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Post by michelle on Jan 1, 2010 12:03:39 GMT -5
Hello all. I'm from NYC and currently own 2 ferrets. I've had ferrets for about 7 years and have had up to 4 at a time... but we all know how it goes with ferrets  illness and diseases always strike. I was introduced to the boards from two raw feeders after my inquiring posts from the Ferret Mailing List. I just bought my new addition about a week ago and the petshop owner suggested I feed raw to keep my ferret, Logan, healthy. He has been dealing with ferrets from all over the world for years. He felt that European ferrets are the healthiest and the only difference is the diets. Personally, I feel that Marshall Farms over breeding has a lot to do with it... but still, raw diets is worth a shot. Here's my ferrets:  Logan  Lucy  |
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Post by sherrylynne on Jan 1, 2010 12:11:15 GMT -5
Hi, Michelle, and glad to see you here! Your ferrets are adorable. Please feel free to browse the boards, ask questions, and see what you can use. Check out the Nutrition section in particular. I started to feed raw because one of mine had a chicken sensitivity. That, and the fact I'm trying to avoid insulinoma by doing it.
Your vet is right in a way, about them being healthier on raw. I know mine are. But yes, inbreeding, environment, a whole variety of things impact on our little one's health.
I'm hoping to see you around. If you decide you want to do raw, you can also request a mentor to help with the switch!
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Post by Heather on Jan 1, 2010 14:44:06 GMT -5
What little cuties  The petstore owner is well read, I'm impressed and you too are correct. You're right, we can't undo the damage but we can help our little ones cope better with what they have. I deal with rescues, so not only do I deal with what the farm breeders have created, I also get the joy job of repairing or looking after what other people have caused by mistakes. I find feeding a raw/natural diet has created an ideal platform for my guys to better fight some of the diseases you know are going to show up. It also appears to make these diseases also take a step back. I find that it allows these little ones to live a bit longer, definitely healthier, without having to deal with some of the major fatal flaws that ferrets carry. Have I lost some young...yes, I would be a liar if I told you any different. I have found that it does seem to keep insulinoma at bay and helps the little ones who have it lead a happier more normal life. Does it help combat lymphoma....no, I don't think it does but having said that it does seem to allow them to cope better and live longer, if they have to deal with it. You see, on kibbles carnivores spend their whole life one step away from dehydration, the greatest killer of any sick ferret. The raw diet, hydrates them naturally. Their little bodies don't have to take in copious amounts of water to process their foods. A winning situation. Let's just say there are no guarantees, but you've opted to bring them into your house and into your heart so you must be a bit of a gambler anyway  Sooooo, why not weigh the odds in your favour too Do as sherrylynne has suggested, check out our nutritional section. Prowl around, read some of the threads, see the questions....ask your own. Everyone here is friendly and there's a lot of good information out there. I hope that I will be seeing you and your little ones around ciao |
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Post by rarnold18 on Jan 1, 2010 21:35:12 GMT -5
Welcome to the board! The two previous posters are awesome and have a wealth of info and knowledge, I've only been on the board for a couple months and have already learned so much from everyone! I hope you love it here like I do, Logan and Lucy are cuties! I have two silvers and two cinnamons all female and they keep me on my toes.
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