  He is older than the rest of my little guys (except for one other that was adopted from the humane society along with him). I have to wait until the morning to contact my vet, I was wondering what your thoughts are on this type of stool, so that I can rest at ease until the morning when I take him to the vet......Thanks

Answer
Hello David,

I hope everything turned out with your little guy.  Sorry it took me so long to respond, between internet being down for the past few days and packing to move I have not had much time. I like to be thorough and answer the question to the best of my ability, so it also took awhile to type.  How did the vet visit go?

Mucus in the stool can be any number of things.  Stress, colitis, the beginning stages of ECE ( epizootic catarrhal enteritis), etc. are all potential causes.  It is important that you bring him to a vet if it continues.  First, Ferrets can get easily dehydrated.  Secondly diseases like ECE are extremely contagious to other ferrets if you have other ferrets they ALL need treatment.  Also, sick ferrets tend to get worse quickly so it is ALWAYS the best idea to get him to a vet as soon as you notice something odd.  This is why it is great you made him an appointment right away.   

You might want to consider feeding a higher quality diet than Mazuris.  For the expensive price it does NOT have good quality ingredients and you can feed a better diet for the same amount of money. The first three ingredients should be meat based and not contain by-products since it is devoid of most nutritional value.  Mazuris first ingredients are Poultry by-product meal, poultry meal and ground corn.  Ferrets are obligate carnivores and cannot digest the carbohydrates in corn, rice, etc. That is why a LOW carbohydrate/HIGH protein diet is essential.  The second problem with Mazuris is the food only contains 38% protein.  Ferrets should have minimal 40% with 45-50% as optimal.     

It is difficult to change a ferret's diet once they have imprinted on a certain brand.  Imprinting on certain foods happens at a very young age, and most will turn up their noses to anything else!   If you decide to switch brands, always introduce the new type by mixing it in with the old kibble.  I generally start with a 25/75 mixture, then increase the amount of new food over the next few days.  This allows the sensitive ferret tummies and taste buds to get used to the new diet.  Give this a try and see if it helps.

Diet is essential for ferrets, and could proper nutrition could potentially prevent future health problems.  NOT all brands of ferret food are good to feed!  With any kibble, the first three ingredients should be meat-based, and not contain by-products.  Also, the food should be low in carbohydrates (corn, rice, etc) since ferrets cannot digest it.  

Here are some brands I recommend:

Wysong Archetypal-1 (beef) or Archetypal-2 (chicken)
http://www.wysong.net/products/archetypal-1-natural-healthy-ferret-food.php
http://www.wysong.net/products/archetypal-2-natural-healthy-ferret-food.php

Innova Ferret EVO (Or cat version if not available)
http://www.evopet.com/products/default.asp?id=1502

Wellness Core Feline
http://www.wellnesspetfood.com/cat_wellness_dry_core.html
(this brand is readily available in most pet stores)

Wilderness by Blue Buffalo
http://www.bluebuff.com/products/cats/wilderness-cat.shtml

Serengeti Cat (Timberwolf brand)
http://www.timberwolforganics.com/Pet-Foods/Serengetii
***36% protein Mix with a brand that is at least 50%****

All but the Wysong kibble can be purchased from PetFoodDirect.com  I find ordering is far easier than driving all over the state to find some of the more obscure brands such as EVO Ferret and Serengetii Cat.  

Brands I Do not recommend:  Marshall Farms, Mazuris, Totally Ferret, 8-in-one, IAMS, Kaycee ferret, etc.   

This list is by no means all inclusive.  There are many other good types available, just check the labels. Not all premium kitten/cat kibble is good for these guys, and not even all brands of ferret-specific food!  Every brand is different, and that is why I tend to choose 3 of the best, and create a mixture. I currently feed a mix of Core Wellness, Wilderness and Serengeti Cat, although it varies from month to month with what is available. Besides covering for what other brands lack, another reason to feed a mixture is that you will not have a problem with GI upset and suddenly switching brands if one type is out of stock.         

Remember to store all extra food in airtight containers (Such as for cereal storage).  If you buy three kinds of kibble, it will last you awhile!  Also, change the kibble in your ferret's bowl DAILY.  Some types (such as those that contain vitamin E) can go rancid quickly and cause stomach problems.  

Also, stay away from vegetables, fruits and milk products as treats.  Raisins can cause kidney failure, and too much sugar (anything that ends with -ose) can lead to insulinoma and other complications. I feed my guys dehydrated 100% chicken treats with no additives as snacks.  These can be found in the canine section of your local pet store.  Another obscure (but healthy) treat is live meal worms.  These can be found at any pet store, and I haven't met a ferret who didn't love them yet.

There is a short FAQ that contains some info on nutrition from the AFA's Official Website:

http://www.ferret.org/read/faq.html

Remember... Always check the ingredients for whatever you buy (even treats!!), since most store bought brands are not good for the little guys! You will notice a BIG change in your ferret's coat health and condition once you switch to a healthier diet.

If your ferret refuses to eat/drink.  Ferrets have EXTREMELY high metabolisms and an anorexic ferret gets very ill quickly.  To stay healthy, they need to eat every 4-6 hours. Also, if he becomes lethargic, begins vomiting or the stool gets worse have him seen again ASAP.  These are all signs that something is amiss and he needs medical attention.    
   
If you have any other questions, you know where to find me. I hope this answers your question!  Sorry that my response is so lengthy, but I wanted to cover all of the important points =3  

-Cindy P.