Post by Heather on Feb 5, 2013 22:48:10 GMT -5
Name: Courtney
HF Forum Username: CAllison6
1. Where did you first learn about natural diets for ferrets?
Book, Ferrets (Animal Planet Pet Care Library) by Vickie Mckimmey
This website
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.
My ferrets are currently on a kibble diet, Marshall's brand. We would like to switch completely to a raw diet, i.e. hearts, gizzards, necks, bones...
3. Why are you interested in switching your ferrets to a natural diet?
It is my understanding that it is healthier for any animal, or human, to be on a diet that they were made for. For ferrets, this means raw meats, no dairy or grain.
The research I've read shows a correlation between raw-diet ferrets and healthier ferrets. Although there is bound to be some sickness, the ferrets that I've read about healed quicker because they were on a diet that was intended for their bodies.
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?
Yes, we are willing to make this commitment. We want the best for our ferrets.
5. How many ferrets do you currently have? What are their names? Ages? Genders? Do they have any health problems? Are they overweight? Underweight? How long have you had each ferret for?
2
Sherlock, approximately 4 months old, male, he is a chubbly little brown bear
Moriarty, approximately 4 months old, female, she is a slender panda bear
We are not aware of any health problems for either, although Sherlock's poo does resemble the poo that indicates that he is having trouble digesting kibble.
We have had our monsters since November 29.
6. What diet do you currently feed your ferrets? (Please include all treats, supplements, etc)
Marshall's kibble, Ferretone, we tried some bacon flavored Marshall's treats but they didn't like it, we are now giving treats of chicken heart, chicken gizzard, and cow liver. Moriarty loves the organs, Sherlock refuses to even sniff it.
7. Have you ever tried to switch your ferrets to a natural diet in the past? If yes, what happened?
This will be our first attempt.
8. What additional information about yourself or your ferrets would you like to share?
My husband and I both work full-time; he leaves for work at 4:30a and returns home around 2:30p most days. I leave for work at 8:50a and return home around 5p most days. The kits do get to be out with me in the morning while I get ready for work. I also go home for lunch most days, so they get time out then as well. Matthew lets the kits out when he gets home for work and we also play with them in the evenings. All in all, they have between 4 and 6 hours of play each day.
9. How often during the week do you have access to a computer?
Every day.
10. Please post a picture of each of your ferrets (if possible).
The bebez, Sherlock and Moriarty, are on the Show Us Your Weasles thread
PS: We plan to get a scale this weekend. This is what has been holding us up from signing up. Eeshk.
Hi and welcome to the mentoring program. In a little while your mentor (Sherry) 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. Also note there may have been some changes in the application and how you should post so please review these before proceeding. If you have any questions feel free to either ask your mentor or any of the admins. 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.
ciao
HF Forum Username: CAllison6
1. Where did you first learn about natural diets for ferrets?
Book, Ferrets (Animal Planet Pet Care Library) by Vickie Mckimmey
This website
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.
My ferrets are currently on a kibble diet, Marshall's brand. We would like to switch completely to a raw diet, i.e. hearts, gizzards, necks, bones...
3. Why are you interested in switching your ferrets to a natural diet?
It is my understanding that it is healthier for any animal, or human, to be on a diet that they were made for. For ferrets, this means raw meats, no dairy or grain.
The research I've read shows a correlation between raw-diet ferrets and healthier ferrets. Although there is bound to be some sickness, the ferrets that I've read about healed quicker because they were on a diet that was intended for their bodies.
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?
Yes, we are willing to make this commitment. We want the best for our ferrets.
5. How many ferrets do you currently have? What are their names? Ages? Genders? Do they have any health problems? Are they overweight? Underweight? How long have you had each ferret for?
2
Sherlock, approximately 4 months old, male, he is a chubbly little brown bear
Moriarty, approximately 4 months old, female, she is a slender panda bear
We are not aware of any health problems for either, although Sherlock's poo does resemble the poo that indicates that he is having trouble digesting kibble.
We have had our monsters since November 29.
6. What diet do you currently feed your ferrets? (Please include all treats, supplements, etc)
Marshall's kibble, Ferretone, we tried some bacon flavored Marshall's treats but they didn't like it, we are now giving treats of chicken heart, chicken gizzard, and cow liver. Moriarty loves the organs, Sherlock refuses to even sniff it.
7. Have you ever tried to switch your ferrets to a natural diet in the past? If yes, what happened?
This will be our first attempt.
8. What additional information about yourself or your ferrets would you like to share?
My husband and I both work full-time; he leaves for work at 4:30a and returns home around 2:30p most days. I leave for work at 8:50a and return home around 5p most days. The kits do get to be out with me in the morning while I get ready for work. I also go home for lunch most days, so they get time out then as well. Matthew lets the kits out when he gets home for work and we also play with them in the evenings. All in all, they have between 4 and 6 hours of play each day.
9. How often during the week do you have access to a computer?
Every day.
10. Please post a picture of each of your ferrets (if possible).
The bebez, Sherlock and Moriarty, are on the Show Us Your Weasles thread
PS: We plan to get a scale this weekend. This is what has been holding us up from signing up. Eeshk.
Hi and welcome to the mentoring program. In a little while your mentor (Sherry) 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. Also note there may have been some changes in the application and how you should post so please review these before proceeding. If you have any questions feel free to either ask your mentor or any of the admins. 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.
ciao