|
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 4, 2013 12:24:36 GMT -5
My husband accidentally ran over a baby rabbit with the lawnmower. There are still some good parts and I thought it would give a good opportunity to try whole prey. Can I feed it to them, and should I freeze it first?
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 4, 2013 12:29:40 GMT -5
I would freeze it first, I *believe* the recommendation i've seen everywhere on this forum is a minimum of 2 weeks frozen, but I'm not 100% sure.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 4, 2013 12:31:28 GMT -5
I believe you have to freeze it for a decent amount of time (either weeks or months) to kill off parasites. Someone with the exact time frame will chime in soon  |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 4, 2013 12:35:01 GMT -5
I was pretty sure it needed to be frozen first I just wasn't sure how long. Can I leave the fur? It's basically pieces of meat with organ and fur around it. I don't have access to whole prey so this would be an awesome try out.
|
|
|
|
Post by bitbyter on Jun 4, 2013 12:57:49 GMT -5
Yes you can leave the fur on. I would freeze for a minimum of three weeks.
|
|
|
|
Post by Sherry on Jun 4, 2013 20:13:38 GMT -5
Freeze minimum two weeks. Also, check the liver for white spots. If it has those throw the entire carcass out. That's tularemia and the ferrets can contract it from eating the infected meat.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 6, 2013 9:39:29 GMT -5
Thanks everyone, I didn't see any white spots on the liver, but I will check to be sure. I put it in the freezer immediately (even before posting) just in case We could use it. My hubby felt so bad about hitting it, but at least it's not wasted, or hopefully it's not because I really think Zo will eat it. When they can eat it I will let everyone know how it goes.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 6, 2013 10:06:05 GMT -5
any time you handle wild game please use gloves. Tularemia is a "mammal" disease, not just a rabbit disease. It IS transmissible to humans. Infection can be through a minute cut or abrasion of the skin. White specks on the animal's liver is a telltale sign. Definitely freeze for a minimum of 2 weeks before feeding. I have fed wild game to my guys - Raccoon and Squirrel. These were animals that were shot and that I dressed out myself. In cases of violent trauma to the animal, if you intend to use the dead animal for food make certain you are familiar with, or learn about the internal organs and do not feed if there is a chance of contamination by say a ruptured bladder or scent gland or of course obvious disease. Keep yourself and your fuzzies healthy, watch them enjoy a tasty meal!
|
|
|
|
Post by Sherry on Jun 7, 2013 0:23:57 GMT -5
Thanks Kim! I completely forgot tularemia can be contracted by humans as well  |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 14, 2013 17:00:51 GMT -5
Thanks so much, I wouldn't have thought of the trauma to the animal. You all have such wonderful advice. I Know the liver is safe, it had no white spots but I didn't even see the bladder, the whole rabbit isn't present. I will inspect everything thoroughly when it's time to thaw it. This was a baby rabbit, if anything it might help me with anatomy.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 13, 2013 17:43:02 GMT -5
josiesmom- do your guys like squirell? aric always wants to hunt them but I wont let him because its a waste were not going to eat it, so theres no need for them to die but if the ferrets can, then I might let him hunt one or two
|
|
|
|
Post by Sherry on Jul 13, 2013 18:33:06 GMT -5
As I recall, Kim has fed "tree rat" to her fuzz a time or two  |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2013 8:22:53 GMT -5
LOL well well i found quite the deal then  |
|
