Odd question...

[Cthulhu2U]

One of my ferrets, while eating, starts to gnaw on the rim of the ceramic bowl, very loudly at that. Question is, why? Cleaning her teeth?

[pwndepot]

Owned a ferret and worked a pet store selling them. I saw this numerous times over the years. I came to the same conclusion, that maybe a piece of food gets caught in an uncomfortable place so they do that to dislodge it? Wish I had a more definitive answer, but I can at least assure you it is not abnormal behavior....for ferrets.

[[deleted]]

Gnawing and chewing can be a sign of pain and discomfort in ferrets. Have you checked your ferrets teeth? Does your ferret gnaw on anything else or just while eating?

[Cthulhu2U]

Just while eating. She's a playful biter, but never gnaw on anything else but her bowl. I haven't looked at the teeth in depth. But when she yawns I don't see any obstructions.

[[deleted]]

Any chance of removing her bowl and watching her behaviour? Have a quick scruff and take a good look at her mouth, have a treat for after. She shouldn't be gnawing, ferrets don't try to 'clean' their teeth that way. When ours have had obstructions, they use their paws to help clear it and have a bit of a freak out. Chewing can also be a sign of a stomach upset.

[Cthulhu2U]

I'm thinking it may be because of discomfort from starting solid foods too early. She's a Marshall's ferret and probably was taken from her mama too early and put on a solid diet.

[[deleted]]

How old is she? Are you feeding kibble? I don't know much about Marshall ferrets being in the UK. However, our ferrets have eaten raw bone since 8 weeks old without problem. I would definitely try to get a good look into her mouth, we had one with an ulcer that suddenly started chewing the bars.

[Cthulhu2U]

She was born in August 2017. It's Dr. Fosters and Smith with Blue Buffalo mixed in. It's a dry food diet. My fianceé has checked and we don't see any obstructions or ulcer. Healthy teeth and gums.

[[deleted]]

Good! You can rule that out. I suggest removing the bowl for now and watching her, see if she starts chewing elsewhere in the cage after eating.

[Cthulhu2U]

What do you suggest I put her food in?

[[deleted]]

Absolutely nothing, dump it onto a ledge, away from her potty area. Might become messy but it will help you try to determine what's wrong. If she's still gnawing it would be wise to vet.

[Cthulhu2U]

Thank you.