Post by Heather on Jan 7, 2010 13:25:11 GMT -5
Name: Julie Baas
HF Forum Username: jewel30
1. Where did you first learn about natural diets for ferrets?
I was researching ferret diet on the internet, as I was trying to find info on what is best to feed them and found out about the natural diet. It makes sense and I have been looking into it more.
2. Please describe the type of diet you would like assistance in switching your ferret(s) to. Be sure to include if you are interested in feeding whole prey (live or frozen-thawed) and if you are wanting to FULLY switch to a natural diet or PARTIALLY. If you are unsure what kind of diet you want to put your ferrets on, please express that and we can help you find the best type of natural diet for your ferret.
Okay. Well the main problem is I live in Taiwan. That is part of the reason I want to switch, there is no healthy kibble available and the more I read the more I see how bad kibble is. But, it will be harder to get the food I need. The daily markets will have all the chicken bones, hearts, livers, etc. that I need, but not sure about the rest. From what I read I have to mix it up. I am also concerned about when I go out of town, how to get them fed. I want to feed them the best diet, but have to consider my constraints. That is part of the reason I am looking for a mentor to get some help and advise on what to do and how to do it. I think a complete switch over would be best, but don't know if I can do it. Also, am concerned about them stashing raw meat. They are free roam.
3. Why are you interested in switching your ferrets to a natural diet?
I want my ferrets to be as healthy and happy as possible and to be the best ferret mommy I can.
4. Do you understand that switching your ferret to a natural diet can be a lengthy, arduous process? Its not an overnight switch. It can be a commitment of several weeks or even months. Your HF Mentor will be more then happy to assist you in switchng your ferret(s) to a natural diet, but you need to be equally as commited. If you aren't willing to tough out a potentially lengthy switching process, or if you have major life changes approaching (baby on the way, moving, starting school, getting married/divorced, etc) then it might be a better idea to wait on switching your ferret's diet until you have more time. Are you willing to make the commitment?
Yes.
5. How many ferrets do you currently have? What are their names? Ages? Genders? Do they have any health problems? Are they overweight? Underweight?
I have two ferrets, both from Taiwan. A girl, who is six months old. I adopted her, but she came from a breeder and was a spayed at about 5 months. And a boy, that I bought from a pet store, that is about 5 months and got neutered yesterday (he looks really cute in his collar, but is not to happy at the moment, poor guy!) They just had the vet check up and are completely healthy, but the vet said that Gus is slightly anemic (he had blood work done before the neutering). They are both about right for weight. Crystal is a little light and has been not eating as much as she should, (part of the reason I started looking up ferret diet) and Gus is a little heavy. He loves to eat.
6. What diet do you currently feed your ferrets? (Please include all treats, supplements, etc)
I have a high quality kitten food that has about 42% protein, and I was giving them grapes for treats, til I read how bad that was. Crystal got a lot of unhealthy treats from her last owner and I think that is why she is losing weight now, as I don't give her a lot of treats. They LOVE chicken. I don't think Gus will have much of a problem switching. Not sure about Crystal. And some ferretone. That is it.
7. Have you ever tried to switch your ferrets to a natural diet in the past? If yes, what happened?
No
8. What additional information about yourself or your ferrets would you like to share?
I think I shared it all.
9. How often during the week do you have access to a computer?
All the time.
10. Please post a picture of each of your ferrets (if possible).
Not sure how to do this. I have pics, but I don't see a way to do this.
Hi and welcome to the mentoring program. In a little while your mentor (luci) will introduce herself and you can get started on a new adventure in natural ferret care and diets. Please remember to relax and have fun. Your mentor is here to help you on this journey.
ciao
HF Forum Username: jewel30
1. Where did you first learn about natural diets for ferrets?
I was researching ferret diet on the internet, as I was trying to find info on what is best to feed them and found out about the natural diet. It makes sense and I have been looking into it more.
2. Please describe the type of diet you would like assistance in switching your ferret(s) to. Be sure to include if you are interested in feeding whole prey (live or frozen-thawed) and if you are wanting to FULLY switch to a natural diet or PARTIALLY. If you are unsure what kind of diet you want to put your ferrets on, please express that and we can help you find the best type of natural diet for your ferret.
Okay. Well the main problem is I live in Taiwan. That is part of the reason I want to switch, there is no healthy kibble available and the more I read the more I see how bad kibble is. But, it will be harder to get the food I need. The daily markets will have all the chicken bones, hearts, livers, etc. that I need, but not sure about the rest. From what I read I have to mix it up. I am also concerned about when I go out of town, how to get them fed. I want to feed them the best diet, but have to consider my constraints. That is part of the reason I am looking for a mentor to get some help and advise on what to do and how to do it. I think a complete switch over would be best, but don't know if I can do it. Also, am concerned about them stashing raw meat. They are free roam.
3. Why are you interested in switching your ferrets to a natural diet?
I want my ferrets to be as healthy and happy as possible and to be the best ferret mommy I can.
4. Do you understand that switching your ferret to a natural diet can be a lengthy, arduous process? Its not an overnight switch. It can be a commitment of several weeks or even months. Your HF Mentor will be more then happy to assist you in switchng your ferret(s) to a natural diet, but you need to be equally as commited. If you aren't willing to tough out a potentially lengthy switching process, or if you have major life changes approaching (baby on the way, moving, starting school, getting married/divorced, etc) then it might be a better idea to wait on switching your ferret's diet until you have more time. Are you willing to make the commitment?
Yes.
5. How many ferrets do you currently have? What are their names? Ages? Genders? Do they have any health problems? Are they overweight? Underweight?
I have two ferrets, both from Taiwan. A girl, who is six months old. I adopted her, but she came from a breeder and was a spayed at about 5 months. And a boy, that I bought from a pet store, that is about 5 months and got neutered yesterday (he looks really cute in his collar, but is not to happy at the moment, poor guy!) They just had the vet check up and are completely healthy, but the vet said that Gus is slightly anemic (he had blood work done before the neutering). They are both about right for weight. Crystal is a little light and has been not eating as much as she should, (part of the reason I started looking up ferret diet) and Gus is a little heavy. He loves to eat.
6. What diet do you currently feed your ferrets? (Please include all treats, supplements, etc)
I have a high quality kitten food that has about 42% protein, and I was giving them grapes for treats, til I read how bad that was. Crystal got a lot of unhealthy treats from her last owner and I think that is why she is losing weight now, as I don't give her a lot of treats. They LOVE chicken. I don't think Gus will have much of a problem switching. Not sure about Crystal. And some ferretone. That is it.
7. Have you ever tried to switch your ferrets to a natural diet in the past? If yes, what happened?
No
8. What additional information about yourself or your ferrets would you like to share?
I think I shared it all.
9. How often during the week do you have access to a computer?
All the time.
10. Please post a picture of each of your ferrets (if possible).
Not sure how to do this. I have pics, but I don't see a way to do this.
Hi and welcome to the mentoring program. In a little while your mentor (luci) will introduce herself and you can get started on a new adventure in natural ferret care and diets. Please remember to relax and have fun. Your mentor is here to help you on this journey.
ciao