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Post by gfountain on Feb 26, 2015 16:40:57 GMT -5
AhHA! It WAS supposed to be over here, lol. I wasn't sure and I couldn't move it anyway. You've had a rough few days. I'm not surprised you put it in the wrong place. That other thread is supposed to be locked already anyway. I'll have to look into that.
It's fine to just purée Riot's muscle meats for now. Just make sure she gets her organs and heart when the others do. Since you had to revert to soup for her, be prepared for some stubbornness on her part when you reintroduce slivers. She may think if she holds out long enough, you'll give her soup again.
EVOO isn't a necessary part of the diet. It's just good for a bribe. Have you tried any other oils with them?
Charlie eating less is mostly seasonal also. They're going to be losing some because of the season, but also because it is easy for them to overeat on the soup. Now that they're on chunks, they're eating a little less. Their chubs should be turning to muscle now too, which will make them look slimmer without really changing their weight.
Keep working on increasing those chink sizes. Can you post a picture of their chunks now with something for size reference?
FDR is fine to feed. You can either use it for a meal or as treats, whichever you prefer. It needs to be rehydrated, especially if you feed it for a meal. If you just use it for treats, it wouldn't necessarily need that.
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Post by gfountain on Feb 26, 2015 16:41:16 GMT -5
How is Otis today?
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Post by Deleted on Feb 26, 2015 21:42:37 GMT -5
Yup you were totally right. Well, just had my first freak out. Otis pooped himself omg the smell is horrid (everyone had heart today) so hubby is rinsing him under the faucet (water is human temp warm as per heather ). He started squealing...which I now learned is his I'm scared mode. Hubby passes a 1/2 soaked ferret to me and he clinged like Velcro. He's fine don't panic I told hubby. So I start to play with a squeak toy well..he freaked out again. So needless to say no more squeak toy and 4 hands are necessary for a bath/faucet rinse. He's only been here a couple of weeks and hubby is working all day. So, he needs to build a little more trust. John feels bad bc of the squeal. I mean I couldn't ask for a better hubby in the animal dept. seriously lucky girl here. On a brighter note Otis, after the freak out, used his back legs for the first time and actually moved himself. Pushed himself. With gusto He also, and I'm not sure if this is okay or not, when we dipped his toes under the faucet he pulled his legs back and forth. I thought it may be a good exercise or is it torture? I'm so lost here. I feel like there is going to be a lot of trial,and error in my future. any suggestions or advice, pls let me know. I will try anything to get him better. Right now belly full. Resting in a heated blanket..it's like the Waldorf here.
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Post by gfountain on Feb 26, 2015 22:01:25 GMT -5
Awww.. poor everyone. The running water may have scared him. Try filling the sink first and putting him into it without the water on. I have one that LOVES a good soak, but he's scared to death of the running water. He wants to watch it run to fill the sink, but it can NOT touch him if it's moving!
But he moved himself!!!!!!! Hooray! That's a start! I don't know about the toes under the faucet...play that one by ear or ask Heather. The movement has to be good for him, but I don't want him to be terrified.
The Waldorf Ferret Hotel...sounds like my house, lol. You're a good momma!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 27, 2015 17:18:50 GMT -5
No one was particularly hungry today. What a surprise? Seems to be the norm these days. I was exhausted by noon today. Riot and Linus wouldn't stop digging in my couch. Ty is trying to eat everyone's meal but his own. Riot dragged my yarn INTO the couch today so I had to cut the bottom in order to get it out. You should have seen me hoist the couch in the air and slide a wash basket underneath cut the bottom and drag it out. All the while Riot took my other ball of yarn and wrapped it around my couch. So I finally sit down and the cat throws up all over the floor - twice. Not a good way to start my morning. Otis screeched some today for reasons I have no idea. Scares the crap out of me. He does it when he's alone laying down in bed, he does it sometimes when I dry him, sometimes when he gets a rinse. There is no rhyme or reason. Just wants to keep mommy on her toes. Now on the brighter side of things, Otis actually moved himself around the food plate to his prime position this afternoon. All by himself using his back legs to push him in place. It's the first time he's done it. He did push a little against my finger today as well. No water therapy today. I gave him a rest bc he seemed a little stressed. I made him some crocheted rice filled mini eggs and he didn't seem to like them. Riot, on the other hand, LOVES them and they now reside behind my couch with her hoard of treasures.
