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Post by Heather on Jan 26, 2014 17:34:39 GMT -5
Name: Shawnda HF Forum Username: kraesmom 1. Where did you first learn about natural diets for ferrets? stumbled on HFF when I first became a farrent 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 would rather not do whole prey. mice in our area are pretty expensive and we already have to buy them for the snake. I am allergic to rodents and cant raise them myself (plus, I'd become too attached). frankenprey would be great if I can get them on chunks. I'm also okay with commercial ground frozen and freeze dried and they like it and are fairly accepting. Then again, I just looked up to see that Foster scaled my hamper to get to the cat kibble on the dresser. *sigh* 3. Why are you interested in switching your ferrets to a natural diet? Their eyes are brighter, their fur is soft and shiny, they have more energy (okay...maybe not that one so much ) and I'm hoping it will help head off health issues later. 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? I've already been working on it for a few months...what's a few more? lol 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? Foster, Marshall ferret Male 16 mos old have had for 13 mos no issues that I know, other than he's too smart for his (and everyone else's) good. He's on the thin side of normal IMO. He didn't fluff up this winter like he was last year. Avery, Marshall ferret Male 11 mos old have had for 8 mos I think he might be a waardy. And he's got his seasons reversed. Otherwise seems healthy. 6. What diet do you currently feed your ferrets? (Please include all treats, supplements, etc) Do they already eat some form of soup? They like commercial ground. particularly turkey. Not big fans of beef. They have nbones, but don t seem to do much with them. I bought some freeze dried chicken hearts that did not go over well. Plan to try them again in a few days. They didn't like the homemade soup much at all, but will try that again too. 7. Have you ever tried to switch your ferrets to a natural diet in the past? If yes, what happened? Still working on the first attempt 8. What additional information about yourself or your ferrets would you like to share? I've always had lots of pets including chinchillas, rats, mice, gerbils, hamsters, fish, cats, dogs, parakeets...in recent years, my 2 skin kids have acquired a hedgehog (not much fun, those...), A corn snake and a leopard gecko. 9. How often during the week do you have access to a computer? daily 10. Please post a picture of each of your ferrets (if possible). Hi and welcome to the mentoring program (wave). In a little while your mentor (Mjbez), 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 (dance). Your mentor is here to help you on this journey. ciao
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Post by kraesmom on Jan 26, 2014 19:56:25 GMT -5
Yay! Hi. (wave)
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Post by mjbez on Jan 26, 2014 21:57:12 GMT -5
Hi Kraesmom! Here is a little about me: Name: Mandelle HFF Screen Name: mjbez Location: Saskatchewan, Canada About Me: I am 25 years old. I completed my Bachelor of Education in 2010 and am a grade 7/8 teacher. My favorite color is..... Turquoise My favorite food is.... Ice cream! My favorite holiday is... Although it isn't technically a "holiday" I would say the summer. As a teacher this is my 2 months off My favorite hobby is... too many things to list! My ferrets are my number one hobby, but I also like to read, watch T.V., go for walks, talk, etc. I like to listen to... almost anything I collect... Well, I would be tempted to say ferrets! I don't tend to collect any objects. Something about me you might be surprised to know... Hmm...I don't think there is too much surprising about me! I became a mentor because... I believe in providing the best for the animals we care for. I switched 3 of my ferrets with the help of the holistic ferret forum mentors and 2 on my own. I have always been the kind of person that likes to help and teach others (that was a big part of my becoming a teacher). Now that I have gained a lot of information and knowledge I would like to pay it forward and help someone in their switch! About My Ferrets: Kyra- Kyra was my first ferret and is absolutely my heart ferret. She is currently almost 6 years old. She has been switched to raw since June 2012. Kyra was a hyper young ferret but now is content to follow me around - she is definitely a momma's girl! Mika - Mika was my second ferret. Mika is currently 5 years old. She came to me as a severe biter. She was switched at the same time as Kyra. Once she started on raw I saw a decrease in any nipping. Mika is being treated for adrenal. Bear - Bear was ferret number 3 and was my first male ferret. He is currently 4 years old. He is the sweetest boy and has WS. He was switched