Feeding raw and work schedule?

[wolfden]

I wasn't sure where to put this so if this isn't the right location feel free to move it.

Orion has been getting NV raw but has also been getting some kibble still as well. I would like to completely switch him to raw but I am worried about him getting enough because of my work schedule. The shifts I work vary. They can be 8-4, 12-8, or 3:30-11:30. The 8-4 and 12-8 I am not so worried about because I can feed before I go to work and after work, though I do worry that he eats it all and won't get any food until I get home. I live alone so there is no one else around to feed him during the day.

Is it better for ferrets to have a set feeding schedule say 6am and 6pm or does it matter? The 3:30 to 11:30 is the shift I worry about because I feed in the morning and if I only feed twice he wouldn't get anything until I get home after midnight. Is it ok to leave kibble for him right before I leave for work or even a little bit of his raw? Also will the raw go bad if it is left out for at least 8 hours while I am gone?

[Charlie]

You can definitely leave the raw food out way longer. Also depending on what you feed him. I leave raw meat in there sometimes 24 hours if he hasn't eaten much from his meal. Bone in meals can last even longer. I will leave it there and if it starts smelling bad then remove it.

[Heather]

I find grinds and especially soupy becomes disgusting before it actually goes bad. That being said my guys get fed once a day. They get their full weighed out portion and when they choose to eat it is up to them. Whole meats are often stashed and eaten through the day. Grinds are mostly eaten within a 4 or 6 hour window. Whole prey has been removed from a stash almost 48 hrs later. Ferrets will usually not eat what will infect their system.
ciao