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Post by boogerybooger on Feb 3, 2017 0:41:45 GMT -5
We've been doing pretty well, but now it seems like one step forward two back. We had almost jumped the chunks stage to a chicken wing, but he only nibbled on it. Then we went back to uneaten slivers so it's been mostly puree- very thick. My concern is how long can they do chicken when making the switch. He did ok with some beef once, but then wouldn't touch it later. I'm worried he needs more proteins, but I don't have all the components to make a beef soupy/puree yet. What kinds of beef bones can ferrets eat? I need to find more stores with whole prey. Any info is appreciated. I am a concerned grandferrent  Thanks!!! |
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Post by Heather on Feb 3, 2017 0:51:55 GMT -5
Beef bones are not a possibility...ferrets cannot make use of them, they're just too heavy. The only exception maybe the marrow on occasion. If your little one nibbled on the chicken wing take a mallet to it and see if he's more into doing that. Beef soupy I usually use stewing meat or ground beef for my beef and then replace it with whatever components I can find. If I have to use turkey hearts or chicken heart I will. Try turkey or rabbit or even pork, they're milder flavoured that beef. Multiple proteins are necessary to eventually move onto the whole raw feeding process but it's best to have him comfortable eating his chicken meats before moving onto the next
ciao
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Post by boogerybooger on Feb 3, 2017 1:07:54 GMT -5
thank you!!! A mallet is a GREAT idea! He is totally comfortable with his thick chicken soupy. Thanks for letting me know I can mix things up in the early stages if needed and that beef bones are a no go. How long can they go on chicken only?
Thank you!
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Post by Sherry on Feb 3, 2017 11:07:34 GMT -5
We try to switch up proteins about half way through most switches, especially since most seem more open to them at that time. I get them on small chunks and then put a new one in.
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Post by boogerybooger on Feb 3, 2017 15:20:29 GMT -5
Thank you, Sherry! I will try that! just got some lamb and rabbit! Will a ferret eat a whole chicken drumstick or is the wing drummette more appropriate? Booger has gained since he got his DES Monday-- .2 lbs Hooray!!! thank you again and again for this forum and all the awesome helpers!!!!!!  |
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Post by boogerybooger on Feb 3, 2017 15:30:44 GMT -5
I just want to take a moment to thank  whoever it was that shared that they used a fish scale hook to weigh their ferret. Our guy is SO active it was nearly impossible to get an accurate weight. I tried the food distraction and it didn't work. Even the vet had trouble. I now put him in his little walking vest and hang him briefly. The scale freezes once it gets the weight so you know. It has been so worth the $14.95 I paid for it! It is also to weigh your luggage- cool tool!!! |
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Post by Sherry on Feb 4, 2017 11:58:14 GMT -5
Some will eat a tossed in drumstick. I have to crack the bone and slash the meat in several places. Spoiled  |
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Post by boogerybooger on Feb 4, 2017 21:19:19 GMT -5
Thanks for letting me know. We are doing baby steps with the wing flats. I thought I had smashed the bone and i sliced into the meat. By day's end, the bones seemed untouched nor did they look smashed. Unless I really did smash the end and he ate it along with about a third of the meat- hard to tell. The good news is I found rabbit with bone only- no organs in wrong percentages so I can add the right ones. I gave it to him tonight with a little of his freeze dried raw rabbit mixed in and he downed it! His first true meal with a protein other than chicken- yay!  :thankyou: |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 4, 2017 21:54:35 GMT -5
I always have to feel the wing to make sure it really broke.  sounds like you're making progress! |
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Post by boogerybooger on Feb 4, 2017 23:29:57 GMT -5
Thanks for that tip. I was thinking if I really smashed the bone sticking out on the end, he would eat some and be ok with chomping the rest. Are you saying that you can break the bone (in the center of the wing) and the babies will eat it without smashing? Just want to be sure I understand.  :thankyou: |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 5, 2017 0:25:44 GMT -5
I smash the bones with a hammer and then cut up into 4 to 7 pieces depending on the wing size. I make sure there is a break on each side of the joints so I can cut through it and then the marrow is easier for them to get to. The marrow entices mine to chew the bones. Mine are fuss butts though and refuse to eat it whole, if yours will go after it whole that is fantastic! |
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Post by boogerybooger on Feb 5, 2017 0:32:51 GMT -5
:thankyou:
It is a work in progress!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 5, 2017 2:54:46 GMT -5
You're doing great keep going!
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Post by boogerybooger on Feb 8, 2017 1:51:48 GMT -5
Well we have made it to chopped up chicken wing! I need help with this part of things- not too good at math percentages. I made some soupy using lamb, but forgot the eggshell until after they were frozen in ice tray. I make it thick so it's not a whole ice tray. How much eggshell powder to add to each ice cube-- a pinch? I'm worried I'm not going to get him fed right. We haven't tried any organs alone yet. How may wings can they have in a day? Booger is barely over 2 lbs.  Thanks to any and all who want to reply. So many questions- like if I use the blue ridge beef Co. and get ground venison with bone, is that an ok bone for ferrets? Seems like I need to give other proteins in soup stage first. Thanks! |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 8, 2017 3:06:04 GMT -5
How many cubes did you fill with soup?
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