Artemis' Switching Thread / Bella

[Heather]

Name:
Shauna
HF Forum Username:
Artemis
Please confirm that you are 18 years of age or older:
yes


1. Where did you first learn about natural diets for ferrets?

This site!

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.

Frankenprey (fully)

3. Why are you interested in switching your ferrets to a natural diet?

#1 - Health. I want my babies to live long, fulfilled lives. Calli has (what I suspect to be) IBD and though I've tried a few different high quality kibbles, her poops have never been "normal" (always loose, seedy)
#2 - Cost. Kibble is expensive

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, and I understand.


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?

Calli - 3 yr/female/IBD/slightly underweight/Have had for 1.5 years
Miko - 3 yr/male/healthy/slightly overweight/Have had for 1.5 years


6. What diet do you currently feed your ferrets? (Please include all treats, supplements, etc) Do they already eat some form of soup?


Currently on Orijen Regional Red kibble, occasional Marshall's treats (only stuff they will eat >.<) Have not started on soup but plan to very soon.

7. Have you ever tried to switch your ferrets to a natural diet in the past? If yes, what happened?

No.


8. What additional information about yourself or your ferrets would you like to share?

I am a college senior with a part time job - my life is a bit busy, but I still believe I will have the time to dedicate to my furbabies and getting them switched. Calli has a bit of a wild spirit, and I suspect she will transition easier than Miko, who doesnt even like going outside [img src="http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h352/JW_2012/Emoticons/.gif" src="http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h352/JW_2012/Emoticons/.gif" src="http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h352/JW_2012/Emoticons/.gif" style="max-width:100%;"]

9. How often during the week do you have access to a computer?

Practically 24/7

10. Please post a picture of each of your ferrets (if possible).

Hi and welcome to the mentoring program . In a little while your mentors (Bella) will introduce themselves 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 mentors can assist you move along safely in this adventure. If you experience computer difficulties or are going to be away, please notify your mentors and most of all relax and have fun :boing: . Your mentors are here to help you on this journey.
ciao

[Deleted]

Hi there! @theladyartemis 
I'm Bella and I'll be your mentor if you'd like to know more about me you can check here: holisticferret60.proboards.com/thread/176/meet-mentor?page=2  or just ask. I see you have a switching thread started and that's great. How are your fuzzies doing? What stage are they on? I'm very excited to be working with you:D 

[Deleted]

Hello! I sent you a message, but I'll just repeat it here to have it logged.
I began the transition with soup mixture; neither of the ferrets are enthused about it. The only way Ive gotten them to eat it is by rolling a treat in it, and even then with heavy prompting >.< Unfortunately, I didnt get too far into things before Miko's teeth/gums became inflamed. Its gone down a bit in the last week but there is probably an underlying problem that needs to be fixed at the vet. I've been weighing them every couple of days since Miko started losing weight, and he's bounced back up to a normal 2.6 pounds. Calli has remained constant at about 1.7. Both have been just as rambunctious as ever
I suppose my question for you is, should I get this tooth problem sorted out before restarting the transition?

[Deleted]

Have you been brushing his teeth? If not I would start doing brushing them since they're not on bone it could be something as simple as that, but I know one of the other mentors has dealt with inflamed gums so I'll ask her.
Wil soupie you usually just have to get them used to it. Have you tried some spoon feedings or dabbing a bit on their mouths to get them to lick it off?

[Deleted]

Okay so I think the best plan of action would be to go ahead and switch them asap so we can get ;miko on bones for his teeth.

[Deleted]

Hey there, are you having second thoughts about participating in the program? At the soupie stage you need to be posting updates every second day. If you don't think you're up for that just let me know.

[Deleted]

Hello, I am so sorry for the lack of updates. I really want to switch my babies to raw, but this school quarter has already been unexpectedly busy. I am not sure if I will have the time to fully commit to getting them through it. I feel terrible saying it, and thank you so much for agreeing to mentor me. >.< If possible, I will definitely come back to start over when things have calmed down (after my graduation in May). Thanks again and I'm sorry to be so wishywashy.

[Deleted]

You can definitely apply again after you're not so busy, but you'll have to wait for an available mentor. If you have any further questions feel free to pm me. I'll have @hurricankatt lock and vault this thread.