Post by Heather on Apr 24, 2013 1:26:02 GMT -5
Name:
HF Forum Username: cr73447ra
1. Where did you first learn about natural diets for ferrets?
Xiomara Piccirillo---FB ferret group
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.
I am most concerned about feeding a consistently natural diet. At this point whole prey doesn't really interest me much. I may decide differently later. But for now, I just want to get them on the natural diet. I have 13 lbs. of Wysong Epigen 90 (bought 12/12), that I don't want to waste, and would like to combine that with raw/natural until exhausted.
3. Why are you interested in switching your ferrets to a natural diet?
I am adopting two year old males this weekend (4/20) and I want to do everything I can to insure the live the best life they can. I have had 3 ferrets before this, each died from a disease that may have been preventable. Gizmo-showed up on my patio, died of leukemia 5 months later. Spencer was adopted as a rescue from my local humane society in an attempt to do a direct transfusion on Gizmo, but he died before it could be done.
Spencer died from lymphoma and insulinoma, but was treated very aggressively by an oncologist and our vet for almost 2 years before he passed. I tried raw, but he never would accept it. Because of his illness, I didn't feel it appropriate to push him, but did feed Wysong Epigen 90 and he was souped twice daily with livers, A/D and cooked turkey necks.
Priscilla was adopted (from a friend who runs a rescue) because I thought Spencer needed companionship during the fight of life. They bonded quickly and strongly. Priscilla would eat tiny bits of raw chicken, and loved Wysong Pheasant Dream Treats, but wouldn't eat enough, so I relied heavily on soup and Wysong Epigen 90.
Spencer was helped to the Bridge on my birthday last December at 5.5, he was 1.5 when I adopted him. Two days later Priscilla died as the surgeon was administering anesthesia to remove a large tumor from her pancreas. She was 3, also adopted at 1.5.
Because these boys are so young, I want to start from the beginning, and make their lives as healthy as possible. I did try raw with both Spencer and Priscilla.
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 switching 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. I know just from the little bit I tried that it can be very frustrating and worrisome when they don't accept raw. That's why I backslide and didn't pursue it. But, I see the problems that a bad diet can cause, and I with the help of HFF, I'm hoping I can be successful this time since I have no kids on the way and I'm single
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?
I will be adopting two neutered males this weekend (4/20/13), Merlin and Hermes. The come from a very good friend of mine who runs a rescue. I adopted Priscilla from her as well.
Both are age 1, or very close to it. Hermes was found under a mobile home, Merlin was a surrender. I last saw them in December, and they were large, much larger than Spencer who, when healthy, weighed 2.2lbs. Priscilla was tiny and never weighed over 1.2 lbs.
Both Merlin's and Hermes' fur was very healthy, eyes clear, very active, and they were in excellent shape. I was immediately taken with them because of their appearance. Recent pics show they have lost some of that "baby" fur and fat, but are still very healthy looking. Bright eyed, alert.
6. What diet do you currently feed your ferrets? (Please include all treats, supplements, etc)
Again, I'm just bringing the boys home tomorrow. I have 13 lbs. of Wysong Epigen 90, and all the ingredients necessary for beginning raw (livers, hearts, pulverized egg shells, scale, mortar and pestle) and would like to try them as soon as is reasonable after being relocated. I understand they are currently being fed Totally Ferret and soup.
When I had Spencer and Priscilla, I fed them the Wysong and Evo. They both had twice daily soup (cooked organic chicken livers, necks, Beechnut baby turkey, and organic (when I could find it) pumpkin puree, water). I also supplemented their soup every other day with 250mg crushed taurine. (I still have several bottles left) Treated them with Nbones and Wysong Pheasant Dream Treats (Spencer hated the Dream Treats). No other treats were given, except tiny pieces of raw chicken, liver or neck, and they didn't consider the raw as a treat! They also had ferretone until I read that Xio liked Emu Oil, and how much better it was. So, I switched, and they loved it. [thanks sonny's mommy]
I read some of the threads on HFF, and am very interested in trying to freeze dry or dry raw for treats from the "recipes" I saw. That sounds like the way to go, other than Dream Treats.
7. Have you ever tried to switch your ferrets to a natural diet in the past? If yes, what happened?
As I mentioned above, I was a failure at trying to add raw to their diets. I didn't have any real knowledge, or the support of anyone who had done it before. I was successful in getting switching them to a superior kibble and treats, but just didn't know how to make a real attempt to convert them to raw. I was also fearful of them not getting proper nutrients, and was afraid that would be worse.