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Post by gfountain on Feb 27, 2015 17:52:06 GMT -5
Well, I'm sorry but I had to laugh at your description of your day. I know it wasn't the least bit funny, but it's so exactly like MY day yesterday. Except my throw-upper was a dog, not a cat.
As long as their energy is high and poops are normal, don't worry too much about the loss of appetite. Spring is coming and everyone is reporting decreased appetites. If Ty is trying to eat everyone else's food, maybe you should start feeding them all together again. The 'competition' might help stimulate their hunger. Their pieces are getting pretty good sized.
Poor Otis... Do you think he's hurting? Or maybe he's just scared because he doesn't understand what is wrong. Or he could be frustrated. But he's beginning to get some strength back. That's fantastic!
It's typical that the one you make toys for doesn't like them. :/ I made tons of toys when Slinkee was an only ferret. He never touched them. It's funny that your female is the one who hoards them. My female is the crocheted toy hoarder at my house, and her favorite stash spot...behind the couch.
In other news - I found a yarn store! Now I just have to find time to go.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 27, 2015 21:24:11 GMT -5
That's why I told you. I knew you could relate and we all need more laughs in our lives They all do eat together at the same time. Charlie eats alone bc Ty and Linus will eat his food and will hold out for it, especially Ty. He's the first one to notice moms error. That little devil. I put the plate out line them up, some eat and some sniff and leave. They know it's there. I'm not forcing them to eat. I must have to get comfortable with this new way. It's amazing how much more you notice hewn your making each meal and watching who eats what and when. I think it's a good thing bc you become very in tune to each ferret and their habits. At first I thought it was pain but my vet tells me it's not. Otis did squeak when she was feeling him up but he never did it again no matter where she pressed, squeezed, moved and pulled. I think he's scared. I've got dogs, cats and ferrets and although his old house had the same it's still different. He hasn't been here long enough and I'm sure he's on high alert. He's aware he can't move or protect himself the way he'd like to so he panics. He feels safer when he only has to watch one side so I left the cat carrier out and made him a bed. He loves it. Pulls himself in and goes to bed. He pulls himself out if he wants to eat or play. I have his old cage in my bedroom just in case something happens. I left the door open so he wouldn't feel locked up. Well would you believe when he's ready to sleep he chews on the bottom bars to tell me to close the door? Once I close it he snuggles up and goes to sleep. So he's telling me he feels safer this way. I should also mention my dogs sleep in our bedroom. I'm worried about him getting depressed and I don't want him to be afraid. It's a fine line btwn building confidence and being afraid. I ant him to push through and not give up, ya know. This is a first for me so we are both learning as we go.
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Post by gfountain on Feb 27, 2015 21:39:53 GMT -5
For some reason, I thought they were still eating in separate dishes and separate places. You do really form a closer bond with them during a switch like this when you're watching them like a hawk. And you really get to see their personalities more than with kibble. It IS hard to get used to just serving dinner and leaving them to it, especially after all the hand feeding.
I'm not going to say 'poor Otis' again. It sounds like he, and you, are coping just fine. You're both aware of his nervousness and compensating for his TEMPORARY disability. He's pretty smart to have figured out a way to his door closed! I'm impressed! I really think you should start a thread about this journey you and Otis are on. It will be a good reference for others who may need it in the future. We can all learn from your experiences.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 28, 2015 9:03:19 GMT -5
That's a great idea! I'll do that today.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 4, 2015 14:21:00 GMT -5
Just checking in. Everyone had their heart today. I did mix it with a small amount of liver and it was in chunky soup form. Everyone gobbled it right up. I started added raw soup to Charlie's food. So far so good. He's not thrilled about it but I'm pushing forward. Otis has eaten every stashed morsel he hid upstairs. I panicked a few times bc I heard crunching from an odd place. I tried to figure out what he was chewing on ready for blockage protocol but it's just chicken or CGH. Munch on Otis.
