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Post by pandara on May 9, 2018 21:51:24 GMT -5
Hello my Name is Sarah. Out of complete random circumstances I have taken in two older ferrets. Their names are Kit(white female:Marshall ferret) and Moxie(sable Male:unknown). Long story short back when I had Loki my precious 2 year old sable boy, a friend of mine asked me to take in his two ferrets if he were to move out of state. At the time I was a bit against it only because I did not want to take in two new ferrets without my baby boy meeting them first to see if they would get along. Well Loki passed away from lymphoma. It was a really hard time. Medications didn't help at all. He just progressively got worse so I gave him the best last moments I could even though he could barley move he was spoiled to the end. Can't help but tear up every time I think of my baby Loki. He meant the world to me. Okay, back on topic. My friend moved not long ago and the day before he left he asked me if I would take them in. I hesitated really bad because I did not feel ready. I went ahead and took them in. They have adjusted well to their new home. I feel like I tucker them out faster than they do me. Could be from being used to caring for a young energetic ferret. I feel like it may be the diet he had them on. Which I want to switch them to a better diet but it's summer and it's hot. So dehydration is a huge factor in this situation. I'm afraid it might cause them more harm right now than good. They have no loss of appetite and drink plenty of fluids. I would love to raw feed them I'm just afraid of upsetting their stomach and causing them harm from diarrhea and the heat. The area they are in are kept cool but sometimes the heat gets pretty bad. I know it may seem silly to worry about but I really wanna get this taken care of asap. So if anyone has any feedback please let me know I am all ears and ready to get these two on the right path. (my avatar is Loki <3)
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Post by Sherry on May 10, 2018 9:52:55 GMT -5
Hi and welcome Sarah. I am so sorry about Loki. I know how you feel as I've lost a few to lymphoma over the years. As for a raw diet, I start my new ones the day they come through the door. Doesn't matter their age. It will only benefit them.
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Post by pandara on May 10, 2018 20:34:35 GMT -5
Thank you. It was not just loosing him that hurt. It just seems like cancer is taking away everything I care for in my life. I have fully decided on a raw natural diet for them. I have pre-hand written my Application of which I will be posting soon after I get them a stock of meats in the freezer. I am concerned that the vets I go to see will not see it as fit. I put Loki on a raw diet when I first got him. He had the runs so I took him to the vets the same night I noticed his poo changing in color and texture. I got scolded for feeding him a raw diet. They proceeded to tell me that there is a wide range of kibble diets that are specifically formulated for ferrets to choose from and that I ran the risk of making him sick. I would like to find a vet that is knowledgeable in raw feeding. For now though I know I can go to this vet for annual health and wellness checkups as well vaccines. I just feel frustrated with them because there is so much vital information on raw feeding not just for ferrets but also common house pets such as cats and dogs. You would think they would be happy to see an owner doing all they can to give the best quality life for their animal friend.
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Post by Sherry on May 11, 2018 9:58:59 GMT -5
Your best bet is to get yourself well versed in a raw diet. Read through a lot of our board on raw science. That way you KNOW what you are talking about, and a vet can't talk around you as you will actually know/understand more than he does re: carnivore raw diet Works for me every time
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Post by abbeytheferret6 on May 11, 2018 16:18:20 GMT -5
Hi Sarah. Welcome to the forum. I am so sorry about your little one. Thanks for taking in the two new ones. May you and them be blessed with happy times.
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Post by pandara on May 11, 2018 22:18:35 GMT -5
What is a good scale for weighing ferrets? I just got their meat supply though have to say they will be eating better than me. The cost for a weeks worth was 20 dollars alone. I don't know if maybe I'm not just looking in the right places for food or if I'm being too picky with what I get them. If you know of any online suppliers I can buy in bulk please let me know. Also the soupies recipe that is just for one ferret per meal right? So I would need to feed them that twice daily? Sorry, Silly questions I know. I really am trying to put the effort into research and study. I just got put on 12hr shifts through this week and next. It's been pretty crazy. I wake up clean cage, go to work, come home and maybe eat depends on if I'm hungry. If not I just have half protein bar so I got something in me. Shower, than play with ferrets till bedtime. Before that I quickly set alarms, report time worked, check litter pans for poop than sleep. All in between making sure their food bowel is never low same for their water. Of course keeping house cleaned. Some nights might wake up in the middle of the night to use nebulizer. My lungs unfortunately are not the best. I am not trying to use this as an excuse to escape from responsibility just would like feedback and advice really. (Also Thank you for the blessings I truly do appreciate it)
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Post by lyles on May 12, 2018 14:35:47 GMT -5
What is a good scale for weighing ferrets? Just get a cheap hanging fish scale and put the ferret in a bag (just make sure to weigh the bag first for accurate reading).
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Post by Blue on May 12, 2018 20:40:00 GMT -5
Hi Pandara, and welcome! I'm so sorry about Loki, lymphoma is a horrible disease. I'm glad you took in Kit and Moxie. The raw soup recipe on the forum is for 10 oz. On average, a female ferret will eat between 1-3 oz per day, and a male ferret 2-5 oz. I get all my meat from Hare Today (https://hare-today.com/). Many people here also use My Pet Carnivore. As for weighing, I just use regular kitchen scales. I put a bowl on the scales, zero it out, then put the ferret in the bowl with a bit of oil to keep her still long enough. Good luck!
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Post by abbeytheferret6 on May 13, 2018 6:53:55 GMT -5
I had this postal scale for years. I do the same as Blue when weighing the ferrets.
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Post by pandara on May 14, 2018 14:32:41 GMT -5
Thank you all so much! This information is very valued to me! lol that means the baggies of food I prepped will be more than enough for both. I measured out 10 oz in each just to be on the safe side. I thought each bag would only feed one ferret a day D: but now that I know what each will need to eat a day this will make it easier. And the scales will help me track their weight so they don't get over weight or under weight! I am so relieved. Thank you all so much. I have so much gratitude for you all! <3
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Post by unclejoe on May 15, 2018 17:55:19 GMT -5
Welcome Sarah. Thanks for taaking in a couple fuzies. This place is a great place for rew feding education. I hope you will share stories and pics. I lost a couple ferret to lymphoma and a couple to insulinoma. I hope you and yours have a lot of time left together
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Post by Sparrow on May 22, 2018 19:07:30 GMT -5
Hi Sarah, welcome to the board! Sorry to hear about Loki. I do hope you can find a new vet for your ferrets. An animal's species appropriate diet is always best! I don't feed raw because I didn't know better when it came to the food. There aren't really many kibbles that are actually good for ferrets. I've learned a lot about the power of the food, lol! Good luck with your two new carpet sharks!
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