Post by Heather on Nov 19, 2010 14:01:20 GMT -5
Name: Janna
HF Forum Username: lessthansign3
1. Where did you first learn about natural diets for ferrets?
Before I got my girl, Kira, back in April. When I was researching all things ferret, I of course researched all the different varieties of food. At first, I didn't think a raw food diet was an option for me, so I didn't look into it any further. After learning more about recent research regarding ferret diet and adrenal disease, however, I recently gave it a second look.
2. Please describe the type of diet you would like assistance in switching your ferret(s) to. Be sure to include if you are interested in feeding whole prey (live or frozen-thawed) and if you are wanting to FULLY switch to a natural diet or PARTIALLY. If you are unsure what kind of diet you want to put your ferrets on, please express that and we can help you find the best type of natural diet for your ferret.
Raw. Absolutely no whole prey, because I'd rather not encourage my ferrets to learn that rats = food when in just the other room there's a cage full of six pudgy pet rats. The ferrets don't have access to them, but I'd still rather play it safe. Also, as someone who also owns rats, I'm simply not a big fan of "feeders"...
...Sorry, one of my rats is a rescued feeder, so I'm a little sensitive when it comes to that. Eventually, I'd love to have my fuzzes switched over to 100% raw. I'm patient, though, and have plenty of kibble in the meantime - especially since my cats eat Felidae anyway.
3. Why are you interested in switching your ferrets to a natural diet?
I believe that prevention is by far the best form of medicine. If a raw diet will prevent (or at least delay the onset of) adrenal disease or insulinoma, besides keeping their teeth clean to ward off periodontal disease, then I'm all for it. Vet bills are expensive, not to mention I'd rather have a healthy pet than one who is just sorta okay! It's the difference between a person raised on an American diet and a Japanese diet (I lived in Japan, so I'd know) - the American human can get by, but the Japanese human is going to live longer and be a whole lot healthier during the course of their life.
Besides that, good ferret kibble is expensive. The Totally Ferret Turkey Lamb Venison stuff I've been feeding I'd have to order online. When it was just Kira, it wasn't so bad, but Dukat is a little pig! I imagine 3 lbs of kibble would go fast with two of them now. Raw meat, though, is cheap - especially since my dad is a meat cutter (Butcher is an old fashioned term, especially when referring those who work in the grocery business like my dad.)
4. Do you understand that switching your ferret to a natural diet can be a lengthy, arduous process? Its not an overnight switch. It can be a commitment of several weeks or even months. Your HF Mentor will be more then happy to assist you in switchng your ferret(s) to a natural diet, but you need to be equally as commited. If you aren't willing to tough out a potentially lengthy switching process, or if you have major life changes approaching (baby on the way, moving, starting school, getting married/divorced, etc) then it might be a better idea to wait on switching your ferret's diet until you have more time. Are you willing to make the commitment?
Yup.
5. How many ferrets do you currently have? What are their names? Ages? Genders? Do they have any health problems? Are they overweight? Underweight?
Two - Kira, one year, female. She's healthy, though I think she needs to gain some weight. The other is Dukat, who is just under a year (11 months-ish), and he's a squishy boy. Good weight, though.
6. What diet do you currently feed your ferrets? (Please include all treats, supplements, etc)
Mix of Totally Ferret Turkey Lamb Venison and Felidae Grain Free, as well as a little Ferretone and Ferrevite for treats.
7. Have you ever tried to switch your ferrets to a natural diet in the past? If yes, what happened?
Well, tonight I tried giving them bits from some chicken necks and backs I picked up at the co-op last night. Dukat licked at them, but was disinterested. Kira wouldn't touch them. So, I tried sprinkling some kibble crumbs on top. No luck. I dumped it all in the blender, added a little water, mixed it up into a nice puree, and tried that. They both ate some, although not as voraciously as they do their kibble. Still, it's a start.