at the same time as Kyra and Mika. He was my easiest of the three. Bear is adrenal as well and is being treated. Zeke - Zeke is my crazy lunatic ferret! He is constantly into something and has tonnes of energy. He is almost 1 year old. I switched him the day I brought him home. He took to raw immediately with zero issues. Miya- Miya came to me from a couple that was no longer able to take care of her. She is a sweet girl that loves getting lots of attention. She is almost 1 year old. I started her switch as soon as she came into my care. She took about 2 months to fully switch. About My Natural Feeding Experience: Kyra, Mika and Bear have been raw fed since 2012. It took a few months to get them eating raw but thanks to the mentors on this forum learned so much and my switch was successful. I currently feed a frankenprey diet with three meals of commercial raw. Type of mentor: I am a mentor in training so I am open to different types of switches. However, currently I would prefer full switches of frankenprey - RMB, commercial raw, etc Read more: holisticferret60.proboards.com/thread/176/meet-mentor?page=1&scrollTo=195867#ixzz2rZ1GnE7s
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Post by mjbez on Jan 26, 2014 22:07:44 GMT -5
I'm really excited to be involved in your switch! Let's start with an update on how your switch is going. I understand you have started the process, which is great! Here is what I would like: A) A current picture of each ferret (top view) B) Since you have started the switch I would like the following information for each ferret: 1. Ferret's weight (in brackets put weight gain or loss since beginning) 2. Amount eaten 3. Stools 4. Activity levels 5. Weekly menu About once a week I would like you to update me on the above 1-5.
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Post by kraesmom on Jan 27, 2014 0:46:39 GMT -5
A) A current picture of each ferret (top view) B) Since you have started the switch I would like the following information for each ferret: 1. Ferret's weight (in brackets put weight gain or loss since beginning) 2. Amount eaten 3. Stools 4. Activity levels 5. Weekly menu On Jan 17 I weighed them. Foster was 1024g. Avery was 1165g. I will get updated weights in the AM. I'm mostly feeding commercial raw, both frozen and freeze dried. Every food I buy has bone, heart, meat and organs. I've been trying to mix tiny pieces of meat into the ground sometimes, with mixed results. I also give them eggs once a week and trying to get them to accept heart. In the freezer right now, I've got lamb, pheasant, chicken/salmon, turkey, and just chicken. Generally, the poops have been soft formed...except today...all three had runny poops. And the baby's were seedy this morning. I just got him Saturday morning, and he dug right in to the raw. He hasn't turned his nose up to anything yet. He turns 12 wks tomorrow. He's even using the litterbox like the big boys! Read more: holisticferret60.proboards.com/thread/14151/kraesmoms-switching-thread-mjbez#ixzz2rZfDk7FR
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Post by mjbez on Jan 27, 2014 10:38:52 GMT -5
In your pic which ferret is Foster and which is Avery? Does your scale measures in lbs and oz? If not I can convert the grams online (I don't have much of an idea how much grams are, as I weigh everything in lbs and oz I'm glad they have taken to the commercial raw. lamb, pheasant, chicken/salmon, turkey, and just chicken - are these your commercial raw varieties? I would suggest mixing in small (about the crescent of you pinky nail) sized pieces of a protein in with their commercial raw every meal. I would start with chicken as it is generally more mild tasting. The trick is to get them used to the texture and needing to chew their food. Once they accept about a dozen little pieces start adding more. I would keep them small until they are used to the texture and are eating a fair amount of them. With your baby I would suggest pushing him right to the menu you would like all of them to have. So if you are only wanting to feed commercial raw 3 times a week for example and whole pieces the other days I would start giving him whole pieces. Typically babies are an easier switch and since he took to it right away he will likely take to pieces. Try chicken wings, backs, pork button bones etc. I would chop a section of wing in a couple pieces and let him gnaw away! Do you have and idea of what kind of menu you would like to get to? Do you have access to raw hearts, liver and another secreting organ?
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Post by mjbez on Jan 27, 2014 10:48:40 GMT -5
Also- just keep an eye on changes in their stools. The seedy texture can come with introducing new foods. That should correct itself over time. Are the colors consistent? Keep an eye on the runny poops as well. Did that happen after an egg treat by any chance?
