Taz, Damien and Bandit go raw

[Forum Administrator]

I'm here! FINALLY, I know, I know. It SUCKS not having a computer. I'm off work today so I high-tailed it to the library to get online. By the look of things you are ready to graduate! Again, I'm so sorry this has taken so long! It normally isn't like this, I'm pretty much having a nervous breakdown not being able to log into the forum every day lol.

Lets do this thingy!

Time to Graduate!!!

Now there is one last thing I want you to do (and then I am moving this thread to the "newbie switch archive":

If you havent already, it might be a good idea to start popping in toNaturalFerrets. I know forum is small right now, but that is because they are switching to the new forum from a yahoo! group. There are many many senior raw feeders on there and it would be wise to make use of their knowledge. I try and advise all my "completed switchers" to get on there and post a bit. I still want you to say on HF, but I want you to "broaden your horizons" by getting a bit of NaturalFerret's info as well. Sound good?

www.NaturalFerrets.com

You'll probably run in to the Holistic Ferret Mentors on there. This is where THEY go to ask THEIR questions on natural diet (I do too).

Let me know if you get any good info out of here.

and.......

Now that you've completed the switch, have had your feeding schedule reviewd, and been advised to check out NaturalFerrets, its time to retire this thread to the "newbie switch archive"!



No one (yourself included) will be able to post in this thread anymore once its been moved to the archive. Please begin posting your diet-related questions in the "whole prey" "raw" or "general feeding questions and discussion" area. We encourage EVERYONE that is archived to continue posting. Feeding a natural diet is a learning PROCESS, there is much to learn after making the switch.

We (your mentor and I) will run a detailed "check up" with you (via PM or email) at the 3 month, 6 month, and 1 year anniversary since "going natural" just to make sure all is going well and that you arent having any issues.

Feel free to jump in and help to answer newbie questions. One of the ways you can learn is through teaching. We hope you stick around so that we can celebrate the 1 year anniversary of starting your babies on raw with you!

[amymelissa]

I hated it when I didn't have a computer. I hated it even more using the library... I always felt like I was being "watched!" lol

Yeah the kids did it

I've been over to the natural ferret forum I just hadn't joined or posted there.

Thanks for all the help. The kids and I are grateful

[tsslilsis]

Congratulations Taz, Damien and Bandit!!!!!!!!!!!! Three more fuzzbutts on the diet nature intended.

And congratulations to you, Amy! You did a great job! You were very patient.

Woohoo!

-~Ketlin

[amymelissa]

3 Months Since the Switch- EVALUATION

1. Since switching to a natural diet, what are the most noticable changes you have noticed in your ferret(s). Please be specific.

With the exception of Taz, who was already fully grown when we got her, the others (we have added 3 more babies since we graduated) are larger than most other ferrets. They seem to have more energy. It's hard for me to say because we got them all very young (under 3 months) and they never had kibble. I don't know other people who have ferrets. Some commets I've gotten from others are:
They don't stink, They are so soft, They are so big, they have so much energy.

2. Have you filled out the "Natural Diet Survey"? (If not, please do by going to the following link: holisticferret.proboards80.com/in....play&thread=241)

No I haven't. The link doesn't work


3. Please post a "sample weekly feeding schedule". Basically, give us an idea of what you feed your ferret(s) each week. This way we can review it (again) and let you know if you need to make any changes to ensure proper nutrition. Post your schedule in the following format:

MONDAY: Chicken wings, giblets
TUESDAY: Bison, hearts
WEDNESDAY: Chicken legs, giblets
THURSDAY: Pork chunks/Beef chunks, liver
FRIDAY: Chicken thighs, giblets
SATURDAY: Lamb chunks, hearts
SUNDAY: chicken backs, giblets and a mix of left over meat from the week.

About once a month we also give them Salmon. To my surprise they all loved it, even picky Taz!

4. Do you have any questions or concearns regarding your ferret(s) diet?

No

5. Do you have any new "diet goals" for your ferrets that you would like us to help you with, such as: adding whole prey to the diet, diversifying the types of meat fed, or incorporating freeze-dried or commercial raw foods? If so, please specify.

At this point we are happy with where they are. At some point we do want to add live prey.

6. How was your experience with the Holistic Ferret Mentor Program? What did you like about the program? What didn't you like? What can we do to make our program better?

I found it very helpful. It made it easier to have someone to bounce idea's off of and to calm those new mommy fears of "what if I do it wrong." I wouldn't change anything. I think it works very well the way it is set up.

[Forum Administrator]

Congratulations on your new additions. Might I ask what their names are?

Your feeding schedule looks perfect. Plenty of variety not only in meats, but also in the parts you are feeding, great.

I know what you mean about people saying how natural fed ferrets are so big, soft, and non-stinky. Everytime I bring my ferrets to work (I am a receptionist at a vet clinic) I get those comments. It makes me really happy.

Congrats on making it to the three month mark, and keep up the great work!