8. What additional information about yourself or your ferrets would you like to share?
I adopted Kira this past April. She was an only ferret until just last Monday, when I brought Dukat home. They've taken to each other right away! I never planned on having two, but Kira had taken to eating her bedding at night. I figured this was loneliness, and I'm pretty sure I was right because it's stopped since Dukat joined us. He's such a sweetie! Both came from the Animal Humane Society, which is based out of Golden Valley, MN, and were given up because their owners "didn't have time for them" - typical
Kira and Dukat are *very* spoiled - they have a ton of toys here in our computer room (lots of hidden cords and Bitter Apple spray!), which is their domain. We also have 6 rats, 4 guinea pigs, 3 cats, 2 chinchillas, 1 rabbit, 1 hedgehog, and a fluffy lil' hamster, so they are confined to this room mostly. When it was just Kira, I tried letting her free roam in the living room with the other critter cages well secured, but Sable and the late Daisy (RIP ) the bunnies threw too much of a thumping fit. Kira was actually intimidated the buns, perhaps because Sable is 7 or 8 lbs to her mere 1 lbs.
9. How often during the week do you have access to a computer?
LOL - 24/7. Literally - I have a Moto Droid with 3g access, so even if my internet were to go out, I'd have my phone. I also work from home, so I'm here pretty much all the time
10. Please post a picture of each of your ferrets (if possible).
Edit: Here are the pictures! Enjoy -
Hi and welcome to the mentoring program. In a little while your mentor (Heather....whoo hoo that's me ) will introduce herself and you can get started on a new adventure in natural ferret care and diets. Please remember to post regularly (daily or as per arranged with your mentor) so that your mentor can assist you move along safely in this adventure. If you experience computer difficulties or are going to be away, please notify your mentor and most of all relax and have fun . Your mentor is here to help you on this journey.
Hi
I'm Heather, and we're going to be working together for the next little while trying to convince your furbaby to change to a healthier diet
I've been feeding a raw/natural diet for a little over 10 yrs. I have a small private rescue/sanctuary, just outside of Toronto, Canada where all ferrets turned into me are switched immediately over to a raw diet that consists of ground raw/whole meats or frankenprey/ and prey diet. At present every ferret eats this full range of diets. I don't keep kibbles in the house. All my furbabies are free roaming and have access to an outdoor play area that they can access at will. At present there are 12 little fuzzbutts who call this their permanent home. They range in ages of about 1 yr to my senior citizen, Dr. Pooka Dooks who is approx. 10 yrs. My most difficult switch was a little senior who was turned in at 9 yrs of age (she by the way has been my biggest raw switch challenge, which had me at times wondering why I was doing this to her) She eventually was completely switched and putting on a beautiful dark black coat, teeth that were nicely cleaned up, and she actually has a lot of fun investigating the house (she used to do nothing but sleep when she first was turned in). She has made me aware that every ferret no matter how old, can get a new lease on life by eating a species appropriate diet. She eventually passed on at 11 yrs of age to complete organ failure....old age.
Raw soupy is my favourite switching tool and one that I've had the most success with.
You can try to get them to eat a raw soup immediately. You will need a blender/food processor, and the following raw items:
8 oz raw chicken thigh meat (including skin and fat)
1/2 tsp of crushed eggshell powder (take a raw eggshell. Rinse it out. Let it dry. Crush to powder)
1 raw chicken heart
1/2 raw chicken liver
Water or broth(use more to make it soupier, less to make it thicker)
Blend ingredients together. Some prefer it at room temp. Try putting a dollop of "soup" onto your ferret's nose and they probably will lick it off. I use my finger. Sometimes this takes a little bit trying to convince them that you're not trying to poison them I find within a very short time they're licking this off my finger. When I see that they're willing to eat freely off my finger then I use a small spoon to try and get them to eat from that. Try to get them eating the soupy on their own. It might pique their interest.
Most ferrets will willingly eat the food once they actually TASTE it, so the only struggle you *should* encounter is them not wanting to taste it. Don't be surprised if your furbabies' initial reaction is to gag, spit and look at you like, what are you trying to poison me with But don't let them get away with it The hardest part is to insist and be consistent. Please also be aware that after years of kibbles they aren't aware that what you're offering them is indeed food. Once they willingly eat from your finger and spoon, work to try and get them eating this out of a dish or plate.
Each time you make your soupy, use a little less water to make it thicker/chunkier. Replace soup with fresh soup every 4-6 hours. You can make a large batch if you like and freeze into ice cubes or cupcake trays. Then you just thaw a portion and serve. OR you can put a frozen "cube" into their bowl and let it slowly thaw.
This is a good way to slowly ease them into wet foods. I use this method to switch all my furbabies and I've personally switched approximately 30 ferrets of my own in the last few years.