8. What additional information about yourself or your ferrets would you like to share?
I have had a multitude of pets since a very young age. Dogs, cats, birds, tortoises, dwarf hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits (both wild and domesticated), tropical fish. I am an avid wildlife enthusiast, and photographer, and have feeders/nest material out for not only birds, but also put out chicken necks and fruit/vegs for the opossum and raccoons in my garden. They come each night and feast! Animals are a blessing. But, I have never related to, or loved any animal more than my ferrets. I still believe that Gizmo was a gift from above for some reason. He led me to Spencer who had been returned twice to the humane society for severe biting. When I adopted him, he was to be euthanized if I returned him. He had been abused and neglected; his fur was orangish colored and rough. He tore the flesh from my calves, hands and arms. I sobbed about him, and pondered returning him, but was determined to make a difference in his little life. But an expert I met at About.com, who later became a wonderful friend and mentor, helped me work with him on trust issues using ferretone and Nbones. I almost had to "force" him to cuddle in the beginning. After six months or so, he stopped biting, and we developed the most amazing relationship I have ever had with any animal. We communicated just by looking at each other somehow, and we were family, not an owner and a pet. Watching him suffer so was the hardest thing I've ever had to do, but I wouldn't give up. We tried everything, even herbal tinctures, but the cancer was just so advanced when they found it, chemo was the only option. Our vet and oncologist were amazed at how well he took both the injectable and oral chemos that he received weekly and bi-weekly, alternating. He was a brave soldier for sure. Letting him go on my birthday, well, I don't like birthdays anymore.
9. How often during the week do you have access to a computer?
Daily, however, I work full-time as a paralegal/office administrator in a solo practitioner's office where I've worked for the last 32 years, so I have to use it when I have a break, or stay late. I have an android, and can keep updated, however, it's horrible to type on, and some functions are better done on computer. I do not have a computer at home at this time.
10. Please post a picture of each of your ferrets (if possible).
Will have to post later.
Thank you for this wonderful website. I am excited about working together to change Merlin and Hermes lives. I appreciate your assistance and persistence
Hi and welcome to the mentoring program . In a little while your mentor (Miamiferret2) will introduce himself 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: cr73447ra
1. Where did you first learn about natural diets for ferrets?
Xiomara Piccirillo---FB ferret group
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.
I am most concerned about feeding a consistently natural diet. At this point whole prey doesn't really interest me much. I may decide differently later. But for now, I just want to get them on the natural diet. I have 13 lbs. of Wysong Epigen 90 (bought 12/12), that I don't want to waste, and would like to combine that with raw/natural until exhausted.
3. Why are you interested in switching your ferrets to a natural diet?
I am adopting two year old males this weekend (4/20) and I want to do everything I can to insure the live the best life they can. I have had 3 ferrets before this, each died from a disease that may have been preventable. Gizmo-showed up on my patio, died of leukemia 5 months later. Spencer was adopted as a rescue from my local humane society in an attempt to do a direct transfusion on Gizmo, but he died before it could be done.
Spencer died from lymphoma and insulinoma, but was treated very aggressively by an oncologist and our vet for almost 2 years before he passed. I tried raw, but he never would accept it. Because of his illness, I didn't feel it appropriate to push him, but did feed Wysong Epigen 90 and he was souped twice daily with livers, A/D and cooked turkey necks.
Priscilla was adopted (from a friend who runs a rescue) because I thought Spencer needed companionship during the fight of life. They bonded quickly and strongly. Priscilla would eat tiny bits of raw chicken, and loved Wysong Pheasant Dream Treats, but wouldn't eat enough, so I relied heavily on soup and Wysong Epigen 90.
Spencer was helped to the Bridge on my birthday last December at 5.5, he was 1.5 when I adopted him. Two days later Priscilla died as the surgeon was administering anesthesia to remove a large tumor from her pancreas. She was 3, also adopted at 1.5.
Because these boys are so young, I want to start from the beginning, and make their lives as healthy as possible. I did try raw with both Spencer and Priscilla.
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 switching 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. I know just from the little bit I tried that it can be very frustrating and worrisome when they don't accept raw. That's why I backslide and didn't pursue it. But, I see the problems that a bad diet can cause, and I with the help of HFF, I'm hoping I can be successful this time since I have no kids on the way and I'm single
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?
