Post by Heather on Jun 15, 2010 22:53:56 GMT -5
Name: Kelsey
HF Forum Username: kelseyjosine
1. Where did you first learn about natural diets for ferrets?
I think it was on another forum but it was a long time ago so not sure.
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.
My end goal is to fully switch them to a whole prey diet of frozen-thawed prey. I'm a little nervous about the cost of it but I'd still like to do it. If I have to start at raw first as a stepping stone that's fine also. I'm thinking switching to raw first will make it easier because they're all such picky eaters already.
3. Why are you interested in switching your ferrets to a natural diet?
Two of my three ferrets have had seedy poop for a few months now and two different vets can't find anything wrong. Their health is going to suffer if I don't get them off the kibble diet.
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?
Absolutely.
5. How many ferrets do you currently have? What are their names? Ages? Genders? Do they have any health problems? Are they overweight? Underweight?
Punk - 4 1/2 year old male. Seedy poop for a few months but otherwise healthy. Good weight, eats and drinks normally, and good energy level.
Shiza - 1 year old female. Healthy weight and poop, good energy, eats and drinks normally.
Fergie - 1 year old female. Also has had seedy poop for a few months but otherwise healthy. Good weight and energy level, eats and drinks normally.
6. What diet do you currently feed your ferrets? (Please include all treats, supplements, etc)
Mix of Zupreem and Dr.'s Foster & Smith Original, they get half an Nbone every once in awhile, and ferretvite only when I trim their nails. They were previously on a mix of Evo Cat and Evo Red Meat Bites. I was hoping it was causing the seedy poop and that's why I switched, but it hasn't helped.
7. Have you ever tried to switch your ferrets to a natural diet in the past? If yes, what happened?
Yes, in the middle of last year. Unfortunately my ferret Willy was diagnosed with IBD and nothing helped him so he went downhill fast. I didn't have any energy left to switch their diet after taking care of Willy all day. He passed away in November of cancer. At this point I have the time and patience to do this.
8. What additional information about yourself or your ferrets would you like to share?
I'm a vegetarian and I'm totally okay with feeding whole prey but I won't ever feed live prey. I've tried to feed them mice a couple times but the girls had no interest and Punk thought it was a toy and just tried to stash it.
9. How often during the week do you have access to a computer?
Every day.
10. Please post a picture of each of your ferrets (if possible).
Hi and welcome to the mentoring program. In a little while your mentor (sherrylynne) will introduce herself and you can get started on a new adventure in natural ferret care and diets. Please remember to post regularly (daily or as per arranged with your mentor) so that your mentor can assist you move along safely in this adventure. If you experience computer difficulties or are going to be away, please notify your mentor and most of all relax and have fun . Your mentor is here to help you on this journey.
ciao
HF Forum Username: kelseyjosine
1. Where did you first learn about natural diets for ferrets?
I think it was on another forum but it was a long time ago so not sure.
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.
My end goal is to fully switch them to a whole prey diet of frozen-thawed prey. I'm a little nervous about the cost of it but I'd still like to do it. If I have to start at raw first as a stepping stone that's fine also. I'm thinking switching to raw first will make it easier because they're all such picky eaters already.
3. Why are you interested in switching your ferrets to a natural diet?
Two of my three ferrets have had seedy poop for a few months now and two different vets can't find anything wrong. Their health is going to suffer if I don't get them off the kibble diet.
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?
Absolutely.
5. How many ferrets do you currently have? What are their names? Ages? Genders? Do they have any health problems? Are they overweight? Underweight?
Punk - 4 1/2 year old male. Seedy poop for a few months but otherwise healthy. Good weight, eats and drinks normally, and good energy level.
Shiza - 1 year old female. Healthy weight and poop, good energy, eats and drinks normally.
Fergie - 1 year old female. Also has had seedy poop for a few months but otherwise healthy. Good weight and energy level, eats and drinks normally.
6. What diet do you currently feed your ferrets? (Please include all treats, supplements, etc)
Mix of Zupreem and Dr.'s Foster & Smith Original, they get half an Nbone every once in awhile, and ferretvite only when I trim their nails. They were previously on a mix of Evo Cat and Evo Red Meat Bites. I was hoping it was causing the seedy poop and that's why I switched, but it hasn't helped.
7. Have you ever tried to switch your ferrets to a natural diet in the past? If yes, what happened?
Yes, in the middle of last year. Unfortunately my ferret Willy was diagnosed with IBD and nothing helped him so he went downhill fast. I didn't have any energy left to switch their diet after taking care of Willy all day. He passed away in November of cancer. At this point I have the time and patience to do this.
8. What additional information about yourself or your ferrets would you like to share?
I'm a vegetarian and I'm totally okay with feeding whole prey but I won't ever feed live prey. I've tried to feed them mice a couple times but the girls had no interest and Punk thought it was a toy and just tried to stash it.
9. How often during the week do you have access to a computer?
Every day.
10. Please post a picture of each of your ferrets (if possible).
Hi and welcome to the mentoring program. In a little while your mentor (sherrylynne) will introduce herself and you can get started on a new adventure in natural ferret care and diets. Please remember to post regularly (daily or as per arranged with your mentor) so that your mentor can assist you move along safely in this adventure. If you experience computer difficulties or are going to be away, please notify your mentor and most of all relax and have fun . Your mentor is here to help you on this journey.
ciao