I will let you read through and if you have any questions please ask.
Good luck
ciao
HF Forum Username: lessthansign3
1. Where did you first learn about natural diets for ferrets?
Before I got my girl, Kira, back in April. When I was researching all things ferret, I of course researched all the different varieties of food. At first, I didn't think a raw food diet was an option for me, so I didn't look into it any further. After learning more about recent research regarding ferret diet and adrenal disease, however, I recently gave it a second look.
2. Please describe the type of diet you would like assistance in switching your ferret(s) to. Be sure to include if you are interested in feeding whole prey (live or frozen-thawed) and if you are wanting to FULLY switch to a natural diet or PARTIALLY. If you are unsure what kind of diet you want to put your ferrets on, please express that and we can help you find the best type of natural diet for your ferret.
Raw. Absolutely no whole prey, because I'd rather not encourage my ferrets to learn that rats = food when in just the other room there's a cage full of six pudgy pet rats. The ferrets don't have access to them, but I'd still rather play it safe. Also, as someone who also owns rats, I'm simply not a big fan of "feeders"...
...Sorry, one of my rats is a rescued feeder, so I'm a little sensitive when it comes to that. Eventually, I'd love to have my fuzzes switched over to 100% raw. I'm patient, though, and have plenty of kibble in the meantime - especially since my cats eat Felidae anyway.
3. Why are you interested in switching your ferrets to a natural diet?
I believe that prevention is by far the best form of medicine. If a raw diet will prevent (or at least delay the onset of) adrenal disease or insulinoma, besides keeping their teeth clean to ward off periodontal disease, then I'm all for it. Vet bills are expensive, not to mention I'd rather have a healthy pet than one who is just sorta okay! It's the difference between a person raised on an American diet and a Japanese diet (I lived in Japan, so I'd know) - the American human can get by, but the Japanese human is going to live longer and be a whole lot healthier during the course of their life.
Besides that, good ferret kibble is expensive. The Totally Ferret Turkey Lamb Venison stuff I've been feeding I'd have to order online. When it was just Kira, it wasn't so bad, but Dukat is a little pig! I imagine 3 lbs of kibble would go fast with two of them now. Raw meat, though, is cheap - especially since my dad is a meat cutter (Butcher is an old fashioned term, especially when referring those who work in the grocery business like my dad.)
4. Do you understand that switching your ferret to a natural diet can be a lengthy, arduous process? Its not an overnight switch. It can be a commitment of several weeks or even months. Your HF Mentor will be more then happy to assist you in switchng your ferret(s) to a natural diet, but you need to be equally as commited. If you aren't willing to tough out a potentially lengthy switching process, or if you have major life changes approaching (baby on the way, moving, starting school, getting married/divorced, etc) then it might be a better idea to wait on switching your ferret's diet until you have more time. Are you willing to make the commitment?
Yup.
5. How many ferrets do you currently have? What are their names? Ages? Genders? Do they have any health problems? Are they overweight? Underweight?
Two - Kira, one year, female. She's healthy, though I think she needs to gain some weight. The other is Dukat, who is just under a year (11 months-ish), and he's a squishy boy. Good weight, though.
6. What diet do you currently feed your ferrets? (Please include all treats, supplements, etc)
Mix of Totally Ferret Turkey Lamb Venison and Felidae Grain Free, as well as a little Ferretone and Ferrevite for treats.
7. Have you ever tried to switch your ferrets to a natural diet in the past? If yes, what happened?
Well, tonight I tried giving them bits from some chicken necks and backs I picked up at the co-op last night. Dukat licked at them, but was disinterested. Kira wouldn't touch them. So, I tried sprinkling some kibble crumbs on top. No luck. I dumped it all in the blender, added a little water, mixed it up into a nice puree, and tried that. They both ate some, although not as voraciously as they do their kibble. Still, it's a start.
