Post by Heather on Nov 6, 2014 0:24:15 GMT -5
Name:Ashley
HF Forum Username: adoterramom
1. Where did you first learn about natural diets for ferrets?
I had ferrets several years ago and did lots of research on what would be the best food for them, at the time I found that Wysong would be the best. Before getting a ferret this time I did research to see if Wysong was still the best and came across this forum. After reading I became convinced a raw diet would be preferable to kibble.
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 am not 100% what kind of diet I would like. I really like the idea of doing a completely raw diet but I am extremely intimidated by it, and have considered doing a 50% raw diet and supplementing with kibble or freeze dried. My main concerns are money, cleanliness and not being able to find what I need. However, if I could manage it then raw would be my first choice.
3. Why are you interested in switching your ferrets to a natural diet?
I want my ferret to be as happy and healthy as possible. In my family animals are basically children and we take care of them just as well as we do our kids.
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?
My ferret is already eating whole drummettes (not eating the bone) so I don't think she will protest to the switch at all. I am the one with reservations. But, that being said, yes I am willing to commit to the process of switching and learning all about this type of diet.
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 one female ferret, I am guessing between 8-10 weeks old. The pet store couldn't locate her birth certificate but she is the same size as the 8 week old ferret they had just gotten in and they said they had only had her about a week. Her name is Izzy (after the character on Jake and the Neverland Pirates( She was my sons birthday present as he is turning 3 this month. No known health problems. I have had her for 4 days.
6. What diet do you currently feed your ferrets? (Please include all treats, supplements, etc) Do they already eat some form of soup?
Right now she is eating raw chicken, and has Marshall's kibble in her cage as that is what the pet store had her on but she won't eat it. I also make some Uncle Jim's duck soup and offer canned food but she doesn't eat more than a few bites of those. She also has the Marshall's chew treats as she seems to be teething? I offered freeze dried liver treats but she doesn't like them. She has water with bi-odor in it. I have offered ferret-vite and she isn't too fond of that either. By far the raw chicken is her absolute favorite. She will eat the soup if that is all that is there, but she doesn't seem crazy about it. Not sure if I made it too thick or not?
7. Have you ever tried to switch your ferrets to a natural diet in the past? If yes, what happened?
My previous ferrets, no I did not. My boyfriend and I broke up and he decided to keep the ferrets.
8. What additional information about yourself or your ferrets would you like to share?
She is a gift for my (almost) 3 year old son. So I am a little concerned about salmonella and other bacteria from this diet.
9. How often during the week do you have access to a computer?
Every day
10. Please post a picture of each of your ferrets (if possible).
11. Have you met the requirements for this program? Do you have your scale, a place to access meats, hearts, livers, etc?
In the process of picking a scale though I have one I could borrow until I purchase mine. I do have a place to purchase the meats.
Thank you
Hi and welcome to the mentoring program
. In a little while your mentor (AbbyLee22), 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: adoterramom
1. Where did you first learn about natural diets for ferrets?
I had ferrets several years ago and did lots of research on what would be the best food for them, at the time I found that Wysong would be the best. Before getting a ferret this time I did research to see if Wysong was still the best and came across this forum. After reading I became convinced a raw diet would be preferable to kibble.
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 am not 100% what kind of diet I would like. I really like the idea of doing a completely raw diet but I am extremely intimidated by it, and have considered doing a 50% raw diet and supplementing with kibble or freeze dried. My main concerns are money, cleanliness and not being able to find what I need. However, if I could manage it then raw would be my first choice.
3. Why are you interested in switching your ferrets to a natural diet?
I want my ferret to be as happy and healthy as possible. In my family animals are basically children and we take care of them just as well as we do our kids.
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?
My ferret is already eating whole drummettes (not eating the bone) so I don't think she will protest to the switch at all. I am the one with reservations. But, that being said, yes I am willing to commit to the process of switching and learning all about this type of diet.
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 one female ferret, I am guessing between 8-10 weeks old. The pet store couldn't locate her birth certificate but she is the same size as the 8 week old ferret they had just gotten in and they said they had only had her about a week. Her name is Izzy (after the character on Jake and the Neverland Pirates( She was my sons birthday present as he is turning 3 this month. No known health problems. I have had her for 4 days.
6. What diet do you currently feed your ferrets? (Please include all treats, supplements, etc) Do they already eat some form of soup?
Right now she is eating raw chicken, and has Marshall's kibble in her cage as that is what the pet store had her on but she won't eat it. I also make some Uncle Jim's duck soup and offer canned food but she doesn't eat more than a few bites of those. She also has the Marshall's chew treats as she seems to be teething? I offered freeze dried liver treats but she doesn't like them. She has water with bi-odor in it. I have offered ferret-vite and she isn't too fond of that either. By far the raw chicken is her absolute favorite. She will eat the soup if that is all that is there, but she doesn't seem crazy about it. Not sure if I made it too thick or not?
7. Have you ever tried to switch your ferrets to a natural diet in the past? If yes, what happened?
My previous ferrets, no I did not. My boyfriend and I broke up and he decided to keep the ferrets.
8. What additional information about yourself or your ferrets would you like to share?
She is a gift for my (almost) 3 year old son. So I am a little concerned about salmonella and other bacteria from this diet.
9. How often during the week do you have access to a computer?
Every day
10. Please post a picture of each of your ferrets (if possible).
11. Have you met the requirements for this program? Do you have your scale, a place to access meats, hearts, livers, etc?
In the process of picking a scale though I have one I could borrow until I purchase mine. I do have a place to purchase the meats.
Thank you
Hi and welcome to the mentoring program
. In a little while your mentor (AbbyLee22), 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