Oh, one more question. How are you feeding the commercial raw? Are you adding water to the frozen and freeze dried?
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Post by kraesmom on Jan 27, 2014 13:57:02 GMT -5
Yes! My scale does lbs/oz. I'm so glad you said that. I read in someone else's thread that their mentor preferred grams, but I'm more comfortable with lbs/oz too. I've got a source for backs, wings, tongue, brains (ew), liver, but haven't found kidney yet and had to buy heart freeze dried at the pet store ($$$). I also checked with an asian store in town, but it was Vietnamese and only has fish/squid/octopus...basically anything sea-dwelling. I'll see if I have better luck at the larger grocery store or the middle eastern store that opened a couple months ago. Worst case, I'll order from somewhere. I know about Hare Today, My Pet Carnivore and Casey's Hidden Pantry. I'll throw some chunks with bone for the baby to try since he is pretty willing to try just about everything. I defrost the frozen and float the baggie in warm water until it's mostly warm. Then add a touch of warm water and mix with my fingers so the temp is fairly consistent. They eat better if the food is warmish. If it gets dried out, they won't touch it, but I can add some more water and they'll go back and eat it. Whatever isn't eaten near the end of the "safe window" goes to the cat, who is very appreciative. Freeze Dried is crumbled and has warm water added to reconstitute. I haven't given them eggs in a few days, so I'd say the runny poops are not egg related. This is the first time I've given them two pheasant meals in a row and it's more..um...gloppy, sticky...the texture is gooey. I also gave them a meal of heart for breakfast that was well received only by Kimble. In the picture, Avery is the lighter one in the upper left, Foster is the darker one, lower left. They look about the same size in the photo, but Avery is more muscular. You pick him up and he's more dense. (don't tell him I said that ) I noticed my butcher shop has pork chops on sale this week...are those bones safe for ferrets or would I have to debone it and use as muscle meat only? Boneless chicken breasts are also $1.69 this week and I usually buy a 10 lb bag for the people, so I can use some of that to add protein chunks in each meal. Monday AM: Commercial Frozen Lamb - 3 "portions" (they come in 1oz patties)
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Post by kraesmom on Jan 27, 2014 17:14:25 GMT -5
Foster 1. Ferret's weight: 2 lb 3.7 oz (-.4oz) 2. Amount eaten: 2-3 oz per day total 3. Stools: Runny yesterday, but seem back to normal today. 4. Activity levels: excessive. He just climbed the vacuum cleaner to get to the cat food on the dresser. 5. Weekly menu I'm keeping a journal and will post at the end of the week. Kimble 1. Ferret's weight: 1 lb 5.4 oz 2. Amount eaten: LOTS. 3-4 OZ/DAY 3. Stools: slimy/seedy yesterday (his first full day here) but light brown and formed today. 4. Activity levels: he's a baby. He's playing hard and sleeping lots. Avery 1. Ferret's weight: 2 lb 9.4 oz (+.3 oz) 2. Amount eaten: 2-3 oz per day 3. Stools: runny yesterday, normal today 4. Activity levels: outrageous. He just tried to drag a pillow across the bed because it was in his way.
