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Post by katt on Mar 30, 2013 19:17:47 GMT -5
I'm assuming the single word meats (chicken, turkey, pork) are the Hare Today commercial ground mixes?
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Post by Deleted on Mar 31, 2013 8:28:26 GMT -5
Yeah sorry
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Post by Deleted on Apr 1, 2013 9:21:03 GMT -5
I just realized I only put one meal down on Sunday LOL!! There were 2 on the board and yes they got fed twice. I gave them bison chunks with some turkey last night.
Do I need to make changes/additions?
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Post by Deleted on Apr 1, 2013 9:22:03 GMT -5
Oh and this morning I gave them chicken chunks instead of CG Turkey.
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Post by katt on Apr 1, 2013 21:07:39 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Apr 2, 2013 12:16:21 GMT -5
No worries!! if it helps, they're the same grinds that I got before (my first order), and I believe you've looked them up before. The only different one I got, in addition to the turkey, chicken and rabbit, was pork.
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Post by katt on Apr 2, 2013 15:22:28 GMT -5
Thurs Duck hearts and CG chicken BONE 1/2 meal heart Chicken necks BONE Fri Bison chunks Chicken chunks Sat CG Turkey BONE Bison chunks w/ CG turkey 1/2 BONE Sun Organs w/ a few pieces of chicken neck WHAT ORGANS?Mon CG Turkey BONE Beef heart HEART Tues CG Chicken BONE Chicken necks BONE Wed CG Pork BONE Bison chunks Thurs Venison chunks Chicken necks Friday CG Chicken w/ organs BONE (WHAT organs?)CG Turkey BONE Okay overall it looks good, I just made a few comments. I added CG in front of the meats I am assuming are the Commercial Grounds (meat/bone/organ). You have met the organ and heart requirements. My only real questions are what organs you are feeding on Friday and Sunday, and what is their second meal on Sunday (or is chicken neck the second meal)? Also, keep in mind that the extra half meal of organs on Friday, and the half meal of hearts on Thurs - you can eliminate those and feed a different meat without losing your balance since they are getting some organs and heart in the commercial grinds. Make sure that Sunday is only one meal of the organs, not two or you might end up getting a little heavy on he organs. One thing to watch is their poops. If they are having overly frequent dark, soft stools they are likely getting more organ. If they are having more normal colored but still on the soft side stools, you can increase the bone. *I think your bone content is fine, but it is something to keep in mind as a way to monitor their diet. Each ferret is a little different, just like humans, and some need a little more bone and some do okay with a little less. Generally overly soft poops (that are NOT caused by illness, stress, etc) can be firmed up with a little extra bone. Just something to keep in mind. Do YOU have any questions?
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Post by Deleted on Apr 2, 2013 15:59:54 GMT -5
OOps guess you didn't see the message I'd added saying I'd realized I forgot to type the 2nd Sunday meal lol! I fed Bison chunks w/ CG turkey. I just put "organs" instead of specifying because I just grab a bag from the freezer off the "organ" shelf and toss it in the fridge to defrost. If it's beef organs, I know to add in another half meal later in the week and I make a note of it on the menu. If it's rabbit I know i"m good (but still might feed a tad extra). I tend to add pieces with bone whenever possible to any meal to, as you said, firm up the poops. That and for their teefs. I may not stick STRICTLY to the menu - as in I might switch days around - but the meals are the same and I am sure to maintain the balance. I don't think I have any extra questions at this point! Some of the chicken "chunks" I've given them still had bone in them and they ate those as well, so I feel they are progressing as they should. They really aren't eating very much right now - and when they do eat it, it's usually at night. But you said this is normal for spring (especially in Texas where it's already 80 degrees outside plus humidity ) They've been very playful and I can definitely tell the difference in their weight and fur Theodore is still missing a few tools in his shed, but I think that's just how he's going to be. His poops are the worst because he's HUGE. Their poops have seemed mostly normal (I have the poop chart bookmarked and often compare) but I can't say I've noticed a large decrease in the odor, as I've read that other people do. Like you said though - they are all different. Doesn't help that we have carpet right now either. OH sometimes their poop is crumbly and has a lot of white in it (like white dots) - is this bone? The vet said they didn't have any kind of worms or anything when I took them in, and compared to the poop chart I think it still looks ok, just want to confirm. They go back to the vet on the 17th as well, so I guess if there's anything wrong they'll catch it. Like I said, they seem very happy and healthy so I'm not too worried about it. Have I rambled enough to drive you batty now??? hahaha!!
