Violet's Transition (Self Switch) (Might Need Mentor Soon)

[Deleted]

First Off I will fill out the Requested Information for a Mentor:

Name:
Christine
HF Forum Username:
christinek89
Please confirm that you are 18 years of age or older:
Yes, I am 26 years old.


1. Where did you first learn about natural diets for ferrets?
Researching Ferrets due to getting ferret as a gift.


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 have been switching fully she hasn't had kibble since 5/18/2016. I would be interested in the fully natural raw diet. 


3. Why are you interested in switching your ferrets to a natural diet?
 I read that is helps with their over all health. I know it won't prevent illnesses 100%. I do know if I continue with kibble I wouldn't be able to give my ferret the best chance at a healthy life.


4. Do you understand that switching your ferret to a natural diet can be a lengthy, arduous process? Its not an overnight switch. It requires a commitment of several months at minimum. Your HF Mentor will be more then happy to assist you in switching your ferret(s) to a natural diet, but you need to be equally as committed. The switch takes time and effort every single day. It can also be extremely frustrating at times. If you aren't willing to tough out a potentially lengthy switching process, you have major life changes approaching (baby on the way, moving, starting school, getting married/divorced, etc), or limited time due to work, then it might be a better idea to wait on switching your ferret's diet until you have more time. Are you willing and realistically able to make the necessary time commitment?
Yes, I am a stay/work from home mother. My days consist of being at home taking care of my 2 children. I have loads of time to take care of my ferret and family. Plus, It helps to have the children they love playing with our newest fuzzy addition.


5. How many ferrets do you currently have? 1 (Would love to get 1 more in a few months) What are their names? Violet  Ages? 13 weeks as of 5/20/2016 Genders? Female  Do they have any health problems? No Are they overweight? No Underweight? I would say average size for her age maybe smaller? How long have you had each ferret for?
We got her on 5/11/2016 A week and a few days


6. What diet do you currently feed your ferrets? I switched to raw on 5/18/2016 (Please include all treats, supplements, etc) Do they already eat some form of soup?
She is eating boned in meat. (chicken wing segments)


7. Have you ever tried to switch your ferrets to a natural diet in the past? No, This is our first time. If yes, what happened?



8. What additional information about yourself or your ferrets would you like to share?
I have started the switch on my own and I believe she is doing great. On day 3 she started eating boned in wings. 


9. How often during the week do you have access to a computer?
Everyday, My work consist of being on the computer and also I have access from my phone. I have tried to download the app but won't allow me to find the forum. (Need help explaining that)


10. Please post a picture of each of your ferrets (if possible).



11. Have you met the requirements for this program? Yes Are you at least 18 years of age? Yes Do you have your scale, a place to access meats, hearts, livers, etc?
Yes, Working on getting more hearts. 


Read more: holisticferret60.proboards.com/thread/61/sign-mentoring-program#ixzz49FxWp9st

[Deleted]

Day 1: May 18,2016
A.M Chicken Wing Segment Licked and Chewed for 15/20 Minutes did not show interest after that.
Afternoon: Soup ate it for 5/10 minutes but kept on going back to it.
Evening: 1.5oz lever chinks/slivers with 2oz of Soup. She ate most of it but picked out the Liver.
Weighed her: 1lb 5oz

Day 2: May 19.2016
A.M: 3oz Soup only ate .9 oz
Evening: Tired Slivers of Breast and Gizzards 1oz and 3oz Soup. Finished all the slivers and .5oz Soup. Made Great Progress!

Day 3: May 20, 2016
AM: 2.5oz Soup from night before ate 2.1oz
Afternoon: 1/2 wing Segment with Smashed bones Finished all before nap! Great progress again.
Evening: Finished other half of wing segment before bed. I showed her the meat before preparing it and was sitting at my feet excited to get the meat.

[FireAngel]

Very, very nice! :thumbsup:

[Deleted]

Thanks! This morning she did the same thing I showed her meat and just sat at my feet until I had it in her bowl. I am glad she is excited about getting food.

Right now I have been giving her chicken wing segments. I have liver gizzards and breast. What can I use for muscle? And also I am planning on making a trip to a butcher on Monday. What types of meat should I get for a beginner? I want to try to stay with lamb beef pork and poultry because that is easily accessible.

[FireAngel]

The best meats to use are the easiest to access for you. Lamb, pork, beef, chicken and if you would like to add a fish meal once a week or just occasionally, salmon pretty much any fish is great!
Cornish Game Hen and Quail are great for bone in things for beginners also.
Gizzards are terrific for building jaw strength so they handle bones easier.
As a kit you should feed her as much as she will eat and often! It is also very important for her to have easily digestible bones at this time because she needs a lot of calcium.
Anchovies and sardines are great little fishies that can be feed as whole prey and they can eat the whole thing. They are packed with calcium too. Her poops will be smellier with fish meals and once a week is really all that is recommended for them.