Post by Heather on Nov 28, 2016 13:21:29 GMT -5
Application:
Name:Kristin and Parker Burleigh
HF Forum Username: BurleighFamily
Please confirm that you are 18 years of age or older: I am 29, and my husband is as well.
1. Where did you first learn about natural diets for ferrets?
I joined a couple of ferret Facebook groups to get some ideas for my Gus, and when mentioning his symptoms (insulinoma) I was directed to try a raw diet. I have only known about it for a couple days, but I am convinced that this is what he needs.
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.
We are wanting to do totally raw, not sure of the 100% correct term though. I wouldn't do live, but can do frozen-thawed, organs, RMB, etc. As long as it's not alive and I don't have to kill it, I'm a-ok.
3. Why are you interested in switching your ferrets to a natural diet?
My little Gus has insulinoma. He has not much energy and just sorta sleeps more than he should. I know that going raw is going to make him feel so much better. He's a carnivore and therefore, he should eat what is natural for him, not dried kibble that could make him bloat and cause him to be uncomfortable.
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 neccessary time commitment?
We are more than willing to spend the time it takes to make him happy and healthy. My husband works M-F, off all weekends. And I work at home (starting on Tuesday of next week; work at home M-F, off weekends, paid weekly so I can afford to go out each week to buy stuff for him). We are more than willing and ready to make this step, no matter how long it takes. Because we want him to be around as long as possible.
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?
We have one ferret. His name is Sir Gustav Gusington, but goes by Gus or GusGus. I'm not sure how old he is; we weren't given any of that information when we got him. Just sorta was handed him over and that was that. He is a fixed male. He has insulinoma; not sure if he has anything else. I think he's a tiny bit underweight, but I'm honestly not 100% sure how much he weighs. I am buying a scale tonight at the store. We have had him for about 4-5 months?
6. What diet do you currently feed your ferrets? (Please include all treats, supplements, etc) Do they already eat some form of soup?
He has been on Purina kitten his entire life. Right now he gets the occasional fresh egg (from one of our ducks or chickens), and less than a 1/4 teaspoon of FerretVite just to give him a tiny bit of pep because he's always so tired. It's not given often. Currently I am trying to encourage him to eat more (he crashed a couple days ago) by mixing water with Beechnut Chicken and Broth or Turkey and Broth baby food and his Purina kitten, as well as leaving kibble in his bowl
7. Have you ever tried to switch your ferrets to a natural diet in the past? If yes, what happened?
No, I haven't. I didn't know that it was even a thing until a few days ago, to be totally honest. I'm so thankful that I am having the chance to do it now!
8. What additional information about yourself or your ferrets would you like to share?
He is getting ready to start prednisolone soon; we are being shipped some from a rescue. He is our only ferret, but we want to get more. He's absolutely the sweetest thing in the world, and I love him to death.
9. How often during the week do you have access to a computer?
Every day. I work from home via my computer.
10. Please post a picture of each of your ferrets (if possible).
I will as soon as I figure out how to work this thing!
Hi and welcome to the mentoring program . In a little while your mentor (Machan), 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 :christmaspresents: . Your mentor is here to help you on this journey.
ciao
Name:Kristin and Parker Burleigh
HF Forum Username: BurleighFamily
Please confirm that you are 18 years of age or older: I am 29, and my husband is as well.
1. Where did you first learn about natural diets for ferrets?
I joined a couple of ferret Facebook groups to get some ideas for my Gus, and when mentioning his symptoms (insulinoma) I was directed to try a raw diet. I have only known about it for a couple days, but I am convinced that this is what he needs.
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.
We are wanting to do totally raw, not sure of the 100% correct term though. I wouldn't do live, but can do frozen-thawed, organs, RMB, etc. As long as it's not alive and I don't have to kill it, I'm a-ok.
3. Why are you interested in switching your ferrets to a natural diet?
My little Gus has insulinoma. He has not much energy and just sorta sleeps more than he should. I know that going raw is going to make him feel so much better. He's a carnivore and therefore, he should eat what is natural for him, not dried kibble that could make him bloat and cause him to be uncomfortable.
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 neccessary time commitment?
We are more than willing to spend the time it takes to make him happy and healthy. My husband works M-F, off all weekends. And I work at home (starting on Tuesday of next week; work at home M-F, off weekends, paid weekly so I can afford to go out each week to buy stuff for him). We are more than willing and ready to make this step, no matter how long it takes. Because we want him to be around as long as possible.
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?
We have one ferret. His name is Sir Gustav Gusington, but goes by Gus or GusGus. I'm not sure how old he is; we weren't given any of that information when we got him. Just sorta was handed him over and that was that. He is a fixed male. He has insulinoma; not sure if he has anything else. I think he's a tiny bit underweight, but I'm honestly not 100% sure how much he weighs. I am buying a scale tonight at the store. We have had him for about 4-5 months?
6. What diet do you currently feed your ferrets? (Please include all treats, supplements, etc) Do they already eat some form of soup?
He has been on Purina kitten his entire life. Right now he gets the occasional fresh egg (from one of our ducks or chickens), and less than a 1/4 teaspoon of FerretVite just to give him a tiny bit of pep because he's always so tired. It's not given often. Currently I am trying to encourage him to eat more (he crashed a couple days ago) by mixing water with Beechnut Chicken and Broth or Turkey and Broth baby food and his Purina kitten, as well as leaving kibble in his bowl
7. Have you ever tried to switch your ferrets to a natural diet in the past? If yes, what happened?
No, I haven't. I didn't know that it was even a thing until a few days ago, to be totally honest. I'm so thankful that I am having the chance to do it now!
8. What additional information about yourself or your ferrets would you like to share?
He is getting ready to start prednisolone soon; we are being shipped some from a rescue. He is our only ferret, but we want to get more. He's absolutely the sweetest thing in the world, and I love him to death.
9. How often during the week do you have access to a computer?
Every day. I work from home via my computer.
10. Please post a picture of each of your ferrets (if possible).
I will as soon as I figure out how to work this thing!
Hi and welcome to the mentoring program . In a little while your mentor (Machan), 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 :christmaspresents: . Your mentor is here to help you on this journey.
ciao