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Post by Sherry on Mar 9, 2018 7:13:28 GMT -5
Depends on the size of the quail. Since it was a grocery store I am going to assume it is the small dressed 6 or 8 in a package? For now start with half per ferret.
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Post by jeshimikah on Mar 11, 2018 15:09:27 GMT -5
6 in a package!
I tried giving them 3, and they didn’t eat more than 2!
I’m learning that a lot of this is trial and error as to how much to feed.
Our freezer is currently so full it barely closes. So I have to wait before I can get more, such as CGH which does sell quick at one of my grocery stores.
I’m on the hunt for a used fridge for when we move this month so it’s not a hastle sharing freezer space with 4 other people!
I also currently store their food in ziploc bags, but I want to prepare their meals ahead of time in tiny Tupperware’s or something. I’ve seen other people do that and it looks so much more convenient and simple to organize!
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Post by Sherry on Mar 12, 2018 9:13:07 GMT -5
Okay, in a previous post I had asked a number of questions  They seem to have been missed. Would you please go back through, find them, and answer in your next post please? It is in the form of a "pop quiz"  |
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Post by jeshimikah on Mar 12, 2018 19:45:50 GMT -5
I did answer them a few posts ago, but I did post a few times after it lol so here they are again!
1. List 2 good sources of taurine.
I know hearts are a good source of taurine, and I’m actually not sure what else is.
2. Why are cooked bones dangerous and raw bones safe?
Cooked bones can crack and become sharp, hurting our ferrets.
3. Organs should consist of approximately how much liver, and how much "other" organ?
1/2 liver and 1/2 other organ.
4. Give 2 examples each of muscle meat, edible bones, and organs.
1. Pork chunks 2. Turkey breasts
1. Chicken wings 2. Turkey necks
1. Pancreas 2. Liver
5. What is a healthy diet item that can be used for hairballs, and his often should you give it?
I believe I read a bit ago that pumpkin is good for hairballs, but I know it shouldn’t be given often, though I don’t remember the reason why.
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Post by jeshimikah on Mar 12, 2018 20:28:27 GMT -5
I’ve become a bit stressed about Vladimir.
He threw up this morning, mostly just spit up.
Then this evening he’s having liquidy White poops.
He’s acting normal, playful, running around and dooking. Just has a few sickly symptoms...
Do you know what it means or if it’s diet related?
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Post by Sherry on Mar 13, 2018 9:16:09 GMT -5
For Vladimir I'd keep an eye on him for the next while to see if it continues. It could well be shedding related(the throw up), and the poops stress related(due to throw up). Obviously if it continues, or anything else changes vet. And I completely missed your original responses! Thanks for reposting them Let's go through them: 1. List 2 good sources of taurine. I know hearts are a good source of taurine, and I’m actually not sure what else is. Beef tongue actually It has more taurine than chicken heart even. Keep in mind however- more isn't necessarily better since the body excretes what it doesn't need.2. Why are cooked bones dangerous and raw bones safe? Cooked bones can crack and become sharp, hurting our ferrets. correct3. Organs should consist of approximately how much liver, and how much "other" organ? 1/2 liver and 1/2 other organ. correct4. Give 2 examples each of muscle meat, edible bones, and organs. 1. Pork chunks 2. Turkey breasts 1. Chicken wings 2. Turkey necks 1. Pancreas 2. Liver correct5. What is a healthy diet item that can be used for hairballs, and his often should you give it? I believe I read a bit ago that pumpkin is good for hairballs, but I know it shouldn’t be given often, though I don’t remember the reason why. The answer is raw egg. The lecithin in the yolk actually breaks up the fats binding the fur together in the stomach, permitting the fur to pass through harmlessly. The problem with pumpkin is the high glycemic index. It is fantastic for pushing things through, which is why it is ideal for partial blockages. But given over the longer term it is enough to trigger insulinoma in ferrets who are genetically prone to it.
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Post by jeshimikah on Mar 14, 2018 3:17:40 GMT -5
Vlad’s poops are solid again, and he hasn’t gotten sick. Though he has sniffles a bit.
I’ll definitely keep my eye on him though, along with the other 4, just to be sure he doesn’t have something and pass it on to his siblings.
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Post by jeshimikah on Mar 17, 2018 18:08:59 GMT -5
Their diet is hard to maintain right now with the move so close.
I am still feeding raw. But mixing up their muscle meat quite a bit. One day is pork, then the next is chicken gizzards, then back to pork, today is beef, etc...
Is that okay that it’s quite random right now?
I’m mainly trying to go through what I have since I have a better idea of what to feed them then I did when I bought most of it, then once I move, I’ll have my own fridge (we found one and will be getting it the day after our moving date), and storage will be easier and more organized!
Their feeding schedule will be just that, scheduled! They’re still getting their bone in meals every morning, and hearts and liver on the proper days. Just mixing up the muscle meat.
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Post by Sherry on Mar 18, 2018 9:08:26 GMT -5
Mixing it up is always good, as long as you stick to the basic menu When I had a large freezer I had 3 boxes. One box for all the bone in, one for all the muscle, and a smaller one for bags of mixed liver/organ. They got whatever I grabbed out to thaw lol |
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Post by jeshimikah on Mar 18, 2018 14:56:29 GMT -5
That’s actually a really good idea, separating the bone from the muscle and separating the hearts from the organs! I’ll definitely be sectioning it in our freezer the best I can!
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Post by jeshimikah on Mar 23, 2018 20:12:30 GMT -5
Things have been so hectic with this move, the ferrets have been couped up in their cage for a few days now and I feel awful. Their diet has continued on as raw though.
Tomorrow morning before my first shift back to work, I’ll be taking them out for roughly 2 hours, then again after work!
Once things are better organized, they’ll have a ton of space to play! For now they’re stuck in mine and Nick’s room as their area is all boxes and wires.
Just wanted to give you an update so you know I’m still serious about he switch!
Tonight they’re having beef, yesterday and tomorrow is pork! And chicken wings for breakfast still!
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Post by jeshimikah on Mar 23, 2018 20:13:17 GMT -5
Also, we’re getting the fridge Sunday night and hooking it up on Monday! So there will be plenty of storage space for the fuzzbutts food |
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Post by Sherry on Mar 25, 2018 10:25:56 GMT -5
Perfect, sounds good Moving with the wee ones is never easy! |
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Post by jeshimikah on Mar 29, 2018 4:34:32 GMT -5
So I’m pretty sure I read somewhere a bit ago, that initial switching to raw makes the ferrets eat a lot, then they start to slow down with how much they eat.
My ferrets are there now, they’re eating less, and I don’t know if it’s actually okay or if I should be worried.
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Post by Sherry on Mar 29, 2018 9:43:46 GMT -5
They've regained all the nutrition they'd not have gotten from the kibble That means they slow down. Spring appetite drop also means they slow down. So I'd say they are at the point of what they will normally eat for the rest of this season. You'll know when winter is coming because they will start inhaling everything in sight again Once you get a chance, let's get another menu up with the new proteins! In the interim- another short quizz  1. Does freezing degrade taurine? 2. Your ferret's stools are loose/soft. What is this a sign of and how can you adjust to fix it? 3. Is it a good idea to mix muscle meat, bone in and organs all in one meal. Explain why. 4. What is a Normal Fasting Blood Glucose level? 5. How long does each type of meat generally stay good: raw soup, ground meat, med-large chunks, bone-in meats, whole prey? |
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