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Post by mjbez on Jan 27, 2014 21:46:00 GMT -5
Yes! My scale does lbs/oz. I'm so glad you said that. I read in someone else's thread that their mentor preferred grams, but I'm more comfortable with lbs/oz too.Ok perfect I've got a source for backs, wings, tongue, brains (ew), liver, but haven't found kidney yet and had to buy heart freeze dried at the pet store ($$$). I also checked with an asian store in town, but it was Vietnamese and only has fish/squid/octopus...basically anything sea-dwelling. I'll see if I have better luck at the larger grocery store or the middle eastern store that opened a couple months ago. Worst case, I'll order from somewhere. I know about Hare Today, My Pet Carnivore and Casey's Hidden Pantry. I'll throw some chunks with bone for the baby to try since he is pretty willing to try just about everything. Good news on your organs. If you have brains and liver you have 2 organs. Nutritional Organs are Major Hormone-Secreting Tissues: Liver Kidney Spleen Pancreas Gallbladder Brain Major glands (thymus, thyroid, parathyroid) Uterus Testicles Read more: www.holisticferret60.proboards.com/thread/13628/defines-nutritional-organ-meat#ixzz2ren5kkJqHave you checked for hearts at your local butcher? Raw hearts might be received differently than freeze dried. I defrost the frozen and float the baggie in warm water until it's mostly warm. Then add a touch of warm water and mix with my fingers so the temp is fairly consistent. They eat better if the food is warmish. If it gets dried out, they won't touch it, but I can add some more water and they'll go back and eat it. Whatever isn't eaten near the end of the "safe window" goes to the cat, who is very appreciative. Freeze Dried is crumbled and has warm water added to reconstitute. I haven't given them eggs in a few days, so I'd say the runny poops are not egg related. This is the first time I've given them two pheasant meals in a row and it's more..um...gloppy, sticky...the texture is gooey. I also gave them a meal of heart for breakfast that was well received only by Kimble. In the picture, Avery is the lighter one in the upper left, Foster is the darker one, lower left. They look about the same size in the photo, but Avery is more muscular. You pick him up and he's more dense. (don't tell him I said that ) (giggle) secret is safe here! They look good. The poops are typically a little funky with change in meats. When you get to the point where you feed organs you will see some good ones! haha. Warmed up food is usually better accepted but you are already on top of that! I noticed my butcher shop has pork chops on sale this week...are those bones safe for ferrets or would I have to debone it and use as muscle meat only? Boneless chicken breasts are also $1.69 this week and I usually buy a 10 lb bag for the people, so I can use some of that to add protein chunks in each meal.The bone in porkchop is going to be too dense and hard for the ferrets to chew. Button bones and rib ends are more suitable. BUT that being said if they are on a good sale you can still get them and cut the bone out and use the pork for slivers in their food. I would probably start with chicken breast but it doesn't hurt to have some pork for later. Monday AM: Commercial Frozen Lamb - 3 "portions" (they come in 1oz pattiesIs that for all three? Are they eating it all or is there some left? I was just thinking my Zeke would eat them to himself in one meal when he was growing. Just keep an eye on the food level, you might need to up it for a little while. However, if you feed a chicken wing or some back etc to Kimble he would likely get enough. Read more: www.holisticferret60.proboards.com/thread/14151/kraesmoms-switching-thread-mjbez#ixzz2rekBSQNG
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Post by mjbez on Jan 27, 2014 21:49:09 GMT -5
Foster 1. Ferret's weight: 2 lb 3.7 oz (-.4oz) 2. Amount eaten: 2-3 oz per day total 3. Stools: Runny yesterday, but seem back to normal today. 4. Activity levels: excessive. He just climbed the vacuum cleaner to get to the cat food on the dresser. 5. Weekly menu I'm keeping a journal and will post at the end of the week.
Kimble 1. Ferret's weight: 1 lb 5.4 oz 2. Amount eaten: LOTS. 3-4 OZ/DAY 3. Stools: slimy/seedy yesterday (his first full day here) but light brown and formed today. 4. Activity levels: he's a baby. He's playing hard and sleeping lots.
Avery 1. Ferret's weight: 2 lb 9.4 oz (+.3 oz) 2. Amount eaten: 2-3 oz per day 3. Stools: runny yesterday, normal today 4. Activity levels: outrageous. He just tried to drag a pillow across the bed because it was in his way. Looks good. Foster is down a little but not a significant amount. Also, don't be surprised if Kimble eats a little more than that! Babies eat a lot!
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Post by mjbez on Jan 28, 2014 7:11:58 GMT -5
Btw kraesmom, with the pork chops: when they are used to eating raw you could put a chop in their cage and let them tear the meat off of it themselves.
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Post by kraesmom on Jan 28, 2014 11:51:32 GMT -5
This morning, the baby was the only one up and looking for food. I gave him some larger chunks of boneless pork and a cut up chicken back. He sat and chomped happily for quite a while and stowed some in the corner for later.
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Post by mjbez on Jan 28, 2014 19:53:27 GMT -5
Yay! Go Kimble!! (dance)
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Post by kraesmom on Jan 28, 2014 20:01:32 GMT -5
Baby Kimble, 10 weeks, eats his first bone in chicken backs
I also did some research and made a den
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