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Post by Deleted on Sept 16, 2015 8:18:48 GMT -5
Good Morning!
You could try a new protein in the soup. Maybe some pork. Gizzards will tear up your blender.
I could rave about gizzards all day long. They build jaw strength and help clean teeth. Why don't you try slicing up some into long slivers and then put in a few larger pieces. Just cut a gizzard in half. Leave that with them overnight or during the day and let them practice. They are use to chicken and it will be fun and stimulation for them.
:wave3:
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Post by Deleted on Sept 16, 2015 13:52:43 GMT -5
I could try that. They are doing really good with the soupies and so I'm tempted to try just slivers tonight. I know that Shinchi will be the one that I will have to coddle during this phase but Poco is already trying to stash chunks. Do you think it's too early to try something like that? The poor boys have soupie poopie. I gave them an egg yesterday between meals and their poor tummies were even more watery. Except this time it looked like the scrambled egg I gave them..except poopies. However it could be due to the tiny amounts of kibble they were eating in case I couldn't feed them at any point.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 16, 2015 13:53:59 GMT -5
As far as the gizzards go I have a ninja so that blazes are like a column in the middle of the blender so I might attempt it.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 17, 2015 19:19:55 GMT -5
Day10
Morning time-put food in cage on plate-showed them said food-they ate it all. evening time-put food on plate in floor.. showed it to them.. they said NAH-it's play time instead.. *dook dook dook* then fell down in the flat ferret position, gave up and ate their dinner.
YES! I stopped and got the ingredients for another week or so's worth of foods and even ground up the gizzards. My Ninja is a beast and devoured those gizzards in no time! Now, to get the boys to eat the gizzard mash like they do their soupie..
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Post by Deleted on Sept 20, 2015 10:14:59 GMT -5
Day 11 and 12
AM soupies went really well and so did PMsoupies until it was time for PM soupies on the 12th day. I slived up some heart and fed them each a little chunk and then sat it in the cage on a plate. They didn't touch it. Which is fine-I was really only experimenting anyway.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 20, 2015 10:24:37 GMT -5
Day 13
AM feeding is going really well so far. I took some old chicken breast that I had in the freezer and dethawed it for them. It feels like the perfect thing to chunk up their soup with. It's those fatty pieces with some meat still attached that I was going to throw away but for some reason decided to keep. I blended it up by itself so that it wouldn't be watery or soupie but instead a little chunky and let the boys out of their cage.
I put the soupie mixed with slightly chunky chicken breast on the floor on top of a towel and just waited. So far a lot of sniffing. Poco seems interested but it's got a new smell I guess so he's keeping a careful eye on it. Shinchi however, who is usually my picky eater was the first at the plate. He took a few big bites, even dragged off a chunk of whatever it was and ate it all, then ran off to play.
I guess while they are being little carpet sharks this morning I really should go vaccum up their bedding haha.. they have litter everywhere from Pocos tantrum yesterday! Will be back to post the results of feeding from this AM and tonights PM.
Their PM meal didn't go very well. I used less soupie and a little more chunks, but not much. They licked all the soupie and left the chunks. Over night they let a lot of meat go to waste. I was upset, as I weighed the boys and while Shinchi has gained a bit of weight, Poco was losing it. He definitely does not like chunks yet.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 20, 2015 10:46:28 GMT -5
You're doing well and so are they.
Play around with their meals. Try warm water or a drop of oil on top. Try a plate. Try playing tug of war. It sometimes takes finding out how they want their meals prepared. Just like us, some like it hot and some like it cold.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 22, 2015 0:17:46 GMT -5
Day 14 First day of officially week two for the transition is OVER! AM soupies went to waste a bit, but when I got off of work, the chunks were still there and still smelled good. As in, there was no smell. They were starting to turn to jerky so I knew I could still use them. I mixed in some new soupie and some gizzard mash that I had made previously in the week. It is now 1:14 in the morning and after three different sessions over the course since 9pm they have finally finished all of their foods. I let them get full, let them sleep a bit, woke them up, let them eat some more. So on and so on until the plate was empty. Oh, forgot to mention that I blitzed up 2 eggs and poured over it, which was a great incentive! They loved it! At this point, I'm not sure how hungry they are going to be in the morning. Poor bubbies!
