Post by Forum Administrator on Dec 3, 2009 13:52:44 GMT -5
Name:
HF Forum Username: Mjohn143
1. Where did you first learn about natural diets for ferrets?
-Beatrice was diagnosed with insulinoma and I have since been researching the Internet where I found a site the recommended Holistic Ferret.
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.
-I really don't think I could feed them whole or live prey. I'm really not too sure exactly what kinds of options there are. Preferably something that is not too difficult if possible because I really really don't eat or handle meat well (but of course for my ferrets I will).
3. Why are you interested in switching your ferrets to a natural diet?
After researching books and the web I really believe it could help Beatrice with her disease and hopefully prevent Badger from ever having to go through it. Plus I have heard it is better for their overall health and lives.
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 I am absolutely committed. I love them so much and consider them an equal family member. I have already had to go through so many health issues with Beatrice that I do not doubt I will get her through this.
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 2 females named Beatrice and Badger. Beatrice turned 6yrs old in July and Badger is 1-2 yrs? They were both cast-offs at Petland from previous owners. Beatrice had papers so I know her age and birthdate, but nothing was known about Badger. They are both fairly small, Badger seems to have recently acquired a pudgy tummy because she used to be smaller and thinner. Beatrice was recently diagnosed with Insulinoma.
6. What diet do you currently feed your ferrets? (Please include all treats, supplements, etc)
-Beatrice was on Marshall Food the 5 years she lived with her previous owner and I know nothing about Badger. I ignorantly kept them on Marshall until I heard about how bad it was and recently switched to ZuPreem (hearing it was better). They have Chicken Jerky treats and I was recently instructed to my "ferret-Knowledgeable" veterinarian to give Beatrice 3 doses of Nutri-Cal/day with her Prednasone.
7. Have you ever tried to switch your ferrets to a natural diet in the past? If yes, what happened?
No, I have never heard of it before.
8. What additional information about yourself or your ferrets would you like to share?
-I come from a family who has always had and loved animals and I was raised to treat animals as part of the family (once you get a pet you make a commitment to it). I in my last years in college and still live at home (way out in the country w/ my family and boyfriend). We do have 5 cats, 2 dogs, 2 turtles, and some fish. However, I live in an apartment above the garage that is separated from the house, so the ferrets only have contact with the turtles. I let them roam free during the day because it was easy to ferret proof (not being an entire house), but I do put them in their cages at night. I am new to ferrets. I saw Beatrice at Petland in Aug of 2008 and HAD to have her because her previously family couldn't keep her, and she was already 5yrs old so I worried about her not getting a good home. I didn't get Badger until Spring of 2009. I saw her at a different Petland and I knew that she didn't fit in well with the other ferrets there (much smaller and totally different coloring and personality). They told me she was dropped off from another family. She seemed really quiet and sad (which I found later was only a clever act), so I caved. I figured that Beatrice needed a buddy anyways and they hit it off wonderful, though sometimes Badger is too hyper for Beatrice. Since having Beatrice, I had to make 2 emergency vet visits ($250 each) over the weekend because she had proliferative colitis. However, as far as the surgery option for her Insulinoma, that is just out of my affordability. Plus, I am just afraid she is too old for surgery. I am willing to do whatever else I can possibly do for her and Badger.
9. How often during the week do you have access to a computer?
-All the time bc my classes at school are for Graphic Design plus my laptop is with me 24/7.
10. Please post a picture of each of your ferrets (if possible).
HF Forum Username: Mjohn143
1. Where did you first learn about natural diets for ferrets?
-Beatrice was diagnosed with insulinoma and I have since been researching the Internet where I found a site the recommended Holistic Ferret.
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.
-I really don't think I could feed them whole or live prey. I'm really not too sure exactly what kinds of options there are. Preferably something that is not too difficult if possible because I really really don't eat or handle meat well (but of course for my ferrets I will).
3. Why are you interested in switching your ferrets to a natural diet?
After researching books and the web I really believe it could help Beatrice with her disease and hopefully prevent Badger from ever having to go through it. Plus I have heard it is better for their overall health and lives.
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 I am absolutely committed. I love them so much and consider them an equal family member. I have already had to go through so many health issues with Beatrice that I do not doubt I will get her through this.
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 2 females named Beatrice and Badger. Beatrice turned 6yrs old in July and Badger is 1-2 yrs? They were both cast-offs at Petland from previous owners. Beatrice had papers so I know her age and birthdate, but nothing was known about Badger. They are both fairly small, Badger seems to have recently acquired a pudgy tummy because she used to be smaller and thinner. Beatrice was recently diagnosed with Insulinoma.
6. What diet do you currently feed your ferrets? (Please include all treats, supplements, etc)
-Beatrice was on Marshall Food the 5 years she lived with her previous owner and I know nothing about Badger. I ignorantly kept them on Marshall until I heard about how bad it was and recently switched to ZuPreem (hearing it was better). They have Chicken Jerky treats and I was recently instructed to my "ferret-Knowledgeable" veterinarian to give Beatrice 3 doses of Nutri-Cal/day with her Prednasone.
7. Have you ever tried to switch your ferrets to a natural diet in the past? If yes, what happened?
No, I have never heard of it before.
8. What additional information about yourself or your ferrets would you like to share?
-I come from a family who has always had and loved animals and I was raised to treat animals as part of the family (once you get a pet you make a commitment to it). I in my last years in college and still live at home (way out in the country w/ my family and boyfriend). We do have 5 cats, 2 dogs, 2 turtles, and some fish. However, I live in an apartment above the garage that is separated from the house, so the ferrets only have contact with the turtles. I let them roam free during the day because it was easy to ferret proof (not being an entire house), but I do put them in their cages at night. I am new to ferrets. I saw Beatrice at Petland in Aug of 2008 and HAD to have her because her previously family couldn't keep her, and she was already 5yrs old so I worried about her not getting a good home. I didn't get Badger until Spring of 2009. I saw her at a different Petland and I knew that she didn't fit in well with the other ferrets there (much smaller and totally different coloring and personality). They told me she was dropped off from another family. She seemed really quiet and sad (which I found later was only a clever act), so I caved. I figured that Beatrice needed a buddy anyways and they hit it off wonderful, though sometimes Badger is too hyper for Beatrice. Since having Beatrice, I had to make 2 emergency vet visits ($250 each) over the weekend because she had proliferative colitis. However, as far as the surgery option for her Insulinoma, that is just out of my affordability. Plus, I am just afraid she is too old for surgery. I am willing to do whatever else I can possibly do for her and Badger.
9. How often during the week do you have access to a computer?
-All the time bc my classes at school are for Graphic Design plus my laptop is with me 24/7.
10. Please post a picture of each of your ferrets (if possible).