All appetites are still down but everything else seems normal. Riot and Otis Spring coat is coming in and they feel like silk. Riot and I are still battling over the couch and man she's persistent. She's been in time out daily and still hasn't learned her lesson. I did just update Otis's thread and I am keep a journal which I will add to the forum as soon as I have time. I've also taken some video as well which probably would be helpful. He's still dragging his butt around and doesn't seem bothered by it at all. He even tried to climb the couch and wants to go in the basement badly but he's not allowed. I'm glad that he shows interest though. Otis and I have grown quite a bond with all this mommy and me time. I am letting figure things out on his own. I'm not making things easy either. If he wants to eat he has to get himself to the plate and if he wants to go somewhere he has to do it on his own. As much as I want to do everything for him, I know it's not the best thing to do. I am hoping that he gets frustrated and starts to use his legs but nope. He's fine dragging his back legs behind him.
Hit the heart jackpot yesterday. My mom suggested I go to pathmark which is about 30 minutes away. They had 3 pkgs and I got all three. Still can't find organs though. I have about a meal and a half left before I'm out. Search continues...
How are you doing? How's school?
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Post by gfountain on Mar 10, 2015 10:21:48 GMT -5
I've been out for a few days with a stomach bug. I'm trying to play catch up this morning. How is everyone at your house? Everyone except Charlie is full raw and eating chunks now, right? What do we still need to work on with your crew.
I had meetings yesterday morning, then had to go to Chattanooga in the afternoon so we went to the yarn shop!! Oh my... I could have spent hours in there! It was half hour before closing though, so I just got what I need for the one baby blanket (which my almost 19 year old 'baby' has decided needs to be hers, lol). The shop is a combination yarn shop/knitting center where they have knitting classes and get-togethers and I WISH I lived closer. I had your pattern with me and the shop owner desperately wanted a copy of it so I gave her the link to your online store. I found the yarn I want to make it but they didn't have enough. It's on order so when it comes in, I think I'm going to schedule a day to go over and get it and have them help me get started on it!
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Post by Deleted on Mar 10, 2015 15:19:15 GMT -5
OMG you sound exactly like me when I went to my first yarn store. I had no idea they even existed bc I got all my yarn at craft stores. It was heaven and I think I squished every ball of yarn in the store. I'm sure I was there at least 2 hours and it was a very, very small store. Needless to say once I knit with yarn store yarn I never went back. I am now what we call a yarn snob. ( hangs head) I gave all my craft yarn store to my aunt who loves acrylic in order to make room for my new yarn. My stash is ridiculous. So much so I put myself on a yarn FAST not a diet a FAST. I haven't purchased any yarn for myself in just over a year and I haven't made a dent. I have well over 1000 projects on my to do list and if I knit 24 hours 7 days a week I still wouldn't be able to make all those lovely things. See now I better stop bc I'll take over the thread with my yarn stories....any questions, let me know. Also did you want those swatches? I didn't think you wanted them bc you went to the store am I right or do you still need them. Let me know I'll pop,them in the mail. Now to the ferts. Otis is getting daily massages and bicycle type movements daily and water therapy every other day. I do see some improvements he's starting to use his back legs to crawl like a baby but he's not consistent. He managed to drag himself down the stairs yesterday as I watched. He was quite proud of himself but he can't stay down there without all of his legs so back up he went. He wasn't happy. Yesterday is started stashing food. He was so excited. I'm still working with him and I do hope he will make more progress. Everyone is eating bone and larger pieces. I did alter my menu bc I needed all the organ meals in the morning. I don't want Otis going to bed with a belly full of organs. He will be a mess in the morning...other than that it's the same. Everyone had heart soup this morning and they ate it all. No EVOO no liver.. I just add plain water for gravy. Yeah. Found kidney again so I'm stocked up on heart and kidney now. A relief bc it's hard to find here. Riot is still on chicken soup but without the organs. She eats her organs along with everyone else. I've been a bit lazy adding chunks to her soup. Bad ferret mom I know, Linus and Ty are still doing well and slimming down for spring. Charlie is hanging in and he's not crazy about raw food anymore and won't eat baby food either. He only likes that CC. Ty likes it too, that little bugger, and if I don't watch him he will eat it all. energy is good so are poos.. It's a happy crazy house. So sorry to hear about the stomach bug. I heard it's been going around. The kids right? They bring everything to school. Happened to my mom and aunt all the time. She was a nursery school teacher my aunt taught first grade. Glad you are feeling better.