I will be adopting two neutered males this weekend (4/20/13), Merlin and Hermes. The come from a very good friend of mine who runs a rescue. I adopted Priscilla from her as well.
Both are age 1, or very close to it. Hermes was found under a mobile home, Merlin was a surrender. I last saw them in December, and they were large, much larger than Spencer who, when healthy, weighed 2.2lbs. Priscilla was tiny and never weighed over 1.2 lbs.
Both Merlin's and Hermes' fur was very healthy, eyes clear, very active, and they were in excellent shape. I was immediately taken with them because of their appearance. Recent pics show they have lost some of that "baby" fur and fat, but are still very healthy looking. Bright eyed, alert.
6. What diet do you currently feed your ferrets? (Please include all treats, supplements, etc)
Again, I'm just bringing the boys home tomorrow. I have 13 lbs. of Wysong Epigen 90, and all the ingredients necessary for beginning raw (livers, hearts, pulverized egg shells, scale, mortar and pestle) and would like to try them as soon as is reasonable after being relocated. I understand they are currently being fed Totally Ferret and soup.
When I had Spencer and Priscilla, I fed them the Wysong and Evo. They both had twice daily soup (cooked organic chicken livers, necks, Beechnut baby turkey, and organic (when I could find it) pumpkin puree, water). I also supplemented their soup every other day with 250mg crushed taurine. (I still have several bottles left) Treated them with Nbones and Wysong Pheasant Dream Treats (Spencer hated the Dream Treats). No other treats were given, except tiny pieces of raw chicken, liver or neck, and they didn't consider the raw as a treat! They also had ferretone until I read that Xio liked Emu Oil, and how much better it was. So, I switched, and they loved it. [thanks sonny's mommy]
I read some of the threads on HFF, and am very interested in trying to freeze dry or dry raw for treats from the "recipes" I saw. That sounds like the way to go, other than Dream Treats.
7. Have you ever tried to switch your ferrets to a natural diet in the past? If yes, what happened?
As I mentioned above, I was a failure at trying to add raw to their diets. I didn't have any real knowledge, or the support of anyone who had done it before. I was successful in getting switching them to a superior kibble and treats, but just didn't know how to make a real attempt to convert them to raw. I was also fearful of them not getting proper nutrients, and was afraid that would be worse.
8. What additional information about yourself or your ferrets would you like to share?
I have had a multitude of pets since a very young age. Dogs, cats, birds, tortoises, dwarf hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits (both wild and domesticated), tropical fish. I am an avid wildlife enthusiast, and photographer, and have feeders/nest material out for not only birds, but also put out chicken necks and fruit/vegs for the opossum and raccoons in my garden. They come each night and feast! Animals are a blessing. But, I have never related to, or loved any animal more than my ferrets. I still believe that Gizmo was a gift from above for some reason. He led me to Spencer who had been returned twice to the humane society for severe biting. When I adopted him, he was to be euthanized if I returned him. He had been abused and neglected; his fur was orangish colored and rough. He tore the flesh from my calves, hands and arms. I sobbed about him, and pondered returning him, but was determined to make a difference in his little life. But an expert I met at About.com, who later became a wonderful friend and mentor, helped me work with him on trust issues using ferretone and Nbones. I almost had to "force" him to cuddle in the beginning. After six months or so, he stopped biting, and we developed the most amazing relationship I have ever had with any animal. We communicated just by looking at each other somehow, and we were family, not an owner and a pet. Watching him suffer so was the hardest thing I've ever had to do, but I wouldn't give up. We tried everything, even herbal tinctures, but the cancer was just so advanced when they found it, chemo was the only option. Our vet and oncologist were amazed at how well he took both the injectable and oral chemos that he received weekly and bi-weekly, alternating. He was a brave soldier for sure. Letting him go on my birthday, well, I don't like birthdays anymore.
9. How often during the week do you have access to a computer?
Daily, however, I work full-time as a paralegal/office administrator in a solo practitioner's office where I've worked for the last 32 years, so I have to use it when I have a break, or stay late. I have an android, and can keep updated, however, it's horrible to type on, and some functions are better done on computer. I do not have a computer at home at this time.
10. Please post a picture of each of your ferrets (if possible).
Will have to post later.
Thank you for this wonderful website. I am excited about working together to change Merlin and Hermes lives. I appreciate your assistance and persistence
Hi and welcome to the mentoring program . In a little while your mentor (Miamiferret2) will introduce himself 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