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Post by quill on Jul 26, 2008 8:29:02 GMT -5
1. Name: Trina
2. City/State: Dunbar, West Virginia
3. How long have you owned ferrets: Since April 2008
4. How many ferrets do you currently own: 2
5. How long have you been feeding a natural diet: Since June 2008
6. What type of diet do you feed? Raw chicken (meat and bones), turkey, beef, lamb, chicken hearts, gizzards, liver. Whatever raw I can get my hands on. Raw eggs. Whole prey - mice occasionally for treats and enrichment.
7. How old were your ferrets when you switched them to a natural diet? Nikko was 10wks and Yuki was 12wks
8. Do you have any other pets? If so, what kind, and do you feed them a natural diet as well? 2 dogs - we haven't switched them yet but hope to begin soon.
9.Why did you begin feeding a natural diet? I began reading on this forum out of curiosity and soon realized the health benefits of a natural diet. I was shocked to find out that by feeding kibble I was giving my ferrets a life of sickness and early death!
10. What would you say to someone who was interested in natural diets for ferrets? I would say 'congratulations' for choosing the best life you can give your ferrets! Go for it and don't give up. Some ferrets switch easily (Nikko) and others are stubborn (Yuki) but hang in there...it is VERY worth it!!! You'll be amazed at the difference it will make!
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Post by bigsis7 on Jul 26, 2008 18:24:38 GMT -5
1. Name: Shayna
2. City/State: Herndon, Virginia
3. How long have you owned ferrets: 4 months
4. How many ferrets do you currently own: 2
5. How long have you been feeding a natural diet: Almost 2 months. Started June 9th 2008
6. What type of diet do you feed? Raw for now
7. How old were your ferrets when you switched them to a natural diet? Oliver was 5/6 monthes
8. Do you have any other pets? If so, what kind, and do you feed them a natural diet as well? 1 dog. No I can't convince my parents. Plus thats a lot of money!!
9.Why did you begin feeding a natural diet? I wanted my ferrets to have the best life possible and be the healthiest they can be. My mom has a very sensitive nose and is I don't keep the smell down I get in trouble and risk losing them, so I wanted a natural way to get rid of their smell instead of bi-odor.
10. What would you say to someone who was interested in natural diets for ferrets? I would say if they have the time, money, and patience to go for it! I would tell them the dramatic changes Oliver has gone through, such as him following me around more and being easier to train, his smell, and the muscle tone he is getting. I would also tell them about all the diseases it prevents.
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Post by moddedmama on Jul 31, 2008 22:48:58 GMT -5
1. Name: Erica
2. City/State: Sinai, SD
3. How long have you owned ferrets:One year, in August 2008
4. How many ferrets do you currently own:2 boys
5. How long have you been feeding a natural diet:Since June, 2008
6. What type of diet do you feed?Raw
7. How old were your ferrets when you switched them to a natural diet? About 18 months
8. Do you have any other pets? If so, what kind, and do you feed them a natural diet as well? One dog who gets raw as a treat a couple times a week, 2 cats who are kibble fed, and 7 rats, who are fed a commercial diet supplemented with other food occasionally
9.Why did you begin feeding a natural diet? To give my ferrets the healthiest diet I'm able to, to in turn keep them as healthy as possible.
10. What would you say to someone who was interested in natural diets for ferrets? That feeding a natural diet is much easier than is seems in the beginning, and not nearly as expensive either. I think these were my two main concerns when I was thinking to changing to a natural diet.
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Post by hillcrestferrets on Sept 23, 2008 11:46:21 GMT -5
1. Name: Ann Barzda (Hillcrest Ferrets) 2. City/State: Mount Holly, NJ 3. Owned ferrets: Since 1992 4. How many: I try not to count... but it's at 12 right now, soon to go down to 10 as I place 2 of them but right back up to who-knows-how-many next spring.  5. How long on natural: I started feeding it in the fall of 1998, so it's been about 10 years now. 6. What type of diet: A mix of raw/prey. I do "frankenprey" with chicken and other stuff, as well as alternating in whole prey. There is non-grain kibble available, but the cats eat most of it. 7. How old were the ferrets: The very first ones I started on raw were started at about 3 - 6 months old or a little older. Now, since I raise my own, they are born and raised on whole prey and raw. The few ferrets I have purchased to add to my program are started when I get them, at about 8 - 10 weeks old. I've started older ferrets too - one of my breeding jills was over 2 years old when I got her and she took to raw very quickly. 8. Other pets: I do have cats, and no, I don't specifically give them raw. They get no-grain kibble and whatever the ferrets leave out. 9. Why start natural: I had been reading about dogs, specifically working dogs, and the top champions were on a natural diet. I have always believed in a natural and holistic lifestyle, I just expanded it to include all my critters. I found my personal diet, my personal health were connected. It just makes sense to feed critters the food that evolution designed them to eat. My first raw-fed ferret developed an intestinal issue and getting him off kibble and onto raw helped immensely. 10. What would I say?: Totally go for it. I'm a believer. I think going natural has helped me breed bigger, stronger, smarter, healthier ferrets, which was my goal when I started. I have not had insulinoma or adrenal show up in my raw fed ferrets. They are healthy longer and live a good life. There's no reason not to feed them what they are designed to eat! |
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Post by razzlette on Mar 10, 2009 14:28:19 GMT -5