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Post by gfountain on Mar 10, 2015 16:37:57 GMT -5
No, I don't need the swatches. I could have literally stayed there for several hours, just talking and squeezing yarn and watching the owner knit. She has some gorgeous stuff hanging in there that my daughter couldn't even believe were handmade. It's not a big place but every inch of every wall is FULL and projects are hanging from the ceiling and the shelves. So I'll definitely be going back when I have more time! Little Otis is such a trooper! Fingers crossed that he gets more use of his legs, but even if he doesn't, he can still have a full life. He's so lucky that he got to you BEFORE this happened! I definitely understand having the organs in the morning. I like to do them in the mornings too even without having a disabled ferret. Sometimes someone doesn't make it all the way into the box during the night. :/ So Linus, Ty, and Otis are all on the same menu now? Same size chunks and everything? About how big are their chunks? Is Ty doing better with bigger chunks now? And Linus with bone? Miss Riot needs to get her act together (mom too ) and get off that soup. You'll have to be brushing her teeth if she doesn't move on soon. Work on those slivers and chunks!! Charlie... will he eat the raw if it's mixed with the CC? It's OK for him to stay on the CC because it's complete, but it's too expensive to stay on for very long. You also need to check his teeth frequently. Without the bone crunching, he's likely to need tooth brushing also. I don't know who started the stomach bug, but both of my parents had it the weekend before last. Then my mother-in-law got it, then me... like I needed any more sick! I'm done with sick now (fingers crossed). I've had enough sick to last me the rest of my life!!
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Post by Deleted on Mar 11, 2015 15:32:29 GMT -5
Took Otis outside today it was in the high 60's. He loved it and for the first time pulled his legs under him and tried to stand up It was only once but he tried and I'm proud of him. He used his back legs to crawl, like a baby, outside. He is also doing this more in the house as well but not as much as I'd like. He had no trouble dragging himself around in the yard and he was full of dirt bc of the melting snow and rain yesterday but he didn't care. He had a bath and water therapy today when we came inside. Any progress is great even the small stuff. Yes, I'm glad that I had him when this happened. I'm sure the family would have put him down bc of his disability. He's happy and he's stashing food again. Little bugger but he DOES eat it thank goodness. Yes, they are all eating the same size stuff and I upped the size again this morning. Otis is still the best eater and Ty is getting better with the larger pieces. Linus is doing good as well. I caught Zriot eating some chicken last night from the plate, no crunching but she did eat a piece. Her soup is thicker now but once she hits a chunk she runs to stash and never comes back to eat. It's like she's afraid of them. She is driving me nuts though. She loves yarn and I always forget to put my knitting out of reach. Nightly I have to grab the kitchen tongs to fish my skeins out from behind the couch. Disaster. A tangled mess.
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Post by gfountain on Mar 11, 2015 18:09:56 GMT -5
Good for Otis! I'm proud of him too. I can imagine the muddy mess he must have been! My Slinkee seems to know exactly where to go to get the dirtiest he can get so I have experience with a dirty fuzz. Stashing his food makes him so happy, lol. I'm glad he can stash again.
Riot is aptly named. I can picture the joy on her face when she nabs your yarn... I imagine it's the same look Minnie has as she's running down the hall with mine. :/ what size are the chunks in her soup? I don't recall her ever doing slivers. Did she? Why don't you try giving her a plate of small slivers with thin soup 'gravy', rather than chunky soup.
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