Post by Heather on Sept 25, 2014 21:37:32 GMT -5
Name:Nina
HF Forum Username: Ninjagoth
1. Where did you first learn about natural diets for ferrets?
Worked as a volunteer in a local country park which have a business of 15 rescue ferrets - all neutered hobs. They were fed some whole prey, eggs and raw meat like the rest of the small carnivores - we also had polecats, mink, and pine martens. Also when doing my research prior to getting my kits your forum was mentioned in a small British forum when a member wanted advice about feeding raw.
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 want to do a full switch to frankenprey with some thawed whole when I can get it, in the long run but will be wanting to feed kibble on Sundays at present due to my erratic hours of activity most Sundays.
3. Why are you interested in switching your ferrets to a natural diet?
It is just logical to feed them food they evolved to eat and to maintain good health. When I worked with ferrets in the past I was with them for five years and I never recall them having to go to the vet at all in the time I was there and some were old ferrets.
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?
Yes I am committed and it is now a good time for me to start fully to this program. That's why I held off applying until now
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?
Haggis, poley coloured male, 14 weeks old, very healthy and active
Neeps, sandy/champagne coloured male, 14 weeks old, very healthy and active.
Both are litter mates and brothers. They are a healthy weight and growing well. Difficult to weigh them as they are so wriggly. Had them since they were 9 weeks old.
6. What diet do you currently feed your ferrets? (Please include all treats, supplements, etc) Do they already eat some form of soup?
They get Cat Kibble called 'Encore' it is 80% Chicken, with ideal protein and fat content for ferts. They eat this on Sundays only. They get raw the rest of the time, a mix of chunks, mince, wings, eggs, thighs & offal at present. They do not like soupies but I am making minor adjustments to the recipe to find what they like
7. Have you ever tried to switch your ferrets to a natural diet in the past? If yes, what happened?
In process of switching now. These are my first ferrets I have owned and want to do it right.
8. What additional information about yourself or your ferrets would you like to share?
Not squeamish about feeding whole prey but cannot feed any type of rodents to them for personal reasons. Can source day old chicks for an occasional treat but game birds and rabbits are seasonal and pricey here. In process of sourcing a good online supplier at the moment for possible game birds & rabbits.
9. How often during the week do you have access to a computer?
Several times daily on phone or laptop
10. Please post a picture of each of your ferrets (if possible).
Links to pics of the kits at 11 weeks old
www.dropbox.com/s/2w1f015iaebkfgs/20140722_003715.jpg
www.dropbox.com/s/am1c9z6o2q54e9r/20140722_003750.jpg
11. Have you met the requirements for this program? Do you have your scale, a place to access meats, hearts, livers, eggs etc.?
I have scales and loads of meat, hearts, liver and kidney in my freezer mainly lamb, beef and chicken and some pork and venison. Also have eggs and powdered egg shells.
I have exceeded 15 posts and have read lost of interesting post on the forum and learned so much already.
Hi and welcome to the mentoring program . In a little while your mentor (Gfountain), 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 :boing:. Your mentor is here to help you on this journey.
ciao