Post by Heather on Sept 22, 2017 12:59:26 GMT -5
Application:
Name: Katelin
HF Forum Username: hiddenstars826
Please confirm that you are 18 years of age or older: oh yes. 29!
1. Where did you first learn about natural diets for ferrets?
I think it was the HF facebook page. I'm pretty sure.
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'd like to get to frankenprey with the occasional whole-prey meal or snack (mice, etc)
3. Why are you interested in switching your ferrets to a natural diet?
I have one ferret who has been on Stella and Chewy's, and he and his sister did so much better when we made that change. They had insulinoma and the difference was so noticeable even my vet agreed it was the right choice. I'd like to get away from that, though, because it is costly. Instead I'd love to get to frankenprey so they can all continue to be as healthy as possible and the bones can help them get their teeth nice and squeaky clean too.
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?
Oh yes. I have been wanting to do the mentorship program for a long time but only now am finding that I am able to commit to it. I'd like to get these guys the best chance at optimum health that I can, and I need a mentor for that to help me get this right. Days can be hectic, but I'm ready to find ways to make this work so I can get them on the right track.
5. How many ferrets do you currently have? What are their names? Ages? Genders? Do they have any health problems? If so, what medications are they currently on? Are they overweight? Underweight? How long have you had each ferret for?
Five ferrets, now! Okay, here goes.
Peter-6.5 years-neutered male Marshalls ferret. He has insulinoma and is being treated with a des implant for adrenal also. He's had some tummy troubles as well from his insulinoma meds. He's on carafate, prednisolone and diazoxide. Amoxicillin and pepcid as needed. I'd say he's overweight, thanks to the pred! Last weight was 1.5kg a few weeks ago. He's not a great eater and not food motivated at all, and its a bit harder because we're pretty sure his vision is almost gone so sometimes he won't eat on his own if he doesn't think there's food there. He gets spoon fed or held a lot for meals. He's also pretty spoiled! He's been with us since May 2013, he was one of a pair who were my first ferrets.
Dean-1.5 years-neutered male Marshalls. No health issues or meds. I was concerned that he was underweight but he may actually just have dropped his winter weight (it's been a while since I've had that happen since Peter has been huge on pred!). He has been with us since May of this year.
Sam- 1.5 years-neutered male Marshalls. No health issues or meds, same concern re: weight as Dean but same conclusion that possibly winter weight/increased activity/carbs all dropped from diet. He came home in May as well with Deanie.
Monday- 3 years- spayed jill private bred. Monday has no health issues, and no meds. She's currently what looks to be a good weight. She was spayed about a month ago, maybe a month and a half. We've only had Miss Monday just over a week, she came home to us on July 28th of this year.
Tinker Bell - 12 week old intact jill private bred (Monday's daughter). No health issues or meds, just a crazy little baby! She looks to be a good weight as well, does not look underweight to me and eats well! Same as her momma, she came home July 28th this year.
Also, because I'm dragging her along this transition, I have a cat. Any input would be WONDERFUL, though not expected since I know this is ferret focused! But you guys are great and I value your input so I'll add her. Bananey is about 9ish, she occasionally has allergies (coughing) or some weird dermatitis things going on with her paw pads, and a couple of years ago was diagnosed with idiopathic hypercalcemia. Further diagnostics didn't turn up any concerns, and last bloodwork was great though she's due again soon. It seems to be diet controlled. She looks like she's a tad overweight, probably because she's always prowling for ferret leftovers. We've had her since Nov 2013.
6. What diet do you currently feed your ferrets? (Please include all treats, supplements, etc) Do they already eat some form of soup?
Peter: had been on commercial freeze-dried or frozen since late 2014. Gets salmon oil occasionally and, I do admit yes, he gets ferretone with his meds. Not a ton, I know it's terrible, but that is the only thing I've found that makes it slightly easy to get meds into him (salmon oil is a no go, he won't eat his food if I slip it into food). He's currently mostly happily eating his fine grinds from Hare Today.
Sam and Dean we've just in the past week or so gotten them transitioned to eating their Hare Today grinds, and they are doing great. Before that we were using Stella and Chewy's that they happily transitioned to from the Zupreem they'd been on from the shelter. They love their salmon oil, and egg.
Monday and Tinky both eat raw, and were raised on whole prey and frankenprey meals. I'm just trying to get to a point where I know what I'm doing enough to confidently offer them the right menu!!! These girls are WAY ahead of me! Salmon oil is one of the ways to Monday's heart but Tinky is not totally sure yet.
