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Post by aikidokim2 on Apr 9, 2009 19:55:13 GMT -5
Ok, so you want me to just feed raw and no kibble? And see if they eat it that way? I will try that.
Today I cut the pork chunks into smaller pieces and they seem to be eating it a bit better, I guess I started giving them too big of chunks too early!! OOOPPPSSS!!! How long should I wait to put the kibble back in if they don't seem to be eating enough of the raw? I don't want them to lose weight or become ill or anything.
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Post by sherrylynne on Apr 10, 2009 19:55:53 GMT -5
A healthy ferret can go for at least 12 hours with nothing whatsoever. So, say you take the kibble out at 10 at night, and feed raw around 6-7 a.m.(they should be eating about 1-2 ounces each per meal, and 1oz would be about a 1 1/2-2 inch square piece). If they haven't eaten anything at all by around 10 a.m., I'd give them back the kibble. And remember- though the amount of meat may not look like a lot, it's enough. They'll probably eat their fill with the raw.
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Post by aikidokim2 on Apr 10, 2009 20:52:57 GMT -5
I have not given them ANY kibble, I have only been giving them pork chunks, and they have been eating it!! And ALL of it!! I haven't even seen any of it stashed away in the cage anywhere!! I apparently am feeding them too much raw, if they should only be getting that size chunk (before cutting it up). I have been cutting up at least 5-7 stew meat size chunks, into smaller chunks, and giving that to them, and today I gave it to them twice!! Their dish was empty and they were acting hungry!! ) I will have to try to find duck at the store, so I can try that next and stay away from chicken for a while, so hopefully they will eat it again someday!! LOL
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Post by sherrylynne on Apr 11, 2009 9:38:09 GMT -5
That's wonderful!!! They(and YOU), are doing great . I also found my best friend was a simple kitchen scale. But it really sounds like they are finally off and running!
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Post by aikidokim2 on Apr 11, 2009 11:16:43 GMT -5
Thank you for your help so far!! I have been meaning to pick up a small scale, but unfortunately with my work schedule lately, I've barely had time to do my basic chores!! UGH!! I will continue trying different meats and let you know how they do!
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Post by sherrylynne on Apr 11, 2009 22:08:39 GMT -5
I do know the feeling! Good luck, and let me know how it goes.
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Post by sherrylynne on Apr 16, 2009 22:36:57 GMT -5
So, any updates? How's everyone doing?
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Post by aikidokim2 on May 1, 2009 11:26:55 GMT -5
Sorry I have been very busy, and with everything going on, I completely forgot that I had some NV raw food in my freezer! I have been trying that with them for now, until everything calms down some and I have time to go to the store and stock up on meat and cut it up and all. I have tried the rabbit and they did eat it, but not at first, it took them a bit to decide it wasn't poisoned!! LOL
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Post by sherrylynne on May 1, 2009 22:43:35 GMT -5
They really can be such little drama queens, can't they ! Anyway, glad you're back! The NV is perfect until you can get some more meat. Some actually prefer to feed premade daily, with wings and the like thrown in for good dental hygiene. With mine, the little beggars refused to eat any form of ground once they started on chunks . I'm glad they've finally decided meat can be food instead of poison, though- makes your job easier! Keep me posted on what's happening, ok?
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Post by aikidokim2 on May 2, 2009 1:55:19 GMT -5
They can be little brats! They ate the rabbit NV the one day and then the next, they won't touch it! Drives me insane sometimes!! I will hold off a little while with the kibble and see if they decide to eat the NV. I'll let you know if that does the trick or not! (The way they go sometimes, it may work a few times and then not and then it will work again! LOL) I also have some other NV meats that I will try. (I had them in the freezer as snacks for my dogs, but forgot they were in there!)
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Post by sherrylynne on May 2, 2009 10:25:00 GMT -5
That's great! For me, the best way was to let them get a little hungry first. You've heard the old cliche? Hunger adds spice . Try leaving the kibble out at night at least, and put the NV in when you get up. They should be hungry enough to eat it. I'm not sure how much each patty weighs, but if they are eating 2-4 oz a day, they've had full meals
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Post by aikidokim2 on May 3, 2009 16:31:29 GMT -5
I have both the medallions and the patties. I think the medallions are about 1-2 ozs each and I think the patties are about 8 ozs each. (I cut the patties up into smaller pieces, like a pie!!) I was giving 1 medallion cut into small pieces and they only completely ate it the first time I gave it to them! I was also able to get my hands onto some pork spare ribs that were on sale at the market, so I have to cut it up and try giving some of that too! They seemed to enjoy the pork before.
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Post by sherrylynne on May 4, 2009 10:47:51 GMT -5
Since they don't have the jaw strength yet to eat much bone, they may simply decide to gnaw on them . But that's ok too! When you can get it, try chicken thighs/breast, beef/pork chunks, etc., cut into sizes they are comfortable with. If you are worried about bone(they'll be fine without it for a short while), pulverize some eggshell and put a pinch on every meal. You can either use a mortar and pestle, or what I use is a clean coffee grinder that I only use for eggshell. It'll straighten out the poopies, and keep the nails from splintering until you get them eating actual bone.
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Post by aikidokim2 on May 6, 2009 22:24:59 GMT -5
The spare ribs I bought are the boneless ones, but I have given them chicken wings in the past, which they did eat some of the bone, but they haven't wanted the chicken (I think they got sick of it!) So I have been waiting a while before I try giving them chicken again. How long do you think I should wait before trying the chicken again, if they were sick of it?
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Post by sherrylynne on May 6, 2009 23:29:53 GMT -5
Mine will usually eat a meat they've tired of within a couple of weeks. They forget all about having had to too much, and just think "Hey mom, this stuff is good! Why haven't we had it before?" They are getting NV on a regular basis I believe? They are getting a good bit on ground bone with that, so they just need it to chew on. Maybe some chicken wing or neck 3-4 meals a week, spread out. You'd just have to make sure the NV isn't chicken
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