German

[susan4rest]

;D When I bought my two babies the breeder said they were German ferrets... Does anyone know what that means?

[Forum Administrator]

It could meat one of two things:

1. The babies themselves came from germany
2. The babies were born to parents that were bread in germany or that have german bloodlines.

One of our members, Aleronferrets is a natural ferret breeder. Riina is also a ferret breeder (from Finland) either one of them should be able to help elaborate on my answer. What was the name of the ferretry where you got your kits?

[susan4rest]

I think she meant bloodlines, because she was talking about them being sturdier and more desease free, they are also el-natural if you remember no fix, no descent, no shot yet, just girls....and to let you know on cora, I have tried feeding her a little baby food, until I see the vet tomorrow she is not skinny per say, just not eating well...and my breeder indicated that sometimes what she calls her german ferrets are a little more difficult as kits...They are still getting some cooked meats along with kibble that they are not eating as well as I would hope...but then they have only been home now about 10 days from the breeder and the first few days could have been my inexperience. I am going to try raw meat again only by your guidelines small chunks mixed with baby food this weekend and see if they go for it. They also get their first distempter shots saturday...DRAMA, don't you love it?

[Forum Administrator]

Its great to get an update on your kiddos! Do you have pics? I bet they are just gorgeous! I LOVE the "look" or privately bred ferrets!

[susan4rest]

Ok this reads from bottom to top because it was from emails...You will get the idea - please help me identify the mis-information... and keep in mind all meats mentioned are cooked...

Administrator's Note: I'm going to take this down for now, but ONLY because these were private emails between you and your breeder and I dont konw if he/she would want this convo posted publically. Dont wanna step on any toes, so just to be safe I'm taking this off the public forum, HOWEVER, I WILL read through this myself (in private) and respond to this convo. I hope you understand. Just trying to respect your breeder, who might not want the convo posted publically for whatever reason

[susan4rest]

Perfect!!! Just need your advice anyhow...was the whole reason I hid her name too...Thanks...

[susan4rest]

Also later if you can augment the emails to just give valuable information on the mis information and repost the info, it might help others...Thank you giuli

[Forum Administrator]

Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I am honestly horrified by some of the advice your breeder gave you in regards to what to feed (dog food, honey oat ceareal, apple juice, etc are all HORRENDOUS for ferret health. Once I get a response to the PMs I have sent you I will post the info and address the concearns.

Thank you for being respectful of your breeder's privacy. I DO think someone needs to talk to your breeder. But I worry she/he might get defensive and not hear the meaning behind the message that would be conveyed. We will figure something out.

For now, continue to soften your ferret's kibble (as I said hard kibble can DAMAGE ferret teeth more then soft kibble will). Work on getting your babies onto the raw foods and OFF of the kibble. Cornish game hen, beef chunks, and chicken legs, hearts, and gizzards are all good foods. Get them eating those! Good job! Kudos for your for realizing that "something was odd" with the advice you were getting. A questioning ferrent is a GOOD ferrent. If I ever say something that doesnt make sense QUESTION ME TOO! If I cant give you cited sources to back up my claims, then take what I say with a grain of salt (btw, if you ever DO wanted a cited source for something I say, and I dont provide you with one, Just ask. I probably have several to back my claim )