The cat eats her Hare Today grinds and is ready to move on like the younger boys. She also gets some vital essentials frozen raw. She also gets salmon oil as the occasional snack.
I have treats in the house, they are the Orijen freeze-dried ones. I occasionally give them to the cat but Peter won't eat them anymore and I haven't offered them to any of the youngsters.
7. Have you ever tried to switch your ferrets to a natural diet in the past? If yes, what happened?
Yes, so far so good but we're a bit stuck! Partially due to me being unsure of the next step, partially due to Peter just being Peter.
8. What additional information about yourself or your ferrets would you like to share?
I don't have much else to share? I'm just really excited to learn, and really excited the young boys are so enthusiastic.
9. How often during the week do you have access to a computer?
My phone, all of the time. I have a laptop which is easier to get to the forums and have almost daily access to it. Sometimes my keyboard gets a bit wonky though and certain letters don't work. That's inconvenient. I'll be stuck with the phone, those days!
10. Please post a picture of each of your ferrets (if possible).
I'll try to get some within the next day or so. It took a few hours the other day to figure out the whole process!
11. Do you have a scale sufficient to measure soup ingredients AND to regularly weigh your ferrets?
Yes. Tupperware containers are my friend Scale even has a pretty new battery too!
12. 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?
Yes, over 18, have my scale, places for meats. I know where I can obtain heart/liver and if not able to get them locally I can get them from online sources.
13. Do you understand that if your mentor or an admin recommends seeking veterinary care and you refuse to seek appropriate care you may be dropped from the mentoring program?
Oh yes, of course.
14. We occasionally have a wait for a Mentor to be available. While you wait we encourage you to get started by creating your own switching thread under Diet Transitions where all of our mentors and members can help you while you wait for your personal mentor. See here --> holisticferret60.proboards.com/board/66/diet-transitions
If you create a transition thread, please copy the link below for reference:
holisticferret60.proboards.com/thread/22997/peter-sam-dean
That's for Peter, Sammy and Dean. The girls are mentioned and the cat as well, but not the stars of the thread! They'll be more involved though now especially since the girls are here and the cat is transitioning!
Hi and welcome to the mentoring program. In a little while your mentor (Sherry), 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. Your mentor is here to help you on this journey.
ciao
Name: Katelin
HF Forum Username: hiddenstars826
Please confirm that you are 18 years of age or older: oh yes. 29!
1. Where did you first learn about natural diets for ferrets?
I think it was the HF facebook page. I'm pretty sure.
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'd like to get to frankenprey with the occasional whole-prey meal or snack (mice, etc)
3. Why are you interested in switching your ferrets to a natural diet?
I have one ferret who has been on Stella and Chewy's, and he and his sister did so much better when we made that change. They had insulinoma and the difference was so noticeable even my vet agreed it was the right choice. I'd like to get away from that, though, because it is costly. Instead I'd love to get to frankenprey so they can all continue to be as healthy as possible and the bones can help them get their teeth nice and squeaky clean too.
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?
Oh yes. I have been wanting to do the mentorship program for a long time but only now am finding that I am able to commit to it. I'd like to get these guys the best chance at optimum health that I can, and I need a mentor for that to help me get this right. Days can be hectic, but I'm ready to find ways to make this work so I can get them on the right track.
5. How many ferrets do you currently have? What are their names? Ages? Genders? Do they have any health problems? If so, what medications are they currently on? Are they overweight? Underweight? How long have you had each ferret for?
Five ferrets, now! Okay, here goes.
Peter-6.5 years-neutered male Marshalls ferret. He has insulinoma and is being treated with a des implant for adrenal also. He's had some tummy troubles as well from his insulinoma meds. He's on carafate, prednisolone and diazoxide. Amoxicillin and pepcid as needed. I'd say he's overweight, thanks to the pred! Last weight was 1.5kg a few weeks ago. He's not a great eater and not food motivated at all, and its a bit harder because we're pretty sure his vision is almost gone so sometimes he won't eat on his own if he doesn't think there's food there. He gets spoon fed or held a lot for meals. He's also pretty spoiled! He's been with us since May 2013, he was one of a pair who were my first ferrets.
Dean-1.5 years-neutered male Marshalls. No health issues or meds. I was concerned that he was underweight but he may actually just have dropped his winter weight (it's been a while since I've had that happen since Peter has been huge on pred!). He has been with us since May of this year.
