Bantha's Switch to Raw Progress

[Deleted]

Over the last week, I have slowly been switching Bantha to raw. He's extremely picky, and only really likes his kibble, and now olive oil

So, I had to switch him pretty slow since he is really resistant to trying ANYTHING new, even treats I started with kibble mush (but it had to be really watery or else he wouldn't eat it ). I even had to add more water after a few hours because he wouldn't touch it once it got too thick. The next day I added 1/4 ounce of NV chicken (which I picked up just for him) to 1/2 ounce kibble mush (made nice and watery). I fasted him for 8 hours, and he ate it! When he was done, I added more water and put it in the cage for the night (Pan started eating it too, so there wasn't much left the next morning ). I know he had at least one more serving that night. The next day, I did the same thing, except I added 1/2 ounce of NV chicken to 1/2 ounce kibble mush. He ate that with no problems either! Since he was doing so well, the following day, I added a whole ounce (1 whole medallion) of NV chicken to 1/2 ounce kibble mush... again, no problems! Tonight, I'm going to reduce the amount of kibble mush, and see how that goes.

Also, Sari and Reks started eating it as well (moreso Pan) once I started adding more raw ;D As much as I don't want them eating kibble, there will be less and less in it before they know it, and they might finally be eating more frozen raw ;D

Here's my question. Once I have removed all kibble from the NV chicken soupie, how do I get him eating other proteins, and finally chunks (eventually leading to RMB's, chunks of meat, and organs)? I will have to introduce proteins first since I have a ton of ground meat/bone/organ in the freezer (and Jeff's mom is starting to complain about space in the freezer ;D). I know I have ground turkey meat/bones/organs, ground rabbit meat/bones/organs, ground emu meat/bones/organs, and ground pork meat/bones/organs.

[Deleted]

The way I do it is to take the protein they are familiar with (NV chicken in your case) and add in a bit of the new protein source, and increase it until they're on the newer meat (much like for any switch). Generally it's not as slow as just getting them switched, though (I usually can go 75% known protein, 25% new, and once it's eaten give them the new protein the next meal and they eat it no problem). Then once you get them on a second source, you can use *that* to introduce the third and so on.

Or, if there's a treat they like (oil, baby food, even pumpkin), you can smear that on the new stuff and see if they go for it

[Sherry]

Good advice And congrats on getting them eating the raw- in ANY form

[Deleted]

Thanks Sunnyberra! That is what I figured, but I wasn't sure.

Yeah, I really don't mind too much, even though there's kibble in it (which they have't eaten since they were babies) ;D The funny thing is that they didn't want it when it was just kibble mush. They didn't become interested until I started adding the raw... good floofs! ;D Bantha on the other hand was a total kibble fiend, which is why I ended up having to do it the way I did. He's doing better than expected though! Hopefully he doesn't start protesting as soon as I start reducing the kibble in it

[Sherry]

I don't think he will, since you've already been adding more, thus reducing the taste of the kibble. He *should* be fine

[Deleted]

Bantha seems to be switching himself ;D

Since the others are eating his raw/kibble soupie, there isn't much left by morning (especially Pan who comes back for thirds ). So, he is pretty hungry when he wakes up. The past few days, I noticed him sniffing their bowl (which has a mix of venison ziwipeak, and one of four different proteins of stella & chewy's or Wysong A-1). He didn't seem interested ever when I offered it to him before. But this morning, I heard Bantha trying to get to the food shelf from the bottom floor in the cage where the litter box is (he makes a lot of noise when he does since he's still getting used to the ramps ;D). I was half awake, but decided to watch him since I like to try and monitor his progress with everything. He looks over at his bowl that would have the raw/kibble soupie, and seemed to be acting as if it were empty. So, he starts sniffing the other food bowl. He sniffed it for a good minute, and to my surprise, he started eating it! ;D It seemed like he was eating both the ziwipeak and the S&C duck! He sat there and ate for a good 10 minutes, which was longer than I have seen any of them eat in one sitting. He even came back 30 minutes later for more, and ate Pan's stash on the third level ;D Pan noticed when he did, got up, grabbed a mouthful, stashed it in the same spot, and went back to sleep ;D

He used to be sooo picky, but now is starting to open up to new foods on his own... makes me proud ;D

[Deleted]

Congrats on the progress! Hunger is often a great motivator. Keep us updated on their switch!

[Deleted]

HOORAY!!! It sounds like he's finally figured out what food really is!!!

[Sherry]

I think he's ready to try pretty much whatever you want to offer now! Congrats