I worry about cross contamination

[grossoutqueen]

I am entertaining the thought of switching my babies over as it is obviously the best for them.

I do worry though about feeding raw. Isn't there a risk to myself or my children by allowing raw meat to be eaten by them? Does it cause a risk because it sits in their cage if even only for a few minutes? What about them eating the raw meat, getting it on their body and then being held by us?

My mom teaches sanitation classes for 7-11 and has always scared me about the seriousness of food poisening especially among children and babies.

[sherrylynne]

The only risks from feeding raw is if you don't clean up properly after preparing it. I use a 20-80 bleach water mix. But then I do that when I fix my supper, too . The food for my guys is usually out for a good part of the day, so if you're worried, yes, keep the children from handling the ferrets meat.
They can pass salmonella in their stools, but unless someone is playing in the litter box, that's not a concern.
You will not get it by handling the ferrets, or in being kissed by them, so please don't worry about that. Many people have been raw feeding(with children) for many, many, years! In fact, up until about 50 years ago, kibbles didn't even exist! All animals were fed a natural diet, because there were no other options, and we're still here !

[valkyriestorm]

I still freak out about that too. I were rubber gloves when cutting up the meat. Then I spray the counters with Lysol disinfectant spray, and wash my hands a lot. But I still worry when they place meat in other places in my apartment other then my kitchen. I wish I could get a gate to fit, to close off the kitchen when they are eating. And I rarely ever feed them raw while they are in the cage. That part really worries me

[amymelissa]

When I was working in Alzheimer care (years ago) we used a commercial grade Hydrogen Peroxide mix to clean. Most people are unaware that HP is a very efficient disinfectant that kills most bacteria's.

Then I found that if you spritz HP and then spritz Vinegar then rinse (for food) it kills most of those nasty bugs like salmonella. It is also very effective against mold!

Just keep in mind that HP deteriorates very fast in clear bottles (from light) and you should NEVER mix (in the same bottle) HP and Vinegar.

The best part... it's much cheaper than any other cleaner you can get and it's not toxic!!!!

Here are some links:
www.michaelandjudystouffer.com/judy/articles/vinegar.htm

www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/h/hydrogen-peroxide.htm

[spiritualtramp]

I just use a vinegar/water mix to clean up prep area and to clean up their feeding areas after they've finished. I can't say it's foolproof but I've never had any issues.

[Kerit]

I've been using Clorox bleach wipes (not very "natural," I know) for quick cleanups. While the boys are in the playpen, I do a check for stashed chunks and wipe everything down. They don't go back in until it's air-dried completely.

The counter gets food surface sanitizer spray.

[Heather]

I use a vinegar and water mix that I use to clean up most messes. If I'm really concerned about a bacterial or viral infection then I will use vinegar and water with a spray down of peroxide.
ciao

[josiesmom]

Common sense when handling the raw items yourself will eliminate any issues with bacterial contamination. Rinse the meat under running water and pat dry with a paper towel, this eliminates a LOT of surface bacteria that are ALWAYS present on raw meat.

If your ferrets can run off with their food and stash it, then make at least a once weekly, preferably 2 or 3 time weekly inspection of their favorite hiding spots to remove any hidden places. It is NOT necessary to remove uneaten stashes within 24 hours. Your ferret's system is specifically designed to handle any bacterial loads of this duration. If you do inspect every 24 hours and there seems to be a good amount of uneaten raw meals, then you are feeding too much or too often.

Raw foods pack more calories and are more digestible than kibble so it is NOT necessary to keep raw food in front of them 24/7! A once or twice a day feeding is definitely enough to keep them fat and sassy!

I use a pair of barbecue tongs to extract hidden prizes from hidey holes. A spritz of white vinegar on the spot and a dab with a paper towel works wonders to eliminate any traces of the stash.

SOmeone posted somewhere a great idea to keep ferrets anchored to one feeding spot. And that is to use a plastic clipbopard ( yes like you use at the office), clip the raw item to the board. The ferret sits on the board and generally isn't strong enough to pull the item free,nor lift himself at the same time. Eventually they should become accustomed to eating in one spot. I haven't tried it yet - need to make a run to staples for a half dozen clipboards. But I'd go one step further and put these boards in some sort of separate bin, so each ferret has their own dining room.

I was using a couple small cages as feeding rooms, but found they would just not eat until I opened the doors, then they took their prizes and ran! If I tried to wait them out, they'd begin gnawing on the bars and they know this makes me let them out imediately!

I keep disinfectant wipes handy for spot wipes, antibacterial soap for my hands, and wash utensils regularly in hot soapy water. Granted I don't have kids creeping around on the floors, but kids will eat mudpies anyway and play with the poop from their own diapers - so a few germs from ferret food aren't likely to bother them!

Regarding the 7-11 Food prep safety classes - most of that food has been processed and pre packaged, pre chilled, preheated and needs more diligent care to keep it freshh within sale dates.

Feeding raw is actually safer than feeding crap in a bag - because you can see, feel and smell if the food has gone "off" before you use it!

For the occassional piece that escapes your immediate detection ( and there will be some) don't panic when your ferret kisses you with breathe that smells like he just ate the south end of a north bound donkey! Unless the ferret is already suffering from some immmune system issue - he'll be fine. You'll just need to figure out where this delectable prize has been hidden!

Cheers,
Kim