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Post by Heather on Sept 12, 2015 12:45:05 GMT -5
HF Forum Username: Noodlecat Please confirm that you are 18 years of age or older: 24-years-old (August 21st, 1990)
1. Where did you first learn about natural diets for ferrets? This was the first place I had stumbled across and just immersed myself
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. I would like to full switch to a RAW diet.
3. Why are you interested in switching your ferrets to a natural diet? I want them to live long, happy, and healthy lives and as close to what they would eat in the wild. Plus it seems like an excellent bonding experience.
4. Do you understand that switching your ferret to a natural diet can be a lengthy, arduous process? Its not an overnight switch. It requires a commitment of several months at minimum. Your HF Mentor will be more then happy to assist you in switching your ferret(s) to a natural diet, but you need to be equally as committed. The switch takes time and effort every single day. It can also be extremely frustrating at times. If you aren't willing to tough out a potentially lengthy switching process, you have major life changes approaching (baby on the way, moving, starting school, getting married/divorced, etc), or limited time due to work, then it might be a better idea to wait on switching your ferret's diet until you have more time. Are you willing and realistically able to make the necessary time commitment? 110% yes.
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? Dandy, 4-months-old, no health problem, he has a vet visit tomorrow but as I can tell he is happy and healthy. Eats well and loves to play, and stools look normal. His weight looks average and I've had him for 1 and a half weeks. Honey, 2-months-old, no health problems, vet visit also tomorrow. Also eating, playing, and pooping as well as I can tell. She's, small but not underweight. I have also had her for a week and a half.
6. What diet do you currently feed your ferrets? (Please include all treats, supplements, etc) Do they already eat some form of soup? Ferrets have been trying a variety of meats. Chicken things (de-boned) liver, heart, ground turkey and I gave them 1 egg yolk as a snack. As a primary food source I have feeding them Natures Variety Instinct Turkey
7. Have you ever tried to switch your ferrets to a natural diet in the past? If yes, what happened? No, first time ferrent.
8. What additional information about yourself or your ferrets would you like to share? We have a smaller two bedroom apartment, one room I have set up entirely for them. Since I have my office out in the main room, adn with the cords and the couch I always get nervous letting them roam. I live with my fiance who if I'm not home, she is. So the ferrets always get lots of love and attention. We have no other pets; however I have owned other pets in the past. Being a ferrent has become a big part of my life and I plan to keep it that way for many years to come.
9. How often during the week do you have access to a computer? 100% of the time, I work with computers, and I have a smart phone. So unless I'm sleeping or showering, I have access.
10. Please post a picture of each of your ferrets (if possible).
Hi and welcome to the mentoring program :wave3: . In a little while your mentors (Sveta & Poncesmom ), 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 mentors) 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 :banana: . Your mentors are here to help you on this journey. ciao
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Post by Deleted on Sept 12, 2015 13:06:47 GMT -5
Hi @noodlecat Sveta and I will be coming onboard to help you complete your switch. I know you have made great progress already and on your own. Here is a link to the Mentor Bio's in case you would like to learn about us: holisticferret60.proboards.com/thread/176/meet-mentorSveta will be along to also say Welcome and get the party started (or finished in your case). Could you please catch us up with a menu. We would also like to see Dangling pictures of Space Dandy, Honey and Gels and their current weights. After we see where you are, then we will be ready to move forward. We'll go over some basic information, approve or tweak your current menu and answer any questions that you may have. I'm looking forward to working with you and your little ones. (dance)
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Post by Deleted on Sept 13, 2015 7:19:43 GMT -5
Just checking in to see if you knew your thread was now up and running. I also sent you an email.
:peek:
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Post by Deleted on Sept 14, 2015 8:37:06 GMT -5
Just checking in to see if you knew your thread was now up and running. I also sent you an email. :peek: I got your email. Sorry I went on hiatus for a little bit. I was super tied up with work this weekend and I've been finishing up a couple projects at home. This is exciting though! I'll definitely be getting pictures and weights and another updated menu when I get home from work today
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Post by Deleted on Sept 14, 2015 10:11:59 GMT -5
Hello Noodlecat! @sveta will be along in a little while. Once we get your pictures, weights and updated menu then we are on our way. I'm looking forward to working with you. :wave3: Here are the requirements of the program. To help us make sure your ferret is doing well during his switch, a picture from above showing his body shape clearly would be appreciated bi-weekly, but is not essential.
You are required to post every second day during the "soup" stage of the transition. From the "sliver" stage, through to large chunks, you will be required to post a minimum of every 3 days. Once you hit the large chunks, once a week will be acceptable. If you wish to post into your thread more often, that will be MORE than welcome The above are simply the minimum requirements so we can help with sticky spots, and not have to "catch up" to where you are presently at. Failure to post as required will result in your switch coming to a standstill and will result in two warnings before being dropped from the mentoring program. If something comes up, and you need to be away, please contact your mentor letting her know how long you will be absent.
