Post by Deleted on Aug 29, 2014 12:47:51 GMT -5
The reason that we suggest chicken is because its a milder flavor and ferrets usually take to it easier.
Rabbit is fine, but in the beginning, try to avoid mixing proteins. If you mix chicken and rabbit and Bubba or Riley have a reaction to the soupie, then you won't know which protein caused it.
Bubba is eating the soupie, so I wouldn't add kibble. Riley is having a normal reaction to soupie, she needs coaxing. When ferrents begin to feed raw and just put the food in the cage, they are usually disappointed and want to give up. Spoon feeding (and a little extra attention) are great. Like you said, it's wonderful for bonding.
Put the plate of soupie (alot of ferrets don't care for bowls. Bowls block their line of sight. It's an instinct behavior). Sit with Riley on your lap and dab a spot on her mouth. I use a colorful plastic baby spoon. Dip the spoon into the soupie and gently put some in front of her mouth. If she turns her head or tries to run away, pick her up and talk sweetly to her. Don't let her down until she has had a few bites. Once they understand that you want them to taste the soup, they will usually humor you and have a few bites.
If she takes a few bites, lower the spoon and her to the floor and see if she will eat from the spoon, when its close to the bowl.
Keep trying twice a day and you will have some success. I see you have a busy schedule. Frankenprey is perfect for you. They only eat twice a day, and some ferrents will feed once a day. Bone in meats can stay out for 24 hours, muscle meats up to 12 hours and soupies 6-8 hours. So, you won't have to worry about leaving food out.
One last note: Fat equals energy for ferrets. Fatty cuts are better ( and less expensive). Don't worry about the skin and fat, it's great for them.
Rabbit is fine, but in the beginning, try to avoid mixing proteins. If you mix chicken and rabbit and Bubba or Riley have a reaction to the soupie, then you won't know which protein caused it.
Bubba is eating the soupie, so I wouldn't add kibble. Riley is having a normal reaction to soupie, she needs coaxing. When ferrents begin to feed raw and just put the food in the cage, they are usually disappointed and want to give up. Spoon feeding (and a little extra attention) are great. Like you said, it's wonderful for bonding.
Put the plate of soupie (alot of ferrets don't care for bowls. Bowls block their line of sight. It's an instinct behavior). Sit with Riley on your lap and dab a spot on her mouth. I use a colorful plastic baby spoon. Dip the spoon into the soupie and gently put some in front of her mouth. If she turns her head or tries to run away, pick her up and talk sweetly to her. Don't let her down until she has had a few bites. Once they understand that you want them to taste the soup, they will usually humor you and have a few bites.
If she takes a few bites, lower the spoon and her to the floor and see if she will eat from the spoon, when its close to the bowl.
Keep trying twice a day and you will have some success. I see you have a busy schedule. Frankenprey is perfect for you. They only eat twice a day, and some ferrents will feed once a day. Bone in meats can stay out for 24 hours, muscle meats up to 12 hours and soupies 6-8 hours. So, you won't have to worry about leaving food out.
One last note: Fat equals energy for ferrets. Fatty cuts are better ( and less expensive). Don't worry about the skin and fat, it's great for them.