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Post by brittany on Jun 8, 2010 15:44:11 GMT -5
Thanks for your response!!! Does any one know what to most nutrient efficient kibble is that matches a ferrets natural needs? Although I'm switching, they are being stubborn so in the time being, if they will only eat kibble I would like to feed them the best one I can.
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Post by horse656 on Jun 8, 2010 18:16:49 GMT -5
i believe Zupreem is a good kibble. i used to feed it before my girls went raw.
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Post by brittany on Jun 8, 2010 20:53:48 GMT -5
I just can't get their predator instincts to kick in fully! It's driving me nuts, I know it's there, I can see it, but it's like as soon as it shows..... It goes away. They will take the mouse and go to a corner like it's a special treat, lick it a bunch, and then walk away. Any suggestions?
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Post by Heather on Jun 8, 2010 23:16:43 GMT -5
There are a number of methods that have been used, some might make you cringe....just a little I'm guessing that these mousies are dead and once they stop moving your little ones have no interest...yes? You can grab the mouse and play tug with them. You can cut them open and let them realize that there is meat under that fur. One of our members tied a string to her mouse and dragged it around the house while her ferts chased, ripped at and generally created mayhem with it. They eventually ripped them apart and started eating them. You can also dump them in the blender and grind them up and feed them as a soupy There are some ideas....my guys just start munching because they see everyone else eating them and don't want to be left out . Hopefully, we can get some other prey feeders in here with their ideas too ciao
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Post by brittany on Jun 9, 2010 0:09:06 GMT -5
I've tried all of that accept for blending it. They don't seem to like soupie textures... I'm at a loss =/.
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Post by brittany on Jun 9, 2010 22:11:35 GMT -5
I am one proud momma!!! Biggy was up to his antics, he'd steal the mouse from me, lick it a few times and then walk away. He and I did this dance about 10 times. Bella wasn't interested at first.... I put a pea size dab of Ferret Lax on my gloved finger and rubbed it all over the mouse and she started licking it. I was thinking great, she's going to lick it off and then leave the corpse...
Well that wasn't the case! She ate two of the feet, and the severed talk, and she cracked the skull a few times and munched on that but I think it was just too new for her. But she made huge progress by even eating the feet and tail!! It's a great start.
I was thinking of adding a baby ferret to the mix and seeing how well it does with mice and such. Maybe it could teach the older brats what to do... Is that something that could work or are baby ferrets even more less likely to eat a mouse?
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Post by Heather on Jun 9, 2010 23:26:00 GMT -5
First congratulations....you're on your way You've got one that decided to taste that's the start...now it's just be persistent enough to keep at it. They will get it in the end...really Hmmm, I don't think I would add a baby ferret just to teach your older ones how to eat a mouse Yes, the baby would probably go right at it, at least he will give it a good try. They're the easiest to switch because they're willing to put anything in their mouth ciao
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Post by brittany on Jun 10, 2010 0:17:46 GMT -5
I think bella was avoiding the hair, so I'm going to swap her down to pinkies and see how she does... Then I'll slowly go up the chain. I never thought I'd get this far!
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Post by brittany on Jun 10, 2010 14:49:28 GMT -5
An update.... I wasn't realy looking for a baby ferret just yet, but one popped up on craigslist... The owner says she doesn't have a cage for it, no toys, nothing. Just a litter box, and food and water bowls! I will be taking her in tomorrow!
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Post by Heather on Jun 10, 2010 15:09:25 GMT -5
Good luck, keep us posted and....you know the drill....we want baby pics ciao
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Post by brittany on Jun 10, 2010 15:42:46 GMT -5
Lol definitely. Some how there are two MORE ferrets headed my way. This lady has them going for free and no one wants them! I usually wouldn't take in sooo many, but these ferrets are also in horrible living conditions. She says they barely ever get out of their cage. Then she sent me a picture of it, its a big guinea pig cage, you know the long one level one's.... That's not fair to them. If they are going to be stuck in their cage al day, they should at LEAST have a BIG one.
I will for sure be posting pictures, stats, and updates on all my furbutts =).
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Post by Heather on Jun 10, 2010 22:40:14 GMT -5
Poor wee things. Why do people get these little ones with no idea on how to care for them and no intention of looking after them . I might add even though you weren't planning to take on both, by doing so you will also prevent depression and possible shelter shock. Thank you for so generously taking both little furbabies ciao
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Post by sherrylynne on Jun 11, 2010 12:05:02 GMT -5
So glad you're going to be giving these little mites a new, healthy environment to live in! Keep them segregated from the others until they've had a thorough vet check, though. You don't want yours contracting ear mites, fleas, or bacterial infections from the new ferrets. And since they haven't been looked after, odds are they have at least one of the above. And given that you are in the US(I think!) I'd have them adv tested as well, as it seems to be not that uncommon there.
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Post by brittany on Jun 11, 2010 21:00:27 GMT -5
Well I just got the 6 month old. She was JUST purchased from a pet store like a month ago. I didn't feel quarantine was necessary... But, the new baby is attacking the older, bigger ones! They don't fight back, they squeal and run away. I'm not sure what to do =/.
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Post by brittany on Jun 11, 2010 21:18:03 GMT -5
I mean... she's REALLY attacking them. I have bite marks now from trying to get her off of them =/. They like her, but they're afraid of her. I'm not sure what to do =/.
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