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Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2015 0:04:55 GMT -5
You're totally right. With the assistance of a little Salmon oil he ate an ounce of the thicker pieces! We're coming closer to sort of "chicken strip" sized pieces. Not there yet but getting there. I have left them a similar size for his morning meal but for his evening meal, I've cut them a tiny, tiny bit thicker. So we'll see. It seems the rest up while he wasn't well has done him some good and he's trying to make up for lost time.
Another awesome thing as an off-topic: I've tried my cat with a few of Leo's slivers but having never been successful in all her 20 years trying to switch her to raw, I didn't think she'd take them, but she did! Maybe she knew they were for him and got jealous! (lol) That's exciting too. Might start doing the same with her and see if I can switch them both.
In a day or two I might try him with a bit of heart, and then a day or two after that I'll try liver xx
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Post by Desiree on Jul 23, 2015 9:52:00 GMT -5
Awesome! That is wonderful. I always encourage my switches to try with the cats too. They are also obligate carnivores who need a good meat diet. People think ferrets are stubborn. Can't scruff and stuff a cat. Lol!
Woot for upping the size. He's coming along wonderfully.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2015 10:11:10 GMT -5
Yes. It's so hard with cats. Ferrets are stubborn but I've been trying with my girl for years to get her to eat raw. I had three cats, two have now died of old age, she's 20 but I've never been able to switch any of them. To be fair I try for a few months and give up and then try again later... As you said, can't scruff and stuff them lol. I won't get my hopes up too high but it's amazing to see her trying bits of raw. I guess watching Leo eat got her curious. Perfect!
As for Leo he's doing great. I'm really proud of him. He has no idea what a positive effect his existence has on all of us. Even him just eating a piece of meat is something to get excited about, the extra work is good for me, good for my family dynamics, good for my cat... Hopefully this will have as positive an effect on him xx
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Post by Desiree on Jul 23, 2015 22:31:42 GMT -5
That is awesome. There is new found way of looking at ferret ownership when feeding raw. Its the joy of hard work paying off and knowing that you are making a difference. There is a bond that forms too when sitting down and making sure they eat what they need to. I'm so happy this is a good thing for you and that you are enjoying the process. I find myself happier when I am busier too. Whether animals or work, as long as it is something I enjoy, I like being busy.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 24, 2015 1:52:10 GMT -5
Totally. Me too. And it really is rewarding especially as humans, because we're able to appreciate everything that it takes and all the benefits too. I love being busy. If I can spend all my time doing worthwhile things I am happy.
Increased size! Woo! Well, they're thicker. They're now about a quarter of a centimeter thick... Could be a tiny bit more. I've noticed ear cleaning getting easier with him as I think the extra chewing is stimulating blood flow to his ears... If that makes any scientific sense whatsoever! What I have noticed is his poops are slightly more mucousy and seedy than normal. It could be the introduction of Salmon oil, as I've used a bit for various things every day, but I'm keeping an eye on it xx
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Post by Desiree on Jul 24, 2015 10:44:10 GMT -5
For poops, just watch them. Took my ferrets to visit my mom and the two hour car ride caused some very weird poos. Never know what'll make those weird ones. As long as it isn't persistent os key.
Awesome he sounds like he is doing well and moving forward. As you continue to increase sizes now might be a good time to start looking at which bone you want him on. You can always do chicken wings and cut off the tips. Quail and Cornish Game Hen are another favorite start bones. Basically any small bird. We won't be introducing bone yet but having it available is a good thing. Some people have a hard time finding good bone in meats.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 24, 2015 11:06:44 GMT -5
Yes will do. I'm keeping close watch on him. His poops are still slightly weird.
That's a good idea. I'll look into that. Quail might be good if I can get my hands on it. The butcher I get heart and liver from generally has interesting things but it's very on and off, so I warn them in advance what I want. I'll let you know how that goes xx
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Post by Deleted on Jul 24, 2015 19:08:54 GMT -5
Quick update: poops are well-formed and healthy looking again. Xx
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Post by Desiree on Jul 24, 2015 19:40:52 GMT -5
Yay! :banana:
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Post by Deleted on Jul 25, 2015 2:18:12 GMT -5
I think I spoke too soon. Very odd poops this morning.... Had a bright green one (broccoli coloured) - very well formed and not mucousy, just bright green, and a smaller, more mucousy one which wasn't as green... I wish I'd had the presence of mind to take pictures. Next one he does I'll take a picture. Xx
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Post by Deleted on Jul 25, 2015 3:40:58 GMT -5
He just did this one: All he's eaten today is literally his chicken... I'm not sure maybe it's normal but nothing has changed except his poop. His routine is the same, his mood is the same, energy levels, everything's the same. Bizarre little boy. Xx
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Post by Desiree on Jul 25, 2015 12:05:40 GMT -5
Okay there are a couple of things I am worried about. He probably should have normal poos by now. I'm wondering if he has IBD or a chicken allergy. Allergy is easier, just remove the allergen. IBD might need some supplements and some tummy meds but we can cross that path after we figure out if its an allergy. Can you source another meat for me? Lamb and duck are good starters to test an allergy. If his poops get back to normal you can rule that he does have a chicken allergy. The problem is that if it is a chicken allergy, that means no chicken at all, eggs, liver and hearts all have to be from another source. Some can handle eggs but there are quail eggs and duck eggs that can be used. holisticferret60.proboards.com/thread/17731/protein-trial-elimination-diet-ferrets - This is very very long read but give a skim through for now so you can see how it works.
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Post by Desiree on Jul 25, 2015 12:07:00 GMT -5
Also are you willing to do whole prey if need be?
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Post by Deleted on Jul 25, 2015 12:08:32 GMT -5
I agree that's what's concerning me. I'll go get some lamb tomorrow and I'll read through that thread right now. I'm hoping it's an allergy to chicken rather than ibd but we'll see. Whatever the case we can work around it xx
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Post by Desiree on Jul 25, 2015 12:26:33 GMT -5
Also be aware that organic chicken may be an option as well. He could be having a reaction to the antibiotics/additives that were injected into the chicken. For now, though, lets reset his system with lamb (or whichever protein you want to give him)
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