Post by Sherry on Jan 29, 2011 21:21:37 GMT -5
Name: Tiffany
HF Forum Username: GoingPostal
1. Where did you first learn about natural diets for ferrets?
I think ferretvillage, I know josiesmom had some interesting posts about it and someone linked me here
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 fully switch and feed both whole prey and raw, I'd prefer mostly whole prey but shipping costs make this unlikely
3. Why are you interested in switching your ferrets to a natural diet?
I think they should be eating as natural a diet as possible and that it's the best thing I can do for their health.
4. Do you understand that switching your ferret to a natural diet can be a lengthy, arduous process? Its not an overnight switch. It can be a commitment of several weeks or even months. Your HF Mentor will be more then happy to assist you in switchng your ferret(s) to a natural diet, but you need to be equally as commited. If you aren't willing to tough out a potentially lengthy switching process, or if you have major life changes approaching (baby on the way, moving, starting school, getting married/divorced, etc) then it might be a better idea to wait on switching your ferret's diet until you have more time. Are you willing to make the commitment?
Yes, I work a lot but part time and the next few months are generally slow for me, I've put it off long enough due to work and cost.
5. How many ferrets do you currently have? What are their names? Ages? Genders? Do they have any health problems? Are they overweight? Underweight?
I have 4 right now,
Pandora is my only female, she's 4, at a good weight and no health issues
Pip, 5? Male, Adrenal but responding to Lupron, overweight, he's a normal winter hog
Koda, 5? Male, no health issues, also winter fat
Craven 5?, Male, Adrenal, not responding to Lupron and partially bald, he's maybe slightly underweight but mostly lack of muscle mass
6. What diet do you currently feed your ferrets? (Please include all treats, supplements, etc)
Innova Evo kibble, vary the flavors between Chicken/Turkey, Red Meat, Cat and Ferret. Foster and Smith Natural kibble, mice 1-2x a week, ferretone once a week for nail clippings and occansional soup made of Evo canned cat food 95% chicken/turkey, raw egg, fish oil, uncle jims duk soup mix. Dried Liver ferret treats sometimes
7. Have you ever tried to switch your ferrets to a natural diet in the past? If yes, what happened?
I have been feeding mice for two years now on occansion, they've also had gerbil, cornish game hen, eggs cooked and raw and various raw meats offered. I have one who is very eager to try anything, one who's pretty good about eating raw and two who are resistant.
8. What additional information about yourself or your ferrets would you like to share?
The three males were rescues and ages unknown, they are all Marshalls but my female was a pet store bought Petersen's. She's my mouse dispatcher. 2 of the 3 males have been tossed from home to home a couple times and were fed crap kibble before me. The 3rd was being fed scraps along with dog and cat food, he's the try anything guy. My group isn't caged, they have their own room. I've lost four ferrets already and really want to give these guys the best chance at a healthy longer life. I'm also wanting to switch my cat over, she's on canned but takes to raw like a natural with the exception of the gerbils, which seemed to confuse her since they weren't mice.
9. How often during the week do you have access to a computer?
Normally several times a day, Wed and Sat I sometimes work two jobs and aren't on as much but can still pop in and check on stuff
10. Please post a picture of each of your ferrets (if possible).
Taken tonight
Pandora
Hi and welcome to the mentoring program. In a little while your mentor (sherrylynne) 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