Smmt1990's Switching Thread/Heather

[Heather]

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Name: Stevie
HF Forum Username:smmt1990

1. Where did you first learn about natural diets for ferrets?
I did loads of research on ferrets before I got them and the raw diet was said to be the best for them.

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 switch to all raw from kibble.

3. Why are you interested in switching your ferrets to a natural diet?
I want them to be healthy and have what's best for them

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 want to take the time to give them the best food for them

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 4 ferrets. 2 girls and 2 boys. I'm only sure of one boys age. He is 10months old. His name is Miko. The girls are Sarah and Chloe. I looked at their teeth and my best guess is chloe is about 4-5 and Sarah is about 3-4. The other boy bear is about the same age as Sarah. Again this is my best guess. Miko is rather large compared to the others. He's thicker built then them. Bear is about the same size. Sarah is a healthy size. Chloe is a bit thin. Vet told me she was perfectly healthy just smaller. I have had them all about 3-4 weeks.

6. What diet do you currently feed your ferrets? (Please include all treats, supplements, etc) They currently eat a mix of wellness core original and Marshall's(Sarah doesn't like the wellness so she only eats the Marshall's )

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?

9. How often during the week do you have access to a computer?
Every day.
10. Please post a picture of each of your ferrets (if possible).


Hi and welcome to the mentoring program . In a little while your mentor (Heather) 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

[Heather]

Hi
I'm Heather, and we're going to be working together for the next little while trying to convince your furbabies to change to an even healthier diet
I've been feeding a raw/natural diet for a little over 15 yrs. I have a small private rescue/sanctuary, just outside of Toronto, Canada where all ferrets turned into me are switched immediately over to a raw diet that consists of ground raw/whole meats or frankenprey/ and prey diet. At present every ferret eats this full range of diets. I don't keep kibbles in the house, if I can possibly avoid it. Too many little kibble addicts . All my furbabies are free roaming and have access to outdoor play areas that they can access at will. At present there are 13 little fuzzbutts who call this their permanent home. The rescues range in ages of about 2 yrs old Minion to Odin, who is 8 or 9 yrs, a late alter that was turned in 5 yrs ago intact. I also purchased and imported 4 ferrets this year from the UK who are also raw fed. They will become the base for my breeding stock. I would like to say my most difficult switch was a little senior who was turned in at 9 yrs of age (she by the way has been my biggest raw switch challenge, until recently, which had me at times wondering why I was doing this to her) She eventually was completely switched and putting on a beautiful dark black coat, teeth that were nicely cleaned up, and she actually has a lot of fun investigating the house (she used to do nothing but sleep when she first was turned in). She has made me aware that every ferret no matter how old, can get a new lease on life by eating a species appropriate diet. She eventually passed on at 11 yrs of age to complete organ failure....old age. Raw soupy is my favourite switching tool and one that I've had the most success with. I will be honest I have little knowledge about dried and freeze dried meats (other than they need to be hydrated )
You can try to get them to eat a raw soup immediately. You will need a blender/food processor, and the following raw items:

8 oz raw chicken thigh meat (including skin and fat)
1/2 tsp of crushed eggshell powder (take a raw eggshell. Rinse it out. Let it dry. Crush to powder)
1 raw chicken heart
1/2 raw chicken liver
Water or broth(use more to make it soupier, less to make it thicker)
I've also started adding raw goat milk, or kefir about 1 tbsp to this mixture, they seem to like it.
Blend ingredients together. Some prefer it at room temp. Try putting a dollop of "soup" onto your ferret's nose and they probably will lick it off. I use my finger. Sometimes this takes a little bit trying to convince them that you're not trying to poison them. I find within a very short time they're licking this off my finger. When I see that they're willing to eat freely off my finger then I use a small spoon to try and get them to eat from that. Try to get them eating the soupy on their own. It might pique their interest.

Most ferrets will willingly eat the food once they actually TASTE it, so the only struggle you *should* encounter is them not wanting to taste it. Don't be surprised if your furbabies' initial reaction is to gag, spit and look at you like, what are you trying to poison me with but don't let them get away with it The hardest part is to insist and be consistent. Please also be aware that after years of kibbles they aren't aware that what you're offering them is indeed food. Once they willingly eat from your finger and spoon, work to try and get them eating this out of a dish or plate.

Each time you make your soupy, use a little less water to make it thicker/chunkier. Replace soup with fresh soup every 4-6 hours. You can make a large batch if you like and freeze into ice cubes or cupcake trays. Then you just thaw a portion and serve. OR you can put a frozen "cube" into their bowl and let it slowly thaw.

This is a good way to slowly ease them into wet foods. I use this method to switch all my furbabies and I've personally switched over 30 ferrets of my own in the last few years.
I will let you read through and if you have any questions please ask.

Good luck on your journey
ciao