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Post by Deleted on Apr 3, 2013 16:33:25 GMT -5
I am going to try to get a good picture of them in the next couple of days so you can see how much they've grown, even since the flower picture Just so you know I'm not BSing you LOL
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Post by katt on Apr 3, 2013 17:32:46 GMT -5
OOps guess you didn't see the message I'd added saying I'd realized I forgot to type the 2nd Sunday meal lol! I fed Bison chunks w/ CG turkey. Ohh I DID see that the first time around, just not when I went back and took a detailed look. Sorry. I just put "organs" instead of specifying because I just grab a bag from the freezer off the "organ" shelf and toss it in the fridge to defrost. If it's beef organs, I know to add in another half meal later in the week and I make a note of it on the menu. If it's rabbit I know i"m good (but still might feed a tad extra).Ok I tend to add pieces with bone whenever possible to any meal to, as you said, firm up the poops. That and for their teefs. I may not stick STRICTLY to the menu - as in I might switch days around - but the meals are the same and I am sure to maintain the balance. Good! The menu isn't meant to be concrete. It is supposed to serve as a guideline for you and also a tool for you and me both to help determine whether or not you are able to create and adjust a balanced menu. You have done a great job! I don't think I have any extra questions at this point! Some of the chicken "chunks" I've given them still had bone in them and they ate those as well, so I feel they are progressing as they should. Good fuzz! They really aren't eating very much right now - and when they do eat it, it's usually at night. But you said this is normal for spring (especially in Texas where it's already 80 degrees outside plus humidity ) Yes, totally normal for spring. They've been very playful and I can definitely tell the difference in their weight and fur Theodore is still missing a few tools in his shed, but I think that's just how he's going to be. His poops are the worst because he's HUGE. Raw won't make them more intelligent unfortunately. Or fortunately depending on how you look at it! ;D Kenai is a few crayons short too. Some of them are just special but we love them anyways. I'm glad their coats are looking nice! Kenai still hasn't finished getting his summer coat in so he's looking pretty scruffy still, and Koda is JUST starting his Spring Shed. I swear they stagger it intentionally so that I have to deal with loose fur everywhere for as long as possible... Their poops have seemed mostly normal (I have the poop chart bookmarked and often compare) but I can't say I've noticed a large decrease in the odor, as I've read that other people do. Like you said though - they are all different. Doesn't help that we have carpet right now either. Yeah carpet sucks. Part of the reason you may not have noticed a big change is that your fuzz are all kits. They tend to be less smelly as kits, so you aren't going to notice as much of an odor change as with big stinky adults. Once they reach sexual maturity is when their oil secretions become more musky. You have also switched them more gradually by starting with the FD raw, so as far as the poop changes go it may just have snuck up on you a bit too. Don't get me wrong, poop is poop and it always stinks, but raw poop does tend to smell a lot less and be a lot smaller than kibble poops. OH sometimes their poop is crumbly and has a lot of white in it (like white dots) - is this bone? The vet said they didn't have any kind of worms or anything when I took them in, and compared to the poop chart I think it still looks ok, just want to confirm. They go back to the vet on the 17th as well, so I guess if there's anything wrong they'll catch it. Like I said, they seem very happy and healthy so I'm not too worried about it. Those are bone bits. Nothing to worry about. They mostly digest the bone, but some does pass through. This is part of what makes bone so good. Raw bone gets worm down by the stomach acid to make rounded edges that act as a brush. They scrub and massage the intestine walls as they move through acting similar to fiber, and helping to keep the GI tract clean and healthy. Some of these bits do not fully digest before they pass through (also helps to push out fur and such) and end up as little white bits in the poop. If they seem to be having difficulty, such as they are straining and have an overload of white bits in their poop, you can decrease the bone they get. However, they are getting a pretty well balanced diet right now so you shouldn't be seeing any problems. You will notice too (if you haven't already) that with raw fed ferrets their poops will vary greatly depending on what they ate. I find that commercial ground raw and whole prey produce the best poops with my boys. Have I rambled enough to drive you batty now??? hahaha!!Nope! Working with you has been awesome. You are a great mentee and a fantastic ferrent. Your business is lucky to have you as their mom. I have submitted your menu to Heather for your final approval for graduation. And pics are ALWAYS welcome. ;D
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Post by Deleted on Apr 3, 2013 20:18:18 GMT -5
OOO yay!! It's always nice to hear I'm doing things right even though you've reassured me a million times!! I've loved working with you as we'll and appreciate all of your help and detailed information! I may bug you here and there with questions if I come across something new that stumps me. I'm so glad this forum is here and so willing to help!! It's truly a blessing!
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Post by Heather on Apr 3, 2013 21:03:43 GMT -5
Congratulations. you've graduated and you're ready to walk this path alone, now . You have the foundation to help you feed your fuzzes in a more natural and healthy manner. Please remember that your learning never stops, and dietary needs change from ferret to ferret and throughout each their lives. I would also like you to be aware that though you now have the capability and the knowledge to create your little ones diets you are never alone and that your mentor (you need only pm) is always available to you. The list is also a very good resource and you should always be aware that it's available to answer any questions you may have either about diet or care. Keep a close eye on your calcium balance and make sure that you make use of the powdered egg shells or bone when doing a couple of meals of straight meats. Good luck, in a few days either Sherry or I will lock down this thread but be aware that you can always look through it as a reference tool but you just will not be able to post to it. Your mentor will be in to congratulate you shortly . ciao
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Post by katt on Apr 4, 2013 1:18:00 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Apr 4, 2013 8:50:05 GMT -5
AWWW I feel like I just graduated college again LOL! No Seriously this is a great feeling!! Thank you again for everything!! Didn't get pictures last night but am hoping to tonight (they were way too rowdy last night). Will my "title" change? haha!
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Post by katt on Apr 4, 2013 12:29:53 GMT -5
Yes it will Sherry will update it soon.
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