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Post by allenya on Jan 19, 2011 18:02:22 GMT -5
Ok so I've been reading the Natural Ferret Nutrition threads and I'm making a list of what I need. I still have lots and LOTS to read but I want to get this started so when I'm done reading I can pick what I need up and start. I have a list so far but I know there is more to add to that.
Knives(These are still at the old house.) Freezer baggies(Have large and small) Ice Cube Trays(Need those) Kitchen Scale Taurine Powder Eggshell Powder Fish Oil in Pump Form
I'm just looking for input on this. What else I need and what type is best.
I'd like a digital Kitchen scale. One that I can weigh both the pets(Ferrets and snakes, though obviously not at the same time.) and the food.
I'm wondering what brand and type do others use. I'm going to be ordering it online so I'll likely be able to get most any one I want. The scales sold in store here are $40+.
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Post by bluemoose on Jan 19, 2011 18:12:35 GMT -5
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Post by goingpostal on Jan 19, 2011 18:21:22 GMT -5
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Post by allenya on Jan 19, 2011 18:38:58 GMT -5
Ok, I'll keep two both in mind. I do like the bowl on the second one. I don't have many clear glass bowls that I could use with the scale so one coming with it would be great.
I haven't read anything about the taurine powder or eggshell powder yet. Sherrylynne told me a little about the fish oil, mostly being good for keeping them from getting to dry.
I'll have to look for a place I can order frozen prey from unless I can find some more female dwarfs soon. Taken months to do that though.
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Post by bluemoose on Jan 19, 2011 18:45:19 GMT -5
Fish oil is good for omega-3s and promote a healthy coat and extra virgin olive oil works as a natural hairball preventative. Taurine is found in all meat but some meats, like rabbit and light meats, are lower in taurine. It's very difficult to overdose so adding a bit doesn't hurt just to be safe. Eggshells are for calcium which is found in bone but ferrets need high levels of calcium and many aren't big fans of eating lots of bone so eggshell powder helps make sure they're getting enough. Here's a thread on supplements you may find interesting: holisticferret.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=gen&action=display&thread=6312For whole prey, I order from RodentPro. rodentpro.com/
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Post by allenya on Jan 19, 2011 18:55:40 GMT -5
Ok I understand. That makes a lot of sense. lol I can be slow when it comes to some of this stuff but I am learning.
For the eggshell powder. I save all my egg shells for my grandparents garden. Would it hurt to keep some, clean them and crush them myself? It's less costly and I would think it would have the same result no?
I've heard of Rodent Pro, I believe from the reptile magazines I get. I'll have to check it out and see if they ship to Canada.
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Post by bluemoose on Jan 19, 2011 19:01:37 GMT -5
You can definitely make your own eggshell powder. Some people on this forum use a coffee grinder to make theirs. Just be sure the shells are completely dry before you try to make them into a powder.
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Post by allenya on Jan 19, 2011 19:17:43 GMT -5
I think I might have a small older coffee grinder still. We replaced it with a much better one for the actual coffee beans. I also have a small garnet mortar and pestle I might use. I keep it for grinding the sesame seeds for dwarf hamsters but if I clean it well is should be ok.
Off topic question. Do you have anywhere you've posts pictures on that outdoor pen I can see a little of in your sig photos. I'd love to see more.
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Post by sherrylynne on Jan 19, 2011 20:13:10 GMT -5
Sorry to say, RodentPro doesn't ship across the border Check with a local reptile rescue as to where they get theirs. They'll be able to point you in the right direction. One thing I'd add to your list is either a cleaver, or pm hurricanekatt for one of those ulu knives! Otherwise, it looks pretty good
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Post by bluemoose on Jan 19, 2011 20:27:30 GMT -5
Off topic question. Do you have anywhere you've posts pictures on that outdoor pen I can see a little of in your sig photos. I'd love to see more. I don't have any pictures of the whole thing (just shots of the ferrets playing in it) but mine is built exactly like this one: holisticferret.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=cage&action=display&thread=4071That thread was my blueprints for building it. I put some tubing, a little pool with ping pong balls (the one you can see in the Tonks picture), three kinds of dig boxes, some propped up boards for climbing, a plastic igloo, and a sleeping box for them to use while they're out there.
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Post by allenya on Jan 19, 2011 20:31:36 GMT -5
I'll have to look up and find a reptile rescue place. Not sure there would be any near me though. I'll likely have to call, d**n. I really prefer to talk to people in person.
I don't have a meat cleaver. I have a few skinning knifes that work great for cutting meet. And P has one of these. www.teraasekeskus.com/images/extra/ColdSteelKukriMachete2.jpg beautiful for doing anything a cleaver can.
I have so much to read. I printed a bunch of stuff off to take home after work.
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Post by allenya on Jan 19, 2011 20:35:39 GMT -5
I don't have any pictures of the whole thing (just shots of the ferrets playing in it) but mine is built exactly like this one: holisticferret.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=cage&action=display&thread=4071That thread was my blueprints for building it. I put some tubing, a little pool with ping pong balls (the one you can see in the Tonks picture), three kinds of dig boxes, some propped up boards for climbing, a plastic igloo, and a sleeping box for them to use while they're out there. Ok, I was looking at that thread today. I really like that pen and I could easily make it collapsible.
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Post by sherrylynne on Jan 19, 2011 20:40:23 GMT -5
Considering those knives were originally intended to chop off human limbs, I think it would do fine on bone
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Post by allenya on Jan 19, 2011 20:45:18 GMT -5
lol Yes. We use it for lots of stuff but it was bought with the intention of cutting down brush when he goes hunting. I once used it to cut down a tree at our old house that was growing in my flower bed. Now it's used for everything from bbqing to yard work.
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Post by sherrylynne on Jan 19, 2011 21:58:21 GMT -5
I think you've got yourself a good bone knife
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