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Post by xtsmithx on Jun 1, 2008 17:21:32 GMT -5
I bought two frozen mice that are about 2 inches big. How long do I have to let them thaw out? And can I just leave them on the counter to thaw or is there an easier way to do it?
This is the first time Eddie will see a mouse. So is there a way I should go about giving it to him? Should I just give him one first and if he eats that one give him the other one?
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Post by tss on Jun 1, 2008 19:25:47 GMT -5
You can thaw them out on the counter or put the bag that they are in into warm/hotish water. I'd just give it right to him, maybe even hold it by the tail and move it around some. They sound really small, just give him one, if he eats it toss the other one to him.
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Post by Forum Administrator on Jun 2, 2008 12:37:51 GMT -5
I thaw all my mice in the fridge. You can dunk them in warm water to bring them up to "body temperature" if you like. To get them to try the mice you can do that (warm them in water) and then put ferretone on the mice. I recommend fasting your ferrets for 12 hours before introducing the mice. You (and this might gross you out) might have to cut open the mouse's stomach and let them see/smell the intestines. A non-messy way to do this is to take the FROZEN mouse. Use a large knife. Put it on the mouse and push down. This will cut the mouse in half (an easy way to expose the guts). Since it is still frozen, it wont bleed everywhere. Push down on the mouse to cut it in half like you would a frozen pizza. If you give them a furry mouse they might think its a toy and not understand that its for EATING. Playing "tug of war" with a ferretone-covered mouse can also help them to bite into it and shake it around. I would recommend doing the tug of war with a WHOLE mouse lol using a mouse butt might get kinda messy. I would be shocked if they just went and ate it. If you run into trouble, we are right here to help. Dont give up, stay patient, and keep asking for help and we'll get your little ones onto mice faster then you can shake a stick at!
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Post by tss on Jun 3, 2008 10:10:35 GMT -5
The ferret may take them as-is. Lillian and Jill did just hours after we got them home.
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Post by josiesmom on Jun 4, 2008 0:29:32 GMT -5
besides warming the thawed mouse by soaking it in warm water, pat it dry with a paper towel before offering it. Many ferrets don't like the "wet" mice.
Cheers, Kim
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Post by Forum Administrator on Jun 4, 2008 14:29:41 GMT -5
Yeah, I agree. My ferrets don't like "wet mice" either.
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