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Post by Deleted on Jan 24, 2017 10:32:42 GMT -5
I forgot to mention that Brandi has now figured out how to move the treat maze so she can dig out a piece of chicken! I use FDR in the little pockets. Monster figured it out almost immediately. Brandi just took a little longer, but could have been that she just was not feeling well... It is the purple boxed one that we are currently using.
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Post by Sherry on Jan 24, 2017 12:34:10 GMT -5
She is definitely on the road to recovery then! And they are both doing really well. I'd give them another 3-4 days and then try leaving the kibble out of the picture entirely for about 48 hours and see how they do. You may have to increase the amount left in cage overnight to make up for it As for the grinds, if they list balanced grinds then they are fine And they would be perfect for hubby to feed while you are away. You can either work on getting them on frankenprey before you leave, or after you get back. Either way they will be good to go!
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Post by Deleted on Jan 26, 2017 16:03:34 GMT -5
I thought a package received via FedEx yesterday was our HTGT order, but it was a gift for the fuzzies from our Buddy in The Gifting Ferret. I am ashamed that I was disappointed! Today our food order arrived. I've got most of it broken in to 2oz packages. I think that measurement will be easy to work with. They had already had their breakfast by the time it arrived so we'll see how it goes at dinner tonight. Brandi is so funny. I just can't figure her out. One meal she'll go to the bowl at their dining area, the next I am having to spoon or finger feed her! I'll do what I must, spoiling her if that's what it is, to ensure she eats! I've kept kibbles picked up all during the day, only putting it down at our bedtime, but will leave it all picked up for the next couple of days. My plan is to wait until my return in March before starting the frankenprey diet, with the help of a mentor hopefully!! Phil has agreed to feed them the grinds during my absence. I don't want to push him too much as he was so reluctant... I do believe he is finally opening his eyes to the fact they are obviously happier and healthier now. I am so grateful to the two of you, Sherry & Aftershock, for your continued advice & support. Not sure I could have gotten this far on my own. Thank You!
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Post by Deleted on Jan 27, 2017 1:29:04 GMT -5
During my switch, my girl Catalina liked to suddenly forget she could eat by herself too turns out she just really liked the extra one on one attention with mom. It was really nice being able to bond more with them while we both learned. Then as she got familiar with it she'd eat on her own again, and go right back to hand feeding for each new protein you are doing so great!
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Post by LindaM on Jan 27, 2017 2:11:12 GMT -5
Athena did exactly the same with me, and I agree that it had been pretty good for bonding for us as well. Some days Athena still tries to be a stubborn little girl, but all it takes is just a quick touch of the finger to the food and one rub on the gums and she starts chomping down by herself.
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Post by Aftershock on Jan 27, 2017 10:34:52 GMT -5
Hee hee, I love getting ferret food too I'm like 'Look at this cheap beef! Look at these duck gizzards that were in the duck!' I love all the extras! I've had to remind my girly, Cow, that she likes egg numerous times. She would act like the egg on the plate was going to pop up and eat her. One thing to remember with this, is that when they start to eat off of the spoon, lower it to the plate. This helps them remember that they can eat it on their own, that the plate is where the food comes from. I am proud to say, Cow finally got the message the other day, and didn't even need me to spoon feed her egg. ^--------^ I'm one proud ferrent. But, until she eats from the plate willingly, kibble should stay down at night. If she forgets the plate is where food comes from, she could go all night without eating. But, with how fast your two are going, she's gonna be there in no time! You are so very welcome! I'm glad I have been able to help! You are so great to work with!
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Post by Sherry on Jan 27, 2017 11:29:56 GMT -5
Glad to be able to help Let us know how they do with the new proteins!
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Post by Deleted on Jan 28, 2017 10:49:05 GMT -5
Yesterday was a super rough day for me. We lost our son a year ago yesterday; my second best-friend in the world. I could not pull myself together. My babies were neglected as a result and had kibbles left for them the entire day; thank God my husband thought to put them down before he left for work. Today will be much better. Neither have eaten much of either, soup or the chicken grinds, as of yet. Monster took just a few bites of the grinds before he walked away; Brandi licked at the soup, took a very small bit of grind, and then back to bed. Not sure if they feel my melancholy mood or just not very hungry. Will be watching them throughout the day to see how it goes. Of course I will encourage them to eat at every opportunity.
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Post by Sherry on Jan 28, 2017 11:07:41 GMT -5
I am so sorry And yes, they do pick up on how you feel.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 28, 2017 11:42:48 GMT -5
1/28/2017
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Post by Aftershock on Jan 28, 2017 12:27:01 GMT -5
I am so sorry for your loss *hug* Ferrets are so sensitive, and that's part of why I love them so. I've noticed my heart ferret, Gator, is either more cuddly, or tries to get me to play more when I'm having rough days. Look at those floofs chowing down!
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Post by LindaM on Jan 28, 2017 14:42:47 GMT -5
My deepest condolences to you and your hubby.
Ferrets can most certainly pick up on your feelings or when you are ill. Some weeks ago I was sick for a whole week, and often took naps on the couch, all three of my furkids checked up on me almost more regularly than my husband did. And on days I feel particularly depressed or stressed out, they make themselves impossible to ignore, they'll even come curl up in the blanket I keep for them by my desk, which they normally ignore, they'll just sit on it while they wait for me to give them attention in general and sleep in our bedroom instead.
They look so happy noshing down on their foodies. <3
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Post by Deleted on Jan 28, 2017 15:08:04 GMT -5
I am so so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts. As everyone else said, the littlr fuzzes definitely pick up on your emotions, give them and extra cuddle! Their appetites will pick back up, no worries.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 30, 2017 10:00:46 GMT -5
Heartfelt thanks to everyone for your kind words. I was not looking for sympathy, but only wanting to explain my "slip". I really do want my two to get what is absolutely best for their health and happiness. I just could not pull myself together... We have been doing very well the last couple of days. Both are eating well, twice a day. Monster has taken to the grinds quite well; I knew he would! Brandi is having her grinds mixed with a bit of the soup as I try to get her accustomed to a different texture. She is actually getting fed 3 times a day; she eats much less than he does. Monster is taking in about 4 ounces a day, Brandi about 2 to 2.5 ounces. It has all been chicken, except that one time I mixed a bit of ground chuck into Monster's soup. Today I took some pheasant out of the freezer, so at dinner will try that. I did try picking kibble up throughout the night, but my husband really freaks out on me over it. He is insisting that Brandi needs that kibble in the night; that she wakes every night to eat it. The first night he put it down after I'd gone to sleep. Last night I did not argue. I did hear her crunching on it in the wee hours of the morning. Monster doesn't even sniff at it any more. Once my trip is done next month I will be more aggressive. I am noticing Brandi is consuming just a little bit more each day. It's not much, but enough to make me happy. Her energy level continues to increase as well. I'll be getting them weighed again mid-week.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 30, 2017 10:37:07 GMT -5
No need to explain or apologize ❤ They sound like they're doing great! Those are pretty normal amounts for them to eat too, 2 to 4 oz total for females and 3 to six oz for males total for a day. Hmmm are you leaving soup for monster overnight with the kibble since you said he won't eat it anymore? And is miss Brandi eating the soup willingly on her own, or is she still taking convincing on your lap from spoon? The changes might be subtle, but they are there!! I'm so proud of you!
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