202 FERRET FACTS AND FANCIES. 



and eyes, then replace in tlie liutcli. In an hour 

 or two give 10 to 15 drops of castor oil (depend- 

 ing upon size of ferret) followed by a feed of 

 warm milk to which w^heat bread, crackers or 

 still better graham mash (see chapter on Feed- 

 ing and Management) may be added, letting the 

 ferret eat all it will. If it will not eat of its own 

 accord, it is advisable to feed a small quantity 

 with a spoon a few times each day. 



One breeder says that he has found a few 

 drops of sulphuric acid, which can be bought at 

 any drug store, placed in the milk beneficial in 

 checking the disease. Another recommends chlo- 

 rate of potash in milk, the usual dose being 2 

 grains twice a day. 



Food should be given four or more times daily 

 to ferrets afflicted with distemper. Warm milk 

 is about as good as anything. Each day as long 

 as there is any discharge from eyes or nose, they 

 must be washed and vaseline applied as already 

 explained. 



Distemper, when diarrhoea sets in, is very 

 apt to prove fatal. In early fall, about first 

 frost, is the time that many die, especially if not 

 in good health. If ferrets are in poor condition, 

 that is, thin in flesh, feed more meat and a little 

 sulphur in their milk. Meat will stop the 