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Post by Deleted on Sept 22, 2015 20:39:49 GMT -5
Day 15
They did not receive any AM soupies because 1-I was up until all hours of the night feeding them their PM soupies and 2-I had to go to class and then work directly after.
It is now time for PM feeding and Poco is on my desk just a nomming away. Shinchi is NOT happy that he is still in the cage and Poco is out. Shinchi is usually my good boy that waits patiently. Tonight is he barreling out of the top floor of the cage. I swear I wish I could have gotten a video of it. He was on the very top shelf. I usually feed Poco first because he throws tantrums if I don't, so I was going to get Poco and Shinchi (who is still laying on his belly) rolls down the ramp and right out and onto the floor. Don't worry, he isn't hurt or anything-he actually does this a lot! The little beast is too lazy to jump so he just.. flops.. out of the cage regardless of the level that he is on.
Anyway, I put him back and the tantrum starts! He is scratching at the shelf, digging like crazy in the litter pan and just going nutzo until it's finally his turn to eat. NOW he won't even eat. He's just trying to eat my mouse.
I did find some vomit in the cage and it looks like its because of the litter. Apparently Shinchi or Poco one has been trying to 'stash' their food in the litter pan. Gonna have to fix that. There is no blood and plenty of fresh poo so I know that there isn't a blockage or anything. Going to keep an extra close watch on him anyway.
Also, really weird, but Shinchi has been grooming himself a lot lately. After I feed him, he suddenly starts licking his legs and doesn't stop until hes good and ready every time.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 23, 2015 3:14:30 GMT -5
Yay! You've made it up to a week already and so far so good. I'll write a reply based on your last two posts just so I don't confuse you. How long do you work for? If they don't touch the soupie after 6-8 hours then its best to just give them a fresh batch. Shinchi and Poco seem to be progressing really well. They're moving along nicely and are eating up their soupies and chunks. Onto your next reply~ Day 15
They did not receive any AM soupies because 1-I was up until all hours of the night feeding them their PM soupies and 2-I had to go to class and then work directly after.
I have to just say, Wow! You're on day 15 already and both Shinchi and Poco are going so well. Did they completely not get any meals for the AM? Try your best not to miss out on their meals okay? I usually feed mine early in the morning but I sometimes have those days where I would be pre occupied so I'd have to move 6AM meal to around 9AM. Its better not to leave them without food for the whole day since they will probably becoming grumpy and incredibly hungry. You can take the meals out the night before and simply empty them onto a plate and serve quickly before running off to do classes or work. It shouldn't take any more than a minute of your time. ;u; It is now time for PM feeding and Poco is on my desk just a nomming away. Shinchi is NOT happy that he is still in the cage and Poco is out. Shinchi is usually my good boy that waits patiently. Tonight is he barreling out of the top floor of the cage. I swear I wish I could have gotten a video of it. He was on the very top shelf. I usually feed Poco first because he throws tantrums if I don't, so I was going to get Poco and Shinchi (who is still laying on his belly) rolls down the ramp and right out and onto the floor. Don't worry, he isn't hurt or anything-he actually does this a lot! The little beast is too lazy to jump so he just.. flops.. out of the cage regardless of the level that he is on. It does sound like Shinchi was having a tantrum. My boy Yuki did the same when I was doing hand feeding sessions with my girl Haru. Do you feed Poco in front of the cage? It would be best to do it somewhere else that isn't in Shinchi's view. The reason he was behaving that way could be due to being hungry and probably bored. Maybe he got jealous of Poco too. Anyway, I put him back and the tantrum starts! He is scratching at the shelf, digging like crazy in the litter pan and just going nutzo until it's finally his turn to eat. NOW he won't even eat. He's just trying to eat my mouse.Oh yes. Thats definitely a ferret tantrum. He sounds like he's in a very grumpy mood so its understandable that his appetite has been thrown off. Next time he does that put him in his cage and let him calm down. Go away and then come back once he's calmed down and try again. ^^I did that with my Yuki. Its best not to give in to