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Post by Lynxie on Jan 19, 2010 22:32:23 GMT -5
So my little Zoe recently graduated from the mentor program (yay)! Now, I'm venturing out on my own to finish switching Sayen and Citrus. I'm gonna keep this here (if that's ok with you guys), as a place to write things down, and so that others can critique if they see I'm doing something wrong/exceptionally right.
So! Sayen is basically already switched. She;s eaten everything I've put down for Zoe, with the exception of bone, because I'm out of smaller bony things until I get paid on friday. Citrus is still being picky, and will only eat the finely minced chicken thigh mixed with ferretvite. Still working diligently on her though.
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Post by Heather on Jan 20, 2010 0:34:53 GMT -5
Sounds like you're well on your way. There's nothing like practicing to perfect your switching techniques   We'll all keep an eye out to see if you need a hand, but it looks like you've got things nicely under control ;D. Good luck ciao |
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Post by Lynxie on Jan 20, 2010 9:54:07 GMT -5
Citrus is being really picky this morning, and is turning her nose up at her food. She only weighs 1.2lbs, so it has me a little worried that she's not eating enough. She hasn't /lost/ any weight, but she hasn't gained any either.
Sayen and Zoe are fine. Chicken gizzards for breakfast.
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Post by Heather on Jan 20, 2010 23:35:27 GMT -5
I can certainly sympathize with your dilemma. It's frustrating when they have nothing to spare and they insist on being stubborn about eating  I have found though they seem to be less susceptible to weight fluctuations, at least in comparison to some of the bigger ones. I think their metabolisms are much more conservative and therefore they burn or use less of their precious resources. ciao |
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Post by sherrylynne on Jan 20, 2010 23:48:27 GMT -5
My newest, Suki, was stuck on the mince/soup for a while. After watching Miss Emily chowing down on larger chunks and bone for a while, it didn't take her long to catch up!
Citrus will do that, too! They really are influenced by what their cagemates eat.
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Post by Lynxie on Jan 21, 2010 9:51:58 GMT -5
I hope so. Sayen and Zoe are nomming away like champs, and Citrus seems to show no interest in food at all.
I took a step back and sprinkled some kibble over her food before giving it a good mix in. I also warmed it a little bit. She ate some, but not much more than a bite or two.
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Post by sherrylynne on Jan 21, 2010 10:25:03 GMT -5
You may wind up spoon feeding her for a while, too. Don't be discouraged if you have to!
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Post by Lynxie on Jan 21, 2010 13:46:46 GMT -5
I know I might. I just hate doing it with her because she is so small and fragile.
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Post by Lynxie on Jan 23, 2010 1:29:12 GMT -5
So I made Citrus her normal food. She wouldn't touch it. I thinned it out. She wouldn't touch it. I thinned it out more and added ferretvite. She wouldn't touch it. I added kibble. She wouldn't touch it. I warmed it. She wouldn't touch it. I picked her up and help a spoonful up to her. She flung her paws out so hard that she sent soup flying everywhere. I scruffed her to try and feed her, and she hissed and writhed and wriggled to the point that I was seriously afraid of hurting her. I finally broke down and let her eat her fill of kibble.
I have her soup in the fridge right now. I'm gonna try that whole "no food overnight" thing, and see if she is more interested in the morning.
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Post by sherrylynne on Jan 23, 2010 14:18:14 GMT -5
Oh, what a brat! Boris did that with me as well. The important thing is just to be consistent. She'll get there yet.
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Post by Lynxie on Jan 23, 2010 16:47:36 GMT -5
LOL yea. She really was being a brat.
I managed to get her to eat a few spoonfuls this morning without much trouble, at least.
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Post by Lynxie on Jan 25, 2010 10:04:59 GMT -5
Another two and a half spoonful day. She was incredibly stubborn at first, but eventually started to eat from the spoon.
I took some kibble and some of her soup and mixed the two together. I'm hoping that will get her to eat some.
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Post by spiritualtramp on Jan 25, 2010 17:15:33 GMT -5
I can't believe that girl! ...or, actually, yes I can! But don't give up, keep force-feeding and she will come to terms with it. It sure can be a scare when they refuse to eat, though. Good luck!
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Post by Lynxie on Jan 25, 2010 19:29:22 GMT -5
Tonight was a bit better than normal. I sat down with her and got her to eat about half her bowl without too much trouble. Towards the end she got wriggly, but at that point I was too proud of her to complain.
We have Citrus on melatonin now, to see if it will help at all with her fur loss. Next paycheck we are going to bring her to the vet.
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Post by Heather on Jan 25, 2010 23:26:23 GMT -5
Sounds like you're making advancements and that's what counts. Great work Sometimes the ones that have a rough start (difficult to switch) are the ones that move solidly ahead with little or no setbacks. Ciao |
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