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Post by Deleted on Jul 7, 2013 16:04:01 GMT -5
1) I have three ferrets. I plan on switching them to a whole prey diet. For financial reasons, I believe the most cost-effective solution for me will be to breed my own feeder mice. Assuming that I can get my ferrets to switch, will they be okay on a steady diet of just mice?
2) How many mice should each ferret get per day? (Assume a not-quite-adult mouse.)
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Post by Deleted on Jul 7, 2013 16:15:52 GMT -5
Unfortunately, you cannot feed just mice. We highly recommend feeding a minimum of 3 protein sources rotated throughout each week. This can included mice, rats, quail, rabbits, guinea pig, etc. If possible you could look into breeding and raising your own quail and other small poultry though. Or any other prey you would rather feed. The cost can be pricey still when raising your prey, and you have to make sure to humanely dispatch the prey, preferably in a Co2 container (I believe there are DIY instructions somewhere on here for making it yourself).
I can't answer the question of how many mice a day because that depends on a lot of variables, their age, diet, weight, frame, the season, etc it all factors into their appetite. Basically you just feed them however much they will eat, so it will take some trial and error at first.
I'd recommend doing some research on the expenses it takes (both time and financially) to raise and dispatch your prey, gather up an idea of how much it will cost you then take a look at some of the online suppliers to see if they might be more affordable. Places like rodentpro.com, that's really the only really affordable one that comes to mind right now.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 7, 2013 17:21:13 GMT -5
I live in a one-bedroom apartment, so raising my own quail isn't really an option.
Would multiple rodent sources be okay? e.g. mice, rats, gerbils?
I've already investigated the pricing stuff and my budget can more easily absorb the incremental costs of raising my own mice/rats/whatever than the cheaper-overall-but-pricier-up-front cost of buying from Rodentpro. (I wait tables for a living, so my monthly income is highly variable.) I've also looked into humane euthanization methods, and using dry ice is well within my budget.
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Post by Heather on Jul 7, 2013 17:41:34 GMT -5
One thing to consider about raising enough rodents to feed 3 ferrets is the over the top smell. It is strongly suggested that you do a "minimum" of 3 protein sources. I have to admit that I've downsized my rodent operation just because of the overall cost of feeding the prey. Do to cost restraints and sheer stench, I feed a mixture of commercial grinds (great starter food and for sickies for soupies), frankenprey and prey (I use quail, mice, chicks (candy) and rabbit) I was feeding rats and whole rabbit but lost my suppliers. I'm now in process of trying to find a new supplier for those items.
ciao
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Post by Deleted on Jul 7, 2013 17:42:56 GMT -5
Not trying to convince you anymore about it, but I've actually heard quail are the perfect bird to keep on apartment balconies lol
Yes, multiple rodents are okay, I don't know what the nutritional composition of gerbils are, but they should be fine. Just make sure you feed primarily adult prey.
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Post by Sherry on Jul 7, 2013 17:46:21 GMT -5
To be honest I'd be surprised if you had enough room in a single bedroom place to raise even enough mice to feed 3 ferrets. Just with mice most females will eat 2-3 a day, most males 3-4. So depending on what you have a minimum of 6 for 3 small females, or as many as 12 for larger males.
This is why most only supplement with whole prey.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 7, 2013 17:58:58 GMT -5
Hrm.
<strokes beard thoughtfully>
Okay, good to know!
My plans may need slight readjustment...
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Post by Deleted on Jul 7, 2013 18:02:35 GMT -5
There's nothing wrong with feeding a frankenprey diet wwith supplemental whole prey. As long as you keep your ratios consistent then it's pretty much the same thing but more affordable and easier to manage.
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Post by Sherry on Jul 7, 2013 18:05:07 GMT -5
Do you have a freezer so you can order whole prey in bulk? That is SO handy. Even an apartment size can make a huge difference in cost.
Helps with buying frankenprey as well. That way you can take major advantage of good sales.
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