tantrums. I did find some vomit in the cage and it looks like its because of the litter. Apparently Shinchi or Poco one has been trying to 'stash' their food in the litter pan. Gonna have to fix that. There is no blood and plenty of fresh poo so I know that there isn't a blockage or anything. Going to keep an extra close watch on him anyway. Stashing is a natural thing for ferrets. You can't really fix the litter stashing, however you can make a feeding den which can help minimise the litter stashing. What kind of litter do you use? Its best to use a natural 100% recycled newspaper pellet type litter. What colour was the vomit if I might ask? Sometimes it could be from eating too fast- which in this case, could be since they missed their AM meal and probably ate too fast at their PM meal. Either way, it does sound like its nothing to worry about. Usually you would see other symptoms if it were a blockage. Keep a close eye on them just to be sure. Also, really weird, but Shinchi has been grooming himself a lot lately. After I feed him, he suddenly starts licking his legs and doesn't stop until hes good and ready every time.Grooming is also normal. Does he do it excessively? Is it shedding season where you live? I noticed mine groom alot more during shedding season. He could simply be cleaning himself up before his meal. Sounds quite adorable, but I'm sure its nothing to be concerned over unless you see other symptoms along with it. Good work so far! See you later~
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Post by Deleted on Sept 23, 2015 8:25:37 GMT -5
Ok, to quickly respond to your messages: How long do you work for? If they don't touch the soupie after 6-8 hours then its best to just give them a fresh batch.It depends on the day. I am a nanny and the parents I work for often go to charity dinners or out of town etc. So could be for just 2 hours to 12 or more. Just depends on the day.\ If they don't touch the soupie after 6-8 hours then its best to just give them a fresh batch.All that was really left were the chunks and chunks last longer than the soupies. They don't want to eat the chunks on their own and only want to stash them at this point. I'm trying to figure out a way to make them know it's ok to eat the chunks. Otherwise they just hold it in their mouths and try to get away from me. Then they stash and never touch it. Did they completely not get any meals for the AM?I did not put any foods into their cage before going off because They had eaten only 5 hours prior and are having a hard time eating the chunks. As soon as I started the switch with the less water more soupie chunkies, they started turning up their noses. I am on a very tight schedule to get them their meals and once they are off the soupie stage it won't be a problem, but just their soupie is already biting into my budget for them and my husband isn't happy. So if they aren't going to eat it and it will get wasted, I would rather wait until I know they are good and hungry. I'm not starving them by any means I promise! -Also, I had to get to class at 8am and class gets out at 10am and I had to work at 10:30am until 9pm. Literally after going to bed at 2am, I had little more than 4 hours of sleep. -Also, I did mention before I started the switch that this could be the case because of work and going to school and was confirmed by someone, somewhere on the fb site that they could be fed once a day if I make the meal big enough, just not often. That's why the previous nights dinner was double what they normally eat and spread out over the course of a few hours. I really had no other choice. Do you feed Poco in front of the cage?I have tried feeding them everywhere in the apartment and on top of my desk means they are right beside me and usually there I start with one ferret and as soon as I sit them down and they eat on their own, the second one will come out and join so that they are eating side by side. If I put it in their cage (I have a little apartment) they seem to revolt from the food and I still have to hold them in the beginning at this stage so on my hands and knees on the bottom floor(because I have really nothing for their little feets) hurts my back. -So, yes. I did feed Poco in front of the cage because it's right beside my desk and the only place the cage will fit in the apartment. What kind of litter do you use? I use pine pellet litter. For us it's the best kind, because it's cheap and fits in the budget. They've never consumed it before and I think it may have been Shinchi because I don't see Poco trying to stash in the litter pan. He tries to take it up stairs to the box. What colour was the