Hello - new ferret dad here

[br8080]

Hello and thank you for allowing me to join your group!

I'm Ron, live in Rochester, NY and just got my first pair of ferrets (Marshall ferrets) from the local pet store.  After checking the local rescues (none available for adoption) I reluctantly went to the pet store and found 1.1 (born 05/20/2018) I liked and brought home.

Taurus and Fiona reside in a double wide, double high Ferret Nation enclosure with the sides wall removed from the upper enclosures so they have access to all quadrants.  Several litter pans, 1 feeding station with water dish and bottle, and 1 water bottle in a different location.  They have numerous hammocks, tunnels, and a plethora of fleece to sleep/hide and play in.

I'm feeding the Marshall brand ferret food and use their litter as well.  I intend on switching to raw diet after reading up on the switching process and hopefully the good advice from the available mentor(s) through the forum.  I try provide the best I can for all of my animals.

We had our first vet visit yesterday, everything checked out good, they received their rabies vaccination, and get distemper shot in 2 weeks.

I've read quite a bit of the information you have (thank you all) and look forward to a great experience with my new fur babies and continued education through all of your experiences.

[unclejoe]

Welcome from unclejoe and his gang! I'm Chris, another ferret dad. We would love to see some pics of your new fuzzers

[lee]

Hello and welcome, good luck with your new fuzzys, I'm sure you will enjoy your journey 

[caitmonster]

Sounds like you're off to a great start! Good luck with your raw feeding journey!

[Charlie]

Hi! That's good that they are still young! You will find switching to raw will be easier when they are young. Good luck!

[br8080]

Aug 15, 2018 6:10:41 GMT -5 unclejoe said:

Welcome from unclejoe and his gang! I'm Chris, another ferret dad. We would love to see some pics of your new fuzzers

Thank you! - As soon as I figure out how to post pictures I will.

Aug 15, 2018 13:53:49 GMT -5 lee said:

Hello and welcome, good luck with your new fuzzys, I'm sure you will enjoy your journey 

Thank you - it's been fun so far lol

Aug 15, 2018 18:10:10 GMT -5 caitmonster said:

Sounds like you're off to a great start! Good luck with your raw feeding journey!

Thanks - lots to learn and I'm looking forward to it.

Aug 15, 2018 20:12:15 GMT -5 Charlie said:

Hi! That's good that they are still young! You will find switching to raw will be easier when they are young. Good luck!

Thank you!

[Sherry]

Hi and welcome TBH I'd get them off that marshall's crap asap. It is only setting them up for health issues in the not too distant future. If you absolutely have to stick with a kibble for now, check out either Orijen or Wysong digestive support. You would start by mixing the new kibble into a sealed container 75% old food, 25% new food for two weeks, shaking daily. At the end of two weeks fill their kibble dish with the mix. Again top up container with new food, shake well. Do this every time you add kibble to their dish until all on new food.

[br8080]

Aug 17, 2018 6:56:14 GMT -5 Sherry said:

Hi and welcome TBH I'd get them off that marshall's crap asap. It is only setting them up for health issues in the not too distant future. If you absolutely have to stick with a kibble for now, check out either Orijen or Wysong digestive support. You would start by mixing the new kibble into a sealed container 75% old food, 25% new food for two weeks, shaking daily. At the end of two weeks fill their kibble dish with the mix. Again top up container with new food, shake well. Do this every time you add kibble to their dish until all on new food.

Thank you - Got the Wysong yesterday and started with the mix already - wish I could go raw right away.  Curious if I should try offering them hearts/gizzards as a treat/snack?  They don't seem to want the Marshall's snacks LOL

[Sherry]

By all means! You can also start offering them a raw soup, even if just given once or twice a week That's what I did with ferrets I fostered. That way you've got a real leg up on switching.

[unclejoe]

Start them young. When I was first starting in this madness, I took in 4 pairs of older ferrets in a year's time. It was tougher to get them to switch until I found help on forums. Never wen full raw, but very ferret since those days eats soupies.