You may request readmittance to the mentoring program if you agree to abide by the above rules. But you must wait for the next available mentor.
PLEASE NOTE that by applying for a mentor and using the forum you are agreeing to abide by the terms and conditions as set in this thread: holisticferret60.proboards.com/thread/1585/rules-regulations-terms-read-sign
And here is some reading that you can do, as we go along:
holisticferret60.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=switch&action=display&thread=4340
holisticferret60.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=switch&action=display&thread=4343
I'm not a fan of the scruff and stuff but find the below info very helpful. holisticferret60.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=switch&action=display&thread=4344
holisticferret60.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=switch&action=display&thread=4341
holisticferret60.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=switch&action=display&thread=4342
I know you have already made great progress. So, let's see where you are and how we can help. .
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Post by Deleted on Sept 14, 2015 11:46:57 GMT -5
Hello! I'm Sveta and welcome to your official Switching thread! I have a ferret called Honey as well, she is a little uncontrollable beast D: Stephanie introduced everything very well and you are quite far along in your switch We will finish it off then and check that you know the why's and how's and answer any questions. In your menu please include the amounts you feed, the type of protein (species of animal), and the type of meat (ex. whole wings, muscle chunks, smashed necks, kidney chunks, liver soup, etc) you are giving. Is there anything your ferrets have trouble eating, either sensitivity (ex. allergic to chicken) or stubborness (ex. spits out bones)? So a recap of everything we need (so you don't have to keep searching in the previous posts): Ferrets: Name, age, weight Pictures: Dangling, and from the top, pictures of their food help too, so we know exactly what they are eating. Menu: Amounts, protein type, and meal type (dance)
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Post by Deleted on Sept 16, 2015 8:25:05 GMT -5
I'm sorry on the late reply. I ended up coming down sick * My Ferrets are Dandy, he's 6-months-old. When he was at the vet he was 3.8 lbs Honey she's 5-months old, her last vest she checked in at 1.2 lbs and Gel, 4-months-old. His appointment is coming in October. He's between Dandy and Honeys size. Here's the menu I'm currently using Monday AM: Cornish Game Hen Monday PM: Beef Tips and Egg yolks Tuesday AM: Chicken Wings Tuesday PM: Organ Day ( Chicken Liver and Pork Kidneys) Wednesday AM: Chicken Wings Wednesday PM: Chicken Wings Thursday AM: Cornish Game Hen Thursday PM: Turkey Thigh (deboned)/ Duck Friday AM: Cornish Game Hen Friday PM: Beef/Pork Heart Saturday AM: Chicken Wings Saturday PM 1/2 Beef Heart, 1/4 Chicken Liver, 1/4 Pork Kidneys Sunday AM: Chicken Wings Sunday PM: Turkey Gizzards I'm actually planning on adding Rabbit and Quail to their meal plan. I'm actually looking to order some online. At least till I can find time to get to the Asian Market in Cleveland. I'll get some extra pictures when I get home and their weights from the vet. However I know they've put some on since their visit. They seem to do well with all of their food, except Turkey seems to be one of their least favorite. Their chicken wings and cornish game hen they go nuts for. They absolutely lovvvve it. They definitely need to work on their sharing. Gel gets the most possessive of his wings and will try to take and hide all of it from the other ferrets. They seem to be having some trouble still on the chicken wings drum stick part. They eat all the others bones except for theses still. They'll usually chew the ends and leave the center pieces. I'll post back later tonight with hopefully some good pictures for you I'm sorry again on the late reply.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 16, 2015 8:49:35 GMT -5
You're on bone in meats already so you don't have to post every day (though you can). Once every three days is the required amount, so you're not even late I'm not feeling 100% either. Just a clarification.. what are beef tips? I assume they are a bone in meal? rib tips? tail tips? The menu looks good with the bone in meals to muscle meals to organ meals distribution. It's nice that all your muscle meals, and organ meals are surrounded by bone in meals before and after. I think Heather might have mentioned it on your previous thread, but Cornish game hens are essentially chickens. So with that in mind, it's too chicken heavy. Try getting some turkey wings, or pork riblets/buttons as well, they are usually fairly cheap meats. Adding quail and rabbit should help a lot. Be on the lookout for frozen duck as well, different stores have different prices so be sure to check. Also fish, we recommend small fresh water varieties to feed once a week, but you can buy some bigger one and just feed it occasionally once every two weeks or so. Also frog legs cost less in Asian markets often. If you are ordering online, you might as well order in some mice or ASF's (african soft furred rats) as well. The turkey taste they will get used to. As long as they are eating it at all, you should be fine.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 16, 2015 8:58:34 GMT -5