vomit if I might ask?It was the color of their litter. Clear fluids and soft litter bits. Approximately the amount that was in one pellet of their litter. Neither of them ate too fast as I was there and spoon feeding them/ watching them eat. Plus I try to do it in segments. If they walk away, I want them to know it's ok to walk away, but then they have to come back and have more a little later, so I usually let them go play or put them back in the cage then pull them out a little later. Does he do it excessively? Is it shedding season where you live?He doesn't do it excessively or anything. Its during his meals. I will be feeding him, then set him down to see if he will take it on his own and he will for a bit, then he backs up and starts licking his legs and chest. He only does it during meal times! It isn't shedding season either as it is starting to get cold here. Poco is getting his winter coat in but Shinchi has always been a fluff monger. No matter what season we are in, his coat never seems to change. Everything else that you said, I will definitely keep in mind and thank you for the advice! I have to rush to class this morning too (but I have time between class and work today to come home and feed them) so I can't really respond to everything that you said, sorry!! I will be writing up my day 16 in a different post!
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Post by Deleted on Sept 23, 2015 11:42:59 GMT -5
If u ever need hearts, Baucoms farms has hearts at Charlotte Regional farmers Market---- 1801 Yorkmont Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217. I have gotten hearts from here several times --I go to Baucom Farms website and email the lady and resrve some for Saturdays. I think they r there 8- 12. i always go early, so I do not know for sure when they close.
Also,I would leave enough food for the ferrets for all day, if you have a long day. Because if ur ferrets, have been feed kibble for a while and have some age on them,they can have a sugar crash. I do not think it is sound info for a ferret that has been on kibble to be fed one time a day. They should have access to food every 4 hrs should they so desire.This is what i was told by my mentor.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 23, 2015 12:08:23 GMT -5
Well its not often that this happens. In fact it's the only time its happened so far since the switch. I was told that I sounded ready and should go ahead with the switch despite my sometimes hectic schedule. My boys are healthy and most times they are left with food. However left to their own devices they don't eat much. And food goes to waste. It's either I feed them all at once or they have to wait until I get home to feed them. Or I take them back to kibble for the rest of their lives to save my budget. Like I said the soupies are causing me to go over my budget due to them wasting it and not eating it while I'm not home. Once they are eating solid foods and bone in meals it won't be a problem to leave it in the cage because buying it in bulk will be easier and if they don't eat it I can toss it. Trust me I would never put my boys in harms way. It drives my husband insane that I spend more time worrying about them then I do about him.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 23, 2015 15:43:50 GMT -5
Did not think u were intentionally putting them in harms way. Just wanted let u know that many ferrets that have been on kibble for some time do not have the best bg. Don't know if you have done a fasting blood glucose on ferrets before.
Just concerned about the one that gave u that info may not have taken that into consideration.
We don't want daddy disliking the ferrets---big big problem.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 24, 2015 22:26:05 GMT -5
Ok, so haven't had much time to post here regarding their eating habits lately and I apologize for that! Day 16 went well except whatever food I put in their cage they lick until I walk away and then they leave and then 80% of it is wasted. That is a lot of soup to be wasted. I've have to throw away a lot of soupies.. but at night I can usually make them eat all of their food.
Day 17
AM soupies went ok until I left for class. Put the foods in their cage and came home to 80% still on the plate. Had to toss it all which makes me sad and very frustrated at the same time.
PM soupies are going well. They are out of the cage and running around and ignoring the plate until I bring them to it. No big deal though, they eat a bit then go play some more.
AWESOME NEWS!! One of my boys FINALLY has a semi solid poo! I'm SO HAPPY!
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