Post by Heather on Oct 28, 2016 23:15:55 GMT -5
Name: Tess
HF Forum Username: tessvictoria
Please confirm that you are 18 years of age or older:
My birthdate is 6/20/90, I am 26 years old
1. Where did you first learn about natural diets for ferrets?
I first learned it was really an option kind of by accident, I as never thought to feed anything other than kibble. My boyfriend in passing mentioned that "in the wild" they are obligate carnivores and that statement lit a fire under my tush to find out more about their natural diet. I started following ferret blogs on tumblr, and someone just so happened to make a post about feeding her ferrets a raw diet. I sent her a personal message asking how she knew what to feed and how she got her ferrets to switch and she directed me here to the forum and told me to apply for a mentor. The rest is history
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 want to fully switch my ferrets to a frankenprey diet.
3. Why are you interested in switching your ferrets to a natural diet?
I love them so much, they are my world. The thought of them getting insulinoma terrifies me. I want them to live as healthily as possible for as long as possible and a raw diet seems to be the way to do that.
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?
Absolutely. I just stepped down to part time at work and have no children or intentions of getting pregnant. I have no qualms with getting up early for feedings or staying up late, or spending extra time prepping/portioning their daily and weekly meals.
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?
I have 2 sweet little girls.
1. Mauser: sable, born nov 31st of 2014, so she is one month away from turning two. Wow, time flies! No health problems and currently weighs 1 pound 11 oz (winter weight) I've had her since she was 2 months old.
2. Catalina: cinnamon (I think), unknown birthdate but she was approximately 2 months old when we brought her home June 15th of 2015, so she is around a year and a half old. No health problems and weighs 2 pounds and half an oz (winter weight)
6. What diet do you currently feed your ferrets? (Please include all treats, supplements, etc) Do they already eat some form of soup?
They both currently eat kibble and love salmon oil. Mauser will lap up some egg sometimes, Catalina is uninterested in it though, even after dabbing it on her nose and rubbing it on her gums.
I have just started to introduce the soup to them, Catalina surprised me and has started to eat it off a spoon. I couldn't be prouder of Catalina! Such a good girl. Mauser still will eat it off a plate but I usually have to remind her that she's hungry by offering her the spoon first. Sometimes she will eat off the plate on her own.. They really only like it if I add salmon oil to it, and right now still have kibble overnight
7. Have you ever tried to switch your ferrets to a natural diet in the past? If yes, what happened?
No, I have not tried to do it myself before. I am too scared of them refusing to eat or not having a balanced diet.
8. What additional information about yourself or your ferrets would you like to share?
Mauser seems to be the alpha. She's my little sweetie girl though. Catalina is smart as a whip and very stubborn.
9. How often during the week do you have access to a computer?
Constantly. Whether it be a smart phone, iPad, laptop or desktop computer.
10. Please post a picture of each of your ferrets (if possible).
Hi and welcome to the mentoring program . In a little while your mentors (Morgan2247 & Katt) 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 to move along safely in this endeavour. If you experience computer difficulties or are going to be away, please notify your mentors and most of all relax and have fun :halloween: . Your mentors are here to help you on this journey.
ciao