Post by Heather on Oct 5, 2015 22:01:44 GMT -5
Name: Justine
HF Forum Username: motherofferrets
Please confirm that you are 18 years of age or older: Yes
1. Where did you first learn about natural diets for ferrets?
From this forum! Through the research I did before I got my last group of ferrets, I learned that they were carnivores and that there are many benefits of feeding a raw diet. Because of the situation at the time, I could not start that group on a natural diet (they were also older and very stubborn) but would like to do so now with Yogi.
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 will need a little help deciding this one. I would like to fully switch to a natural diet but am not sure how practical it will be since I work shift work. I will not be able to feed at the same exact time every day, but can for the most part (at least until the boyfriend and I move in together, which won't be for about 6 months or so). I also wonder how practical a full switch of diet would be if he needs to be watched while I go on vacation (I'm not a globe trotter... but at the same time, I'm young and don't want to be limited because of my little buddies diet. Not sure if anyone has any experience with this). I would also be into the whole prey feeding if Yogi is into it... he's got pretty good prey drive, so I see this as a possibility!
3. Why are you interested in switching your ferrets to a natural diet?
I try to eat what is best for me, to promote health and balance... why not do the same for him? I would also like to avoid at all costs another ferret with insulinoma.
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 neccessary time commitment?
Yes. I have already started with the "starter" soup with him. The scruff and stuff worked, now we are on to the "scruff and lick it off my finger willingly." I'm ready for the challenge ;-)
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?
1- Yogi- 7 months- male- no known health problems- average weight but he's a big guy- about a month (have previously owned ferrets for 6 years)
6. What diet do you currently feed your ferrets? (Please include all treats, supplements, etc) Do they already eat some form of soup?
Instincts raw boost rabbit- just switched him from that horrible marshals food they were feeding him at the store. He gets a little bit of ferretone as a treat when he uses the litter pan and with mineral oil. He was just started on the starter soup about 2 days ago. He has interest in it but is only eating it when scruffed atm.
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?
First, thank you to all members for the warm welcome to the forum! A little about myself- I am a hospitalist Physician Assistant with a background in medical laboratory science... so I'm kind of a science nerd :-). I think it plays a big part in why I want to do the natural diet, that and seeing how horrible insulinoma is not only on little fert bodies, but how terrible long term treatment with steroids can be. I wish I could have done this with my previous group, they deserved better than what I could give them at the time. Getting Yogi completely happened by accident... when I saw him I knew I had to take him with me. I hope I can give him the best life possible and feel as though feeding naturally is apart of that.
9. How often during the week do you have access to a computer?
All the time, pretty much.
10. Please post a picture of each of your ferrets (if possible).
postimg.org/image/xrgya4pph/
11. Have you met the requirements for this program? Are you at least 18 years of age? Do you have your scale, a place to access meats, hearts, livers, etc?
As of today, August 17th 2015, I am still working on the requirements. I was encouraged, however, to apply since there is a waiting list and to start an unofficial switching thread.
Yes I am at least 18 years of age.
I have a scale but need a bigger one to weigh him with. Should be here by the end of the week
There are many ethnic markets around, some of the meats I have access to are:
Chicken hearts, chicken liver, chicken gizzard, beef heart, ox tail, turkey gizzards, turkey necks, duck
Hi and welcome to the mentoring program . In a little while your mentor (Gfountain), will introduce herself 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 mentor can assist you move along safely in this adventure. If you experience computer difficulties or are going to be away, please notify your mentor and most of all relax and have fun (giggle). Your mentor is here to help you on this journey.
ciao
HF Forum Username: motherofferrets
Please confirm that you are 18 years of age or older: Yes
1. Where did you first learn about natural diets for ferrets?
From this forum! Through the research I did before I got my last group of ferrets, I learned that they were carnivores and that there are many benefits of feeding a raw diet. Because of the situation at the time, I could not start that group on a natural diet (they were also older and very stubborn) but would like to do so now with Yogi.
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 will need a little help deciding this one. I would like to fully switch to a natural diet but am not sure how practical it will be since I work shift work. I will not be able to feed at the same exact time every day, but can for the most part (at least until the boyfriend and I move in together, which won't be for about 6 months or so). I also wonder how practical a full switch of diet would be if he needs to be watched while I go on vacation (I'm not a globe trotter... but at the same time, I'm young and don't want to be limited because of my little buddies diet. Not sure if anyone has any experience with this). I would also be into the whole prey feeding if Yogi is into it... he's got pretty good prey drive, so I see this as a possibility!
3. Why are you interested in switching your ferrets to a natural diet?
I try to eat what is best for me, to promote health and balance... why not do the same for him? I would also like to avoid at all costs another ferret with insulinoma.
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 neccessary time commitment?
Yes. I have already started with the "starter" soup with him. The scruff and stuff worked, now we are on to the "scruff and lick it off my finger willingly." I'm ready for the challenge ;-)
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?
1- Yogi- 7 months- male- no known health problems- average weight but he's a big guy- about a month (have previously owned ferrets for 6 years)
6. What diet do you currently feed your ferrets? (Please include all treats, supplements, etc) Do they already eat some form of soup?
Instincts raw boost rabbit- just switched him from that horrible marshals food they were feeding him at the store. He gets a little bit of ferretone as a treat when he uses the litter pan and with mineral oil. He was just started on the starter soup about 2 days ago. He has interest in it but is only eating it when scruffed atm.
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?
First, thank you to all members for the warm welcome to the forum! A little about myself- I am a hospitalist Physician Assistant with a background in medical laboratory science... so I'm kind of a science nerd :-). I think it plays a big part in why I want to do the natural diet, that and seeing how horrible insulinoma is not only on little fert bodies, but how terrible long term treatment with steroids can be. I wish I could have done this with my previous group, they deserved better than what I could give them at the time. Getting Yogi completely happened by accident... when I saw him I knew I had to take him with me. I hope I can give him the best life possible and feel as though feeding naturally is apart of that.
9. How often during the week do you have access to a computer?
All the time, pretty much.
10. Please post a picture of each of your ferrets (if possible).
postimg.org/image/xrgya4pph/
11. Have you met the requirements for this program? Are you at least 18 years of age? Do you have your scale, a place to access meats, hearts, livers, etc?
As of today, August 17th 2015, I am still working on the requirements. I was encouraged, however, to apply since there is a waiting list and to start an unofficial switching thread.
Yes I am at least 18 years of age.
I have a scale but need a bigger one to weigh him with. Should be here by the end of the week
There are many ethnic markets around, some of the meats I have access to are:
Chicken hearts, chicken liver, chicken gizzard, beef heart, ox tail, turkey gizzards, turkey necks, duck
Hi and welcome to the mentoring program . In a little while your mentor (Gfountain), will introduce herself 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 mentor can assist you move along safely in this adventure. If you experience computer difficulties or are going to be away, please notify your mentor and most of all relax and have fun (giggle). Your mentor is here to help you on this journey.
ciao