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Post by konotashi on Sept 17, 2009 19:26:21 GMT -5
Are rats/mice okay to feed as the entire diet, or would you still need outside things, like chicken necks, backs, giblets, etc? Not trying to be totally cheap - just seeing how much money I could save on this.  Reason I ask is because there are a TON of ads on CraigsList for frozen or live rats/mice for cheap. Also, what's the best size of rats and mice for feeding? |
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Post by sherrylynne on Sept 17, 2009 21:01:12 GMT -5
Not really. You need to feed at least 3 different proteins to cover your nutritional bases. So, rats, mice, and some other meat, preferably more than one meat.
For the rats and mice, feed a variety of ages/sizes. Each come with their own nutrient supply for the ferret.
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Post by mustelidmusk on Sept 17, 2009 23:34:00 GMT -5
SInce rats and mice are similar, I'd go for at least two more protiens....you might be able to get whole prey quail/squab.
Hare today sells rabbit (ground or whole) as well
Other good options include cornish game hen, chicken, turkey
And perhaps a red meat such as beef, lamb, venison, elk, pork
- even a little fish is good - egg as well (especially the yolk)
The idea is to mix meat types and ages of meat fed (veal versus beef, hoppers versus adult mice, etc.)
You want a lot of variety to ensure few or no nutritional gaps in the diet.
-jennifer
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Post by konotashi on Sept 18, 2009 0:26:50 GMT -5
I was looking around, and I found that there are a LOT of people selling day old chicks for less than $3 per chick. Most are selling them for $1, so could I add that in?
Where can I buy whole cornish game hens, and how much do they normally cost?
If I feed rats and/or mice, chicks, and game hen parts, how should I split that up to make it balanced?
How often should I give egg yolk, and how many?
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Post by konotashi on Sept 18, 2009 13:12:53 GMT -5
I looked at some of the commercial frozen feeder companies and the prices were GREAT. Util I saw shipping costs! $50-ish to ship! Naw, I think I'll stick with local rats, chicks, and ducks. Lol
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Post by sherrylynne on Sept 18, 2009 19:22:27 GMT -5
Game hen you should be able to get at your local grocery in the freezer section. For yolk only? I don't think I'd make it a main part of their diet- maybe 2-3 times a week at most.
The idea with ordering from the larger whole prey providers is to order in bulk. Shipping stays the same no matter what. So, $50 for 10 mice, or $50 for 1000 mice. Large orders is where you save. Is there anyone you could split an order with?
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Post by Heather on Sept 18, 2009 23:05:55 GMT -5
Why are you only considering feeding part of the egg (yolk)?
Try searching out some of the local snake and reptile people, they can sometimes put you in touch with local prey suppliers. I purchase my rats from a lady who raises rats and mice for her snakes. I raise my own mice....I'm still hoping to find some others who might raise other types of rodents (hamster, gerbils....)
ciao
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Post by konotashi on Sept 18, 2009 23:09:53 GMT -5
Would it be better to offer the entire egg? I figured just the yolk would be best since it has more protein.
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Post by Heather on Sept 19, 2009 20:28:57 GMT -5
Egg is an entirely balanced meal when offered in it's entirety. Unfortunately, because we have decided we need to have harder shells so that we can get these little protein balls to market, the shell is only used powdered or ground. Quail, pigeon eggs and some of the smaller birds who's eggs are not genetically altered to be harder can be fed to a hungry ferret, without breaking it. My guys had a great time with pigeon eggs. You can feed egg mixed both with white and yolk without any negative consiquences as long as you practice moderation  . ciao |
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