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Post by Deleted on Jul 16, 2015 12:13:59 GMT -5
Celene FireAngel We had our first experience with raw today! I was able to make a soup out of chicken heart,egg, liver and thigh. My blender didn't tear up like 3 pieces of fat and skin but it worked to our advantage because he grabbed them, ran away and ate them right away. The big boy ate all of his soup. I also managed to find whole quail at my local Asian market! I just wanted to add that if he is eating chunks on his own (especially on the very first try!) you might want to offer him a couple small slivers by hand and see if he'll eat them. If so, you can more or less just skip the soup stage entirely. Quail are a fantastic source of bone-in meat. Because they are so small, the bones are softer and a great "starter bone" for ferrets just beginning their raw journey Awesome I still have some soup left from the batch I made before so he'll get the rest of that today. But yeah, I was really actually thankful that the blender is kinda crappy because it worked well to kind of start him on some chunks! I've been keeping kibble down still because I'm not like super confident that I have everything he needs yet and I've been reading that he needs 3 sources, (I only have 2) but you guys are making this all really easy on me and I'm so thankful!
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Post by FireAngel on Jul 16, 2015 15:53:09 GMT -5
Yay! That's so great and I'm just going to say everything @poncesmom and Celene said. I would definitely try adding slivers/small chunks to the soup or even just try doing the soup recipe but in sliver/small piece form to see how he does. if he's eating the soup willingly and well I would take away the kibble. There will not be enough time for an imbalance in anything to take hold.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 16, 2015 16:52:16 GMT -5
I just wanted to add that if he is eating chunks on his own (especially on the very first try!) you might want to offer him a couple small slivers by hand and see if he'll eat them. If so, you can more or less just skip the soup stage entirely. Quail are a fantastic source of bone-in meat. Because they are so small, the bones are softer and a great "starter bone" for ferrets just beginning their raw journey Awesome I still have some soup left from the batch I made before so he'll get the rest of that today. But yeah, I was really actually thankful that the blender is kinda crappy because it worked well to kind of start him on some chunks! I've been keeping kibble down still because I'm not like super confident that I have everything he needs yet and I've been reading that he needs 3 sources, (I only have 2) but you guys are making this all really easy on me and I'm so thankful! He's doing quite well for his first steps. When you say that you keep the kibble down, do you remove it a few hours prior to feeding raw soupie? They digest at a different rate and that can give him an upset tummy. Also, you don't want him holding out for the kibble and they are smart enough to do that. The soupie is good for 6-8 hours. Try leaving a plate with him over night (minus any kibble) and see how much he eats. Slinky's previous ferrent said that he was seven months old. Since you can't be sure that she is telling the truth, I would leave food out for him at all times. He's skinny now and it would be good for him to have access to food. I think this has been mentioned, but if you could post a picture of his teeth, an experienced ferrent can give you a good idea as to his age. I'm so glad he's with you and happy and safe. (dance)
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Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2015 11:16:36 GMT -5
Okay so we've successfully switched to raw soup with some chunks, but we're having really loose stool now. Like very runny and it kind of seems like it's hard for him to poo sometimes. @poncesmom FireAngel Celene Other than that he's doing very well
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Post by Celene on Jul 23, 2015 11:24:02 GMT -5
What percentage of the soup are chunks? There's a chance that if you used the correct amount of eggshell powder in the soup but they are eating a lot of meaty chunks, the balance is being thrown off and they aren't getting enough "bone". The general rule of thumb is 1/2 tsp of powdered eggshell to 8oz of meat (although some ferrets need more, and some need less) so you could see if adding in extra eggshell helps.
Another possibility is that your fuzzy has a chicken sensitivity. When did you start noticing the loose poops?
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Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2015 11:24:20 GMT -5
How much eggshell powder are you using. The eggshell powder will help firm up loose poops. If you're using 1/3 tsp, go up to 1/2 tsp. Some ferrets need more and some need less. We don't want loose poops for too long, so how about for now, post about each poop. What color are they?
Also, organs will make for loose poops. Are you following the soupie recipe and staying with 1 or 2 hearts and 1/2 of a chicken liver per 8 ounces of meat?
That's wonderful about the chunks. How big are they now?
If you up the eggshell powder and it doesn't help in the next day or two, then we will move him away from chicken and try another protein. It could be an allergy or intolerance to chicken, which can be very common.
I just noticed that you look like a very pretty soap opera actress, only you look younger. Do you know who Cynthia Watros is? She was on several soaps and some network TV shows, Lost/Titus and The Drew Carey Show.
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Post by FireAngel on Jul 23, 2015 12:24:12 GMT -5
Looks like I'm late to the party! Hehe but yes everything Celene and @poncesmom said. Pictures are a great help if possible also.
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