1. Name: Stacy
2. City/State: Florence Ky
3. How long have you owned ferrets: First set in 2000. Now in Aug 2008.
4. How many ferrets do you currently own: 2
5. How long have you been feeding a natural diet: Aug. 2008
6. What type of diet do you feed? Raw
7. How old were your ferrets when you switched them to a natural diet? 8 weeks or so.
8. Do you have any other pets? If so, what kind, and do you feed them a natural diet as well? 1 Cat 1 Dog and no they are not on a natural diet.
9.Why did you begin feeding a natural diet? Smell and price.
10. What would you say to someone who was interested in natural diets for ferrets? I would tell them what I have see with my own ferrets and I would tell them it is a great thing for them.
~Stacy
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Post by luci on Mar 11, 2009 19:06:19 GMT -5
1. Name:
Tara a.k.a. Luci
2. City/State:
St. Paul, Minnesota
3. How long have you owned ferrets:
Since December 2007
4. How many ferrets do you currently own:
Two
5. How long have you been feeding a natural diet:
Graduated from the mentor program in October 2008. I started the switch on my own in June of 2008 and signed up for the mentor program in September.
6. What type of diet do you feed?
Prey model/RMB
7. How old were your ferrets when you switched them to a natural diet?
2 and 3 years old approx.
8. Do you have any other pets? If so, what kind, and do you feed them a natural diet as well?
Yes, two cats. They are also fed a prey model diet.
9.Why did you begin feeding a natural diet?
Because reading pet food labels convinced me that I was feeding my carnivores a species inappropriate diet.
10. What would you say to someone who was interested in natural diets for ferrets? (ie would you tell them to go for it, what advice would you give, etc)
I would tell them that the benefits of a natural diet are numerous and that a proper diet for a carnivore simply should not include anything other than animal proteins. I would say that though the transition might be challenging that the pros definitely outweigh the cons.
I think what would strike people most is that natural diet ferrets smell less, poop less, less smelly poops, softer fur and cleaner teeth. I would stress those points especially.
I would direct them to this forum to get help in transitioning because it's so important to have a support system in place. To be able to share in the wealth of information and experience of this group of people is invaluable.
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Post by sherrylynne on Mar 11, 2009 19:47:15 GMT -5
1. Name: Sherry 2. City/State: Calgary, Ab. Canada
3. How long have you owned ferrets: 1yr, 2m
4. How many ferrets do you currently own: 4
5. How long have you been feeding a natural diet: (please post the approx month/year you started feeding! If you say "2 years" then as time passes that will no longer be correct. Get what I'm saying?  ) Kibble free Sept. 08 6. What type of diet do you feed? RMB's/whole prey 7. How old were your ferrets when you switched them to a natural diet? Boris and Vincent: 11m, Sinnead: 2 1/2 yrs, Lucrezia: 12 weeks
8. Do you have any other pets? If so, what kind, and do you feed them a natural diet as well? 4 cats. I tried for 6 months. 1 became ill due to food sensitivities(he's now on Wellness wet), 1 developed hepatic lipidosis(he's now on Evo kibble) 1 is on 1/2 Wellness wet, 1/2 FFeast(she refused to eat raw after 3 months), 1 is raw with canned as a lure on top. 9.Why did you begin feeding a natural diet? When my vet told me sugars fed early could potentially lead to insulinomas when older, I started checking out diets(most kibbles contain grain, which is metabolized to complex sugars), I decided a natural diet was the best chance they had to avoid some illnesses. 10. What would you say to someone who was interested in natural diets for ferrets? (ie would you tell them to go for it, what advice would you give, etc) I'd tell them the benefits of a raw/whole prey diet, and refer them here
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Post by fuzzymom on Mar 25, 2009 16:11:10 GMT -5
1. Name: Jesse
2. City/State: Richmond, Va
3. How long have you owned ferrets: A little over a year. We got our first baby in December of 2007.
4. How many ferrets do you currently own: 4
5. How long have you been feeding a natural diet: Since March or April of 2008.
6. What type of diet do you feed? Raw meat/Whole Prey
7. How old were your ferrets when you switched them to a natural diet? All were less than 4 months old when they switched.
