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Post by TyTyandLogi on Jun 4, 2014 11:52:51 GMT -5
I have two new ferrets, big boys, Logi (2 1/2 lbs) and TyTy (2lbs) the lady I got them from said she was sure how old, but they were about 4-5 years. There on marshals I made them a soup. Chicken muscle, beef heart & liver with 1/2 tsp of egg shell powder. Every time I try to spoon feed them they turn there noses up. I scruff them and put some on there lips. The brats will go wipe it off on the carpet If put some in there mouth they'll spit it right back out. Any ideas? I want to get them off this marshals ASAP.
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Post by mjbez on Jun 4, 2014 12:16:20 GMT -5
Hi there! Just keep dabbing some on their mouths. They will likely wipe and gag and everything else. This step can take a while. One of mine was convinced I was poisoning her I think. Most people dab on the nose, but I gave a quick swipe on the gums. This way it couldn't be wiped off. Be persistent. Persistence is key with switching them.
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Post by TyTyandLogi on Jun 4, 2014 12:33:12 GMT -5
Thank you. I'll keep trying this. Everytime, I do this they run off, get a good far distance from me and give me the stink eye lol
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Post by gfountain on Jun 4, 2014 12:41:19 GMT -5
HAHAHA!!! The first bite - that's the tricky part! You just have to out-stubborn them. Ditto what mjbez said.
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Post by TyTyandlogi on Jun 4, 2014 12:42:12 GMT -5
Good news! I took the soup out it back in the blender, added some more olive oil and blended it.. It's more watery now, and they both ate it when I wiped it in there mouth them without force are a few licks with me holding them and them eating it out of the spoon.
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Post by mjbez on Jun 4, 2014 12:47:35 GMT -5
That is good news. But just curious, how much olive oil did you use? I suggest using water to make the soup more runny. The do tend to like the runny texture to start. Too much olive oil will cause some bad diarrhea.
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Post by TyTyandLogi on Jun 4, 2014 13:27:56 GMT -5
Used about 1/2 a tsp with the water that was already in there.
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Post by mjbez on Jun 4, 2014 13:32:39 GMT -5
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Post by racheld on Jun 4, 2014 13:40:45 GMT -5
Does the scruff n stuff work for getting stubborn ferrets to lick up soup?
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Post by TyTyandLogi on Jun 4, 2014 13:48:20 GMT -5
Yes but there are a lot of applications, I thought I'd finish before I would get accepted.
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Post by mjbez on Jun 4, 2014 13:53:12 GMT -5
I don't know. Switching can take months. There are a few applications that will be getting mentors soon. I would sign up and that way if you do need help and a mentor opens up you will get one. Remember, people need 15 posts and will not be considered without that as a minimum. Some times people sign up and then never do get to 15. So even if it looks like lots of people waiting not all of them are eligible. Just my 2 cents. I can attest to how much the mentoring program helped me (hence I am training now to help others). It isn't necessarily easy but it is oh so worth it.
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Post by mjbez on Jun 4, 2014 13:57:35 GMT -5
Does the scruff n stuff work for getting stubborn ferrets to lick up soup? I found it did. I would give a quick scruff and dab some in their mouth. However, I have also successfully scruffed and held at the soup and they start licking. I would not use the second method however, until they have tasted it. But my oldest stubborn female she would never start eating unless I gently scruffed and held her to her food. (just have her face close, never push in or do this roughly) As soon as she started eating I would slowly let go and she would continue to eat. Eventually she realized it was yummy and would approach and eat on her own. This does not work for everyone though.
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Post by TyTyandLogi on Jun 4, 2014 14:02:10 GMT -5
I just might. Thank you!
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Post by mjbez on Jun 4, 2014 14:08:46 GMT -5
Also - remember that it is a mentor's job to ensure that your ferrets are getting a properly balanced diet. This is really important when feeding raw
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Post by Deleted on Jun 4, 2014 14:25:45 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum (wave) and Congrats on your bringing Logi and TyTy home.
You mentioned that you are using beef heart and also beef liver, or chicken liver? Beef is really strong tasting, and takes awhile for most of the little guys to decide to like. You might try using chicken heart and chicken liver, or even pork heart and liver. Its milder, less smelly and most ferrets take to it easier. One more tip, if the soup is cold, most ferrets don't care for it cold, room temperature or even a little warm water will help make it tastier.
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