|
Post by Klarissa on Jan 14, 2017 0:14:03 GMT -5
Hi @antismurfette this is the second day you haven't posted. I just wanted to check in & make sure everythings okay Your ferrets are not eating a balanced menu, so it's important you're still updating daily.
|
|
|
Post by antismurffette on Jan 14, 2017 0:20:43 GMT -5
Sorry, I typed it up but never hit send Yesterday Chicken wing Blockage protocol on all three and no one ate any of the offered pork chop after.(found the flea comb without a handle under the sofa after cleaning out their stash) Today they had (will have) 3oz liver 3oz kidney Beef cubes I found a bag of hearts so I was planning on that tomorrow and chicken wings I'm working on what I'm gonna buy for the menu atm.
|
|
|
Post by Klarissa on Jan 14, 2017 0:40:21 GMT -5
It sounds like your ferrets need a vet check. This is Bears second blockage protocol this week. Ferrets are also famous for going down hill extremely fast - with three possible blockages it is better to be safe then sorry. Ferrets are little animals, with teenie intestines. It takes very little to cause a full blockage. Especially since tomorrow is Saturday, you may be able to find a regular hours vet open. If something happens on Sunday you will have to see an ER vet.
Can you please describe in detail the blockage protocol you are using, as well as
-When they last ate -When they last pooped
I hope everyones okay.
|
|
|
Post by antismurffette on Jan 14, 2017 0:51:48 GMT -5
They ate the organs this morning all three of them in seperate cages. Haven't offered them the pm meal yet but they all pooped since the protocol and only Nero had rubber in his poop and I did it for 4-5 hours until his poop matched everyone one else who had nice gloopy pumpkin poops.
Now they have runny organ poops.
I did call the vet again and he said as long as everyone is their normal self he doesn't see any reason to bring them in as he sedates them for xrays because they move to much. The er vet isn't a problem if it's needed. The next 4 days someone will be home at all times.
The protocol I use is a half and half teaspoon (pumpkin Vasaline) An hour later 1 tsp Vasaline Hour later 1tsp pumpkin Etc until they poop big gloopy pumpkin poops.
|
|
|
Post by antismurffette on Jan 14, 2017 1:22:54 GMT -5
My current plan for a menu until the food arrives. They seem to be eating about 6 -7oz a meal these days. I'm guessing their tummy with teeth days might be ending.
|
|
|
Post by Klarissa on Jan 14, 2017 10:41:46 GMT -5
Your menu for next week is balanced the only caveat is there's no way ferrets can eat lamb leg bone. It's much too dense for ferrets. Substituting more chicken bone ins just for the this would be okay Your ferrets are SO lucky, they don't even know they have the best package coming in the mail, lol. As a side note, if you do the blockage protocol make sure you state whether or not they have pooped. Blockages are terrifying & time sensitive so it helps when you state that it's all over
|
|
|
Post by antismurffette on Jan 14, 2017 13:53:10 GMT -5
Your menu for next week is balanced the only caveat is there's no way ferrets can eat lamb leg bone. It's much too dense for ferrets. Substituting more chicken bone ins just for the this would be okay Your ferrets are SO lucky, they don't even know they have the best package coming in the mail, lol. As a side note, if you do the blockage protocol make sure you state whether or not they have pooped. Blockages are terrifying & time sensitive so it helps when you state that it's all over Ah, okies. I could sprinkle in some egg shell in the ground beef to add calcium and I dig out all the yummy marrow in the bone for them that adds a whole bunch of yummy nutrients. Would that be ok?
|
|
|
Post by Klarissa on Jan 14, 2017 13:54:27 GMT -5
For *one* week - yes As long as it doesn't become a common occurrence.
|
|
|
Post by antismurffette on Jan 15, 2017 2:25:58 GMT -5
The lamb smelled funny so I gave them beef cubes and the pork tenderlion. We found/bought quail at the store. Going to give that on the next lamb day instead
|
|
|
Post by Klarissa on Jan 15, 2017 11:51:38 GMT -5
That's great about the quail. Quail is a favorite here. I use shower hooks to attach them to the cage, as it helps them pace themselves (and prevents it from ending up under my couch ) Even if something smells a little funny to you, you can try offering it to the ferrets Ferrets will not eat meat if it's rancid (by their standards, lol). Their wild relatives are opportunistic eaters & other carnivores left overs definitely on the menu. They will eagerly drag meat through the dirt, into their den, and let it develop maggots (and eat those too) 😂 Their digestive systems were made to handle an onslaught of bacteria - from their mouth, and throughout their GI they have multiple ways of staying healthy: - enzymes that kill bacteria are present in the mouth & gut - short & fast digestive tracts so bacteria does not have a chance to set up shop - healthy balance of good & bad bacteria throughout the GI tract (This is why feeding kibble & raw at the same time isn't advised - kibble can throw off this balance & slow down digestion). My ferret room has a locking garbage can, and their favorite game is to try & retrieve stashed meat I've thrown out while I clean. *Gag* It's good thing they're cute 😂
|
|
|
Post by antismurffette on Jan 15, 2017 13:36:33 GMT -5
I dont give it to them if it smells funny at the start but I'll often rinse it off and re-offer them food they didn't eat.
|
|
|
Post by antismurffette on Jan 16, 2017 0:07:17 GMT -5
I'm defrosting the burger to mix with the hearts now.
|
|
|
Post by antismurffette on Jan 16, 2017 2:29:18 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by antismurffette on Jan 17, 2017 0:51:27 GMT -5
I'm not sure what I'm supposed to post. I fed them the food and they ate it.
|
|
|
Post by Klarissa on Jan 17, 2017 14:56:40 GMT -5
I would still like you to post how much was fed, and how much was consumed (as well as what was fed so I don't have to hunt down the menu). If you are coming back to a completely empty plate, then you are not feeding enough - there should always be a few bites left to ensure they are eating their fill. As Nero, Satan, and Bear are full fledged meat eater, I'd like to shift some focus over to your knowledge so you are armed with everything you need to make balanced and variable diets for your fuzzums I gave you an intro to nutrients Friday (I think it was Friday, lol), so now I want to quiz you on your general knowledge & see what needs to be covered (Don't worry, this is just to see whatcha know already 1) What counts as a "different protein source?"? 2) You have run out of bone -in, what are 2 acceptable alternatives for the interim? 3) Are gizzards a muscle meat or organ? Why are gizzards a beneficial addition to a menu? 4) Is dark meat or light meat better for ferrets? Why? 5) Is leaner of fattier cuts of meat better for ferrets? Why? 6) How can you tell if a ferret is a healthy weight: Post pictures of your ferrets, and explain if their weight is Perfect, little over, or little under, and how can you tell? 7) You're familiar with the blockage protocol, what steps can be taken to reduce the risk of hairballs? 8) How much can a ferrets weight/appetite vary seasonally? 9) Kits are tummies with teeth - actual black holes, how much should and adult ferret eat on average? You guys are doing great, and your ferrets are lucky to have a furmom dedicated to feeding raw.
|
|