8. Do you have any other pets? If so, what kind, and do you feed them a natural diet as well? Dachshund (almost 1 year) and 4 cats. None are on a raw diet but will be soon.
9.Why did you begin feeding a natural diet? I realized that a natural diet is what my babies deserve and need to be healthy.
10. What would you say to someone who was interested in natural diets for ferrets? I would refer them to this site and to do their research carefully.
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Post by cristina on Apr 12, 2009 14:26:19 GMT -5
1. Name: Cristina
2. City/State: Grosse Pointe, MI
3. How long have you owned ferrets: almost 2 years now
4. How many ferrets do you currently own: three
5. How long have you been feeding a natural diet: started the switch July 2008, graduated 3 months ago.
6. What type of diet do you feed? Raw and starting to add in whole prey gradually
7. How old were your ferrets when you switched them to a natural diet? Mimi was a year old and Boomer and Penny were around 6-8 months old.
8. Do you have any other pets? If so, what kind, and do you feed them a natural diet as well? We have 2 dogs who are not fed raw since they are my whole families pets and my parents arent too keen on feeding raw, although when I get my new dog, he/she will be on a raw natural diet without doubt! 2 horses (just fed grain, pretty natural! lol).
9.Why did you begin feeding a natural diet? My little boy was overweight and I was afraid he would soon develop health issues due to kibble, and I normally opt for more natural everything in life, including when it comes to my pets!
10. What would you say to someone who was interested in natural diets for ferrets? (ie would you tell them to go for it, what advice would you give, etc) Honestly I would try to push them to it (and I have lol), I would go over the pros and cons between kibble and raw as well as health issues associated with kibble, discuss the history and orgin of the ferrets wild natural habitat and diet, and tell of my own personal experiences. I would also give as much help and encouragement I can give to help anyone switch, I love being there for people and helping them especially since I know what they are going through!
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Post by Steffi Loves Her Fuzzbuckets on Apr 12, 2009 15:14:08 GMT -5
1. Name: Stefany
2. City/State: Somerset, KY
3. How long have you owned ferrets: 2 Years and 2 months
4. How many ferrets do you currently own: One, My baby Boy, Stewart Colbert. :3
5. How long have you been feeding a natural diet: He's been technically eating raw since May 22nd, '09.
6. What type of diet do you feed? A Raw Meat Diet right now, Soon to be Whole Prey.
7. How old were your ferrets when you switched them to a natural diet? Unsure, Approx. 1 year or so.
8. Do you have any other pets? If so, what kind, and do you feed them a natural diet as well?
I have 4 Cats: Joey, Samantha, Lizzie, and Bruce. They are not on a natural diet.
9.Why did you begin feeding a natural diet? This is my second time with these fun little creatures, and like any mother you want to the best for your baby. I didn't give that to Robby, I loved him and I cherished him, But I always knew there was something else I could have done..
I wanted Stewart Colbert to have the best life he could possibly have, so when I learned about a natural diet, I wanted to know more, to be sure this was safe and everything. After reading so many books and webpages about it, I realized how healthy and enchriching this switch would be for Mr. Colbert. I made my decision, and I'm never going back. x3 I'm so grateful for the Holistic Ferret Forums. :]
10. What would you say to someone who was interested in natural diets for ferrets? I would be so excited for them! I would tell them this is the best thing you could do for them, How enriching and wonderful this will be for the ferret; So healthy and Happy!
I would congratulate them and of course give them this web address, book recomendations and other sites to look for, and help them along as best I could.
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Post by luxuriousferret on May 1, 2009 12:43:01 GMT -5
1. Name: Luxuriousferret 2. City/State: 3. How long have you owned ferrets: A little less than a year 4. How many ferrets do you currently own: 3 5. How long have you been feeding a natural diet: (please post the approx month/year you started feeding! If you say "2 years" then as time passes that will no longer be correct. Get what I'm saying? ) March 2009 6. What type of diet do you feed? Raw with a lil bit of whole prey 7. How old were your ferrets when you switched them to a natural diet? Snickers about 7 months Taccato about 18 months Treeble about 10 months 8. Do you have any other pets? If so, what kind, and do you feed them a natural diet as well? Yes, but am not allowed to put them on a raw diet  9.Why did you begin feeding a natural diet? March 2009 10. What would you say to someone who was interested in natural diets for ferrets? (ie would you tell them to go for it, what advice would you give, etc) They hardly smell They live longer VERY clean teeth Less litter box changing So, YES go for it! |
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Post by Little Wise Owl on Feb 21, 2010 15:40:41 GMT -5
1. Name: Shannon
2. City/State: Ontario, Canada
3. How long have you owned ferrets: Couple years
4. How many ferrets do you currently own: One.
5. How long have you been feeding a natural diet: Jan 2010 Since I got my most recent ferret.
6. What type of diet do you feed?: Raw and whole prey.
7. How old were your ferrets when you switched them to a natural diet?: 7-9 weeks.
8. Do you have any other pets? If so, what kind, and do you feed them a natural diet as well?: 5 cats, 3 dogs, snakes and lizards. The reptiles are fed naturally, the cats are impossible to switch and 2 out of out 3 dogs eat raw with no problem but mostly get high quality dog food.
