For those of you interested in a raw diet...

[bigsis7]

Hey everyone! I had someone email me the other day asking about feeding ferrets a raw diet. I though some people might benefit from the email I sent back:

Hi! Thank you for being open to the idea! A natural diet has so much better than feeding kibble. They (if fed a natural diet before they are 6 months old) grow larger than a kibble fed ferret would, their fur becomes softer, if they are cleaned after properly and fed a raw diet there should be no stink at all, they can digest meat way better than kibble, it keeps their teeth clean and strong and can help ferrets that like to nip, not to nip as much because they have something yummier to chew on. Those are just a few of the good things about it. Ferrets like dogs and cats are obligated carnivores. When I started my *adrenal gland disease ferret on a natural diet (we were losing him, he was lethargic, way under weight, and not responsive 3/4 of the time.) in two weeks he was up running around, eating well, and gaining more weight. After 2-3 months of this diet and a monthly shot of lupron (cures the symptoms of adrenal) he has gained two pounds and eats twice as much as my younger ferret! A raw diet is also good for insulomic (sp?) ferrets and also prevents ferrets from getting it if they are started at a young age (as kibble usually is one of the causes of *insulinoma). Ok, I'm rambling! Sorry about that. So here is the schedule I feed my ferrets which changes off and on for more variety:
(please note this schedule does not have to be followed and it needs a bit more variety)

MONDAY: Chicken legs
TUESDAY: Pig Feet
WEDNESDAY: Chicken legs
THURSDAY: Pig feet
FRIDAY: Pork
SATURDAY: Turkey
SUNDAY: Chicken and pork liver

Ferrets should be fed 4 days of meat with bones (pork ribs, chicken/turkey wings, legs, thighs, backs, necks, etc.) 2 days of boneless meat (steak, pork, turkey, chicken, duck, etc.), and 1 day of organs (liver or kidney as heart and gizzards are considered muscle meat). They should also be fed at least three different kinds of meats (chicken, beef, turkey, pork, etc.). Here are some websites with more information (most are for cats and dogs, but can be applied to ferrets):
www.rawfed.com/myths/
www.rawmeatybones.com/
www.rawlearning.com/
www.rawfedcats.org/
exoticpets.about.com/od/ferretcare/i/naturaldiets.htm
holisticferret.proboards80.com/index.cgi
(This is the forum I mentioned. A lot of good information can be found here. Giuli runs the forum and there are a few mentors on there that have been feeding a natural diet for almost 20 years. I am a mentor also (well mentor in training). I have been feeding my ferrets a raw diet for 7 months (a short time compared to most). If you have any questions of the natural diet or ferrets in general let me know!

*Adrenal gland disease and insulinoma are some of the most common ferret illnesses. Here are some links to more information:
www.ferret-universe.com/health/adrenal.asp
www.ferret-universe.com/health/insulinoma.asp

I am so amazed and delighted by all that I have been taught in 7 months about raw diets! If anyone would like to correct me on something please do!! Also let me know if you have any questions!

[valkyriestorm]

Thanks, I found a lot of good info here I can take to work with me

[bigsis7]

I'm glad you found it helpful!!

[josiesmom]

Bibsis7,
That's a good intro personally I don't offer ideas on "scheduled" feedings, because too many people willl stick to just that schedule. Seems they have little in the way of imagination, or are too afraid to venture outside of the box. This is what I've been sending to folks inquirong about natural diets for their ferrets:

So what's on the menu for a natural fed ferret?

Raw: Chicken necks, wings, hearts, livers, gizzards, backs, thighs, breast, legs, feet; Cornish Game hen, Turkey necks, wing tips; Rabbit; Salmon, skin too; Sardines (in oil or water only). Occasional pieces of lamb, veal or pork, ox tails. All of these items can also be dried or freeze dried and fed too- great during storms or when on vacation and other people are feeding for you (but MUST be fed consistently to keep the ferret eating them regularly). Remember no "broth or solution enhancements". Many of these can be found in your local supermarket or local butcher shop. You can shop for yourself, your family and your ferrets all at once! You can buy in bulk, re portion and freeze and thaw as needed.

Whole prey: Super worms, crickets, wax worms, night crawlers; Mice - pinkies, fuzzies, hoppers, juveniles, adults; Rats- pinkies, fuzzies, hoppers, juveniles, small, medium, larger sizes as befits the individual hunter; Guinea pig - babies, juvenile, young adults, small adults; Rabbits- kits, bunnies, juveniles, adults; Chicks - day old, week old, pullets (expect a 52 million feather pick up); Quail, Pigeon, Pheasant if you have access.





The End Result of a Natural Diet:

Feeding naturally WILL introduce you to a rainbow of poops. Depending upon what has been devoured, will determine the color and consistency of the deposit. Liver= black & gooey puddles. Gizzards = brown to dark brown puddings. Meaty bones = light tan to dark brown formed scats with visible boney pieces. Invertebrates = white to tan formed scats. Mice = white to tan ropey formed scats with practically no smell. Fish = oily tan to dark brown soft puddings to formed scats depending on the amount of bone eaten.

Feeding naturally offers your ferret's system nutrient rich food so it isn't necessary to leave food out all day and they don't have to eat as frequently. One to two meals a day is all that is needed to keep them fit as a fiddle! Because they aren't eating huge quantities of indigestible gunk - they aren't leaving behind huge piles of smelly gunk!

Feeding naturally costs less in the long run than feeding crap-in-a-bag; your ferrets get healthier, stronger, trim down and muscle up, their teeth become whiter their breath sweeter, their deposits smaller and less smelly,(especially the deposits after a mouse meal - hardly ANY odor at all)! You get to see the true nature of ferrets!

Cheers!
Kim