Post by Heather on Aug 15, 2012 20:17:54 GMT -5
Name: Jason Raynor
HF Forum Username: Bitbyter
1. Where did you first learn about natural diets for ferrets? Probably the book "Ferrets For Dummies" but more likely this forum.
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. A combination of Frankenprey and Whole Prey. I already have a Whole Prey order from Rodent Pro in the freezer but it looks like I ordered during the recent outbreak they had so I am waiting to see if I need to discard it. I also have quite a bit of suitable necks, backs, hearts, gizzards, etc in the freezer.
3. Why are you interested in switching your ferrets to a natural diet? Better nutrition, hopefully longer lifespans and hopefully delaying the onset of the common ferret diseases. Also, in my opinion it's the right thing to do for your pet as their care is owner's responsibility.
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, although I'm not looking forward to the battle as I think one of my girls is going to be stuborn.
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 currently have 2 girls:
Socks - very small female, very thin this year after getting her summer coat. Otherwise healthy but I always watch her closely as I believe her and her sister were runts. I lost her sister 3 months after getting them to Juvenile Lymphoma. At best gues I'd say she is 2.5 to 3 years (hard to tell as she was a rescue and tooth inspection only goes so far). Only other health related note is that she is s trigger poofer (tends to let fly in her sleep). I've had Socks for approximately 1.5 years.
Wilma - large chunky (in winter) muscular girl. Very active (as opposed to Socks). She is 1.5 to 2 years (im guessing closer to 1 to 1.5) and another rescue. Her only health issue is a "loose" bum which sticks out a bit after relieving herself but usually subsides within minutes. She recently (last week) definately did have what looked like a prolapse but it went back in right after a bowl movement and hasn't reoccured since (I check her bum more than once daily). I've had Wilma for approximately 1 year.
6. What diet do you currently feed your ferrets? (Please include all treats, supplements, etc) Wysong Epigen 90 and Evo Ferret. I used to feed Totally Ferret and 8-1 Crunchy but have since weaned them off of those. Duck feet as treats (see below). Ferretone when clipping nails or to re-enforce good litterbox behaviour, I alternate pumpkin and ferretlax once a week.
7. Have you ever tried to switch your ferrets to a natural diet in the past? If yes, what happened? I tried a passive offering of soupie once but they showed no interest (more a lack of true effort on my part than a problem with them). I just wanted to see if they may have been framiliar with it from their fostering. One of them or both enjoy duck feet as snacks as I have found bits of reminants but I have no real way of knowing who is eating them. Same thing with a single chicken wing. Recently I tried them on a single mouse and baby chick. They definately knew they were important as they each spent the whole day in the cage stashing them in different spots. They just never progressed to actually eating them.
8. What additional information about yourself or your ferrets would you like to share? Not much I can think of at the moment.
9. How often during the week do you have access to a computer? Pretty much 24/7 (I work in I.T.)
10. Please post a picture of each of your ferrets (if possible). You can see some good profile shots of Socks here: holisticferret60.proboards.com/in....lay&thread=7954 I'll get some comparable ones of Wilma in the next day or two.
I currently have all the ingriedents for soupies and will be making up a batch this weekend. I still have lots of questions but will wait until I have an official mentor.
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
HF Forum Username: Bitbyter
1. Where did you first learn about natural diets for ferrets? Probably the book "Ferrets For Dummies" but more likely this forum.
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. A combination of Frankenprey and Whole Prey. I already have a Whole Prey order from Rodent Pro in the freezer but it looks like I ordered during the recent outbreak they had so I am waiting to see if I need to discard it. I also have quite a bit of suitable necks, backs, hearts, gizzards, etc in the freezer.
3. Why are you interested in switching your ferrets to a natural diet? Better nutrition, hopefully longer lifespans and hopefully delaying the onset of the common ferret diseases. Also, in my opinion it's the right thing to do for your pet as their care is owner's responsibility.
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, although I'm not looking forward to the battle as I think one of my girls is going to be stuborn.
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 currently have 2 girls:
Socks - very small female, very thin this year after getting her summer coat. Otherwise healthy but I always watch her closely as I believe her and her sister were runts. I lost her sister 3 months after getting them to Juvenile Lymphoma. At best gues I'd say she is 2.5 to 3 years (hard to tell as she was a rescue and tooth inspection only goes so far). Only other health related note is that she is s trigger poofer (tends to let fly in her sleep). I've had Socks for approximately 1.5 years.
Wilma - large chunky (in winter) muscular girl. Very active (as opposed to Socks). She is 1.5 to 2 years (im guessing closer to 1 to 1.5) and another rescue. Her only health issue is a "loose" bum which sticks out a bit after relieving herself but usually subsides within minutes. She recently (last week) definately did have what looked like a prolapse but it went back in right after a bowl movement and hasn't reoccured since (I check her bum more than once daily). I've had Wilma for approximately 1 year.
6. What diet do you currently feed your ferrets? (Please include all treats, supplements, etc) Wysong Epigen 90 and Evo Ferret. I used to feed Totally Ferret and 8-1 Crunchy but have since weaned them off of those. Duck feet as treats (see below). Ferretone when clipping nails or to re-enforce good litterbox behaviour, I alternate pumpkin and ferretlax once a week.
7. Have you ever tried to switch your ferrets to a natural diet in the past? If yes, what happened? I tried a passive offering of soupie once but they showed no interest (more a lack of true effort on my part than a problem with them). I just wanted to see if they may have been framiliar with it from their fostering. One of them or both enjoy duck feet as snacks as I have found bits of reminants but I have no real way of knowing who is eating them. Same thing with a single chicken wing. Recently I tried them on a single mouse and baby chick. They definately knew they were important as they each spent the whole day in the cage stashing them in different spots. They just never progressed to actually eating them.
8. What additional information about yourself or your ferrets would you like to share? Not much I can think of at the moment.
9. How often during the week do you have access to a computer? Pretty much 24/7 (I work in I.T.)
10. Please post a picture of each of your ferrets (if possible). You can see some good profile shots of Socks here: holisticferret60.proboards.com/in....lay&thread=7954 I'll get some comparable ones of Wilma in the next day or two.
I currently have all the ingriedents for soupies and will be making up a batch this weekend. I still have lots of questions but will wait until I have an official mentor.
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