9.Why did you begin feeding a natural diet?: I began reading about how bad normal dog and cat foods were so I started researching raw feeding, found my way here and got hooked on the idea. The idea of so many ferrets getting sick at such young ages is scary and it seems like a good chunk of their sickness is related to their diet. Why feed your ferret (or other pet carnivores) a dry kibble diet that basically tries to mimic the real thing when you can just GIVE THEM THE REAL THING. lol
10. What would you say to someone who was interested in natural diets for ferrets?: Research!! And give it a try. Probably refer them to this forum.
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Post by lnsybean44 on Feb 21, 2010 16:20:27 GMT -5
1. Name: Lindsay
2. City/State: Milford, CT
3. How long have you owned ferrets: Since May 2008
4. How many ferrets do you currently own: I personally own two but we have five total in our family
5. How long have you been feeding a natural diet: I started feeding raw with my first breeder ferret Kenora, May 2009
6. What type of diet do you feed? I feed a mixture of whole prey, BARF and freeze dried
7. How old were your ferrets when you switched them to a natural diet? Kenora, Newt and Luxo were eating partial raw (mice a few times a week, mostly kibble) up until 11 months, 4 months and 2.5 years respectively. Our other three family ferrets are supplemented with freeze dried raw but the rest of my family cant quite keep up with an entirely raw diet.
8. Do you have any other pets? If so, what kind, and do you feed them a natural diet as well? We have a cat and a turtle. Neither eat and entirely raw diet but are supplemented with the occasional treat (chicken for the cat and insects for the turtle)
9.Why did you begin feeding a natural diet? I began because someone mentioned it to me on another forum, then Kenora came into my life already eating mice so I decided to learn more and then try and supplement her but ended up switching over entirely. It was also in part because I couldnt really find any kibble that I liked and saw first hand the difference in raw versus kibble fed when Kenora came home.
10. What would you say to someone who was interested in natural diets for ferrets? I would tell them there is no harm in trying. Its hard at first but worth the switch. Use a feeding den, it cuts down on mess, pre-cut meats and freeze them to make dinner time easier. Print out a feeding schedule so it doesnt require as much thought on those rushed nights.
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Post by katt on Feb 27, 2010 19:33:11 GMT -5
Be sure to answer the following questions:
1. Name: Katt
2. City/State: Anchorage, AK
3. How long have you owned ferrets:2-3 months (Dec 18, 2010)
4. How many ferrets do you currently own: 1
5. How long have you been feeding a natural diet: Dec 18, 2010
6. What type of diet do you feed? Raw/Whole foods: chicken, beef, lamb, buffalo, turkey, game hen, mice, rats, etc...
7. How old were your ferrets when you switched them to a natural diet? 8 weeks
8. Do you have any other pets? If so, what kind, and do you feed them a natural diet as well? Yes. Iguana, Ball Python.
9.Why did you begin feeding a natural diet? I found this site. haha To increase the health of my ferret, lengthen his lifespan, eliminate odor, soften his coat, help him to grow bigger, reduce allergens
10. What would you say to someone who was interested in natural diets for ferrets? (ie would you tell them to go for it, what advice would you give, etc) DO IT. Without a doubt it is 100% worth it and the best option in most cases (with some exemptions of course).
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Post by justahannah on Feb 27, 2010 20:03:31 GMT -5
1. Name: Hannah
2. City/State: Tacoma, WA
3. How long have you owned ferrets: 1 year, 3 months
4. How many ferrets do you currently own: 4
5. How long have you been feeding a natural diet: September '09
6. What type of diet do you feed? Coarse ground frankenprey
7. How old were your ferrets when you switched them to a natural diet? 1.5-3.5
8. Do you have any other pets? If so, what kind, and do you feed them a natural diet as well? Cats, and yes they get the same thing the ferrets do.
9.Why did you begin feeding a natural diet? I adopted an extremely adrenal ferret that I thought could use extra help healing and I'd been researching it for a while as a way to save money (meat's cheaper here than high-quality kibbles)
10. What would you say to someone who was interested in natural diets for ferrets? It's the best, life is much better with smaller poos, less smell, and healthier ferts.
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