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Post by fluffhead on Jun 30, 2017 12:47:48 GMT -5
So, my fuzzies are on a partially raw diet atm. There on Stella and Chewies Duck, Duck, Goose and Stella's Chicken and Instinct Raw Rabbit. Once in a while I'll have done something that makes whatever I offer unacceptable and they'll take a few bites and then leave it.
Should I toss this? It's probably been out somewhere between 8 and 9 hours. I've been tossing it, but I kind of hate to do that.
Thanks!
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Post by katt on Jul 1, 2017 2:13:50 GMT -5
Meat is good for them a LOT longer than you think. Typically food is good for: Soup: 8-10hrs Grinds: 10-12hrs Chunks and bone-in meats: 12-24hrs Whole prey: 24-48hrs Keep in mind that in the wild they catch their prey OR stumble across some carrion (which has been out who knows how long), drag their prize through the wilds (dirt, moldy leaves, other animal feces/urine, etc) and into their burrows where they urinate/defecate on it to discourage other animals from stealing it, then leave it stashed for a varied amount of time. Ferrets are VERY well equipped to handle the bacteria content of raw meats. They have extremely acidic stomach acid that kills most things, and then they have an extremely short digestive tract which allows food to pass through quickly, preventing any remaining bacteria from having enough time to latch on and reproduce to cause infection. Raw meat is what they are biologically built to thrive off of. They also know when meat has gone too off for them to eat. The same way you know not to eat that odd looking leftover casserole that's been in the fridge for a while, they typically know when not to eat meat that is too spoiled. Some ferrets are just picky, but if it's meat that's been out for a while (and they aren't just being picky bc they would rather have a different flavor), and they won't eat it...I'd definitely toss that.
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Post by LindaM on Jul 1, 2017 2:42:18 GMT -5
Honestly, at around that time my fuzzards won't be much interested in S&C leftovers either (compared to their frankenprey meals being left out much longer), because by then the meat on top will have started forming a hardened layer, and even when you add in extra water and mash it up again, the texture will still be off on it, which mine do not appreciate lol. So I'd toss it then, luckily it's never much.
If they're pulling their noses up at a meal you've given there could be multiple reasons, if they do not come to eat after playing then it could be: A) bored of the offered protein, B) newer protein being introduced too fast/not gradually enough (I introduced S&C flavors by doing 1/4th patty to 3/4 of an accepted flavor, then 1/2-1/2, and then full), C) fuzzy that needs to be out-stubborned because they're just being picky and stubborn about it and holding out for something else.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 9, 2017 16:14:07 GMT -5
I feed frozen raw in two meals but if Yurio doesn't touch his first meal or there is still a lot left I leave it until the next morning tbh. I'd never go over 24 hours but he's eaten food left for him all day with no ill effects so far
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