8. What additional information about yourself or your ferrets would you like to share?
I adopted Kira this past April. She was an only ferret until just last Monday, when I brought Dukat home. They've taken to each other right away! I never planned on having two, but Kira had taken to eating her bedding at night. I figured this was loneliness, and I'm pretty sure I was right because it's stopped since Dukat joined us. He's such a sweetie! Both came from the Animal Humane Society, which is based out of Golden Valley, MN, and were given up because their owners "didn't have time for them" - typical
Kira and Dukat are *very* spoiled - they have a ton of toys here in our computer room (lots of hidden cords and Bitter Apple spray!), which is their domain. We also have 6 rats, 4 guinea pigs, 3 cats, 2 chinchillas, 1 rabbit, 1 hedgehog, and a fluffy lil' hamster, so they are confined to this room mostly. When it was just Kira, I tried letting her free roam in the living room with the other critter cages well secured, but Sable and the late Daisy (RIP ) the bunnies threw too much of a thumping fit. Kira was actually intimidated the buns, perhaps because Sable is 7 or 8 lbs to her mere 1 lbs.
9. How often during the week do you have access to a computer?
LOL - 24/7. Literally - I have a Moto Droid with 3g access, so even if my internet were to go out, I'd have my phone. I also work from home, so I'm here pretty much all the time
10. Please post a picture of each of your ferrets (if possible).
Edit: Here are the pictures! Enjoy -
Hi and welcome to the mentoring program. In a little while your mentor (Heather....whoo hoo that's me ) will introduce herself and you can get started on a new adventure in natural ferret care and diets. Please remember to post regularly (daily or as per arranged with your mentor) so that your mentor can assist you move along safely in this adventure. If you experience computer difficulties or are going to be away, please notify your mentor and most of all relax and have fun . Your mentor is here to help you on this journey.
Hi
I'm Heather, and we're going to be working together for the next little while trying to convince your furbaby to change to a healthier diet
I've been feeding a raw/natural diet for a little over 10 yrs. I have a small private rescue/sanctuary, just outside of Toronto, Canada where all ferrets turned into me are switched immediately over to a raw diet that consists of ground raw/whole meats or frankenprey/ and prey diet. At present every ferret eats this full range of diets. I don't keep kibbles in the house. All my furbabies are free roaming and have access to an outdoor play area that they can access at will. At present there are 12 little fuzzbutts who call this their permanent home. They range in ages of about 1 yr to my senior citizen, Dr. Pooka Dooks who is approx. 10 yrs. My most difficult switch was a little senior who was turned in at 9 yrs of age (she by the way has been my biggest raw switch challenge, which had me at times wondering why I was doing this to her) She eventually was completely switched and putting on a beautiful dark black coat, teeth that were nicely cleaned up, and she actually has a lot of fun investigating the house (she used to do nothing but sleep when she first was turned in). She has made me aware that every ferret no matter how old, can get a new lease on life by eating a species appropriate diet. She eventually passed on at 11 yrs of age to complete organ failure....old age.
Raw soupy is my favourite switching tool and one that I've had the most success with.
You can try to get them to eat a raw soup immediately. You will need a blender/food processor, and the following raw items:
8 oz raw chicken thigh meat (including skin and fat)
1/2 tsp of crushed eggshell powder (take a raw eggshell. Rinse it out. Let it dry. Crush to powder)
1 raw chicken heart
1/2 raw chicken liver
Water or broth(use more to make it soupier, less to make it thicker)
Blend ingredients together. Some prefer it at room temp. Try putting a dollop of "soup" onto your ferret's nose and they probably will lick it off. I use my finger. Sometimes this takes a little bit trying to convince them that you're not trying to poison them I find within a very short time they're licking this off my finger. When I see that they're willing to eat freely off my finger then I use a small spoon to try and get them to eat from that. Try to get them eating the soupy on their own. It might pique their interest.
Most ferrets will willingly eat the food once they actually TASTE it, so the only struggle you *should* encounter is them not wanting to taste it. Don't be surprised if your furbabies' initial reaction is to gag, spit and look at you like, what are you trying to poison me with But don't let them get away with it The hardest part is to insist and be consistent. Please also be aware that after years of kibbles they aren't aware that what you're offering them is indeed food. Once they willingly eat from your finger and spoon, work to try and get them eating this out of a dish or plate.
Each time you make your soupy, use a little less water to make it thicker/chunkier. Replace soup with fresh soup every 4-6 hours. You can make a large batch if you like and freeze into ice cubes or cupcake trays. Then you just thaw a portion and serve. OR you can put a frozen "cube" into their bowl and let it slowly thaw.
This is a good way to slowly ease them into wet foods. I use this method to switch all my furbabies and I've personally switched approximately 30 ferrets of my own in the last few years.
I will let you read through and if you have any questions please ask.
Good luck
ciao