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Post by charmantpapillon on Jul 16, 2008 17:06:21 GMT -5
how long can i leave the raw meat out? i have chicken chopped up very fine and coated with crushed kibble. BUT i dont want to leave it out too long and worry bout Beast getting sick. he ate half of one of the pieces... but other than that he hasnt eaten any more today and im getting worried because hes skinny as it is and worrying about him getting nutrients is what im worried abotu (im an over protetive mommy)
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Post by Forum Administrator on Jul 16, 2008 19:28:02 GMT -5
how long can i leave the raw meat out? i have chicken chopped up very fine and coated with crushed kibble. BUT i dont want to leave it out too long and worry bout Beast getting sick. he ate half of one of the pieces... but other than that he hasnt eaten any more today and im getting worried because hes skinny as it is and worrying about him getting nutrients is what im worried abotu (im an over protetive mommy) One of the Holistic Ferret Mentors (mustelidmusk) came up with this guide. I would just count finely chopped meat the same as "ground" meat. When you progress to bigger meat pieces, count it as "meat chunks": Wet Kibble: 4-8 hours Ground meat: 12 hours Freeze-dried Diet (served wet) 12 hours Commercial Raw frozen diet 12 hours Meat chunks: 16 hours Bone-in meat: 24 hours Whole prey (meat exposed): 24 hours Whole prey (no meat exposed) 36 hours Freeze-dried diet (served dry) Over 1 week (the primary concern is palatability rather than bacterial issues)
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Post by Forum Administrator on Jul 16, 2008 19:29:47 GMT -5
im getting worried because hes skinny as it is and worrying about him getting nutrients is what im worried abotu (im an over protetive mommy) Well if he ate some that is DEFINITLY a good sign During the initial switch a *tiny* amount of weightloss is common (they will regain the weight once they go all natural) but you want to moniter your ferret because ALOT of weightloss is NOT normal. Keep offering the meat chunks with crushed kibble. You can mix the chunks with some babyfood or duck soup if you like (to encourage him to eat a bit more). If he still turns his nose up to the small chunks, work with him to get used to kibble that has been moistened with water. From there you can progress to the chopped meat. If a certain method doenst seem to be working, its okay to try another one Many of our members have had great sucess with gradually watering down their ferret's kibble, then addign chunks of raw meat and gradually increasing the size of the chunks while decreasing the amount of moist kibble. If he doesnt eat more within 24 hours, I want you to try this method. Its important that he eats (especially if he's skinny).
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Post by charmantpapillon on Jul 16, 2008 21:51:15 GMT -5
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Post by Heather on Jul 16, 2008 23:11:07 GMT -5
That's fantastic. Don't expect non-ferret humans to understand your excitement or necessarily share your enthusiasm. We do though Congratulations. You've started your furbaby on to a healthier lifestyle. We're behind you. ciao
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Post by Forum Administrator on Jul 17, 2008 1:32:13 GMT -5
I can understand your excitement! Its a great feeling isnt it? Im so happy for you! Keep up the great work!
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Post by Forum Administrator on Jul 17, 2008 1:41:30 GMT -5
BTW- Go to "Natural Diet Newbies" start a thread there. Tell everyone a little about your baby, what he's currently eating, what progress he's made so far. This way we can moniter your progress. Continue to post your updates in that thread. Thank you!
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