Oh excellent I'm sorry you're not feeling well wither. The kind you would make a beef stew with, so they are bone out. I can easily get some pork riblets and turkey wings as well. Thinking about adding some duck necks as well. I will definitely try to get some frog legs as well, I never thought about those honestly. I personally would love to get them on some mice, but I don't think my lady would ever be able to feed them while I'm away. Maybe I can get them some for when I'm home. How easily do they take to whole mice from a raw diet? It's something I know would be very good for them, and I know they are relatively cheap as well. I might be able to get most for free considering I know a handful of Snake owners and a breeder that have an overwhelming amount in their freezers.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 16, 2015 9:07:05 GMT -5
Good Morning :banana: Sveta covered everything well. You're really doing well. I'm impressed. You showed a very good understanding of the Frankenprey menu and you have them eating bone. Good Job! @sveta beef tips as I know them come from the Tenderloin of the beef. That's an expensive cut and lean. Mine however love Beef tips. Which makes my husband insane since he love Beef Stroganoff. Hump Day deserves a small pop quiz. Are you ready? This will be easy for you. 1. Name one source of Taurine 2. Are gizzards a muscle meat or organ. 3. What nutrients are found in Beef? 4. What is a Bezoar and what is good for helping with that? 5. What vitamin is found in Liver. Is it Fat soluable or Water Soluable. :wave3:
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Post by Deleted on Sept 16, 2015 9:17:20 GMT -5
I'll be alright in a few days Hope you are feeling better now. ok so they are muscles meats. I see. Then I would switch one of the muscle meals to bone in meats, because they are still small and need lots of calcium. Give them more bones for now and when they are a bit older you can switch it back to muscle meat. Try aiming for 9 bone in meat meals. Otherwise, all good, be on the lookout for new meats
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Post by Deleted on Sept 16, 2015 9:59:44 GMT -5
You know I love theses quizzes 1. Name one source of Taurine Still using that tasty tasty heart But Tongue is also excellent 2. Are gizzards a muscle meat or organ. Gizzard can easily be confused as an orgnan meat, but its a muscle meat none the less. 3. What nutrients are found in Beef? B12 and great Protein are the major ones, I know that there is also B6, niacin, zinc and phosphorus and I'm sure many other good things. I honestly can't remember everything else :/ 4. What is a Bezoar and what is good for helping with that? A Bezoar is another name for a blockage. This is why I keep Pure pumpkin and Vaseline on hand. 5. What vitamin is found in Liver. Is it Fat soluable or Water Soluable. Vitamin B12 I do believe and its water soluble. As for adding another bone-in meal, do you have any suggestions on which muscle meat I should cut out for now?
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Post by Deleted on Sept 16, 2015 10:11:53 GMT -5
You know I love theses quizzes 1. Name one source of Taurine Still using that tasty tasty heart But Tongue is also excellent
Excellent and Correct!
2. Are gizzards a muscle meat or organ. Gizzard can easily be confused as an orgnan meat, but its a muscle meat none the less.
Very Very Good.
3. What nutrients are found in Beef? B12 and great Protein are the major ones, I know that there is also B6, niacin, zinc and phosphorus and I'm sure many other good things. I honestly can't remember everything else :/ That's correct and I was looking the Iron also.4. What is a Bezoar and what is good for helping with that? A Bezoar is another name for a blockage. This is why I keep Pure pumpkin and Vaseline on hand. Bezoar is Bitbyter's pet peeve. Some people call it a Hairball. A bezoar /ˈbiːzɔər/ is a mass found trapped in the gastrointestinal system (Gastrolith, usually in the stomach), though it can occur in other locations. A pseudobezoar is an indigestible object introduced intentionally into the digestive system. In this case, it refers to a mass of fur from overgrooming. An egg will help break this up.
5. What vitamin is found in Liver. Is it Fat soluable or Water Soluable. Vitamin B12 I do believe and its water soluble. Not exactly what I was looking for . Vitamin B12 is found in liver. I will write that question more carefully for you smartie pants out there.
I was looking for the answer Vitamin A. It is Fat soluable and remains in their system. This can build to a toxic level and that is why we limit liver to five percent of their weekly diet.
As for adding another bone-in meal, do you have any suggestions on which muscle meat I should cut out for now? You did most excellent and I am not surprised. (dance) I will give you a solid B Plus. Tough grading but now you know that Vitamin A is Fat Soluable and why we limit it in their menu. Let me post this and I will look at your menu again.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 16, 2015 10:22:12 GMT -5
What I would suggest is to look at Thursday P.M. meal.
You have turkey or duck. Instead of deboned turkey or duck, look for turkey or duck wings. That way you keep the protein source to add variety and can offer the protein as a Bone In meal.
The other option is once you find quail, that is a really good Bone In meal and they can eat the entire quail. Most ferrets love quail.
What do you think?
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Post by Deleted on Sept 16, 2015 10:31:01 GMT -5
I second that. Replace the deboned turkey and duck and replace them with a bone in turkey or duck.
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