|
Post by Deleted on Apr 13, 2015 8:02:45 GMT -5
Hello All! I am new to the forum and natural feeding. I don't have my lil buddy yet (May 4th can't come soon enough) but trying to figure out some last minute things dealing with diet. I have been doing my research, and have decided to try a whole prey diet. I want to keep his diet balanced -when i get him- so I am trying to find more variety in whole prey, but I am mostly just seeing mice, rats, chickens, and rabbits. I am not too big on rabbit since I am pretty close to my friend's pet bunny and don't like the idea. I just don't know the nutritional difference between mice and rats, and quail and chicken. I wouldn't think that would be enough of a variety for his health. From this forum I have found that a whole prey diet should consist of 3+ different proteins. I don't think I will have access to, or haven't found access to more variety of whole prey foods -other than rats, mice, chicks, and quail. I have been looking online at places I could potentially order from but I haven't been sold on one yet. I live in Middle TN, and am trying to figure out a good supplier (not too keen on the idea of getting frozen whole prey shipped, especially with summer coming up. but that might be unavoidable.) This is him (Giuseppe/Gus)
|
|
|
Newb
Apr 13, 2015 9:33:44 GMT -5
Post by Celene on Apr 13, 2015 9:33:44 GMT -5
First and most importantly, Gus is a real cutie! Secondly, welcome to the forum The most common provider that raw feeders in the US use seems to be Hare Today, although there is a board here discussing different suppliers. You might also being able to find local small/hobby farms who will supply you. I also know that some members contact people who breed rabbits or rats for show and have animals which are culled anyway. You can also supplement a whole prey diet with other meats such as pork, lamb, quail, kangaroo, or anything else you find at a grocery store. If you are feeding more than a couple non-frankenprey meals a day you may also want to supplement with extra heart/organs. Having said that, I am not a whole prey feeder or mentor so I'm sure someone else will come along and provide a better answer
|
|
|
Newb
Apr 13, 2015 9:56:46 GMT -5
Post by Deleted on Apr 13, 2015 9:56:46 GMT -5
Hi and Welcome to the HFF Gus is adorable and I'm sure that May seems a long time away. That will give you more time to learn though. You can sign up for a Mentor or build your own switching thread and all of the Mentors will help. I live in Middle Tennessee also. I go to the K&S market (there are two)in Nashville for organs and meat. An online supplier would be HareToday or MyPetCarnivore. Shipping costs can be high sometimes, depending on where you live. I don't feed whole prey, but someone who does will pop in. With Whole Prey, the key to remember is that adults are nutritionally complete, while babies are more of a treat. Never feed a live rat to a ferret. They are fierce and can hurt the ferret. You might consider a combination of whole prey and frankenprey. The advantages to that is that with frankenprey, you can have a red meat meal and red meat is high in Iron and vitamin B. It will help cut costs and give you some variety. Then you can add in the whole prey and you will have more variety. In the meantime, look around and have fun. We will be begging for pictures of Gus, once he comes home. Gus will be a Tummy with Teeth and eat alot as a baby. There is nothing like a baby. You're going to have so much fun. (dance)
|
|
|
Newb
Apr 13, 2015 10:19:39 GMT -5
Post by Desiree on Apr 13, 2015 10:19:39 GMT -5
I like Rodent Pro. That is where I order from. Mice, Rat, Rabbit, Guinea Pigs, Quail and Chickens. 6 different proteins right there. Quail and Chickens are very different. So are mice and rat. So even your above list is perfectly acceptable. We encourage the most possible but three is the minimum for proteins. We do encourage some red meat too so maybe a meal of beef or lamb would be great once a week.
|
|
|
Newb
Apr 13, 2015 15:47:02 GMT -5
Post by Heather on Apr 13, 2015 15:47:02 GMT -5
Prey is often difficult and expensive. It is the easiest to feed...totally balanced. You need a minimum of 3 proteins...you named 3 mice rats and quail. Chicks are treats, nothing in them nutritionally... avoid baby prey except as treats. I feed rabbit and guinea pig as well. One thing you can do is look for reptile suppliers...that's where I get my prey. If they feed snakes chances are they've got a decent supply Gus is a real sweetie ciao
|
|
|
Newb
Apr 13, 2015 18:38:37 GMT -5
Post by unclejoe on Apr 13, 2015 18:38:37 GMT -5
Gus is so cute!
|
|
|
Newb
Apr 13, 2015 20:30:44 GMT -5
Post by FerretsnFalcons on Apr 13, 2015 20:30:44 GMT -5
Wow, he is a beautiful cutie! Is he a breeder baby? Anyway, you're good on the proteins, if you want to add more variety without having to spend a ton on whole prey then you can add in some meals of frankenprey. If my parents let me feed whole prey then I am planning on getting rats, rabbits, quail, guinea pigs, and chickens from RodentPro, but also feeding duck from the market and the mice I already have from TSK feeders. I wouldn't worry too much about the summer heat, the dry ice should be able to keep it frozen as long as you don't leave the package out for too long.
|
|
|
Newb
Apr 13, 2015 20:57:31 GMT -5
Post by Heather on Apr 13, 2015 20:57:31 GMT -5
Is this one of Pam's little ones? ciao
|
|
|
Newb
Apr 14, 2015 1:04:29 GMT -5
Post by Deleted on Apr 14, 2015 1:04:29 GMT -5
|
|
|
Newb
Apr 14, 2015 10:03:27 GMT -5
Post by Deleted on Apr 14, 2015 10:03:27 GMT -5
in the last pic he is the one in back
|
|
|
Newb
Apr 14, 2015 10:20:05 GMT -5
Post by Deleted on Apr 14, 2015 10:20:05 GMT -5
th Thanks you guys! I was thinking one of those websites, but there is a local pet store i suspect will have some frozen whole prey. He is, in fact, one of Pam's. Nice eye! she just sent me some more pics too My five will be spending their vacation at Pam's (in August). I'm sorry that it will be too late to see Gus. Your so lucky, she makes beautiful babies (with help from the Mom and Dad).
|
|
|
Newb
Apr 26, 2015 10:41:45 GMT -5
Post by gfountain on Apr 26, 2015 10:41:45 GMT -5
Hi and welcome to the forum. I live in middle TN also. It's nice to see others from my area here! Stef (poncesmom) mentioned that you're looking for a vet. I use Copeland's Animal Clinic in Cookeville. They are not ferret specialists but Dr. Barker (as opposed to Dr. Baker who I have NOT seen) has been great and willing to research for the best solutions. We have discussed the raw diet a little bit. He's not opposed to it, but he is concerned that it be done correctly. Can't wait to see more pictures of your new little one and hear the kit stories when he finally comes home. You're in for the ride of your life!
|
|
|
Newb
Apr 26, 2015 10:57:49 GMT -5
Post by Heather on Apr 26, 2015 10:57:49 GMT -5
Ahhh,nice. Pam has some of the nicest Sandies over here. The age was about right for her wee mites born this spring. ciao
|
|
|
Newb
Apr 26, 2015 13:04:31 GMT -5
Post by Deleted on Apr 26, 2015 13:04:31 GMT -5
HARE TODAY--has nice looking guinea pigs.
|
|