Baby Ferret Eating Blankets?

Question

I have this 8-10 week old Canadian ferret I purchased as a playmate for my older one. I had a red cotton baby blanket in their cage. Yesterday when I was cleaning out the cage, I saw red in the poo. Scared me at first because I thought it was blood. After examining it, I saw that it was a material. Their hammock type bed is also a red material but that wasn't it so I looked at the blanket and saw a large portion chewed out of it. The baby is still pooing some out and is eating, drinking and still very active. The poo looks normal other than the red material. Should I give him some Ferretlax to help him pass the rest or should I take him in? I'm not sure how common this is, the only things I can find on the web is that its supposed to be normal, teething or called Pica. Is it normal enough to ignore? I took the blanket out and am watching him from chewing anymore.

Answer 1

At this age your ferret is likely doing this for comfort.  This does not mean it is 'safe' for him to do.  You shouldnt supply your ferret with  lax or even Vaseline as it 'may not' be safe for a ferret this young.  IF you notice 'stringy' poops, straining, or no poops at all, then you need to get to the vet.

You may also want to shop around for hammocks and blankets that aren't soo fluffy.  You can get cloth hammocks without fluff...you can even buy hammocks made of a vinyl type of material.

Answer 2

NO Laxative!!!!!!!!!!!!!  If you read on the bottle it says not until they are 6 months old.  The ferret is passing the material so you don't need the lax anyways. For the teething I'd get some safe cat toys.

Answer 3

Good idea taking out the blanket. He might continue to chew on it if it is left in the cage. I would give him some ferret laxative to help him pass it through; if he begins to get lethargic or act odd, then I would take him to the vet.

Good luck to you and your ferret!