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Post by Deleted on Oct 10, 2016 21:41:20 GMT -5
I've signed up for a mentor, but I figured I'd start the switch now and see how far I can progress with the two while I'm waiting. A little background on my babies: Blaze Female 1 lb, 12.7 oz 3(~ish; owners before me were never sure of her age) No known health problems (will update if that changes at the next vet appointment) Bo Male 2lbs, 3 oz 3 (~ish) No known health problems (update at appointment) I've got the ingredients for the soup all ready and thawing for tomorrow morning. Should I remove the kibble tonight and try the soup for their breakfast? How should I serve? (via bowl/plate/spoon-feeding) (As a side note, what do I do if they refuse the soupie?)
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Post by abbeytheferret6 on Oct 10, 2016 23:30:44 GMT -5
I put ferret in my lap, and put some soupie on finger and touch mouth then let ferret go. They usually do not like it, and will want to take off. I repeat this every couple of minutes or so. Some ferrets may take right to it, but not typically though. Be prepared for resistance. Be patient, they will give in eventually.
2 hours is sufficient time for kibble removal.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 11, 2016 11:45:12 GMT -5
Update:
Took the food out and waited, then made the soupie. Scruffed, rubbed on lips and gums. Bo ran off (with a very betrayed look) but Blaze actually started licking my finger. I tried again with Bo and he did the same (though reluctantly). I've left the plate in their cage, I'll check up on it later.
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Post by abbeytheferret6 on Oct 11, 2016 12:53:36 GMT -5
If ferret is willing to let you hold and finger feed, then sit with them, and do this for a little while.They kind of like this it seems,a little bonding going on there.. The one that ran from you, you will have to touch mouth repeatedly, most likely.
I would not scruff. They may associate the bad taste and scruff negatively. I did that with one of mine a few times,and she ran when she saw me coming. We got off to a bad start.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 11, 2016 13:39:14 GMT -5
Oh jeez. Thank you for the warning, I'll be sure to fix that!
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Post by Deleted on Oct 11, 2016 13:59:17 GMT -5
I would definitely do a consistent feeding. Instead of doing a taste test the next just expecting them to eat. I would use a spoon scoop up some soup and put it to their mouth let them get a taste and feed them through the spoon till they have a full tummy. Continue to do so in 2 or 3 hours.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 11, 2016 14:16:31 GMT -5
I would definitely do a consistent feeding. Instead of doing a taste test the next just expecting them to eat. I would use a spoon scoop up some soup and put it to their mouth let them get a taste and feed them through the spoon till they have a full tummy. Continue to do so in 2 or 3 hours. As do it in 2 or 3 hour blocks? (9am, 12pm, 3pm?)
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Post by Deleted on Oct 11, 2016 14:23:27 GMT -5
I like to do that just to make sure they eat. I have noticed that they won't eat it by themselves so in order to have them eat enough I like to sit down with them every couple hours and hand feed them.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 11, 2016 14:29:54 GMT -5
That makes sense. I was actually really nervous about them not eating enough. Today's feedings will be a little off schedule (babysitting and picking up kids) but tomorrow I'll start them on a schedule. Thanks so much!
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Post by Aftershock on Oct 11, 2016 14:35:27 GMT -5
Also, scruffing to hand feed depends on the ferret and how you've trained them. I've positive scruff trained mine, and they don't like fingers in their mouth. They'd rather eat from a spoon. I have also trained mine that if I scruff them, they are expected to behave. The goal with handfeeding is to not over stress the ferret, but there are some you have to teach to suck it up and stop throwing a tantrum. Croc will flail a tiny bit during hand feedings (I scruff, set them in my lap to fully support them, then pour the tiniest bit into the front of their mouth, or put it on their nose till they lick it, then let them go. The goal is to teach them that they are allowed to go after tasting. But I will repeat, each ferret is different, and not all methods work the same for each. It depends on their personality, you knowing them, and what you have taught them.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 11, 2016 15:32:02 GMT -5
I tried giving more without scruffing; putting it on their nose and gums got them to eat it, but neither will lick my finger. (Thinking maybe had my finger too close last time?)
I wonder if crushing a peice of their favorite treat or two on top of a small dollop of soupie qould entice them to eat more?
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Post by Aftershock on Oct 11, 2016 16:06:52 GMT -5
Have you tried a spoon at all?
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Post by Deleted on Oct 11, 2016 16:50:24 GMT -5
Have you tried a spoon at all? Not yet. I will at the next feeding!
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Post by Aftershock on Oct 11, 2016 16:56:19 GMT -5
let us know how it goes. Like I said, some ferrets don't care for the finger method and go straight for the spoon. If the spoon doesn't work, at least you know.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 11, 2016 17:53:28 GMT -5
Okay, update!
Blaze took to the spoon when I opened the cage, Bo didn't.(Had to keep getting him yo lick it off his mouth so he eats it at all). I let them out for a moment to do something, returned, tried again with Blaze...and she refused. Maybe she ate her fill? I have one more feeding for the day before I let them sleep for the night. I'll post the update for that later.
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