Post by Heather on Jul 2, 2014 22:47:43 GMT -5
1. Where did you first learn about natural diets for ferrets?
Probably through reading Ferrets for Dummies when I got my first ferret. I wasn't too keen on raw then, it just seemed foreign to me, and I had no prior experience with it.
I've been reading more and more about raw though forums and FB groups.
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.
Ideally, I would like to switch my ferrets to a full raw diet. I'm not opposed to whole prey, but I only have local access to frozen mice and pinkies. I may be able get wild game such as rabbits and woodchucks, since my dad hunts.
3. Why are you interested in switching your ferrets to a natural diet?
The more I read about raw, the more I see the benefits. I can't really see any drawbacks to a natural diet. Why not, LOL
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'm ready! The only thing I worry about is not being "own my own" once school starts. I'm a full time student and work part time, so ideally I'd like to be fully switched by the end of the summer.
Other than that, I am prepared to be fully committed!
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 some info on my switching thread but I'll repost.
Wesley is 2.5-3, I've owned him since November of 2011. No known health problems
Percy is 2. Owned him since he was 6 weeks old. Very fine boned, small. No known health problems
Owen just turned one in Feb, I've owned him for almost a year. No known health problems, but his personality is more timid. He doesn't like being held, so hand feeding is interesting.
6. What diet do you currently feed your ferrets? (Please include all treats, supplements, etc) Do they already eat some form of soup?
They were on Natures Variety Instinct duck, Wysong Ferret Epigen 90, and Wellness Core. I would occasionally add NV raw boost powder supplement to the kibble.
Treats include Ferretone, chicken baby food, and raw egg yolks.
Current diet is raw soupies, with egg yolk 1-2 times a week. (see switching thread for more detailed information)
7. Have you ever tried to switch your ferrets to a natural diet in the past? If yes, what happened?
Before school let out I began supplementing the diet with raw soupies. I did not have time to commit to a full switch.
8. What additional information about yourself or your ferrets would you like to share?
Nothing I can think of!
9. How often during the week do you have access to a computer?
Daily. I usually check the forum at least once a day
10. Please post a picture of each of your ferrets (if possible).
Will update! Need recent photos!
11. Have you met the requirements for this program? Do you have your scale, a place to access meats, hearts, livers, etc?
Yes! I have a scale that measures in grams, kg, oz, and lbs.
I have a reliable source for hearts and liver, and I'm working on finding more "exotic" bits, like chicken necks, etc. There are a few local butchers in my area, so I need to pay them a visit. (note: I live in a rural area so ethic shops are non-existent in town. Nearest is about 45 min away)
I have already began giving soupies, with some meat slivers added. Percy has shown interest in bone-in meats, but I need help for where to go from there! Especially with creating meal plans!
Hi and welcome to the mentoring program (wave) . In a little while your mentor (dorena261-Natalia) 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
Probably through reading Ferrets for Dummies when I got my first ferret. I wasn't too keen on raw then, it just seemed foreign to me, and I had no prior experience with it.
I've been reading more and more about raw though forums and FB groups.
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.
Ideally, I would like to switch my ferrets to a full raw diet. I'm not opposed to whole prey, but I only have local access to frozen mice and pinkies. I may be able get wild game such as rabbits and woodchucks, since my dad hunts.
3. Why are you interested in switching your ferrets to a natural diet?
The more I read about raw, the more I see the benefits. I can't really see any drawbacks to a natural diet. Why not, LOL
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'm ready! The only thing I worry about is not being "own my own" once school starts. I'm a full time student and work part time, so ideally I'd like to be fully switched by the end of the summer.
Other than that, I am prepared to be fully committed!
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 some info on my switching thread but I'll repost.
Wesley is 2.5-3, I've owned him since November of 2011. No known health problems
Percy is 2. Owned him since he was 6 weeks old. Very fine boned, small. No known health problems
Owen just turned one in Feb, I've owned him for almost a year. No known health problems, but his personality is more timid. He doesn't like being held, so hand feeding is interesting.
6. What diet do you currently feed your ferrets? (Please include all treats, supplements, etc) Do they already eat some form of soup?
They were on Natures Variety Instinct duck, Wysong Ferret Epigen 90, and Wellness Core. I would occasionally add NV raw boost powder supplement to the kibble.
Treats include Ferretone, chicken baby food, and raw egg yolks.
Current diet is raw soupies, with egg yolk 1-2 times a week. (see switching thread for more detailed information)
7. Have you ever tried to switch your ferrets to a natural diet in the past? If yes, what happened?
Before school let out I began supplementing the diet with raw soupies. I did not have time to commit to a full switch.
8. What additional information about yourself or your ferrets would you like to share?
Nothing I can think of!
9. How often during the week do you have access to a computer?
Daily. I usually check the forum at least once a day
10. Please post a picture of each of your ferrets (if possible).
Will update! Need recent photos!
11. Have you met the requirements for this program? Do you have your scale, a place to access meats, hearts, livers, etc?
Yes! I have a scale that measures in grams, kg, oz, and lbs.
I have a reliable source for hearts and liver, and I'm working on finding more "exotic" bits, like chicken necks, etc. There are a few local butchers in my area, so I need to pay them a visit. (note: I live in a rural area so ethic shops are non-existent in town. Nearest is about 45 min away)
I have already began giving soupies, with some meat slivers added. Percy has shown interest in bone-in meats, but I need help for where to go from there! Especially with creating meal plans!
Hi and welcome to the mentoring program (wave) . In a little while your mentor (dorena261-Natalia) 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