Sam- 1.5 years-neutered male Marshalls. No health issues or meds, same concern re: weight as Dean but same conclusion that possibly winter weight/increased activity/carbs all dropped from diet. He came home in May as well with Deanie.
Monday- 3 years- spayed jill private bred. Monday has no health issues, and no meds. She's currently what looks to be a good weight. She was spayed about a month ago, maybe a month and a half. We've only had Miss Monday just over a week, she came home to us on July 28th of this year.
Tinker Bell - 12 week old intact jill private bred (Monday's daughter). No health issues or meds, just a crazy little baby! She looks to be a good weight as well, does not look underweight to me and eats well! Same as her momma, she came home July 28th this year.
Also, because I'm dragging her along this transition, I have a cat. Any input would be WONDERFUL, though not expected since I know this is ferret focused! But you guys are great and I value your input so I'll add her. Bananey is about 9ish, she occasionally has allergies (coughing) or some weird dermatitis things going on with her paw pads, and a couple of years ago was diagnosed with idiopathic hypercalcemia. Further diagnostics didn't turn up any concerns, and last bloodwork was great though she's due again soon. It seems to be diet controlled. She looks like she's a tad overweight, probably because she's always prowling for ferret leftovers. We've had her since Nov 2013.
6. What diet do you currently feed your ferrets? (Please include all treats, supplements, etc) Do they already eat some form of soup?
Peter: had been on commercial freeze-dried or frozen since late 2014. Gets salmon oil occasionally and, I do admit yes, he gets ferretone with his meds. Not a ton, I know it's terrible, but that is the only thing I've found that makes it slightly easy to get meds into him (salmon oil is a no go, he won't eat his food if I slip it into food). He's currently mostly happily eating his fine grinds from Hare Today.
Sam and Dean we've just in the past week or so gotten them transitioned to eating their Hare Today grinds, and they are doing great. Before that we were using Stella and Chewy's that they happily transitioned to from the Zupreem they'd been on from the shelter. They love their salmon oil, and egg.
Monday and Tinky both eat raw, and were raised on whole prey and frankenprey meals. I'm just trying to get to a point where I know what I'm doing enough to confidently offer them the right menu!!! These girls are WAY ahead of me! Salmon oil is one of the ways to Monday's heart but Tinky is not totally sure yet.
The cat eats her Hare Today grinds and is ready to move on like the younger boys. She also gets some vital essentials frozen raw. She also gets salmon oil as the occasional snack.
I have treats in the house, they are the Orijen freeze-dried ones. I occasionally give them to the cat but Peter won't eat them anymore and I haven't offered them to any of the youngsters.
7. Have you ever tried to switch your ferrets to a natural diet in the past? If yes, what happened?
Yes, so far so good but we're a bit stuck! Partially due to me being unsure of the next step, partially due to Peter just being Peter.
8. What additional information about yourself or your ferrets would you like to share?
I don't have much else to share? I'm just really excited to learn, and really excited the young boys are so enthusiastic.
9. How often during the week do you have access to a computer?
My phone, all of the time. I have a laptop which is easier to get to the forums and have almost daily access to it. Sometimes my keyboard gets a bit wonky though and certain letters don't work. That's inconvenient. I'll be stuck with the phone, those days!
10. Please post a picture of each of your ferrets (if possible).
I'll try to get some within the next day or so. It took a few hours the other day to figure out the whole process!
11. Do you have a scale sufficient to measure soup ingredients AND to regularly weigh your ferrets?
Yes. Tupperware containers are my friend Scale even has a pretty new battery too!
12. 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?
Yes, over 18, have my scale, places for meats. I know where I can obtain heart/liver and if not able to get them locally I can get them from online sources.
13. Do you understand that if your mentor or an admin recommends seeking veterinary care and you refuse to seek appropriate care you may be dropped from the mentoring program?
Oh yes, of course.
14. We occasionally have a wait for a Mentor to be available. While you wait we encourage you to get started by creating your own switching thread under Diet Transitions where all of our mentors and members can help you while you wait for your personal mentor. See here --> holisticferret60.proboards.com/board/66/diet-transitions
If you create a transition thread, please copy the link below for reference:
holisticferret60.proboards.com/thread/22997/peter-sam-dean
That's for Peter, Sammy and Dean. The girls are mentioned and the cat as well, but not the stars of the thread! They'll be more involved though now especially since the girls are here and the cat is transitioning!
Hi and welcome to the mentoring program. In a little while your mentor (Sherry), 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. Your mentor is here to help you on this journey.
ciao