six week old ferret

Question
i have just got a baby ferret and i dont think he is drinking out of his water bottle and dont know how to drink out of a bowl i feed him soft food will he get enuf water out of that till he starts what should i do

Answer
Congrads on the new addition to your family!  They sure are adorable at that age!  It is extremely important to make sure your new buddy is drinking, since dehydration can occur very quickly in these guys.  

Do you know if he is accustomed to a water bottle or water bowl?  Personally i prefer the heavy ceramic water bowls, since water bottles tend to leak in my own experience.

There are two ways to check for dehydration.  First, take a peek at your ferret's gums.  They should be pink, and have a prompt capillary refill time when you press on them.  If they are tacky to the touch or pale, that is a sign of dehydration.  Another way to test is by lightly pinching the skin, then releasing.  If it "springs" into place quickly, that is a good sign the body is properly hydrated.  If you think your ferret is still not drinking on his own, you can certainly force feed him some liquids though an oral syringe.  Do not give more than 10 mls at a time.  If you notice your little guys is still not drinking on his own, promptly see your veterinarian.  They can give subcutaneous fluid to help restore fluid levels within the body, and a lack of thirst can be a symptom of a more serious condition.  

No, he will not get enough water out of soft food alone. A soft diet is not recommended for ferrets.  Try a high quality kibble, such a Totally Ferret or premium kitten/cat food such as Innova Kitten/Ferret Evo or Core Wellness.  The first 3 ingredients should be meat based and high in both protein and fat content.  Look for approximately 35 percent protein and at least 20 percent fat. There should be little to no carbohydrates or plant products, since ferrets are obligate carnivores and cannot digest plant material.  I tend to mix the 3 best brands i can find, but be sure to introduce any new food slowly!  A sudden switch can cause GI upset.  Gradually increase the introduction of the new food into the diet over the course of no less than a week.  Also, stay away from sugary foods (anything that ends with -ose) since these can cause severe health complications and insulinoma.  Never feed raisins, despite common belief that these are safe.  They can, and have, proven to be lethal.  

Here is one of my personal favorite web pages with information on nutrition, training, and general care:

http://www.thechipster.com/fert-man.html

good luck with your new ferret!  Please do not hesitate to ask if you have any further questions.