Post by Heather on Mar 26, 2014 13:45:54 GMT -5
Name: Jessica
HF Forum Username: PigglyWiggly
1. Where did you first learn about natural diets for ferrets?
Just prior knowledge of them being obligate carnivores.
2. Please describe the type of diet you would like assistance in switching your ferret(s) to.
I am not interested in feeding whole prey but rather feeding a human-grade raw diet.
3. Why are you interested in switching your ferrets to a natural diet?
A raw meat diet is much more efficient for obligate carnivores. I also want the very best for my fur-children for them to thrive, not just survive.
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 am more than willing to make the commitment.
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?
I have 3 ferrets. Zazu- 8 going on 9 months, male, no known health problems, average weight about 3 lbs, I have had him for 6 months
Xena- age unknown believed to be about 1 year, female, no known health problems, average weight, I have had her for 4 months
Binxi (Little Bear)- age 3 months, male, no known health problems, average weight, I have had him for 2 weeks.
6. What diet do you currently feed your ferrets? (Please include all treats, supplements, etc) Do they already eat some form of soup?
Zazu is still on kibble, Xena will eat soup and does twice a day, and Binxi eats the soup as well as some chicken wings and whole hearts and gizzards. Kibble is still in cage all the time minus 1 hour or 2 before I try to feed Zazu some soup.
I recently bought some oxtail, brains, beef livers, stew beef etc.
7. Have you ever tried to switch your ferrets to a natural diet in the past? If yes, what happened?
I guess you could say I ‘tried’. I would give them some partially cooked unseasoned chicken breast (Zazu and Xena) whenever I made chicken and they would eat some of it.
8. What additional information about yourself or your ferrets would you like to share?
9. How often during the week do you have access to a computer?
I have access every day of the week, in the summer it may change to 2-3 times a week.
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 (Acodlin) 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 . Your mentor is here to help you on this journey.
ciao
HF Forum Username: PigglyWiggly
1. Where did you first learn about natural diets for ferrets?
Just prior knowledge of them being obligate carnivores.
2. Please describe the type of diet you would like assistance in switching your ferret(s) to.
I am not interested in feeding whole prey but rather feeding a human-grade raw diet.
3. Why are you interested in switching your ferrets to a natural diet?
A raw meat diet is much more efficient for obligate carnivores. I also want the very best for my fur-children for them to thrive, not just survive.
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 am more than willing to make the commitment.
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?
I have 3 ferrets. Zazu- 8 going on 9 months, male, no known health problems, average weight about 3 lbs, I have had him for 6 months
Xena- age unknown believed to be about 1 year, female, no known health problems, average weight, I have had her for 4 months
Binxi (Little Bear)- age 3 months, male, no known health problems, average weight, I have had him for 2 weeks.
6. What diet do you currently feed your ferrets? (Please include all treats, supplements, etc) Do they already eat some form of soup?
Zazu is still on kibble, Xena will eat soup and does twice a day, and Binxi eats the soup as well as some chicken wings and whole hearts and gizzards. Kibble is still in cage all the time minus 1 hour or 2 before I try to feed Zazu some soup.
I recently bought some oxtail, brains, beef livers, stew beef etc.
7. Have you ever tried to switch your ferrets to a natural diet in the past? If yes, what happened?
I guess you could say I ‘tried’. I would give them some partially cooked unseasoned chicken breast (Zazu and Xena) whenever I made chicken and they would eat some of it.
8. What additional information about yourself or your ferrets would you like to share?
9. How often during the week do you have access to a computer?
I have access every day of the week, in the summer it may change to 2-3 times a week.
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 (Acodlin) 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 . Your mentor is here to help you on this journey.
ciao